Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) conducted by Simon Platford claimed the top section honours and the £200 top prize at the recent Weston Super Mare contest, with a sparkling performance of Martin Ellerby's ‘Chivalry’.

Closely fought

In addition to picking up the Town Mayor’s Cup, the band’s principal cornet James Roberts was awarded the Bill Buzza Memorial Trophy as ‘Best Solo Cornet’ by adjudicator, Dr Chris Davis OBE.

In a closely fought contest Lanner & District Silver directed by Stuart Chappell, who performed ‘Salome’ by Gareth Wood, ended just a point behind, with Chalford conducted by Steve Tubb in third with their rendition of Bramwell Tovey’s ‘Coventry Variations’.

Twelve bands provided a wide range of music for the audience to enjoy in the Prince Concert auditorium which was filled almost to capacity throughout the day.

Resume

In a succinct resume, Chris Davis stressed the importance of MDs choosing challenging but relevant test piece applicable to their bands, pointing out that the technical demands and how well these had been executed was a key factor in the results.

A successful day’s competition, managed splendidly by John Woods and Brian Elliott of SWBBA, with stewarding from Weston Brass, saw 30 bands travelling substantial distances to enjoy the Winter Gardens facilities and those of the nearby refurbished Grand Pier.

Full day

John Woods told 4BR: "The original field of 35 bands was depleted with a small number of withdrawals in the Third Section citing player shortages and illness as the underlying cause. Nevertheless we had a very full day of contesting with bands playing to a full and appreciative audience."

Second Section:

West of England area champion Lympstone South West Telecom led by Charles Fleming carried on their good 2012 form with a clear two point victory in the Second Section to claim the Bailey Trophy and £150 first prize.

Pendennis Brass directed by Steve Thomas was second just ahead of Welsh visitors Blaenavon Town conducted by Andrew Protherough–Jones. Their euphonium player Lynn Davies took the ‘Best Euphonium’ prize.

Third Section:

There was another victory to be enjoyed by West of England Area champion Bream Silver in the Third Section as they picked up the Sun Life Stanshawe Award and £100.

Conducted by Bryn James, they repelled the strong cross border challenge of Welsh area champion Pontypool Brass conducted by Owen Farr and Ynyshir directed by Dean Evans, thanks in part to their formidable prize winning contribution of their ‘Best Basses’.

Fourth Section:

Earlier, the day had started with eight Fourth Section bands impressing adjudicator Philip Harper with what he called, ‘a very high standard with six extremely well delivered performances by probably the best Fourth Section bands I had heard in a long while.’

Philip also took the opportunity of reminding bands of the importance in preparation and delivery of tuning, listening and tempo in his remarks.

There was a Welsh celebration to enjoy for Area champion Severn Tunnel led by young conductor Joshua Ruck, as they beat off the strong challenge of Bratton Silver under Simon Carr and South Molton directed by Gil Taylor to take the West super Mare Trophy and the £100 first prize.

Stephen Smith of Bratton Silver took the ‘Best Soloist’ Award.
Prizes were presented by SWBBA Chairman, Ray Kingdon, and his daughter Susan Oldfield.

In their closing speeches John Woods and Ray Kingdom both paid tribute to Colin Rossiter who until retirement in 2011 had organised this popular West Country seaside event.

Results:

Championship/First Section:
Adjudicator: Dr Chris Davies OBE

1. Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (Simon Platford) — 191pts
2. Lanner & District Silver (Stuart Chappell) — 190pts
3. Chalford (Steve Tubb) — 189pts
4. Portishead Town (Kevin White) — 187pts
5. Verwood Concert Brass (Kevin Smith) — 186pts
6. Yeovil Town (Kevin Robbins) — 185pts
7. Hyde (Helen Kinder) — 184pts
8. Michelmersh Silver (Melvin White) — 183pts
9. Leicestershire Co-op (Graham Jacklin) — 182pts
10. Kidlington Concert Brass (Nigel Howard) — 181pts
11. Rogerstone (James Jones) — 180pts
12. MK Brass (Craig Patterson) — 179pts

Best Solo Cornet: James Roberts – Jackfield (Elcock Reisen)

Second Section:
Adjudicator: Dr Chris Davies OBE

1. Lympstone South West Telecoms (Charles Fleming) — 185pts
2. Pendennis Brass (Steve Thomas) — 183pts
3. Blaenavon Town (Andrew Protherough-Jones) — 181pts
4. AvonBank (Evesham) Brass (Nick Smith) — 180pts

Best Euphonium: Lynn Davies – Blaenavon Town

Third Section:
Adjudicator: Philip Harper

1. Bream Silver (Bryn James) — 183pts
2. Pontypool Brass (Owen Farr) — 182pts
4. Ynyshir (Dean Evans) — 180pts
5. South Molton Town (Gil Taylor) — 178pts

Best Basses: Bream Silver

Fourth Section:
Adjudicator: Philip Harper

1. Severn Tunnel (Joshua Ruck) — 187pts
2. Bratton Silver (Simon Carr) — 186pts
3. South Molton Town (Gil Taylor) — 185pts
4. Launceston Town (Dave Dobson) — 184pts
5. Abertillery District & Youth (Dean Evans) — 182pts
6. Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter) — 181pts
7. Malvern Hills District Brass (Christopher Small) — 178pts
8. Wellington Silver (Gordon Francis) — 177pts

Best Soloist: Stephen Smith – Bratton Silver

Thanks to Brian Elliott, SWBBA