The sun shone of the triple header of regional championships on the weekend, where bands from Wales, Midlands and the West of England battled it out to gain those priceless qualification places for London and Harrogate.
Wales
The first area to wrap things up was Wales, where Cory regained their title with a performance of ‘Salute to Youth’ that was described by adjudicator David Read as ‘…one of the best I’ve ever heard.’
It gave the European Champions victory over the determined holders Tredegar in second place, whilst there was delight for Northop conducted by Thomas Wyss, who gained qualification to London for the first time since 1996. The victory for Cory also ensures their qualification to the 2010 European Championships in Linz in Austria.
On a fine weekend for North Wales bands, it was Point of Ayr who continued their remarkable return to competition by taking the First Section title in a closely fought contest over fellow qualifiers Tongwynlais Temperance.
Meanwhile, another famous old name continued its remarkable success story as City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) took the honours in the Second Section ahead of Deiniolen, who return to the finals for the first time since 2005.
The success continued for Paul Lovatt-Cooper in the Third Section as the Black Dyke composer/percussionist added a regional title to his CV by taking Royal Buckley to a Welsh Regional title for the first time in their history. Ynyshir, who last appeared there in 1999, will join them at Harrogate.
Finally, in the Fourth Section it was another returning band, Pontypool Brass that took its first regional title for well over a decade, whilst they will be joined at the finals by another band that hasn’t tasted the lower section atmosphere since 1999, Ebbw Vale.
Full results:
http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=9586
The curse of the top section continues in Torquay, where reigning champions Mount Charles had to be content with just 4th place in defence of their title4BR
West of England
The curse of the top section continues in Torquay, where reigning champions Mount Charles had to be content with just 4th place in defence of their title.
Victory went to Camborne directed by Garry Cutt, who followed his win with Fodens at Blackpool by directing the Cornish band to their first regional title since 2003.
Joining them at the Royal Albert Hall will be Flowers, directed by Dr Roy Newsome, who held off the challenge of a delighted Lydbrook, directed by Steve Sykes.
It wouldn’t be Torquay however without some note of controversy in the top section following last year’s internet frenzy following Flowers failure to qualify.
This year there was disquiet in some quarters with the announcement of Lydbrook in third – a week after conductor Steve Sykes had shared a box on this section to adjudicate with Nigel Boddice, who judged here with Alan Fernie.
No such rumours flying in the First Section where Poole Borough conducted by Phil Randell delivered a fine performance to take the title ahead of Sherborne.
On a great weekend for the Camborne organisation there was yet more success in the Second Section where Camborne B added another Regional title to its name by beating last year’s Third Section winners Verwood Concert Brass into second place.
Meanwhile in the Third Section the rise of Brunel Brass continues at a pace the great inventor would be proud of, as they took the hours and another rail trip to Harrogate by beating fellow qualifiers Bugle Silver into second place. They return to the finals for the first time in well over a decade.
Finally, the Fourth Section, where the returning St Breward made their return to Torquay after a year’s contesting sabbatical by taking the honours ahead of fellow qualifiers Downton, who last qualified in 2003, and another returning band, Test Valley Brass, who last appeared at this contest 3 years ago.
Full results:
http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=9584
Midlands
There was something of an upset in the Midlands, but not for reigning champion Desford, who held onto their title in some style under the baton of Russell Gray.
On a day when more fancied bands failed to find favour with Derek Broadbent and Brian Buckley in the tent, it was Newstead Brass conducted by Duncan Beckley who will join them there. It was yet another regional success to Duncan’s CV as he led his band back to London for the first time since 2006.
In the First Section, Phoenix West Midlands conducted by David Maplestone, went one better than 12 months ago by taking the title ahead of last year’s Second Section winners, City of Coventry.
Meanwhile in the Second Section, the remarkable Shirland Welfare organisation showed that it has produced yet another new generation of winning banders by taking the title ahead of fellow qualifiers Wellington (Telford) – last year’s Third Section National Champions.
In the Third Section it was Cubbington Silver who leapt up the results table from 17th to victors this year, to gain their second trip to Harrogate in the past three years, whilst they will be joined there by Bakewell Silver who qualified for the finals for perhaps the first time in living memory!
Finally, the mammoth Fourth Section saw victory go to Whitwell conducted by David Fretwell, who followed up their fine 5th place at Butlins earlier in the season to head to Harrogate.
There they will be joined Dronfield and Fairfield (Buxton) both of whom will be making their first trips north for well over a decade.
Full results:
http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=9585
