Despite the bad weather on the weekend, there was still a great turn out of bands at Preston, where the local bragging rights ahead of the North West Regional contest were up for grabs – as well as some nice prize money.

Top honours

In the end the top honours in the combined Championship/First Section went to the resurgent Pemberton Old conducted by Mark Bentham who laid down their marker for the coming weeks ahead. Runner up was Freckleton directed by Paul Dalton, with Pontins Champions Sovereign Brass in third.

...top honours in the combined Championship/First Section went to the resurgent Pemberton Old conducted by Mark Bentham who laid down their marker for the coming weeks ahead4BR

Second Section

In the Second Section it was Haslingden & Helmshore who put behind them the disappointment of Butlins to record a victory over Lostock Hall and Oldham (Lees), whilst in the Third Section it was Eccleston Brass who took the £700 first prize ahead of Coppull & Standish and Morecambe.

Comprehensive victory

In the Fourth Section, a comprehensive victory was secured by Blackley conducted by A. Smith, ahead of Sale and Formby.

Results:

Championship/First Section:

1. Pemberton Old Wigan JJB (M. Bentham) — 194
2. Freckleton (P. Dalton) — 193
3. Sovereign Brass (T. Jones) — 192
4. Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (S. Platford) — 191
5. Newstead Brass (D. Beckley) — 190
6. Fishburn (P. Rosier) — 188
7. Bactiguard Wire Brass (P. Andrews) — 187
8. Hade Edge (S. Wood) — 186
9. Longridge (S. Tarry) — 185
10. Rainford (N. Samuel) — 184

Best Soloist: Soprano – Pemberton Old Wigan JJB

Second Section:

1. Haslingden & Helmshore (D. Holland) — 195
2. Lostock Hall Memorial (J. Wood) — 194
3. Oldham Band (Lees) (J. Collins) — 191
4. Pemberton Old Wigan JJB ‘B’ (P. Ashley) — 189
5. Pilling Jubilee Silver (B. Porter) — 188
6. Deiniolen (G. Saynor) — 187
7. Eagley (G. Westwood) — 186
8. Greenalls (K. Scott) — 184
9. Tyldesley (R. Taylor) — 179
10. Besses o’ th' Barn (C. Whiteoak) — 175

Best Soloist: Solo Cornet – Oldham Band (Lees)

Third Section:

1. Eccleston Brass (I. Bateson) — 184
2. Coppull & Standish (A. Baker) — 183
3. Morecambe (A. Warriner) — 182
4. Thornton Cleveleys (S. Simpson) — 181
5. Wetherby & District Silver (G. Hallas) — 180
6. Stalybridge (J. Binns) — 179
7. Boarshurst Silver (D. Ashworth) — 178
8. Rivington & Adlington (M. Wilson) — 177
9. Gawthorpe Brass (S. Bradnum) — 176
1O. BMP Europe Ltd. Goodshaw (R. Waite) — 175
11. Farnworth & Walkden (P. Ashley) — 174
12. Greenfield (S. Black) — 173
13. Porthaethwy Menai Bridge (C. Williams) — 172
14. Eccles Borough (L. Webb) — 171
15. Dearham (G.J. Wiliams) — 170
16. Lofthouse 2000 Brass (A. Whitaker) — 169

Best Soloist: Solo Cornet – Thornton Cleveleys

Fourth Section:

1. Blackley (A. Smith) — 180
2. Sale Brass (J. Dickinson) — 175
3. Formby (L. Hough) — 170
4. Friezland (T. Haslam) — 160
5. Tarleton (G. Bould) — 155
6. Parr (Richardson Ltd.) (R. Prescot) — 150
7. Carrbrook (J.M. Smith) — 145

Best Soloist: Solo Horn — Blackley