*
banner

Report & Result: 2023 Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune

Fishburn claims the inaugural march and hymn tune honours in Wetherby.

Fishburn
  Fishburn celebrate in Wetherby after their victory

The Fishburn Band claimed the honours at the inaugural Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune contest.

Led by Duncan Beckley, their performances of William German's march 'The President' and their hymn tune selection of 'Love Unknown' saw them secure the overall title, the £300 first prize as well as gain awards for 'Best Championship Section Band' with John Gill taking the 'Best Instrumentalist' award.

Second place and the Deportment prize went to fellow North of England rivals Harrogate, as they performed 'Knight Templar' and 'Peace', with the final podium spot going to Hebden Bridge who played 'Knight Templar' and 'Prelude on Lavenham'.

Tewit Youth Band also gave a hugely enjoyable pre-contest concert before the contest began.

Didn't we do well

Speaking about their success son their Facebook page Fishburn said: "Didn't we do well!

Under the expert guidance of Duncan Beckley we have been named the overall winner and also walked away with the prizes for Best Championship Section Band and Best Instrumentalist. The winner's banner will take pride of place on the wall of our bandroom."

Enjoyed listening

Adjudicator Gordon Eddison later wrote on his Facebook page: "The 15 bands worked hard to march well as they progressed through the narrow streets then perform a hymn tune and contest march on the stand. I enjoyed listening to every one.

From Championship through the sections to 'unregistered/training' — although perhaps 'development section' might be better — all had much to praise. Thanks for the privilege of allowing me to be the first adjudicator at this inaugural event — it was an honour."

Result:


Adjudicator: Gordon Eddison
Deportment: Robert Stewart

1. Fishburn (Duncan Beckley): 78/79/31.5 = 188.5
2. Harrogate (Craig Ratcliffe): 74/75/34 = 183
3. Hebden Bridge (Christopher Binns): 76/77/28 = 181
4. Reg Vardy (Chris Shanks): 70/74/33.5 = 177.5
5. Kippax (James Beecham): 73/78/24 = 175
6. Tewit Silver (Martin Hall): 71/72/30.5 = 173.5
7. Garforth Brass (John Thompson): 67/68/28.5 = 163.5
8. Wetherby & District Silver (Craig Ratcliffe): 61/69/33 = 163
9= Barnsley Brass (Ben Brickles): 66/70/23.5 = 159.5
9= Shepherd Group Academy (Craig Brown): 65/62/32.5 = 159.5
11. Old Silkstone (N/K): 68/65/23 = 156
12. Wakefield Metropolitan (N/K): 60/64/31 = 155
13. Maltby Miners Welfare (N/K): 63/66/25.5 = 154.5
14. Knaresborough Silver (Nicholas Garrett): 57/58/25 = 140
15. Garforth Training (N/K): 56/56/20 = 132

Best Instrumentalist: John Gill (cornet) — Fishburn Band

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Stephanie Kennedy

Kennedy steps down from coop flugel role

August 28 • Stephanie Kennedy will step down from her flugel at the Brass in Concert champion but will remain an important lead of their youth development projects.


Instruments

One third of adults regret giving up their musical interest

August 28 • A recent survey has found that young adults wish they had continued their involvement in making music in some form.


Whitburn

Double boost for Whitburn

August 26 • New solo signings boost Scottish Champion's ranks ahead of major challenges.


Tertnes

New duo to lead Tertnes

August 26 • Margie Sutherland Antrobus and Katrina Marzella Wheeler will spearhead the musical approaches of Tertnes Brass on contest and concert stages over the next year.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

August 26 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Tuesday (1st) in our bandroom at 11am. Why not come along for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake/coffee and its all free.. We welcome players of all abilities and blowing with us doesnt affect your No1 band.


London Metropolitan Brass

August 25 • Musical Director wanted for London Metropolitan Brass Senior Band. Thursday evenings in Hornsey (N8). Friendly, non-contesting band of 25+ experienced players who play a mixture of events including formal concerts and community events.


Wantage Silver Band

August 22 • Wantage Concert Brass (1st Section) are looking for a SOLO HORN and PERCUSSIONIST. Under the direction of our dynamic and inspiring MD Daniel Hall. This year we achieved 3rd at the L&SC regionals. We rehearse Tue & Fri 7:30pm- 9:30pm in our own bandhall


Dr Brett Baker

BSc (Hons), ARCM, PG Dip
Marketing Lead, Denis Wick & Alliance Products; Artist at Michael Rath Instruments


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd