The North West Regional Committee has recently carried out a poll amongst the 83 bands in their grading tables over the question of having one or two adjudicators at their Regional Championships.

Asked to vote

The bands were asked to vote for one adjudicator (the current system), or for two, and pay an additional charge, on top of the entry fee and bandpersons tickets charge.

Advised

Bands were advised that if they did not wish to register a vote then they would be considered to be in favour of remaining with one adjudicator.

Accordingly, the results of the vote were that 52 bands decided not to return a voting form, and, therefore, agreed to continue with one adjudicator.

31 bands returned a voting form, with 11 registering to vote for no change in the current system, and 20 opting for the two adjudicators system.

The North West bands, having been clearly consulted, have opted to support the Regional and National policyNW Regional Committee

Overall majority

The overall majority of 63 bands were therefore deemed in favour of the status quo and the North West Regional Committee will, therefore, continue to have only one adjudicator at their Championships for the foreseeable future.

In line

In a press release from Regional Secretary Peter Bates it was stated: "The North West remains in line with three other regional committees who currently only employ one adjudicator per section at their event."

It continued: "The North West bands, having been clearly consulted, have opted to support the Regional and National policy. The Regional Committee reiterate however that any suggestions from bands nominating adjudicators to be employed will always be welcomed and the lists for 2010 and 2011 are now being drawn up."

Winter Gardens

With the future of the Winter Gardens complex under discussion at present the North West Regional Committee also confirmed that the 2010 Championships will be held on Sunday 14th March.

Th Regional Committee had received confirmation that the discussions will not affect their hire of the Winter Gardens other than an increase in the hire charge for 2010.

Not closing down

As far as is known, the venue will not be closing down for renovation in the foreseeable future and Blackpool Council has also said that as the building has a Grade 2 listing they would be involved in any proposals to alter the use of the Winter Gardens and would certainly want the Opera House, Empress Ballroom and Spanish Hall retained.

2010 & 2011

Peter Bates' statement added: "The Regional Committee also confirm that they have booked Sunday 27th February for the 2011 Regional Championships, due to non-availability of their usual second Sunday in March, and a clash with other regions on the alternative dates offered by the Winter Gardens management."

He added: "It did prove to be beneficial to the Region this year when they were the first of the eight regional events to be held."