Official tMP Midlands Regional 2007 Thread [Archive]

04.02.2007, 19:25

MIDLANDS REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th March, 2007
Burton-Upon-Trent

With grateful thanks to Lesley Bentley

Section : Championship
Date : Sunday 11th March
Test Piece : Isaiah 40 (Robert Redhead)
Venue : Town Hall, Burton-Upon-Trent
Adjudicators : Messrs Brian Buckley & David Read
Draw : 12:30
Place Commences : Following second section results

Participating Bands :

Desford Colliery, Nigel Seaman
Jaguar (Coventry), D. Lea
Kibworth, J. Berryman
Langley, C. Parker
Newstead Brass, D. Beckley
Ransome, G. O’Connor
Ratby Co-operative, B. Baker
Raunds Temperance, J. Mott
Sovereign Brass, T. Jones
Staffordshire, D. Maplestone
Thoresby Colliery, M. Heartfield
Virtuosi GUS, D. Stowell

Section : First
Date : Saturday 10th March
Test Piece : Sinfonietta for Brass Band, ‘The Wayfarer’ (Eric Ball)
Venue : Town Hall, Burton-Upon Trent
Adjudicators : David Read & Alan Morrison
Due to the size of the region and number of bands competing,
the draw takes place in two parts:
First Half Draw : 10:00 - Second Half Draw : 12:00
Play Commences : 11:00

Participating Bands :

Bedworth Brass, C. Randle
Brackley & District, J. Glynn
Derwent Brass, K. Leonard
Enderby, H. Thomas
Foresters Brass 2000, P. Collins
Glossop Old, J. Davies
Gresley Colliery, R. Grantham
Hathern, D. Newman
Hopkins Blidworth Welfare, G. Hawley
Ibstock Brick Brass, G. Sutton
Jackfield (Elcock Reisen), J. Maines
Riddings, G. O’Connor
Shirland Welfare Training, M. Smith
Shirley, M. Ford
Snibston & Desford, K. Steward
Stourport-on-Severn, D. Morgan
Tintwistle, D. Shutter
Towcester Studio, B. Johnson
Wigston, G. Sleath

Section : Second
Date : Sunday 11th March
Test Piece : Carnival (Helen Perkin)
Venue : Town Hall, Burton-Upon-Trent
Adjudicators : Alan Morrison & Simone Rebello
Draw : 9:00
Play Commences : 10:00

Participating Bands

Bilton Silver (Rugby) : B. Clarke
Carlton Brass : W. Ritchie BEM
City of Coventry Brass : S. Cooper
Daventry Brass : N. Howard
Harborough : C. Groom
Long Eaton Silver Prize : S. Stansfield
Phoenix West Midlands Brass : D. Maplestone
Porthywaen Silver: D. Thomas
Shirebrook MW Unison : M. Wilcockson
Stamford Brass : J. Fletcher
Unity Brass : R. Boulter
West Mercia Constabulary : D. Bishop-Rowe

Section : Third
Date : Saturday 10th March
Test Piece : Prelude & Jubilate (Darrol Barry)
Venue : Belvedere Park Club, Burton-Upon-Trent
Adjudicators - Messrs David Horsfield & Steve Pritchard-Jones
Due to the size of the region and number of bands competing,
the draw takes place in two parts:
First Half Draw : 10:00 - Second Half Draw : 12:00
Play Commences : 11:00

Participating Bands :

1. Arrow Valley Brass : Andy Culshaw
2. Audley Brass : Clive Fox
3. Avonbank (Evesham) : Nick Smith
4. Bakewell Silver : Mark Wilcockson
5. City of Birmingham : Warren Belshaw
6. Dronfield CMW : Alan Tyler
7. Kirkby Colliery Welfare : Steve Berrill
8. Leicestershire Co-op : Graham Jacklin
9. Malvern Hills District : Mike West
10. Matlock : Roger Jepson
11. Moulton 77 : Howard Gibbs
12. Newhall : Mark Phillips
13. Rushden Windmill : Richard Graves
14. Syston : Dennis Powell
15. University of Warwick : Simon Hogg
16. Wellington (Telford) : Steve Curtis
17. Wem Jubilee : Roger Thorne

Section: Fourth
Date : Sunday 1th March
Test Piece : The Seasons, Suite for Brass Band (Philip Wilby)
Venue : Belvedere Park Club, Burton-Upon-Trent
Adjudicators - Messrs David Horsfield & Steve Pritchard-Jones
Due to the size of the region and number of bands competing,
the draw takes place in two parts:
First Half Draw : 9:00 - Second Half Draw : 12:00
Play Commences : 10:00

Participating Bands :

Amington : W. Kendrick
Bestwood Welfare Black Diamonds : B. Draper
Burbage (Buxton) : S. Critchlow;
Corby Silver : K. Espin
Creswell Colliery : R. Woffinden
Croft Silver : S. Burton
Cubbington Silver : P. Johnson
Dunchurch : M. Dutton
Fairfield (Buxton), :C. Kitchen
Hathern B : M. Cooper
Ilkeston Brass : D. Jones
Ireland Colliery Chesterfield : I. Knapton
Market Rasen RPC : A. Neadham
Melton : C. Hartley
Newstead Youth : P. Whyley
Ratby Co-operative Mid : G. Newman
Rolls Royce (Derby) : G. Cardwell
Rushden Town : P. Lewsey
Shipston Town : H. Gibbs
Swineshead Silver : S. Drew
Thoresby Colliery Youth: C. Gent
Trentham Brass : M. Caveney
Welbeck Estates: T. Iles
Whitwell : D. Fretwell

postie

24.02.2007, 20:40

I'll kick off to respond to this thread here.....

Bestwood will definately be there!

Good luck to all participating bands. I understand from a reliable source that Welbeck have already withdrawn from the contest. So the 4th section is now down to only 23 bands!

Baldeagle

24.02.2007, 20:51

Carlton Brass will be there in the 2nd section with all guns firing!

CubbRep

24.02.2007, 21:31

I thought that Amington had been promoted to the 3rd section.
CubbRep.

imthemaddude

24.02.2007, 21:35

Yay my first Midland area - it's so much tougher than the North of England.

SuperMosh

24.02.2007, 22:51

Gresley Colliery will be there.

Alan MacRae

24.02.2007, 23:16

Good luck to all bands, especially my old band, Avonbank, with Nick Smith, and Wem - sorry I wont be there this year for you to beat, Roger ;) And all my friends at Sovereign, Jags, Staffs and Thoresby

barrytonegirl

25.02.2007, 00:30

Baldeagle

25.02.2007, 00:35

Yay my first Midland area - it's so much tougher than the North of England.

Go for it

ian perks

25.02.2007, 07:38

Gresley Colliery will be there.
Very true we will be as well in our new walking out uniforms.
Must admit im looking forward to the delightful out side catering van (i dont think so).:eek:
So its off to the Cottage Pub down the road for some real ale:clap:

postie

25.02.2007, 11:02

I thought that Amington had been promoted to the 3rd section.
CubbRep.

Amington had a good result at the Area's last year however they have not gone up to third section yet. They'll certainly be the band to watch out for!!!

CubbRep

25.02.2007, 11:14

Amington had a good result at the Area's last year however they have not gone up to third section yet. They'll certainly be the band to watch out for!!!
Thanks for that Postie.They certainly will be the band to look out for.But,there are a few good bands in the 4th section that will be up there with a chance.
CubbRep.:tup

Baritonedeaf

25.02.2007, 13:08

Cannot wait for the areas!

Good luck to all bands in the last fortnight of rehearsals...

TheMusicMan

25.02.2007, 15:08

Just so you all know - the tMP Predictogizmatron is up and running. Get your votes in!!!

Here's the announcement : http://www.themouthpiece.com/vb/showthread.php?t=26781

See link at top of page

Bonesmalone

25.02.2007, 17:52

Kibworth will be there, Trying to avoid the dreaded drop back to 1st section......

Does anyone have the current league tables going into the area by the way

backrowbloke

25.02.2007, 18:12

Kibworth will be there, Trying to avoid the dreaded drop back to 1st section......

Does anyone have the current league tables going into the area by the way

Yup (well me excel version anyway) but not posting it, because then you will know where I have to come to stay up ;)

See my Kibworth mates in the pub, unless the Langley contingent are in a different hostelry.

Let's look on the bright side - our last year @ Burton Town Hall??????:p

BarneyEuph

25.02.2007, 19:18

Leicester Coop will be there. Really looking forward to it now.:biggrin:

4thmandown

25.02.2007, 19:46

I should be there with Shirley, so long as the baby arrives on time! Very bad family planning as it's due on the 6th!

super_sop

25.02.2007, 21:40

Aparently there is a new band in the third section according to both the BB and 4barsrest!!!
someone called WEM jubilee anybody heard of them???

lausonbass

25.02.2007, 22:14

Yay i can't wait! Foresters Brass 2000 will be there in the 1st section. :bounce

jim

25.02.2007, 22:27

Sunny spain??! all the best at your arears laura. drop me a pm

stephen2001

25.02.2007, 22:42

Whitwell will be there in the Fourth Section.

GJacko

26.02.2007, 00:47

Leicester Coop will be there. Really looking forward to it now.:biggrin:

Of course we'll be there....... we're always there!!!!!!

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Pythagoras

26.02.2007, 11:30

Yup (well me excel version anyway) but not posting it, because then you will know where I have to come to stay up ;)

See my Kibworth mates in the pub, unless the Langley contingent are in a different hostelry.

Let's look on the bright side - our last year @ Burton Town Hall??????:p

Count yourself lucky your not at the Belvedere club! Where are they moving to next year?

GingerMaestro

26.02.2007, 12:30

West Mercia will be there

Looking forward to our first year in the Second Section

postie

26.02.2007, 15:54

Count yourself lucky your not at the Belvedere club! Where are they moving to next year?

A while back someone mentioned about a place in Melton Mowbray not sure if that's the place we are talking about. I am sure someone on TMP will help us out on that one.

stevecritchlow

26.02.2007, 16:12

I'm led to believe that the most likely venue for next year is somewhere in Bedworth, near Nuneaton. Don't know it, but its a long way for us to go:(

Nanny Ogg

26.02.2007, 16:17

Good luck Jackfield. Oh heck torn loyalties with old muckers in Wem and Wellington - oh heck good luck both, a unique tie for first place!?!

stevecritchlow

26.02.2007, 16:18

How are people finding the 4th section piece? I think its really easy to play the notes but incredibly hard to play the music well. A very clever piece and a clever test, and quite frankly we're struggling a little.

P.S I read earlier about 4th section withdrawls. Anyone got more news? Origianlly there were 25 bands which surely is far too many. i'd be glad if 10 pulled out! (Especially if they were 10 good bands ;) )

postie

26.02.2007, 16:20

I'm led to believe that the most likely venue for next year is somewhere in Bedworth, near Nuneaton. Don't know it, but its a long way for us to go:(

Oh that's very interesting got a little bored about going to Burton anyway. No central place for anyone really!!!!

27.02.2007, 18:35

The discussion re the possible change of dates/venue has been moved to here (http://www.themouthpiece.com/vb/showthread.php?t=26814) as it is felt, being an ongoing discussion, it warranted it's own thread. ;)

Baritonedeaf

27.02.2007, 20:47

Anyone know of any withdrawals from the above list?

stephen2001

27.02.2007, 23:45

P.S I read earlier about 4th section withdrawls. Anyone got more news? Origianlly there were 25 bands which surely is far too many. i'd be glad if 10 pulled out! (Especially if they were 10 good bands ;) )

There were 24 bands in the pre-draw and of those, as Postie said earlier, Welbeck are the only ones known to have withdrawn.

I'm led to believe that the most likely venue for next year is somewhere in Bedworth, near Nuneaton. Don't know it, but its a long way for us to go

Look on the bright side, wherever the Midlands Area is, it's a very very very long way for Glossop!! (Unless it's in Glossop ;) )

kierendinno

28.02.2007, 13:58

It's a shame to hear Welbeck Estates have withdrawn- a nice group of people who love their banding. Hope to see them back contesting soon. It's a shame to hear of any band having to pull out this close to the area, after all of the months already put into prcticing the piece.

Good luck to all of the bands, especially Thoresby. Heard them at Butlins and last year at Burton- a very good band. And good luck to Whitwell, my old band, in the Fouth Section

I played at Burton Town hall in 2003,2004 and 2005. I played at St. George's hall last year with Dinnington and I was amazed at how much better the facilities are! The Midlands region is a big place- I'm sure there is a venue big enough to accomodate you all!

DiG that cornet

28.02.2007, 15:19

Going to listen to midlands contest for first time ever. Normally go to Blackpool to listen to North West but my sister has moved to Midlands so is competing there, so I'm off to support her. Come on Newstead! Looking forward to it!

Hi Franny
Why have you got two usernames - Barrytone and Barrytonegirl??

Is it a pseudonym??:confused:

Are you working undercover??

See you Saturday.
All the best for the bari solo.

barrytone

28.02.2007, 16:54

Hello Di, using my friends pc and she was already logged in, forgot to log her out before posting my reply. I am still barrytone and not undercover, can't think there would be many covers big enough to cover me!

Thanks for your good wishes for the baritone solo, only four bars long but it's a solo, finally! Still getting used to piece but looking forward to Saturday, all the best to you all and see you there!

postie

28.02.2007, 21:15

sunny_jimbob

01.03.2007, 10:18

Lotta

01.03.2007, 16:41

Ona slightly different note but still Midlands Area related.... can anyone confirm if player passes have been issued or are these given out on the day?

Roger Thorne

01.03.2007, 18:19

To Quote: Bandpersons Passes will not be sent out to bands, but will be available from the Contrest Control Room at each venue, on the day of the Contest, and can be collected by the person holding the Delegates Draw Card.

;)

Lotta

02.03.2007, 08:50

thank you!

Steve

02.03.2007, 11:17

lausonbass

03.03.2007, 10:27

My first year outside the Midlands area this year, no rubbish food van, no lack of decent watering holes and no shocking venue!! Its just not going to be the same.

Best of luck to Raunds Temperance in the top section at their first attempt. After a tough year it will be great to get on that stage!

Best of luck to all the guys at GUS who have an excellent line up again and certainly put the work in. Win the crowd and win your freedom!!

Also best wishes to the guys at Forresters, Harborough, Unity Brass and Kibworth.

Have a great weekend Midlanders

thanks steve best wishes to you too, it won't be the same without you

Shed_Builder1

03.03.2007, 15:16

My first year outside the Midlands area this year, no rubbish food van, no lack of decent watering holes and no shocking venue!! Its just not going to be the same.

Same for me, always been at the midlands until this year. I think i might have to come down next weekend tho. Just for one fo them burgers from the van!

Good luck to all bands

Especailly good luck to:- ransomes (sorry but me dad plays for them)
and Newstead (Mum n brother play for them)

Also good luck to Carlton, Long eaton, Leicster coop, Thoresby, Thoresby Youth, Newstead Youth and Blidworth (be good to see as many of you in the nationals this year as possible!)

satchmo shaz

03.03.2007, 15:45

and good luck to you too;)

postie

03.03.2007, 17:03

Especailly good luck to:- ransomes (sorry but me dad plays for them)
and Newstead (Mum n brother play for them)

Also good luck to Carlton, Long eaton, Leicster coop, Thoresby, Thoresby Youth, Newstead Youth and Blidworth (be good to see as many of you in the nationals this year as possible!)

Hi Mark,
Don't forget your Grandad's band!!!!!!

alangiff3

03.03.2007, 17:06

Amington will be there :biggrin:, good luck to all participating bands :biggrin:, not long to go now!!!

Shed_Builder1

03.03.2007, 17:14

Hi Mark,
Don't forget your Grandad's band!!!!!!

And a special good luck to bestwood next weekend!

Thanks for that, i cud of ended up at the wrong end of his walking stick!
I knew i would forget sum1!

4thmandown

03.03.2007, 21:04

postie

03.03.2007, 22:03

And a special good luck to bestwood next weekend!

Thanks for that, i cud of ended up at the wrong end of his walking stick!
I knew i would forget sum1!

Yes your Gran was going to have words with you as well. Thanks for the best wishes.

Smiffy

03.03.2007, 22:17

I've noticed that Snibston & Desford are listed as being in the 1st Section this year, however I don't recall them contesting last year and prior to that they were mid-placed in 2nd Section. Good to see them back contesting the areas again, but can anyone shed some light as to how they're back up in 1st Section?

Hi 4thmandown

Basically they haven't come "back up" in the 1st...just haven't competed in the 1st till this year.

They were promoted with us from the 2nd section from 1st Jan 2006 but for some reason didn't enter last year. So they got last place plus 1 for points on the regional table (ie 17 bands entered/played so they got 18 points).
On the final table for 2006 they had 34.5 points (two averages of 8 and 8.5 and the 18 points). That put them just above Ibstock on 35 points (14+7+14). This avoided the relegation zone which had Bilton on 38 points (8 average+14+16) and Coventry on 40 points (8 average+15+17).

Good to see they are back in the contest this year

regards

Shed_Builder1

03.03.2007, 22:22

Yes your Gran was going to have words with you as well. Thanks for the best wishes.

Don't call her Gran woteva u do! she will not be happy. But it makes me laff!:biggrin:

postie

03.03.2007, 22:44

Don't call her Gran woteva u do! she will not be happy. But it makes me laff!:biggrin:

I wouldn't call her Gran anyway - she would clip me round the ears!

Best to get back on topic before the Mods start!

dyl

03.03.2007, 22:47

Best to get back on topic before the Mods start!
Just in time!

4thmandown

04.03.2007, 11:36

They were promoted with us from the 2nd section from 1st Jan 2006 but for some reason didn't enter last year.

Cheers Mike

Hope all is going well at Stourport and I'll probably see you in the pub sometime on Saturday afternoon, now that junior has decided to arrive into the world early!

Smiffy

04.03.2007, 12:46

Cheers Mike

Hope all is going well at Stourport and I'll probably see you in the pub sometime on Saturday afternoon, now that junior has decided to arrive into the world early!

Hi Rob

Congrats on the new addition!:clap: Hope you are getting enough sleep!

Hope to cya on Saturday ...best of luck on the performance.

Regards

MrsBucket

04.03.2007, 20:39

best wishes to Carlton Brass in the 2nd section.

Looking forward to seeing you all at Harrogate..

Baldeagle

04.03.2007, 20:57

We will try our best, good result for you today.

Col

05.03.2007, 17:09

Best of Luck to Fiona & Neil from Innovate Skelmanthorpe B. It was good to see you at St Georges on Saturday.

And to help some additional motivation if you make it to Harrogate I'll personally buy you a drink, not an easy offer from a Honorary Yorkshireman of Scottish heritage.

Whatsmore I'll throw in a straw each. So get playing and get qualified.

Best Wishes
Colinhttp://www.themouthpiece.com/vb/images/icons/icon12.gifhttp://www.themouthpiece.com/vb/images/icons/icon12.gif

lynchie

05.03.2007, 23:19

Looking forward to the day, although the belvedere club is a bit rubbish. Hope to see a few familiar faces around the bar.

Ps. We are going to win, so if you'd all like to give up now... ;)

Tom-King

05.03.2007, 23:28

Just a bit rubbish??

Oh, Ps... Neverrr ;)

steve butler

06.03.2007, 00:07

Good luck to the ginger whinger and all my mates at Burbage. Pull your finger out steve I'm looking forward to introducing you to some good yorks hospitality. I went to school in harrogate so know all the dives. And if all else fails its back to the motor home for a night cap (and gown).

Baritonedeaf

06.03.2007, 00:07

Really - I had always thought it a superb venue with the acoustics to die for - you can really hear the barmaid collecting glasses clearly throughout.

Looking forward to the day, although the belvedere club is a bit rubbish. Hope to see a few familiar faces around the bar.

Ps. We are going to win, so if you'd all like to give up now... ;)

Tom-King

06.03.2007, 01:38

Hehe, well, atleast she and her glasses are more in tune than most percussion... or should that have been all?

<awaits death threats>

cornetblower

06.03.2007, 10:13

Good luck to Jaguar, Shirley, Porthywaen, Stamford and Wem

scotchgirl

06.03.2007, 15:13

Good luck to everyone, but especially all those 1st baritone players in the Championship section 8-)

Smiffy

06.03.2007, 15:32

Good luck to everyone, but especially all those 1st baritone players in the Championship section 8-)

Hi Nicky

Good luck to all at Staffs at the weekend, especially you baritone players!...

don't dispute the good luck for the 1st baritone players in the Champ Section...how about us in the 1st section (and probably the other sections too!);)

hope to see you soon

regards

scotchgirl

06.03.2007, 17:07

Obviously good luck to your goodself Mikey!!

Talk about the world's longest note ever though (in the Championship piece I mean lol!)...Obviously the composer thinks that baritone players have HUGE...em....lungs...

hee hee

honey bun

06.03.2007, 17:45

My first year outside the Midlands area this year, no rubbish food van, no lack of decent watering holes and no shocking venue!! Its just not going to be the same.

Best of luck to Raunds Temperance in the top section at their first attempt. After a tough year it will be great to get on that stage!

Best of luck to all the guys at GUS who have an excellent line up again and certainly put the work in. Win the crowd and win your freedom!!

Also best wishes to the guys at Forresters, Harborough, Unity Brass and Kibworth.

Have a great weekend Midlanders

Thanks Steve. We might have Isaiah sorted by June :biggrin: ha! ha!
Will miss you in t pub.
Good luck to every competing at the weekend :tup

super_sop

06.03.2007, 18:07

Good luck to Jaguar, Shirley, Porthywaen, Stamford and Wem

Thanks for the thanks (if that makes sence!) i think i might be ready in a couple of weeks.

Eh?:confused:

What???:confused:

its this weekend!!!! oh ******!!!!! I best get practicing then!!!!:eek:

I hope you enjoy yourself over there in Wales Heather. best of luck to you.:tup

Craigy (we'll see if i'm can keep my user name after this weekend!!!!:-?)

ian perks

06.03.2007, 18:27

how about us in the 1st section (and probably the other sections too!);)

well weve just got to get on with it and do our best but its a cracking Solo Baritone part in Wayfarer from first note to the last in all of the piece:clap:

MaxPressure

06.03.2007, 19:07

My first year outside the Midlands area this year, no rubbish food van, no lack of decent watering holes and no shocking venue!! Its just not going to be the same.

Best of luck to Raunds Temperance in the top section at their first attempt. After a tough year it will be great to get on that stage!

Best of luck to all the guys at GUS who have an excellent line up again and certainly put the work in. Win the crowd and win your freedom!!

Also best wishes to the guys at Forresters, Harborough, Unity Brass and Kibworth.

Have a great weekend Midlanders

I would also like to wish my old band all the best for Sunday. After a tough 12 months it's a miracle they have got there at all, I also want to wish Brackley and District luck for the weekend, as both bands are great to play with. (and to wave a stick at.):biggrin:

lynchie

06.03.2007, 19:44

Any ideas when the 4br predictions come out? I want that dark horses spot!

BigHorn

06.03.2007, 19:56

Any ideas when the 4br predictions come out? I want that dark horses spot!

Theres a page on there saying later this evening. I suspect us at Carlton Brass are going to be dealt the 2nd section kiss of death as favourites seeing that all four of our closest rivals were promoted last year.

vcbjet

06.03.2007, 20:04

Any ideas when the 4br predictions come out? I want that dark horses spot!

It says later tonight - so hopefully they will be up when i get back after band!!!!

masefield

06.03.2007, 21:46

The 4 bars rest predictions are now on their site - hyper link below:

http://www.4barsrest.com/results/areas_mid.asp

Good luck to all the bands who are participating.

Baritonedeaf

07.03.2007, 00:02

BarneyEuph

07.03.2007, 00:08

Very exciting 4Bars rest write up for the 3rd Section - have us in 4th, though that would be ok, i am hoping we can improve on last years result...

Agree with Leics Co-Op for the top spot though... They have it not far wrong with the bands in the mix IMO.

Thanks for that...... Just hope the 4barsrest predictions are not the kiss of death. LOL :oops: :oops: :oops:

imthemaddude

07.03.2007, 01:29

Good to luck to Riddings at the weekend. I hope you get to Harrogate and also good luck to Phoenix WM, Wem and Langley.

madandcrazytromboneguy

07.03.2007, 04:35

looks like the top 2 sections well be heavily contested and closely fought out aswell, dont have a clue about the others but good luck anyway, found those 2 sections very hard to decide on the predictionometre but should be an enjoyable contest as from hearing isaiah 40 in the yorkshire champ section, its a belter piece, champ section has had 3 excellent pieces in the last 3 years now, isaiah 40, j.t.t.c.o.t.e., and rienzi!

IanBatley

07.03.2007, 10:56

Good luck to all this weekend. Here's hoping we are in the mix again this year. Last year may have been a shock to some but I can assure you it shocked us the most!
Loving the piece tho.
A special good luck to our youth band in section 4 and also to Whitwell where a couple of old and current pupils play.
Personally can't wait to be rid of the venue. The town hall is ok to play in but faciliities for players and the audience are shocking. Never played at the club but it will be nice to find somewhere where we can all be together. So....come on Slater get it sorted!

GingerMaestro

07.03.2007, 10:58

Good to luck to Riddings at the weekend. I hope you get to Harrogate and also good luck to Phoenix WM, Wem and Langley.

Hi Lynda

Haven't you missed a band out on your best wishes list

Good luck to Cubbington and Leicester Co op

IanBatley

07.03.2007, 10:58

one more thing.......winning the area and senior thingy last year and still 4br can't bring themselves to say anything nice!

ian perks

07.03.2007, 11:08

Personally can't wait to be rid of the venue. The town hall is ok to play in but faciliities for players and the audience are shocking.
:clap:

honey bun

07.03.2007, 12:40

I would also like to wish my old band all the best for Sunday. After a tough 12 months it's a miracle they have got there at all, I also want to wish Brackley and District luck for the weekend,

Thanks Lee and indeed it is a miracle . All the best to you and your lot and to Jason at Brackley.

Is anyone else getting excited? I know I am :woo Don't know why cos its hard. Just gonna enjoy the day.

IanBatley

07.03.2007, 13:21

Don't think excited is the word.....more like nervous. We got something to prove this year...that last year was no fluke! More excited about the 18th. Conducting my music service wind band in their first attempt at National Festival! Still I guess as its got a load of screaming twigs (flutes) in it I shouldnt mention it here!

GJacko

07.03.2007, 13:54

Hi Lynda

Haven't you missed a band out on your best wishes list

Good luck to Cubbington and Leicester Co op

Good luck to WM Police also..... First outing in the Second (officially)?

GJacko

07.03.2007, 13:55

And...of course, Good luck to Shaz & the Team at Long Eaton.

Go for it!!

Ipswich trom

07.03.2007, 14:20

:tup Best of luck this weekend to our friends from GUS, Desford (with no bias either way) and Wigston!

GingerMaestro

07.03.2007, 17:55

Cheers Graham

I hope the weekend goes well for you guys you deserve it

Di B

07.03.2007, 18:49

Best of luck to Matlock at the weekend - expecting you to do well, but make sure 4barsrest know who your players are for this contest please! ;-)

Also best of luck to LE - which I still consider my home band.
I know Sid would have been so proud of the bands achievements in recent years Shaz so don't let him down (no pressure!!)

CubbRep

07.03.2007, 21:48

Hi Lynda

Haven't you missed a band out on your best wishes list

Good luck to Cubbington and Leicester Co op

Thanks for that Martin.Shame there wasn't much competition on Sunday at Dudley.Good luck to West Mercia and Leicester Co-Op.We're not even dark horses.So there is a massive opportunity for Cubbington to prove that we can do well.I am really looking forward to playing,even at the Belvedere.I just hope it will not rain.Last year was awful.Snow,cold warm up area and 90+degrees on stage.Not much chance with your tuning.:tup
Richard....CubbRep.:clap:

CubbRep

07.03.2007, 21:57

And to follow on from thread #92.The quagmire of a car park.Advice, if it rains,snows etc;Park on the road and walk up to the club.Saves you getting your nice clean shoes dirty.
CubbRep.

imthemaddude

07.03.2007, 22:21

Hi Lynda

Haven't you missed a band out on your best wishes list

Good luck to Cubbington and Leicester Co op

Oh doh! sorry, please read the small print. LOL best of luck to West Mercia. Lets hope Martin can make it two firsts in one week!

It's a good job Jane is ill she would have battered me at school for forgetting your band!!

imthemaddude

07.03.2007, 22:23

I guess I also should say good luck to Cubbington. I know they will do themselves proud.

CubbRep

07.03.2007, 23:07

Thanks Lynda.We've not been tipped for a place,but we will see.Best of luck to Leicester Co-Op.Hope to make it on Saturday.If I'm not at work.
(See you there with a bit of luck)
CubbRep.

satchmo shaz

08.03.2007, 01:00

Also best of luck to LE - which I still consider my home band.
I know Sid would have been so proud of the bands achievements in recent years Shaz so don't let him down (no pressure!!)

cheers Di:clap: , good luck with Bestwood, dont forget I will be there if they need me
awww Sid.................:( what a guy!!

postie

08.03.2007, 10:44

Very much looking forward to Sunday Bestwood are hoping to make amends and kill some demons from last year's areas.

Reference to which 'half of the draw' the band is has been removed!

Baldeagle

08.03.2007, 11:24

Very much looking forward to Sunday Bestwood are hoping to make amends and kill some demons from last year's areas.

Reference to which 'half of the draw' the band is has been removed!

imthemaddude

08.03.2007, 18:50

Thanks Lynda.We've not been tipped for a place,but we will see.Best of luck to Leicester Co-Op.Hope to make it on Saturday.If I'm not at work.
(See you there with a bit of luck)
CubbRep.

Why - are you playing the last post again? See you there. How can you miss the areas - I could listen to bands all day?!

CubbRep

08.03.2007, 19:34

Ruthless

08.03.2007, 19:48

All the best to all the bands down the midlands especially:

Arrow Valley Brass - not sure whether there are any AVBers on here but I wish Andy and my old band all the best.

Gresley Colliery - Richard good to see your talents being used within banding again. Best of luck

Wem - I've made some good friends from this band through tMP - Go Roger "the sock" and the gang. Craigy you will still be "super" however you play - but I'm sure you'll do them proud.

Cyndy

08.03.2007, 23:00

Best of luck to GingerMeastro at West Mercia.

sparkling_quavers

08.03.2007, 23:56

Best of luck to Bestwood, Carlton, Long Eaton and Dronfield :tup

imthemaddude

09.03.2007, 00:48

I played The Last Post on Monday in Coventry Cathedral for a police officer who died.If I am not working on Saturday,I will be at Burton.I wouldn't miss the area's,considering that Cubbington will be there on Sunday.I spoke to Mick yesterday and he will be there.
CubbRep.

You make more money from playing the last post than I do as a teacher! (Mind you that's not hard :sup) I'm really excited now...do we have to have our picture taken again though?

SuperMosh

09.03.2007, 11:33

Gresley Colliery - Richard good to see your talents being used within banding again. Best of luck

Cheers and good luck to all the other bands in the sections. Anyone fancy a burger?!:biggrin:

budstellabecks

09.03.2007, 12:38

Good luck to my good mate Alan on top man at Shirley Band.

I would have come down for a listen if it didn't clash with the same weekend as our area.

CubbRep

09.03.2007, 13:51

You make more money from playing the last post than I do as a teacher! (Mind you that's not hard :sup) I'm really excited now...do we have to have our picture taken again though?

Probably,but without me this time,seeing as I'm not playing until Sunday.
What do you mean,I make more money out of playing last post?If I could make a living out of it I would.(If they want the best,they have to pay for it)
See you soon..CubbRep.:tup

Tinkabell

09.03.2007, 14:22

Just a quicky to say good luck to Rog, Craigy and all at WEM band.
Sock it to em Craigy!

Oooh, nearly forgot Blakeyboy, how could i forget you honey! hope you've had your pre-contest battle with the hair clippers in preparation for the big day as per usual, ha ha.
Do your best love, good luck!
xxx

ian perks

09.03.2007, 16:20

Anyone fancy a burger?!:biggrin:
No see you in the Curry House later on at night with Sexy Cornet:clap:

Jonesy

09.03.2007, 16:37

Would be grateful if someone could post ticket prices for respective sections......? Cheers.

Craig_Baritone

09.03.2007, 17:20

Good luck to kirkby, bestwood and newstead yth bands this weekend.

Craig
Carlton Brass

Alan MacRae

09.03.2007, 17:24

Good luck to all, especially Roger and Wem, and Avonbank - Tom or Ellie, can you text me your result?

Ruthless

09.03.2007, 20:44

Just a quicky to say good luck to Rog, Craigy and all at WEM band.
Sock it to em Craigy!

Shouldn't that be Sock it to them Rog ?:oops:

blakeyboy

10.03.2007, 00:18

Oooh, nearly forgot Blakeyboy, how could i forget you honey! hope you've had your pre-contest battle with the hair clippers in preparation for the big day as per usual, ha ha.
Do your best love, good luck!
xxx

The clippers are charged and ready, I'll be shearing the bonce in preparatory fashion as per last year.

If I can't blind anyone with my playing ability I'll just have to settle for blinding them with she shine off me 'ed!!

iainculross

10.03.2007, 02:05

good luck to all the bands competing in the midlands this weekend, but especially to my mate craig and carlton brass, sock it to 'em lad!!! ;)

Roger Thorne

10.03.2007, 09:06

Good luck to all, especially Roger and Wem

Thanks Alan and everyone else who have sent 'Good Lucks'. :tup

See you all there in a couple of hours.

;)

10.03.2007, 09:13

I'd better add my good luck wishes to Craigy and Roger and all the guys at Wem, Adam, Ian, Garry et all at Wigston and Hathern too. :)

Good luck everyone.

postie

10.03.2007, 10:39

Good luck to those taking part in the 1st and 3rd sections. Especially good luck to Mr Perks in the 1st Section go for it mate!!!!!!!!!!!

10.03.2007, 11:46

The first-half draw for the Midlands First Section:

1 Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) : J. Maines
2 Glossop Old : J. Davies
3 Brackley & District : J. Glynn
4 Towcester Studio : B. Johnson
5 Tintwistle : D. Shutter
6 Riddings : G. O’Connor
7 Foresters Brass 2000 : P. Collins
8 Wigston : G. Sleath
9 Enderby : H. Thomas
10 Ibstock Brick Brass : G. Sutton

Bedworth Brass, C. Randle
Derwent Brass, K. Leonard
Gresley Colliery, R. Grantham
Hathern, D. Newman
Hopkins Blidworth Welfare, G. Hawley
Shirland Welfare Training, M. Smith
Shirley, M. Ford
Snibston & Desford, K. Steward, - Withdrawn
Stourport-on-Severn, D. Morgan

10.03.2007, 11:55

First-half draw for Midlands third section:

1 Leicestershire Co-op : Graham Jacklin
2 Arrow Valley Brass : Andy Culshaw
3 Newhall : Mark Phillips
4 Wem Jubilee : Roger Thorne
5 City of Birmingham : Warren Belshaw
6 Bakewell Silver : Mark Wilcockson
7 Dronfield CMW : Alan Tyler
8 Wellington (Telford) : Steve Curtis

Audley Brass : Clive Fox
Avonbank (Evesham) : Nick Smith
Kirkby Colliery Welfare : Steve Berrill
Malvern Hills District : Mike West
Matlock : Roger Jepson
Moulton 77 : Howard Gibbs
Rushden Windmill : Richard Graves
Syston : Dennis Powell - Withdrawn
University of Warwick : Simon Hogg

stephen2001

10.03.2007, 12:41

So 4br's favourites have both been drawn number 1 in the 1st and 3rd Sections. That could make things a bit interesting!

barrytone

10.03.2007, 15:19

Getting excited now, going to listen to Midland's Champ section tomorrow, first time at Burton on Trent. Here to support my sister, up to now we've both always competed in Yorkshire or North West areas, this will be a brand new experience for us both.

Good luck to all competing bands, especially Newstead Brass with Duncan Beckley, hoping you can retain your title as Midlands Champions!

MRSH

10.03.2007, 17:36

Just had phone call from Craigy - Wem won and on way to finals - Fantastic!! Get in there. :clap::clap::clap:

stephen2001

10.03.2007, 17:38

3rd Section Results

1. WEM Jubilee, R. Thorne, 4, 182
2. Matlock, R. Jepson, 12, 181
3. Wellington (Telford), S. Curtis, 8, 180
4. Leicestershire Co-op, G. Jacklin, 1, 179
5. University of Warwick, S. Hogg, 13, 178
6. Bakewell Silver, M. Wilcockson, 6, 177
7. Avonbank (Evesham), N. Smith, 10, 176
8.Arrow Valley Brass, A. Culshaw, 2, 175
9. City of Birmingham, W. Belshaw, 5, 174
10. Rushden Windmill, R. Graves, 15, 173
11. Newhall, M. Phillips, 3, 172
12. Dronfield CMW, A. Tyler, 7, 171
13. Audley Brass, C. Fox, 9, 170
14. Kirkby Colliery Welfare, S. Berrill, 11, 169
15. Moulton ‘77, H. Gibbs, 14, 168
16. Malvern Hills District, M. West, 16, 167
Syston, D. Powell, w

Top 3 bands qualify.

From www.4barsrest.com

Well done Wem and the other qualifiers!! :)

MRSH

10.03.2007, 17:40

In Order

Section 3

Belvedere Park Club
Adjudicators: David Horsfield & Steve Pritchard-Jones
Draw: 10.00am & 12.00pm
Commences: 11.00am

Bands

1. WEM Jubilee, R. Thorne, 4, 182
2. Matlock, R. Jepson, 12, 181
3. Wellington (Telford), S. Curtis, 8, 180
4. Leicestershire Co-op, G. Jacklin, 1, 179
5. University of Warwick, S. Hogg, 13, 178
6. Bakewell Silver, M. Wilcockson, 6, 177
7. Avonbank (Evesham), N. Smith, 10, 176
8. Arrow Valley Brass, A. Culshaw, 2, 175
9. City of Birmingham, W. Belshaw, 5, 174
10. Rushden Windmill, R. Graves, 15, 173
11. Newhall, M. Phillips, 3, 172
12. Dronfield CMW, A. Tyler, 7, 171
13. Audley Brass, C. Fox, 9, 170
14. Kirkby Colliery Welfare, S. Berrill, 11, 169
15. Moulton ‘77, H. Gibbs, 14, 168
16. Malvern Hills District, M. West, 16, 167

Syston, D. Powell, w

Top 3 bands qualify.

Courtesy of 4barsrest (http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=5222)

Aardvark

10.03.2007, 17:49

Just had phone call from Craigy - Wem won and on way to finals - Fantastic!! Get in there. :clap::clap::clap:

Well done Craigy - absolutely over the moon for you. Wondering if you will get down from Cloud 9 in time for the finals though :biggrin:

satchmo shaz

10.03.2007, 17:51

best wishes to Wem and Matlock also Wellington:clap:

Straightmute

10.03.2007, 18:01

Congratulations to Roger and all at Wem. Great result. See you in Harrogate!

David

Heather

10.03.2007, 18:05

Many Congratulations Roger and everyone at Wem. Great result!!

sparkling_quavers

10.03.2007, 18:17

congrats to wem and matlock too!

Ruthless

10.03.2007, 18:20

Wem...what a wonderful result. Obviously some hard work has gone into your performance. Well, I might have to come along to Harrogate to see you all at the finals.

See Craigy we told you, you were "Super"

westburykid

10.03.2007, 18:22

Well done again Matlock, especially Dave, Charlotte and Derek. I guess you won the Trombone prize again?

Hope we have such a good day tomorrow.

cornetblower

10.03.2007, 18:24

Well done Roger, Salli, Craigy & eveyone at Wem - fantastic result

dyl

10.03.2007, 18:24

Huge congratulations to Roger and all at Wem, from everyone at Deiniolen.

stephen2001

10.03.2007, 18:24

1st Section top 4

1. Gresley Colliery, R. Grantham, 18, 188
2. Derwent Brass, K. Leonard, 16, 187
3. Jackfield (Elcock Reisen), J. Maines, 1, 185
4. Enderby, H. Thomas, 9, 183

Courtesy of www.4barsrest.com

KMJ Recordings

10.03.2007, 18:25

Nice one Roger and Wem - you can record your CD as Area Champions :biggrin::clap:

stephen2001

10.03.2007, 18:46

1st Section Results

1. Gresley Colliery, R. Grantham, 18, 188
2. Derwent Brass, K. Leonard, 16, 187
3. Jackfield (Elcock Reisen), J. Maines, 1, 185
4. Enderby, H. Thomas, 9, 183
5. Glossop Old, J. Davies, 2, 182
6. Foresters Brass 2000, P. Collins, 7, 181
7. Shirley, M. Ford, 11, 180
8. Ibstock Brick Brass, G. Sutton, 10, 179
9. Brackley & District, J. Glynn, 3, 178
10. Wigston, G. Sleath, 8, 177
11. Hathern, D. Newman, 15, 176
12. Bedworth Brass, C. Randle, 12, 175
13. Tintwistle, D. Shutter, 5, 174
14. Riddings, B. Grant, 6, 173
15. Towcester Studio, B. Johnson, 4, 172
16. Hopkins Blidworth Welfare, G. Hawley, 14, 171
17. Shirland Welfare Training, M. Smith, 13, 170
18. Stourport-on-Severn, D. Morgan, 17, 160
Snibston & Desford, K. Steward, w

Top 3 qualify

Courtesy of www.4barsrest.com

dyl

10.03.2007, 18:55

And congrats to the Gresley dudes too!

Baldeagle

10.03.2007, 18:58

Well done Mr Perks

satchmo shaz

10.03.2007, 19:03

well done Gresley and Derwent:clap: and Jackfield too. I thought Enderby were good too;)

Baritonedeaf

10.03.2007, 19:26

vcbjet

10.03.2007, 19:35

Absolutely gutted with our 13th - really disappointing result, however remarks seemed fair although there were some interesting points raised!

Oh well there is always next year.............................................. .......................................

SuperMosh

10.03.2007, 19:40

And congrats to the Gresley dudes too!

Thanks Dyl and well done to all the bands today!

Brian Kelly

10.03.2007, 20:03

Congratulations and well done done to Roger, Craig, and all at Wem!:clap:

sheilawinter

10.03.2007, 20:12

And congrats to the Gresley dudes too!
we couldnt of played it any better
as it says in the remarks that we were super
BIG THANKS TO SUPER DOOPER DICKYG OUR SUPER CONDUCTOR

NOW THE BEST CONDUCTOR IVE EVER PLAYED UNDER:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :woo :woo :guiness

Flutey

10.03.2007, 20:40

Yes, congrats Gresley!!! Check out my thread in our area!

Sheila, your use of smileys and "sooper dooper" is getting scarily like Ian! ;)

xxx

Roger Thorne

10.03.2007, 20:58

A big thank you to everyone who has sent best wishes and messages of congratulations. It really means a lot to have so many good friends from other bands - all thanks to tMP. :tup

Personally I would like to congratulate Matlock, Wellington and Leicester Co-op for making this an extremely well fought contest. Personally I thought the standard of playing was very high and think it was anyone's guess who would take the top slot.

Also a big congrats to Gresley (well done Mr. Perks) and to Jackfield in the First Section. :clap:

Let's hope Porthywaen Silver can qualify tomorrow, which would mean that all the Shropshire bands competing will have all made it through to Harrogate.

Once again, many thanks

Roger

;)

BarneyEuph

10.03.2007, 21:00

Well done to all prize winners today - very disappointed with 9th and some bizarre comments for our band - that is life i suppose!

Heard a few bands today and i though many played well in the 3rd section.

Nice one. Congrats to those promoted to the 2nd section too, think Leics Co-Op must be up and A N other, well played.

Good luck to all for tomorrow, i will be stewarding somewhere in the Belvedere Club - say hello if you see me! :-D

We are going up thanks. Think we suffered from the no. 1 draw. Oh well. Having received feedback from the other people who listened to other bands, know we played really well. Looking forward to 2nd section.

super_sop

10.03.2007, 22:04

I would like to add my thanks to all those that have congratulated us on our winning performance today.

It really was a huge surprise to me for us to be named as the winning band. i thought we had done enough to be placed in the top 6.

But WOW! what an experience today has been

I would like to personaly thank all the members of our band who have been so suportive over the last two weeks.

For those that dont know i lost my Grandad just over a week ago so the last two weeks preperation have been for me personaly very difficult indeed, and I know i could not have got through these two weeks without the fantastic suport of my family, band members and Mr thorne especially, who has been absolutely fantastic.

I hope Roger wont mind if i dedicate my part in our performance to my late Grandad.

Rest in peace Grandad

Congratulations to all of the prize winners this afternoon:tup

See you in Harogate:bounce:bounce:bounce:bounce:bounce:bounce :bounce

masefield

10.03.2007, 22:18

Hi Craig
Just got back from Burton and James' rehearsal with Sovereign tonight. Many congrats to you all at Wem for your win today. After me and James congratulating you - we both knew what you have been through and left you to it.

Its good that Shropshire will be well represented at Harrogate with you and Wellington from the 3rd Section and Jackfield in the first.

Will be going back tomorrow for the Championship section.

All the best - btw we're surprised that you are back home as James did mention to me that might have sank a few jars of the hard stuff in Burton. Cheers for now

postie

10.03.2007, 22:31

Ruthless

10.03.2007, 22:56

Richard, hope this is the start of many good things to come. I'm really pleased for you and Gresley.

Whoo Hoo

10.03.2007, 22:59

Richard, hope this is the start of many good things to come. I'm really pleased for you and Gresley.

Whoo Hoo

so am I - I spoke to a delighted Richard earlier

cheers

John R

imthemaddude

10.03.2007, 23:06

All the best - btw we're surprised that you are back home as James did mention to me that might have sank a few jars of the hard stuff in Burton. Cheers for now
Just a few?!

imthemaddude

10.03.2007, 23:10

So 4br's favourites have both been drawn number 1 in the 1st and 3rd Sections. That could make things a bit interesting!
Yea think they predicted the draw not the result!!

Big Twigge

10.03.2007, 23:24

I'd like to say that, as usual, it was a delight to play for Wem! I can't wait until Harrogate and the effort shown today makes it all worth while! Well done to all those people who had super hard exposed bits - you played so well that it made it easier for the rest of us to do our bits!

Well done to all the other bands too, especially the Shropshire ones - it's good to see the county well represented!

P.S to all Wem people who weren;t at the curry house, Lynchie said well done!

imthemaddude

10.03.2007, 23:39

On a personal note i'm gutted with just missing out on my hat trick of trips to the finals but I know the band can be proud of what they achieved in the last year and with such a super guy in the middle to lead it. Can we have Midlands 3rd Section National Anthem trophy....surely we won that? Anyway...we're still the nicest band anyone could wish to be apart of, still gonna be working our hardest to enjoy what we do and play well because of it....still gonna be promoted to 2nd section and best of all....I've still got to go to work on Monday :rolleyes:

Roger Thorne

10.03.2007, 23:59

Well done to all those people who had super hard exposed bits

:eek:

imthemaddude

11.03.2007, 00:02

:eek:

The apassionate?

2nd trom virtuoso

11.03.2007, 00:36

Congratualations to Gresley Colliery, A relative of mine, Ron Clay was a very close supporter and stalwert of that band but sadly passed away last year, would have been chuffed to bits to finally see promotion to the championship section.

Well done to all the other winners for the Saturday as well and good luck, particuly to the virtuosi GUS band tomorrow!

Mr Guinness

11.03.2007, 01:17

imthemaddude

11.03.2007, 01:28

Have I read it wrong or were Stourport really 10 points below the band above them?

ian perks

11.03.2007, 01:41

And congrats to the Gresley dudes too!
Cheers Dyl:clap: Fellow LIVERPOOL Fan.It was a Rafa Benitez performance

Well done Mr Perks
Cheers thank you Ray .Its as not even registred with me yet im past on cloud 9

well done Gresley
Many Thanks we are in Orbit

we couldnt of played it any better

BIG THANKS TO SUPER DOOPER DICKYG OUR SUPER CONDUCTOR

SUPER DOOPER DICKY G YOURE THE BEST:clap:

Yes, congrats Gresley!!! Check out my thread in our area!

Flute dont worry we will do;)

Also a big congrats to Gresley (well done Mr. Perks) in the First Section. :clap:

;)
Many thanks my mate we were just awsome from first to last note:clap:

But also even bigger congrats to Gresley had Ian Perks on the phone earlier absolutely delighted. Hopefully the gold dust will sprinkle on us as our rehearsal is at Gresley tomorrow.
You can rely on that Richard.
Yes i was really absolutely delighted BAND are on a very long journey still on the BIG ROCKET that went up when
with 188 Points the band that played number
18:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
was announced:woo :woo :woo

Well after saying a individual thank you to all who have given their best wishes for GRESLEY COLLIERY BAND who WON the first section midland area on saturday 10 march with our super dooper conductor DICKY G.
I will now say;
Last year was the worst year our band as ever had with so much sad news with the loss of 4 non playing members 2006 was not to be .
One of those deaths was my own DAD and belive me if there was anyone who i wanted to be there today then it would have been him.
But i know he was looking down on our band when we played along with our Chairman:Mr Ron Clay
Mr Tim Kirkby(Father of our 4th man Matthew Kirkby)
Keith Box a good friend of our old conductor David Hutchinson.
Its been 28 years since i last won a area championship and i never thought i would never win one again.
But when you give and put in 100%+ yourself along with the rest of the band who have been just brilliant following the disapointment of the Butlins Result in January we all said
Its Onward and Upward when we started to practise for the midland area contest and its through Hard work and top commitment with turn outs of not less than 23 for the last 6 weeks that pay off in the end.
But more important a massive thank you to our Conductor
Richard Grantham(Dicky G ) for all his hard work:clap: :clap:

Euphy Tony

11.03.2007, 07:04

Good Luck to everyone today were on our way !!!!!

postie

11.03.2007, 07:18

We are off shortly to pick a couple of players up. So good luck to everyone today see you all at Belvedere. Come on Bestwood I know we can do it!!!!!

jasonG

11.03.2007, 08:07

Good luck Lynda and to you all at Raunds today...I'll come and have a listen if I can!!

Big Twigge

11.03.2007, 08:09

Well done to all those people who had super hard exposed bits

:eek:

If only i'd written that intentionally I'd be a comedy genius!

dawny

11.03.2007, 08:23

well done to derwent and jackfield should be good representation for first section in harrogate. our result certainly pleased us i just hope we can deliver next time

SuperMosh

11.03.2007, 10:24

A big congratulations to Wem on there great victory. But also even bigger congrats to Gresley had Ian Perks on the phone earlier absolutely delighted. Hopefully the gold dust will sprinkle on us as our rehearsal is at Gresley tomorrow.

It worked for us! Bass section seats are the best in our rehearsal room but please don't alter the black music stand, it hasn't been touched for 13 years and our Bb Bass player goes all prima donna if it is altered!

Best of luck Postie!

Richard, hope this is the start of many good things to come. I'm really pleased for you and Gresley.

Whoo Hoo

Cheers!

Many thanks from Gresley Band. You're right - no-one would have been happier for the band than Ron. Sadly missed.

Hear hear.

blakeyboy

11.03.2007, 10:46

Roger Thorne

11.03.2007, 11:04

Second & Fourth Sections now up and running:

The Town Hall
Adjudicators: Alan Morrison & Simone Rebello
Draw: 9.00am
Commences: 10.00am

Second Section Draw:

Bilton Silver (Rugby), B. Clarke, 2
Carlton Brass, W. Ritchie BEM, 9
City of Coventry Brass, S. Cooper, 4
Daventry Brass, N. Howard, 10
Harborough, C. Groom, 1
Long Eaton Silver Prize, S. Stansfield, 12
Phoenix West Midlands Brass, D. Maplestone, 7
Porthywaen Silver, D. Thomas, 8
Shirebrook MW Unison, M. Wilcockson, 5
Stamford Brass, J. Fletcher, 11
Unity Brass, R. Boulter, 3
West Mercia Constabulary, D. Bishop-Rowe, 6

Fourth Section

Belvedere Park Club
Adjudicators: David Horsfield & Steve Pritchard-Jones
Draw: 9.00am & 12.00pm
Commences: 10.00am

Draw:

Amington, W. Kendrick, 4
Bestwood Welfare Black Diamonds, B. Draper, 10
Burbage (Buxton), S. Critchlow, 2
Corby Silver, K. Espin, 11
Creswell Colliery, R. Woffinden, 16
Croft Silver, S. Burton, 12
Cubbington Silver, P. Johnson, 9
Dunchurch, M. Dutton, 19
Fairfield (Buxton), C. Kitchen, 18
Hathern ‘B’, M. Cooper, 1
Ilkeston Brass, D. Jones, 20
Ireland Colliery Chesterfield, I. Knapton, 14
Market Rasen RPC, A. Needham, 13
Melton, C. Hartley, 21
Newstead Youth, P. Whyley, 15
Ratby Co-operative Mid, G. Newman, 6
Rolls Royce (Derby), G. Cardwell, 22
Rushden Town, P. Lewsey, 7
Shipston Town, H. Gibbs, 8
Swineshead Silver, S. Drew, 3
Thoresby Colliery Youth, C. Gent, 17
Trentham Brass, M. Caveney, 23
Welbeck Estates, T. Iles, W
Whitwell, D. Fretwell, 5

(split draw)

Good luck to all the bands competing today.

Courtesy of 4barsrest (http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=5222)

lausonbass

11.03.2007, 11:15

Smiffy

11.03.2007, 11:30

Have I read it wrong or were Stourport really 10 points below the band above them?

no...mistype from 4bars rest I imagine....169 points on our adjudications...

well done to the bands that qualified !

katej

11.03.2007, 12:08

Just wanted to say good luck to those competing today and a big

WOOHOOO for Wellington yesterday..

1st year in 3rd section and a respectable 3rd place meaning we qualify for the finals again!

Also congratulations to Wem on their 1st place and Jackfield on their 3rd placing!

Come on Shropshire!

The Eggman

11.03.2007, 13:09

Well done to all at Wem yesterday
Best wishes for the nationals, Pete Ellis , Malpas.

daveredhead

11.03.2007, 13:10

I would like to congratulate Roger and the WEM bad for coming first in 3rd sec at Burton , Was over the moon when got results, Great news, great bunch of people Well Done and hope you continue to have more success, Can i play third triangle at harrogate

mr b

11.03.2007, 15:53

Results: 2ND Section c/o 4barsrest

1. Phoenix West Midlands Brass, D. Maplestone, 7, 185
2. Harborough, C. Groom, 1, 183
3. Carlton Brass, W. Ritchie BEM, 9, 182
4. City of Coventry Brass, S. Cooper, 4, 181
5. Unity Brass, R. Boulter, 3, 180
6. Long Eaton Silver Prize, S. Stansfield, 12, 179
7. West Mercia Constabulary, D. Bishop-Rowe, 6, 178
8. Stamford Brass, J. Fletcher, 11, 177
9. Daventry Brass, N. Howard, 10, 176
10. Bilton Silver (Rugby), B. Clarke, 2, 175
11. Shirebrook MW Unison, M. Wilcockson, 5, 174
12. Porthywaen Silver, D. Thomas, 8, 173

andreab

11.03.2007, 17:03

Hi
Did any band get any comments at all about their soprano and solo horn players' performances?

The adjudicators said, in their summary before the results were given, that the parts were so difficult that they weren't going to worry if there were mistakes (or words to that effect...my interpretation...can anyone remember exactly?).

So I just wondered if all playing of their solo parts, whether they managed it or not, was discounted?

dickyg

11.03.2007, 17:12

Yeah, well done to all at Gresley, nice to see you back to form.

Especially to Richard Grantham; top bloke - you warmed my Rep seat nicely at Newstead for me whilst I took the failed 1 year Uni sabatical hahaha, that man has got himself a taste of the midlands silverware, beware he's coming to get us all, haha!

Well done also to my buddy Lucy, ain't seen you in a while pettle, hopefully see you today if you're around.

Guess the spoils of victory come to those who work hardest, and I know that Richard works very hard and I'm sure the band follow suit.

Good on yer all!

cheers old boy but less of the warming your seat!!!! (people will talk)

Gresley are a top bunch of people and I am so proud of them. I know how much yesterday means to them all. They did everything that I asked of them and created a memorable performance that was musical at all times.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself on stage as I always do.

Good luck Blake, Issiah is a cracker of a piece.

super_sop

11.03.2007, 17:16

Must admit i dont rememer any of the summing up, so i cant help with that i'm afraid.
But
The comments we had about ours were secure opening, well done soloists.
I did think that our coments were very constructive, a big well done to the adjudicators (for once!!)

bagpuss

11.03.2007, 18:05

Thanks to all for the comments about our win yesterday. I knew when we came off stage we'd played well but I didn't think we'd played quite THAT well!! Amazing feeling after being away from the contest arena for a little while to come back and win straight away. To make it that little bit sweeter it's the bands 30th anniversary this year too! The comments were very constructive. However, it's unfortunate that we won't be able to get the heads of our bass section through the door at next rehearsal as they had lots (too many?) positive comments about their performance yesterday!! I enjoyed the piece although glad it's over now especially THAT perucssion bit that had me somewhat concerned when i lost the ability to link brain and arms at Fridays rehearsal.

Didn't see many tMP people at Belvedere club yesterday. I was wearing my tMP shirt but didn't see any others.

See you all at Harrogate

Puss

Tom-King

11.03.2007, 18:06

I thought your vocal solo during the results was most impressive Craigy... the dance added so much...

(to anyone that wasnt there - if you were there, youd have heard it - Craig was there punching the air and yelling "SUPER SOPP!!!" as loud as he could :p)

imthemaddude

11.03.2007, 19:04

Cubbington have won the 4th section!

brighteyed16

11.03.2007, 19:06

do u know where newstead youth came??

imthemaddude

11.03.2007, 19:06

I knew from the day I knew the piece it was their type of piece - excellent sop and horn player.

lynchie

11.03.2007, 19:41

Well done to Wem! I knew you guys were just being modest in the bar... Best of luck in Harrogate!

I'm quite pleased with our 5th place considering my epic mistake of being entirely unable to count 4 bars, although it didn't even get mentioned in the remarks! In general I thought the adjudicators comments were pretty good this year. Anyway, hopefully next year we'll play all the notes and get to the finals!

imthemaddude

11.03.2007, 19:45

do u know where newstead youth came??

2nd I believe with Amington 3rd but I only know that through texts

Baritonedeaf

11.03.2007, 20:40

Cubbington 1st
Newstead Youth 2nd
Amington 3rd
Rolls Royce 4th
Trentham 5th (i think)

A super days playing in the 4th Section - there was a superb standard of playing a very enjoyable piece (even on the 23rd listen!) - well done to all bands, the 4th Section did the midlands proud today.

Taking the cards it was great to see so many (very) youngsters playing and Bands having a great day of playing regardless of the result.

I enjoyed my day of officialdom too :-D

postie

11.03.2007, 20:47

I will help with the results:

1st Cubbington 180
2nd Newstead Youth 179
3rd Amington 178
4th Rolls Royce 177
5th Rushden Town 176
I Believe that was the draw delegate said in front of us said when she opened her envelope at the end.
6th?
7th Thoresby Colliery Youth 174
8th Bestwood Black Diamonds 173

14th Whitwell
15th Creswell
18th Ireland Colliery

A long day should help Bestwood as regards grading tables.

baritone impresario

11.03.2007, 20:55

Anybody worked out whos up and down in all sections yet?

super_sop

11.03.2007, 20:57

well, I'm still pretty up after yesterday, think it might be a while before I'm down again!

hpbflug

11.03.2007, 20:58

well done to everyone in the first section, it's always dissapointing when the adjudicators say that they were dissappointed with the performances. well done esspecially the top bands.

an extra well done to my fellow foresters, not bad for the first year in the 1st section.:D

Hey Laura! Are you about...

Indeed, a bit fat well done to all the bands in this year's first section - as much as we enjoyed working on Ball's test piece, it's quite a refreshing thought that we probably wont have to play it again for a very long time!!

Great to see some Leicestershire bands do really well and a special shout out to Foresters who did really well as one of the new guns in the 1st section! :clap:

x

mr b

11.03.2007, 21:03

Results: 4th Section c/o 4barsrest

1. Cubbington Silver, P. Johnson, 9, 180
2. Newstead Youth, P. Whyley, 15, 179
3. Amington, W. Kendrick, 4, 178
4. Rolls Royce (Derby), G. Cardwell, 22, 177
5. Rushden Town, P. Lewsey, 7, 176
6. Trentham Brass, M. Caveney, 23, 175
7. Thoresby Colliery Youth, C. Gent, 17, 174
8. Bestwood Welfare Black Diamonds, B. Draper, 10, 173
9. Burbage (Buxton), S. Critchlow, 2, 172
10. Market Rasen RPC, A. Needham, 13, 171
11. Ratby Co-operative Mid, G. Newman, 6, 170
12. Fairfield (Buxton), C. Kitchen, 18, 169
13. Croft Silver, S. Burton, 12, 167
14. Whitwell, D. Fretwell, 5, 166
15. Creswell Colliery, R. Woffinden, 16, 165
16. Corby Silver, K. Espin, 11, 164
17. Dunchurch, M. Dutton, 19, 163
18. Ireland Colliery Chesterfield, I. Knapton, 14, 162
19. Swineshead Silver, S. Drew, 3, 161
20. Shipston Town, H. Gibbs, 8, 160
21. Melton, C. Hartley, 21, 159
22. Hathern ‘B’, M. Cooper, 1, 158
23. Ilkeston Brass, D. Jones, 20, 157
Welbeck Estates, T. Iles, W

postie

11.03.2007, 21:03

Full results from 4BR for 4th Section:

1. Cubbington Silver, P. Johnson, 9, 180
2. Newstead Youth, P. Whyley, 15, 179
3. Amington, W. Kendrick, 4, 178
4. Rolls Royce (Derby), G. Cardwell, 22, 177
5. Rushden Town, P. Lewsey, 7, 176
6. Trentham Brass, M. Caveney, 23, 175
7. Thoresby Colliery Youth, C. Gent, 17, 174
8. Bestwood Welfare Black Diamonds, B. Draper, 10, 173
9. Burbage (Buxton), S. Critchlow, 2, 172
10. Market Rasen RPC, A. Needham, 13, 171
11. Ratby Co-operative Mid, G. Newman, 6, 170
12. Fairfield (Buxton), C. Kitchen, 18, 169
13. Croft Silver, S. Burton, 12, 167
14. Whitwell, D. Fretwell, 5, 166
15. Creswell Colliery, R. Woffinden, 16, 165
16. Corby Silver, K. Espin, 11, 164
17. Dunchurch, M. Dutton, 19, 163
18. Ireland Colliery Chesterfield, I. Knapton, 14, 162
19. Swineshead Silver, S. Drew, 3, 161
20. Shipston Town, H. Gibbs, 8, 160
21. Melton, C. Hartley, 21, 159
22. Hathern ‘B’, M. Cooper, 1, 158
23. Ilkeston Brass, D. Jones, 20, 157
Welbeck Estates, T. Iles, W

alangiff3

11.03.2007, 21:26

Anybody worked out whos up and down in all sections yet?

I've worked out that it will be Cubbington (8th, 7th, 1st) and Newstead Youth (11(avg), 3rd, 2nd) both on 16 points.

Burbage are on 26pts, Amington, Rolls Royce (Derby) & Market Rasen (RPC) are on 27pts.

MartinBen

11.03.2007, 21:45

Well I heard quite a few of the bands today as we were down almost last to play and Cubbington stood head-and-shoulders above the others I heard so thoroughly deserved to win. Must admit some surprises in the top 10 - one band I heard were all over the place but still got a good result - O well. At least my old band had a good result :)

Craig_Baritone

11.03.2007, 21:59

Anybody worked out whos up and down in all sections yet?

Carlton brass are up to 1st section from janaury 2008

Bradderz!!!

11.03.2007, 21:59

Strange Results 1st Section thats all I can say...

postie

11.03.2007, 22:22

I've worked out that it will be Cubbington (8th, 7th, 1st) and Newstead Youth (11(avg), 3rd, 2nd) both on 16 points.

Burbage are on 26pts, Amington, Rolls Royce (Derby) & Market Rasen (RPC) are on 27pts.

Are you positive about that because Amington came 2nd last year and than didn't play in 2005 they should have 16 as well I would have thought.

GingerMaestro

11.03.2007, 22:37

I would just like to congratulate Cubbington great result.

I would also like to say well done to my band for 7th in thier first year up in the second section, especially Ailith and Sue on Percussion under the circumstances and all the soloist who played well especially Paul Sop and Dave Flugel

Well done eveyone

imthemaddude

11.03.2007, 22:39

GingerMaestro

11.03.2007, 22:42

Well done Martin too.

Cheers Lynda

the form is in the post

blakeyboy

11.03.2007, 22:42

cheers old boy but less of the warming your seat!!!! (people will talk)

Gresley are a top bunch of people and I am so proud of them. I know how much yesterday means to them all. They did everything that I asked of them and created a memorable performance that was musical at all times.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself on stage as I always do.

Good luck Blake, Issiah is a cracker of a piece.

People talk about me too much anyways, I'm used to it hahaha...

Too right mate, you should be proud, like we are of the Youth Band, 2nd year contesting and 2 year qualified, massive result for them, pity we couldn't echo the success of those guys.

Loved playing Isaiah again, 6th isn't a bad result, but as we all know you can never be happy with a result that isn't consistent to last years win, can't really get higher than that can we, hey ho, just have to concentrate even harder on Grand Shield and English Nationals.

Well done again mate.

Euphy Tony

11.03.2007, 22:46

Second Section
What can i Say Very Strange!!

Champ Section
What more Can i Say Even Stranger!!!!!!

imthemaddude

11.03.2007, 22:49

Cheers Lynda

the form is in the post

NO CHANCE!!!! Leicester co-op is the best band I could ever wish to play for.... keep trying :biggrin:

WoodenFlugel

11.03.2007, 22:54

Championship Section Results courtesy of 4BarsRest.com (http://www.4barsrest.com):

The Town Hall
Adjudicators: C. Brian Buckley & David Read
Draw: 12.30pm
Commences: after 2nd Section results

Results:

1. Staffordshire, D. Maplestone, 8, 194
2. Desford Colliery, Nigel Seaman, 11, 192
3. Sovereign Brass, T. Jones, 4, 191
4. Ratby Co-operative, B. Baker, 7, 190
5. Virtuosi GUS, D. Stowell, 1, 189
6. Newstead Brass, D. Beckley, 12, 188
7. Thoresby Colliery, M. Heartfield, 9, 187
8. Jaguar (Coventry), D. Lea, 10, 186
9. Kibworth, J. Berryman, 2, 184
10. Ransome, I. McElligott, 5, 182
11. Langley, C. Parker, 3, 180
12. Raunds Temperance, J. Mott, 6, 179

Top 2 bands qualify

Will the Sec

11.03.2007, 23:03

Second Section
What can i Say Very Strange!!

Champ Section
What more Can i Say Even Stranger!!!!!!

What's strange about it?

The bands that impressed the adjudicator the most were placed.

Unless you have some awe inspiring insight that means the results should have been different?

Tom-King

11.03.2007, 23:05

Unless you have some awe inspiring insight that means the results should have been different?

Of course he does... people who hide all evidence of who they are always do :D

Tom

WoodenFlugel

11.03.2007, 23:12

Well done to the folks at Ratby for a great result today! Really good to see you troubling the top of the results again. :clap:

...and to Huw and everyone at Enderby for a great 4th yesterday. I didn't hear you unfortunately, as I didn't get back into the room in time, but by all accounts you played well and were good value for 4th if not higher. By my rough and ready calculations you could well be back in the top flight next year (though don't quote me on that!).

Also collective "well dones" to Harbourgh, Calton (can't believe you missed qualification by 1 point again! Gutting. But see you in the 1st section next year, and we can resume what was starting to be an interesting rivalry), Leicestershire Co-op and Long Eaton

And finally I couldn't post my congratulations without saying a big fat, well done to Roger and all at Wem for a superb win yesterday. Maybe now 4Bars will stop spelling your name in capitals like an acronym!! Or perhaps rather than "Worst Ever Moment" it could properly stand for "We Excelled Massively"...;) Anyway, whatever, well done.

At this point I was going to transcribe the voicemail message I got from Craig (with a bit of help from Caroline!) but I realised that it would send tMP beeper into overdrive and probably crash the system! Needless to say Craig appeared to be rather pleased with his days efforts. ;)

Well done matey....couldn't have happened to a nicer bunch.

BigHorn

11.03.2007, 23:23

Carlton brass in the 2nd section
Areas 2005 3rd
Butlins 2006 3rd
Areas 2006 3rd
Butlins 2007 3rd
Areas 2007 3rd

Always the brides maid never the bride. But We'll happily take 3rd next year in the 1st section :p

Well done Phoenix and Harborough - good luck for the finals :tup just wish it had been us :frown:

WoodenFlugel

11.03.2007, 23:38

Dammit, I forgot to say this in my last post....

Can I take this opportunity to say a huge "thank you" to Lizzi (known around these parts as horn-girlie) for playing solo horn for us yesterday. You did a superb job, put yourself out a number of times to get to rehearsals, and played excellently yesterday too. I appreciated having such an able player sat next to me, and I know Garry and everyone else at Wigston were super-impressed with your playing. Great job. Thank you!

Hope to see you at the band dinner. :)

(oh, and did anyone mention the 31st?? ;))

Lotta

12.03.2007, 00:06

Well done Phoenix and Harborough - good luck for the finals :tup just wish it had been us :frown:

Thanks!! We are over the moon with the result and our conductor went on to conduct the winning band in the championship section!! Yay!! Thats gotta be a record?

Well done to all the prize winners and I hope all us Midlanders sock it to em at the Nationals!!

x x

4thmandown

12.03.2007, 00:21

Congratulations to all who played at the contest. It is an achievement in itself to perform under contest conditions, regardless of the result. (perhaps something that we should ALL bear in mind)

Well, we came 7th in the 1st. Fairly happy with that. Still waiting to break into the top 6 as 4BR keep telling us. Next year maybe: but would it be right for a happy band who are instructed to tell jokes in registration (liked the parrot joke Millsy!) to go up and go through the top section nonsense.

Pales into insignificance with England beating France, Blackburn reaching the FA Cup semi-final and Edward (finally) arriving into the world on Tuesday afternoon though.

On Cloud 9!!!

Euphy Tony

12.03.2007, 00:30

I DONT HIDE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (if you knew me you would believe that too)

I Just Thought the Results were strange perhaps the adjudicators were in a different room to me and that’s only my opinion don’t get upset you’ll bust a blood vessel hehehe!!!!!

Tom-King

12.03.2007, 00:33

Just find it a little odd that theres no information about who you are - as in, your name?

Too many people post rubbish under hidden names so that noone knows whos opinion it really is :p

Its not personal, its just one of those things that annoys me :p

Tom

Euphy Tony

12.03.2007, 00:40

ok sorry

Hank

Tom-King

12.03.2007, 00:41

Having looked more carefully I can see that there is a band on the profile, though its not obvious :p

And I'm sorry too, for flying off =s

Tom

Euphy Tony

12.03.2007, 00:52

Listen I have no sour grapes on our performance but after many years in this game ive came too learn that it all matters on the day and every adjudicator will always get it wrong to someone but today I just thought it was strange that GUS came nowhere no far be it for me to say the result was wrong now that’s not what im saying but to me I thought they stood out a little more than some of the other bands mentioning no names of course. and as for our section I don’t believe we were as bad as the results show but well we could have played better I think he anyway congrats to all who have qualified

Hank

mell c

12.03.2007, 01:25

never mind hank stranger things have happened. Better luck next time and i no u dont hide lol mell x

Colin D

12.03.2007, 08:22

Impressive stuff from Desford yesterday, even if I was hearing it from back stage! And the missus had Staffs up there with them, and what she says normally goes :o)

Congratulations to the "kids" in the 4th Section as well, cracking result!

Col

Bonesmalone

12.03.2007, 08:35

Congrats to all in the Championships section, Thought the top two were well deserved. Also a very well done to Ratby, I thought you fully deserved a fantastic 4th postion which keeps you up to keep on improving. Bit dissapointed with our 9th postion but that just goes to prove the massive difference in quality between 1st and championship sections, At least we survive another year and will be back all guns blazing next year...

On another note, I had to feel a little sorry for the mayor after the resounding round of boo`s that he recieved after stating "we all know that Burton town hall is the best venue for this contest", I must admit I am on the side of the audience with this one though, The venue is just not good enough.......

scotchgirl

12.03.2007, 09:31

Am still smiling!! lol!

Congratulations to Dai, and to Phoenix and Amington for qualifiying this weekend...and obviously everyone at Staffs!!!

RAH here we come!! lol!

GJacko

12.03.2007, 09:38

Congratulations to Paul and Cubbington. One of the nicest guy's you could ever meet in banding. I'm sure, well deserved.

Congratulations to all the other winners and a special well done to Ratby. Needed that one!!! Great performance. Really enjoyed it.

Jonno

12.03.2007, 10:14

Is it right that Ransomes now face life in the First Section next year ?

I hope not, it would be a huge shame to see another top class band falter purely because, over the past couple of years, players have taken the 'grass is greener' attitude and, in some cases, the lure of money.

It is nice to see an area though where you don't really have a clue who will qualify. A real competition that, over the last few years have seen Desford, Staffs, Newstead, Sovereign, Ransomes, Jaguar, GUS and Thoresby all qualify. 8 different bands out of a section that only has 12 entrants at least makes for an exciting results time.

DanB

12.03.2007, 10:38

That's a really good point Jonno - it could go one of 12 ways! It seems the adjudicators did have it pretty right this time and I don't think there were too many grumbles. I hope Ransomes don't get demoted too - though sometimes a spell down a section can help re-grouping without the top flight pressure. We'll see. My personal congrats to Ratby - what I really like about Ratby is it's about 20 years since I played there (I was very very young, obviously!) and about a third of the players that were there back then are still there now - for a really successful band, I think that's a great achievement in itself!

kierendinno

12.03.2007, 10:38

tubafran

12.03.2007, 11:05

Surely, due to the fact that Ransomes buy everybody in, the lure of money would be greater there than anywhere else...

Is that really a "fact" or just speculation?

DanB

12.03.2007, 11:13

Bonesmalone

12.03.2007, 11:31

I am led to believe that Ransomes have a core of RAF players that play when reqd, But only the well publicised Norwegians have been Bought in for this contest, But of course i dont know this for a fact. Unfortunatley there appears to be a lack of players available from within this country to fill the seats in the top section bands

postie

12.03.2007, 11:33

I think it's well known that Ransomes do pay some key players, but don't 'buy everyone in'. I don't think they're alone in doing that. Is it right to pay players? That's presumably a different conversation for a different forum?!

I think it's a bit unfair to say it's only Ransomes that pay key players quite a few bands are probably doing the same thing. If Ransomes are to be relegated I think it's a great shame but I am sure they will recover.

barrytone

12.03.2007, 11:39

Congratulations to all the winners yesterday, sat through the whole of the Championship Section - what a piece! My only regret is that I had to work the evening of the Yorkshire Area Championship Contest and didn't get to hear these bands perform this piece, Midlands bands more than made up for it though.

GUS set a very high standard off a number one draw, not an easy task. Very impressed with every single baritone player and flugel, not one had a bad day. Percussionists should be very proud of themselves, they were all outstanding. Enjoyed every single performance, so glad I made the journey down from Yorkshire to listen.

Congratulations to Newstead Youth, don't know how you do it Paul, conducting Youth band then racing over to Town Hall to play for Newstead Brass. Thought Newstead Brass played magnificently, for me, most enjoyable performance of the day, although it failed to find favour with the adjudicatiors. It made me cry with emotion and smile with joy, congratulations to you all, can't wait to hear you again.

Very impressed with the organisation of contest, the fact there aren't the facilities regarding refreshments that other contests had, failed to intrude on my enjoyment. The stewards were very helpful and because the building is smaller than other regional venues, you can take a break between bands and be back in time for the performance of the next band.

Good luck to all the band who qualified for the finals, I will certainly be making the journey down to the Midlands again to listen to the contest next year.

TheMusicMan

12.03.2007, 11:39

Surely, due to the fact that Ransomes buy everybody in, the lure of money would be greater there than anywhere else...Even if that were true (and I have no idea if it is or not), it is not against the rules and so is allowed. If this is what a band wishes to do, then as per current rules there is nothing wrong with doing it.

kierendinno

12.03.2007, 11:40

I think it's a bit unfair to say it's only Ransomes that pay key players quite a few bands are probably doing the same thing. If Ransomes are to be relegated I think it's a great shame but I am sure they will recover.

I think there are more deserving bands who should be in the top section than Ransomes... The likes of Thoresby, Newstead etc don't spend the money Ransome need to spend to compete. And at least at the majority of the Midland's top section bands, they will have almost a full band at their next rehearsal, and not have to wait 2 weeks before a contest to find out who will be playin or even who is conducting them. Obviously Ransomes lack of a solid base has caught up with them...

postie

12.03.2007, 11:49

After our pretty disastrous result of 18th last year. I think Bestwood were pretty pleased to come inside the top 10 yesterday. 8th not too bad something too build on and at least it will help as regards the grading tables. I would like to thank Star TMP member Claire Spong for coming to help to help us out on Sop she did a fantastic job for us and really hope she enjoyed it.

Jonesy

12.03.2007, 12:09

On another note, I had to feel a little sorry for the mayor after the resounding round of boo`s that he recieved after stating "we all know that Burton town hall is the best venue for this contest", I must admit I am on the side of the audience with this one though, The venue is just not good enough.......

He got my back up when he said that the Midlands is the best contest because 'Yorkshire is a foregone conclusion' - not last weekend it wasn't :D

DanB

12.03.2007, 12:19

I think it's well known that Ransomes do pay some key players, but don't 'buy everyone in'. I don't think they're alone in doing that.
I think it's a bit unfair to say it's only Ransomes that pay key players quite a few bands are probably doing the same thing.

***

Yes - that's why I said "I don't think they're alone in doing that" !!

yorkie19

12.03.2007, 12:29

Surely, due to the fact that Ransomes buy everybody in, the lure of money would be greater there than anywhere else...

That's utter ****. Most players in the band don't get paid.

I have the greatest respect for the band, and it's core of players who worked ****** hard to get a band to turn out at the Area.

It seems that some people will damn a band whether it goes to the Areas or not. Sadly, there are bands falling away all over the country, and as a movement, we are up in arms about this, and rightly so.

However, when a band then does it's utmost to get to the Finals, there are then some people in the movement that damn the band and seem to take delight in the fact that they fail.

rutty

12.03.2007, 12:49

I'm going to agree with Yorkie - Ransomes must have moved heaven and earth just to play at the area this year. They've had a rough old time with players recently by all accounts.

I've been lucky enough to play at a couple of their concerts and they're a great bunch. It'll be a shame to see them in the first section next year, if that turns out to be the case. Anyone worked out the tables yet?

Anyway, well done to the prize winners this year. I actually came to quite like Carnival a little bit ;¬)

I'm a little cheesed off about coming third again! Three years on the trot we've missed out on the Nationals by one place. Gah! Well, there are plenty of other bands that would have taken that place if offered it, so we're all pleased to have done well and be going up to the first section next year.

We'll certainly be pleased with a third place then!