The winners enclosure at Pontins has been filled by many bands over the years – a great deal of whom are no longer with us.

Great old names

Some great old names have tasted success at Pontins over the years – both bands and conductors. Many though are no longer with us.

Thankfully the very first winners, Skelmersdale, the top section winners in 1974 and Second Section victors of 1975, are competing in the Third Section this year. Shirland Miners, winners of the top section in 1975 are also still going strong

Multiple major winners such as David King and Nicholas Childs, British Open winners, Richard Evans and Garry Cutt, European victor, Denzil Stephens and Australian and New Zealand National winner, Nigel Weeks4BR

Memory

Now just a memory though are Lockwood (winners in 1976); Swanbrook (1977); William Davis Construction (1980); Jones & Crossland (1983/84/85); Kennedy’s Swinton Concert (1988/89) and Pennine Brass (2006).

Thankfully, Point of Ayr (winners in 1982 & 1986) have returned after a period of contesting hibernation as too have Stocksbridge (1994 &1995).

What ever happened?

What ever happened to the likes of Lancashire Constabulary, Hymac (Rhymney) – both section winners in 1976? East Lanc Paper Group and Kennington in 1977. Andrews Heat for Hire in 1980 and Bedford Church (Leigh) in 1981?

Gone

Boarshurst B and South East Derbyshire, Glastonbury, Lees & Goldwick, Nottingham City Transport, Warburtons Bolton, Jayess ’87, Hollingworth Brass, Rhose Silver, Berisfords, Todmorden Old, Langbaurgh, Conway Town and Llanrug?

Major winner

As for conductors, some top names have enjoyed a good result or two over the years.

Multiple major winners such as David King and Nicholas Childs, British Open winners, Richard Evans and Garry Cutt, European victor, Denzil Stephens and Australian and New Zealand National winner, Nigel Weeks.

Most consistent

The prize for the most consistent winner over the years though goes to Graham O’Connor.

He first appeared as a winning conductor in 1980 with Andrews Heat for Hire in the Second Section, followed it up in the same section in 1982 with Rockingham.

That combination won the Championship Section in 1987, followed by a double top section win with Stocksbridge in 1994 and 1995 and his latest voctry in 2006 with Powerfuel Hatfield.