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2011 North of England Regional Championship — Postcard from Darlington

'To be or not to be in Darlington?' The slings and arrows of good fortune were aimed at the Doplhin Centre for certain...

Postcard
Hair today, gone tomorrow...
Pictures: Steve Jack


To paraphrase the old Shakespearean quote; it really was a case of ‘to be or not to be’ in Darlington over the weekend.

Walking through the town centre with the early spring sunshine warming the soul, you almost felt as though you were back in days gone by as in the Market Square, Morris Dancers performed as part of Darlington Borough Council's 'Spring Thing' Festival.

Good manners

Amid the bustle, good manners prevailed; no loitering ‘lagered’ up teenagers, no tacky stalls selling cheap trash – and not a discarded burger wrapper to be seen.   

Once inside the Dolphin Centre there was the usual warm welcome, plenty of friendly faces and a neat line in good humour. Given the choice of Swansea, Stevenage or Darlington – you couldn’t have made a better choice at all.

Quakers Wembley bound

And whilst there was the added bonus that Darlington FC reached  Wembley after beating local rivals Gateshead in the FA Trophy, (the non-league version of the FA Cup), fans of brass banding in the area had plenty to occupy their thoughts as their teams battled to get the Finals of their dreams too.

It made for a very interesting and enjoyable weekend.

Comfort zone

That said, across the five sections, bands and conductors lived and died by the competitive sword – especially in Sections 1 to 3. 

Some very competent musicians found the test pieces chosen for them to overcome to be more tests of character than anything else. That so many came through, battered, bruised, bashed in the lips - but not beaten says a great deal.

They breed them tough up here.

Postcard
Give me more for Ian Robinson and Riverside...

The next king


They also breed them tough in Australia and Hong Kong too, as Brendan Wheeler showed by leading Catterick Brass to victory the Second Section, assisted by the superb contribution of Hiong Lang on euphonium.

As joint debuts go, it wasn’t a bad way to start.

Young talent

The weekend also saw the debut of 17-year-old Callum Harrison, who led Backworth Colliery in the Fourth Section having earlier played soprano in helping Westoe qualify for Cheltenham in the First Section. 

He is going to be a talent to watch out for in the future.  

Meanwhile at the other end of the spectrum, the appearance of Dave Jack with Durham Constabulary demonstrated what tough old contesting is all about too. 

The father of well known banding journalist Steve, Dave walked on stage for the umpteenth time in his long career to play bass trombone and enjoyed every minute of it in the process. His band may not have enjoyed the best contesting luck of late, but it didn’t stop him from enjoying his beloved hobby.

Postcard
Babe Magnet for Trimdon's MD...

Cricket boot


You also have to have skin as tough as on old cricket boot, if in the case of Trimdon’s MD you decide to take to the stage wearing the type of sparkly cowboy hat usually seen on the heads of drunken Geordie lasses on a Blackpool hen party.

Much then for everyone to enjoy – especially Alan Hope, the hard working Regional Secretary who this year celebrated 20 years in the role.

He couldn’t has asked for a better anniversary present than to see his children and grand children qualify for Cheltenham with NASUWT Riverside Concert Brass.

It would have taken the toughest old stony heart not to join him in his celebration (although he very professionally kept back the tears of joy) when the band was announced as Fourth Section winners.

Nationals winner?

So could there be a National winner from these parts come the autumn?

Maybe, just maybe:  Reg Vardy and EYMS will know they'll face stiff opposition in London, but in Cheltenham there will be a few bands fancying their chances on the form they showed on the weekend.

Whatever happens, everyone will be back here in a year's time.  Darlington really is an enjoyable place ‘to be’, even if its only for a brass band contest.

Malcolm Wood



Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Mereside Brass

July 9 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


Mereside Brass

July 9 • MERESIDE BRASS have a vacancy for a SOLO CORNET player maybe PRINCIPAL for the right player. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs, occasional contests & socials. Players of all ages & sections are welcome to visit or join us


Petworth Town Band

July 7 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, TUBA and BASS TROMBONE. We are an enthusiastic band with a full calendar of engagements. We would welcome you to join us and our inspirational MD Paula Streeter.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

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