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Pontins — 3 days to go

The late 1980s and 1990s sees changes at Pontins.

Pontins
 

The story of 35 years of Pontins Brass Band Championships sees changes in the 1980s and early 1990s.

King

In 1983 a certain D.A. King makes his first appearance at a National Final when he takes Swinton Concert in the Fourth Section. They come 3rd.

Money

By 1985 the total prize fund offered by the organisers amounts to over £11,000. The winners of the Championship Section, Jones & Crossland, pick up £1,250.

200 bands

By 1988 there are still over 200 bands making it to the three qualification contest venues.

Gone are the non PC features, replaced by Karaoke, Cabaret with Richard De Vere (not the posh bloke from To the Manor Born) and Keep Fit with the Bluecoats in the Snowdonia Bar4BR

Prices

Prices to stay at the Finals by 1991 go up to £75 for the Finals weekend – about £5 per bandsman who able to bed down in the chalets for the nights.

The first £2,000 top prize comes in 1991, won by the BTM Band.

End at Easter

By 1994 the Easter qualification contests (the Championship qualification ended in 1993) are at an end and it is a direct invite to the Finals.

Entertainment

Times change in the entertainment field too. Gone are the non PC features, replaced by Karaoke, Cabaret with Richard De Vere (not the posh bloke from To the Manor Born) and Keep Fit with the Bluecoats in the Snowdonia Bar.

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Fjord

Echoes of the fjord to be heard in Stavanger

April 3 • The Gala Concert at the forthcoming European Championships in Stavanger will evoke the folk music sounds of the fjords with a brass band twist.


Andrea Price

Andrea Price appointed to Kapitol Music Panel

April 3 • The critically acclaimed musician joins the Kapitol Music Panel to help select future Regional and National test-pieces.


SEWBBA

Welsh bands urged to attend Safeguarding seminar

April 2 • A special Safeguarding Training Seminar is to be hosted by the South East Wales Brass Band Association this weekend, with bands urged to attend.


Cheltenham

Cheltenham National Final schedule announced.

April 2 • The weekend of the 13th and 14th September will see 75 bands take to the stage.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Welwyn Garden City Band

April 4 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied summer season ahead of us. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Bedworth Brass

April 4 • Bedworth Brass, Midlands 1st Section band are looking for a talented and enthusiastic soprano player to join the ranks of our hard working and social band.


Bedworth Brass

April 4 • Bedworth Brass, Midlands 1st Section band are looking for a talented and enthusiastic Bass Trombone player to join the ranks of our hard working and social band.


Duncan A. Beckley

BA, MA
Conductor, adjudicator, band trainer and teacher


               

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