*
banner

Childs extends Area lead with latest trio

Prof Nicholas Childs continues to add to the record books by leading NASUWT Riverside to the North of England Regional Championships title in Durham.

Porf Childs
  Prof Childs has claimed silverware at Yorkshire (above), Scotland and the North this year

In leading NASUWT Riverside to the North of England Regional title in Durham on the weekend, Prof Nicholas Childs extended his lead in being the most successful conductor in the history of the Championship Section of the Area Championships.

45th triumph

Victory marked his 45th title triumph — and the fifth time that he has led three bands to victory in the same year. He repeated the feat of 1999, 2017, 2018 and 2022 with victories this year with Black Dyke, Whitburn and NASUWT Riverside.

Only Major Peter Parkes (1986 and 1987) and Harry Mortimer (1955) have ever achieved the landmark.

He is now 15 ahead in total number of wins from his Black Dyke Band predecessor Major Parkes (30), whilst Russell Gray is third on 20 (adding another victory Foden's this year).

Prof Childs has also led Foden's, Tredegar, Reg Vardy, Mount Charles, Woodfalls and Bodmin to Area success. His first win came with Tredegar in 1995.

Qualification run

However, what makes the record even more notable is that the victory was the 20th in his last 25 Area contests — all of which he has qualified for the Albert Hall. In addition to the title wins he has four second place finishes and 1 sixth (with a pre-qualified Black Dyke Band n 2019).

He also shares the record with Walter Hargreaves of winning in six separate Area events.

The only two he has not won are the Midlands (1 appearance in 1997, coming third with Desford) and London & Southern Counties at which he never taken a band. Hargreaves never won the Yorkshire Area (coming runner-up twice) or London (third on 3 occasions).

Wins

He now has 9 North of England titles to his name (tied with Eric Cunningham) but still 1 behind Major Parkes, in addition to the record 12 in total in Scotland (with Whitburn and the cooperation band) and the dozen he now has in Yorkshire — all with Black Dyke Band.

Notable first for second

At the other end of the scale, but equally as notable, was the success of Jayne Murrill in leading East London Brass to their debut success.

In doing so she become only the second female conductor after Barbara Stone (Hanwell in 1977 and 1978) to win a Championship Section Area title.

With thanks to Gordon Simpson for the information
www.brasstats.com

Most Successful Championship Section Area Conductors:

45: Prof Nicholas Childs
30: Major Peter Parkes
20: Russell Gray
17: Harry Mortimer
16: Walter Hargreaves
15: Howard Snell
13: Alex Mortimer, Robert Childs
12: Melvin White, Garry Cutt, Ian Porthouse
11: Stanley Boddington
10: Eric Ball, Keith Wilkinson, Richard Evans

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd