*
banner

Report & Result: 2024 Wessex Winter Contest

Medway leads the way to claim the winter honours in Wessex

Medway Band
  The Medway Band claimed a Christmas stocking full of silverware

The Medway Band enjoyed some early festive celebrations as they claimed the honours at The Barn in Ringwood.

Their performances of 'English Heritage' and the march 'The Cossack' under MD Will Wilkins saw them secure victory over West of England visitors AW Parker (Drybrook), who performed 'A Tale As Yet Untold' and 'Viva Birkinshaw', with Sherborne Town ('St James's — A New Beginning' and 'Cornish Cavalier') in third.

Success

Reflecting on their success on their Facebook page they stated: "Well, that was a successful day! First prize along with Best Cornet, Best Trombone Section, Best Championship Band and Best Conductor…a great start for Will Wilkins who only took over as MD four weeks ago!"

Result:

Adjudicator: Christopher Bond

1. Medway (Will Wilkins)
2. AW Parker (Drybrook) (Neil Brownless)
3. Sherborne Town (David Shead).
4. Verwood Concert Brass (Kevin Smith)
5. Otterbourne Brass (Jonathan Lush-Camps)
6. Shrewton Silver (Michael Dunford)
7. New Forest Brass (Ian Luxford)
8. Verwood Town (Kevin Smith)
9. Downton (Loyd Bartlett)

Awards:
Musical Director: Will Wilkins (Medway)

Best Cornet: Elaine Williams (Medway)
Best Soprano: Ed Goodman — AW Parker (Drybrook)
Best Euphonium: Louis Thomas — AW Parker (Drybrook)
Bass Section: AW Parker (Drybrook)
Trombone Section: Medway
Horn Section: AW Parker (Drybrook)
Percussion Section: Sherborne

March A: Verwood Concert
March B: Verwood Town

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    


Lawson

Lawson treasures Shepherd award

October 7 • Cory principal cornet player Kyle Lawson has spoken of his pride in being the first recipient of the James Shepherd Memorial Award at this year's National Final.


Thornton

Albert Hall awards for Thornton and Raisbeck

October 7 • Dr David Thornton and Ian Raisbeck were presented with their Iles and Mortimer Medals on stage at the National Final.


4br

4BR Royal Albert Hall podcast

October 7 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall.


Menai Bridge

Green credentials rewarded for Menai Bridge

October 7 • Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy has won Making Music's 'Green Award'.


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd