The Pemberton Old Wigan JJB made a successful start to 2008 by regaining the Brass at the Guild Hall title they won previously in 2004 and 2006.

Conductor Mark Peacock celebrated the fine victory by paying tribute to the work rate and commitment of his players:

Tribute

"We are in the very fortunate position that we have a well run organisation with three full bands which means that quality rehearsals and stability are the norm. After hearing Martin Ellerby’s 'Elgar Variations' at the European, I knew that this would be a tremendous challenge for the band and decided to do the prep work early in readiness for the Senior Cup in May."

After hearing Martin Ellerby’s 'Elgar Variations' at the European, I knew that this would be a tremendous challenge for the band and decided to do the prep work early in readiness for the Senior Cup in MayMD Mark Peacock

Enjoyable judgement

It certainly paid off with a performance which adjudicator Alan Morrison thoroughly enjoyed.

"Alan was very complimentary about the balance and sound of the band and the musical interpretation, and this will give the band a great boost for the upcoming Area, Senior Cup and Flemish Open contests.

Our principal cornet player Joanne Johnson and euphonium Andy Tyson will take great confidence from this performance and we know that we can improve upon this over the next few months."

Mark added: "Preston is a tremendous venue and acoustic to play in and is such a well organised contest that we look forward to getting ourselves in shape for the contest season here every year."

Lucky mascot

An interesting side note is that Mark’s uncle, Fairey’s legend Brian Taylor, was helping out on front row due to of one of the band's player’s work commitments. Mark told 4BR that Brian also depped on flugel in 2006 when they won on 'Cambridge Variations' and the band thinks of him as something of a lucky mascot.

Mark has tried to get him on a more permemant basis without success though: "It was suggested by some of our players that we try and poach him from Faireys, but bands up and down the land have tried that for over thirty years — he’s still as loyal and committed to the blues as ever!"