2020 Champion: NASUWT Riverside

Second Place: City of Hull

Third Place: Reg Vardy

Best Euphonium: Melanie Ornsby — City of Hull

Best Tubas: NASUWT Riverside

Best Soprano: Phil Tait — NASUWT Riverside

Best Cornet: Reg Vardy

Best Percussion: NASUWT Riverside

Result:

Championship Section:

Test Piece: A Tale as Yet Untold (Philip Sparke)
Adjudicators: Sheona Wade & David Hirst

1. NASUWT Riverside (Prof. Nicholas J Childs)*
2. City of Hull (Stig Maersk)*
3. Reg Vardy (Russell Gray)
4. Fishburn (Lee Skipsey)
5. Easington Colliery (Daniel Brooks)
6. Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton)
7. Westoe (Aidan Hodgson)

Withdrawn: Harrogate (Leigh Baker)

Best Soprano: Phil Tait (NASUWT Riverside)
Best Principal Cornet: Reg Vardy
Best Euphonium: Melanie Ornsby (City of Hull)
Best Trombone: City of Hull
Best Baritone Reg Vardy
Best Tubas: NASUWT Riverside
Best Percussion: NASUWT Riverside

*Qualify for National Final

Championship Section:

Malcolm Wood's round up and prediction:

A real reminder if any were needed of the demands of true Championship Section banding today. Philip Sparke's music was a 'Tale that not many told' and the piece certainly got the better of a number of bands. It may not be a popular view but true top section playing really did come under scrutiny at times today.

At the top its between Riverside and Reg Vardy and depending on how the judges (Sheona Wade, David Hirst) feel it could go either way for the title. Both though for us have done enough for Kensington berths in the autumn.

Behind them it's a scrap between City of Hull and Fishburn to make up the top four

4BR Prediction:

1. NASUWT Riverside
2. Reg Vardy
3. City of Hull
4. Fishburn

Dark Horse: Easington Coliery

Championship Section:

7. Fishburn (Lee Skipsey)

A passionate account full of musical intent by Lee Skipsey that bristled with as much bounce and energy as Zebedee from the Magic Roundabout.

The intensity was evident from the first notes: It bubbled along with a persuasive pulse and whilst not always cultured on the ear, it drew you in.

In the middle section, a real sense of purpose about the delivery and execution. The cadenzas engaged with a touch of finesse but caution at others. The chorale was impressive and well handled.

To close, a finale that didn't hold back and was full of adrenaline and desire. The clarity came through, but there were moments of unease too. The excitement was there but whether it resonated in the box remains to be seen.

Championship Section:

6. Easington Colliery (Daniel Brooks))

A bold one from Easington built by an MD full of energy and confidence after making a mark with Elland a week ago in Yorkshire.

The intentions were clear from the middle but the execution at times was a tad wayward which was a real pity,

In the opening section there was confidence balanced with moments of caution, whilst the dynamics didn't quite feel comfortable at times.

The central section had a purpose with a real of sense of musicality about it. The cadenzas were confident but a touch edgy. The chorale though was very impressively delivered. The belief of the players that the music could come out allowed them to relax.

Real pace in the finale but a bit too brisk for all the clarity and detail to come through with purpose and intent. There were fragilities and it was robust on the ear with the dynamics sounding a touch OTT at times.

Championship Section:

5. City of Hull (Stig Maersk)

A 'Tale' that benefited greatly from an astute musical reading from Stig Maersk whose intelligent approach worked well today — not to mention Alan Morrison on soprano. Not only did the MD maximise the resources but gave the players the freedom to play with rich confidence.

The opening had a delightful sheen, detailed with impressive dynamics. The music was given a great deal of respect by the MD with some impressive melodic lines.

The central section has a luscious feel. The cadenzas were tasteful without being over done. There was the odd risk from the MD, but he believed in his players and they responded.

The finale had some nifty playing on show. The pace was well handled but it was one that the players could respond to. It wasn't short of energy let alone momentum and whilst the odd gear change was not seamless the close made an impression.

Interesting to see what the judges make of it and whether it gets mentioned in potential qualification dispatches later on.

Championship Section:

4. Reg Vardy (Russell Gray)

With victories with Foden's and the cooperation band, MD Russell Gray not surprisingly cut his 'Tale' from the same musical cloth with an account that made a huge impression.

This had all the MDs trademarks in his approach; crystal clear in how the piece should unfold with beautiful colouring in addition to the balances and textures.

What a lovely opening too — bold but rich in dynamics that were razor sharp in definition. The detail was vivid and lifted from the page. This was high quality stuff.

What a gorgeous central section: cadenzas oozing musicality and so much quality on show. The players revelled in everything and the chorale was mesmerising. Lovely, just lovely...goose bumps!

The opening of the concluding movement was delicate yet deliberate. Each dynamic step was clearly defined and executed and the close fizzled to end gloriously.

The second of two real top championship quality performances that will take some beating for others to qualify let alone take the title.

Championship Section:

3. NASUWT Riverside (Prof. Nicholas J Childs)

NASUWT Riverside delivers a 'Tale' on a completely different level from what has gone before — and to give the judges the formidable marker to beat.

Having led Black Dyke to victory in Yorkshire last weekend Nicholas Childs coerced a performance that had so much quality both musically and technically. At times it purred in cruise control.

The opening movement was razor sharp in delivery and execution. The energy levels were high but the clarity and detail was delivered with supreme confidence.

In the central section we heard playing that sent a tingle down the spine. The solos were of a very high quality, led by the euphonium. The chorale was so beautifully tender, time felt like it had stood still.

There was no holding back in the finale but it was played with so much clarity and drive that drew you in. The dynamics were wide but under complete control and full of musical intent. The end was luscious with a gorgeous sheen.

A class apart so far without any doubt.

Championship Section:

2. Westoe (Aidan Hodgson)

A performance that never really sounded totally comfortable from Westoe.

The opening was dynamically wayward more than once and it somehow lacked security and solidity.

There was a tentative approach in the middle section. It cried out for fluidity at times but full marks to the tenacious soloists. The end wasn't bad although it never really grabbed you.

The finale was a bit hit and miss at times but more effective playing followed as it built. The music had the drive and energy but it yearned for more security and solidity to really grab the attention.

A real test for this level if a reminder was needed.

Championship Section:

1. Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton)

A tale that was not short on passion or musical belief. It saw the band dig deep on more than occasion and credit has to go to the MD.

The opening bubbled at a high temperature but the dynamics and tempi were pushed at times. Fair play to the MD as he did all he had to do to rein the adrenaline in.

The central section was free flowing, allowing the soloists to give their all in the cadenza lines. Some fared better than others but their presence in the spotlight was admirable. The playing just needed to be more tender at times. The close wasn't bad though.

A really sensible paced opening to the closing section allowed the music to come through, but it was uneven at times and didn't have the solidity required. Tiredness was in evidence as they headed for the close which was delivered in a very determined way.

Draw:

Championship Section:

Test Piece: A Tale as Yet Untold (Philip Sparke)
Adjudicators: Adjudicators: Sheona Wade & David Hirst

1. Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton)
2. Westoe (Aidan Hodgson)
3. NASUWT Riverside (Prof. Nicholas J Childs)
4. Reg Vardy (Russell Gray)
5. City of Hull (Stig Maersk)
6. Easington Colliery (Daniel Brooks)
7. Fishburn (Lee Skipsey)

Withdrawn: Harrogate (Leigh Baker)

Championship Section:

Top Section Tales to start at 1.45pm

There is now a break till the Championship Section starts at 1.45pm prompt. We will publish the draw once Sheona Wade and Sandy Smith go in the box.

See you later on.

2020 Champion: Tewit Silver

Second Place: East Riding of Yorkshire

Third Place: Trimdon Concert

Best Percussion: Tewit Silver

Best Cornet: Owen Jones — Tewit Silver

Result:

Third Section:

Test Piece: Endurance (Andrew Baker)
Adjudicators: Sam Fisher & Sarah Groarke-Booth

1. Tewit Silver (Martin Hall)*
2. East Riding of Yorkshire (Frank Hoyland)*
3. Trimdon Concert (William Harrison)
4. Jayess Newbiggin (Helen Douthwaite-Teasdale)
5. Cleethorpes (Brian Harper)

Withdrawn:
Ellington Colliery (Clare Winter)
Knaresborough (Nicolas Garret)
Swinton & District (Robin Rutter)

Best Percussion: Tewit Silver
Best Cornet: Owen Jones (Tewit Silver)

*Qualify for National Final

Third Section:

More Endurance battles — and prediction:

The final two ‘Endurance’ accounts came from Jayess Newbiggin and Cleethorpes. Jayess led by Helen Douthwaite-Teasdale benefited by the MD using her nous to coerce a performance full of belief, desire without losing focus. It was not easy but very credible.

Cleethorpes was the last band to play as Swinton originally drawn eighth withdrew. Full of desire and passion, the intent was there but the execution just suffered from inconsistencies despite some enduring solo work.

What this morning’s contest has been about demonstrates just why people do banding for a hobby. The ongoing virus situation aside, the bands have come here and really given ‘Endurance’ everything they can. It has remained a very demanding test and other areas can take comfort in that, but hopefully the players will benefit long term. They may not feel that enthusiastic currently though.

Tewit Silver leads the way and then its squeaky bum time for Trimdon & Jayess as to which could qualify. Its all about what Sarah Groake-Booth and Sam Fisher decide.

4BR Prediction:

1. Tewit Silver
2. Trimdon
3. Jayess Newbiggin

Third Section:

The first trio

The Third Section has finally got going after a delayed start with just five participants competing from the original field of eight.

Huge credit to the bands not just for coming, but the first three delivered committed if not variable accounts in terms of quality.

Trimdon went for it from the off and whilst there were challenges, they really dug deep. Great credit goes to the MD who knew what he wanted to do with the piece and with just three basses make the most of the resources at his disposal.

With bands officially pre-drawn, 2 and 3 pulling out, Butlins Third Section champion, Tewit Silver was next to take to the stage. And they demonstrated all the glorious music that is within Andrew Baker's work in spades. No caution, a real understanding of the piece and what needs to be portrayed came from the MD and the band responded superbly. Without question one of the best renditions heard in the past month. Bravo.

East Riding took to the stage with MD Frank Hoyland (in an impressive jacket) directing with real musical intent to portray the piece. It had quality at times and fragilities at other times, but hats off for the desire.

Two bands left to play then and it will take something special we think to remove Tewitt from a qualification spot. Our thoughts and prediction at the end then.

Draw:

Third Section:

Sunday 15th March
Test Piece: Endurance — narrative variations for brass band (Andrew Baker)
Adjudicators: Sam Fisher & Sarah Groarke-Booth

1. Trimdon Concert (William Harrison)
2. Ellington Colliery (Clare Winter) — withdrawn
3. Knaresborough (Nicolas Garret) — withdrawn
4. Tewit Silver (Martin Hall)
5. East Riding of Yorkshire (Frank Hoyland)
6. Jayess Newbiggin (Helen Douthwaite-Teasdale)
7. Cleethorpes (Brian Harper)
8. Swinton & District (Robin Rutter) — withdrawn

Please note the bands were notified yesterday of pre-draw numbers to help plan their day and minimise risk. At the request of Regional Secretary, Tony Griffiths, the draw is published as drawn.

Ellington Colliery, Knaresborough and Swinton & District have all withdrawn. MC Peter Bates will announce to the judges that the bands due to play, 2, 3, and 8 have withdrawn as the contest progresses and a 'W' will be written on what would have been the remarks sheets for the respected numbers.

We are starting at 11.00am.

Delayed start in Durham

The action will now not start in Durham until 11.00am after three bands have withdrawn.

Later start in Durham

The second day of action will be underway at 10.30am this morning with the bands in the third Section. If there are any withdrawals we will post as soon as we get the news.

BBE updates its Coronavirus advice to member bands

Brass Bands England recommends that its member bands do not take part in band contests for the foreseeable future.

Brass Bands England has offered further advice and information to its member bands including those competing at the Regional Championship events in Torquay and Durham this weekend.

BBE updates Coronavirus advice to member bands: Brass Bands England recommends that its member bands do not take part in band contests for the foreseeable future. https://t.co/Beww4iPURU

4barsrest.com (@4barsrest) March 15, 2020

Sunday action in Durham

Third section bands get things going at 9.30am followed by the Championship Section that will commence following the results of the Third Section.

Championship Section:

Test Piece: A Tale as Yet Untold (Philip Sparke)
Sunday 15th March
Adjudicators: Sheona Wade & David Hirst
Draw: 12.00pm
Commences: at the conclusion of the Third Section

Easington Colliery (Daniel Brooks)
Fishburn (Lee Skipsey)
City of Hull (Stig Maersk)
Harrogate (Leigh Baker)
NASUWT Riverside (Prof. Nicholas Childs)
Reg Vardy (Russell Gray)
Shepherd Group (Richard Wilton)
Westoe (Aidan Hodgson)

Third Section:

Test Piece: Endurance — narrative variations for brass band (Andrew Baker)
Adjudicators: Sam Fisher & Sarah Groarke-Booth
Sunday 15th March
Draw: 9.30am
Commences: 10.30am

Cleethorpes (Brian Harper)
Ellington Colliery (Clare Winter)
East Riding of Yorkshire (Frank Hoyland)
Jayess Newbiggin (Helen Douthwaite-Teasdale)
Knaresborough (Nicolas Garret)
Swinton & District (Robin Rutter)
Tewit Silver (Martin Hall)
Trimdon Concert (William Harrison)

That’s all for today in Durham

We have reached the end of the day in Durham. Warmest congratulations to the committee and the bands for getting through today. With a few sensible tweaks, hopefully things have gone well, although we know couple of bands didn’t have full bands due to the understandable issues.

Goodnight. See you tomorrow for a 10.30 start. We can have a lie in on a contest day. Woohoo

2020 Champion: Ripon City

Second Place: York Railway Institute

Third Place: Kirkbymoorside Town

Best Basses: Ripon City

Best Percussion: Kirkbymoorside Town

Best Trombone: Steve Fieldhouse (Ripon City)

Result:

First Section:

Test Piece: Legacy (Tom Davoren)
Adjudicators: Sandy Smith & Sam Fisher

1. Ripon City (Mark Sidwell)*
2. York Railway Institute (David Lancaster)*
3. Kirkbymoorside Town (Sarah Woodward)
4. North Skelton Band (Stephen Craig)
5. Houghton (Bryan Adams)
6. GT Peterlee (John Roberts)

Best Trombone: Steve Fieldhouse (Ripon City)
Best Basses: Ripon City
Best Percussion: Kirkbymoorside Town

First Section:

More First Section questions than answers — and prediction:

The final three 'Legacy' accounts were variable to say the least. John Roberts used all his years of experience to coerce a musical reading out of Peterlee that had lots to admire despite the challenges that appeared and it could well get mentioned by MC Peter Bates later in podium prizes.

Houghton led by Bryan Adams was an uneven performance that never really settled and stretched them.

Ripon closed the contest with an account that benefited from the sensible head of the MD, some committed solo work and well done the young man in the percussion. Top stuff.

This has been a short contest and a frustrating and disappointing one at times today. The issues that have raised eyebrows across the country have done so again. What's even more baffling is three weekends of performances have taken place and it crosses the mind have what judges said been heeded or is this another reality check for this level?

We have not heard one entire account today that really pulled it off. That may not go down well, but listening to the judges will be very interesting indeed.

And when you consider bands would go up and be challenged by Sparke's work, it really does raise a furrowed brow.

More pre-results music from the Geneva Group Quintet first

4BR Predictions:

1. GT Group Peterlee
2. York Railway
3. Ripon City

Dark Horse: North Skelton

First Section:

Legacy challenges

The first three bands in this section and if any bands who have been there and done it already want some crumbs of comfort, bands have been challenged by it as well.

The intrinsic problems of finding sensible rhythms and pulse matched with nerves in the slower movement have been noticeable.

North Skelton relished the challenges of the First Section and fair play to the MD, Stephen Craig for not pushing his band too much out of its comfort zone.

Well done Dr David Lancaster and York Railway for a reading that was passionate, heart on the sleeve, committed whilst not error free.

Kirbymoorside is the band that took us to the half way point with an account that was never totally comfortable although it benefited from some cornet work, but it was a touch brash also

This could be wide open today as we await a couple of accounts that grab 'Legacy' by the scruff of its neck.

And the judges will know what they want as well today. Sandy Smith who is joined in the box by Sam Fisher who conducted the piece last week in Yorkshire.

Draw:

First Section:

Test Piece: Legacy (Tom Davoren)
Adjudicators: Sandy Smith & Sam Fisher

1. North Skelton Band (Stephen Craig)
2. York Railway Institute (David Lancaster)
3. Kirkbymoorside Town (Sarah Woodward)
4. GT Peterlee (John Roberts)
5. Houghton (TBA)
6. Ripon City (Mark Sidwell)

2020 Champion: Easingwold Town

Winning MD: Alistair Shipman

Second Place: Spennymoor Town

Third Place: Backworth Colliery

Best Principal Cornet: Beth Johnson (Spennymoor Town)

Michael MacKenzie (Backworth Colliery)

Youngest Player: Catherine Featherstone (Easingwold)

Result:

Fourth Section:

Test Piece: Neverland (Christopher Bond)
Adjudicators: Sarah Groarke-Booth & Alan Bourne

1. Easingwold Town (Alistair Shipman)*
2. Spennymoor Town (Fiona Casewell)*
3. Backworth Colliery (Calum Hartwell)
4. Billingham Silver (Vaughan Evans)
5. Penrith Town (Ian Butterworth)
6. Craghead Colliery (Steven Goddard)
7. Marske (James Chisholm)

Best Principal Cornet: Beth Johnson (Spennymoor Town)
Best Euphonium: Michael MacKenzie (Backworth Colliery)
Youngest Player: Catherine Featherstone (Easingwold)

*Qualify for National Final

Fourth Section:

Round up and Prediction:

A fully committed account from the 24 players (including percussion) from Marske closes the contest. Well done folks. We know it was tough and you were not at full strength.

So its cheerio to Chris Bond's 'Neverland' the piece that bands across the UK have simply loved playing and regardless of their results, or a full compliment of players, that has to be the most important thing.

Once again this has been an absolute joy. It's a shame that there were only seven accounts. The standard varied but the quality certainly rose to the top. Spennymoor for us today and then a real fight between a trio for the other qualification spot.

More musical entertainment to come pre results

4BR Prediction:

1. Spennymoor
2. Billingham
3. Penrith
4. Easingwold

Dark Horse: Marske

Fourth Section:

Enjoyable and contrasting fortunes

The next trio of Peter Pans certainly had fun and contrasting fortunes on stage.

Backworth were tested at times and after a tricky first note unnerved them a touch it just never really settled down which is a pity but a really committed show.

Spennymoor got the runners up spot Fourth Section at Butlins in January and maintained its form in a musical account where the MD had ensured the basics were in place.

In addition to cornet and percussion, a star here was the young repiano cornet whom could just about see over his stand to the MD ' he was focussed all the way through. He was 'mint' as those from his generation would say.

Penrith took to the stage with just three basses and really gave Neverland a really good go, despite more than a few tricky elements. Loved the young percussionist on timps. He'll be way too young to a remember classic Morecambe & Wise comedy routine where there was hilarity as the skins burst, but by heck, he didn't half give it his all.

We think band 5 Spennymoor is on course for the final. One band left to join or beat them? Who knows

Fourth Section:

Early trio thrive on Neverland

The Fourth Section piece this regional series has been one that the players have really enjoyed playing in rehearsal and on the contest stage. What a joy it has been to see young players and those more senior as they play on stage.

We have had more of the same in Durham from the first three participants in the seven band field.

Craighead Colliery was an account where a few nerves crept in from first on and the put a really good shift in.

Easingwold was bright, breezy and nicely delivered. With 5 basses in the ranks, there was so much to admire within the ranks especially the cornet lead.

Finally, Billingham Silver under the direction of Vaughan Evans. Great percussion kept the rhythms going and there was a tender loving cornet who shone. Sometimes they were tested though with great encouragement from the middle.

Four to go then and this will be over in the blink of an eye.

Draw:

Fourth Section:

Test Piece: 'Neverland' — Christopher Bond
Adjudicators: Sarah Groarke-Booth & Alan Bourne

1. Craghead Colliery (Steven Goddard)
2. Easingwold Town (Alistair Shipman)
3. Billingham Silver (Vaughan Evans)
4. Backworth Colliery (Calum Hartwell)
5. Spennymoor Town (Fiona Casewell)
6. Penrith Town (Ian Butterworth)
7. Marske (James Chisholm)

2020 Champion: Cockerton

Best Soprano: Beth Marston (Cockerton)

Best Euphonium: Dave Hodgson (Cockerton)


Best Basses: Cockerton

Result:

Second Section:

Test Piece: The Golden Sabre — Tales of the Hussar-Poet, Denis Davydov (Kit Turnbull)
Adjudicators: Sandy Smith & Sheona Wade

1. Cockerton (Andrew Hunter)*
2. Durham Miners (Stuart Gray)*
3. Felling (Jason Smith)
4. NASUWT Concert (Andrew Hall)
5. Dunston Silver (Fraser Hodgson)
6. Ashington Colliery (Nigel Stedman)
7. Barton Community (Gary Oglesby)
8. Ferryhill Town (Tom Madsison)
9. Bearpark & Esh Colliery (Philip Tait)

Best Euphonium: Dave Hodgson (Cockerton)
Best Soprano: Beth Marston (Cockerton)
Best Basses: Cockerton

*Qualify for National Final

Second Section round up and our predictions:

We have had bravura and colourful accounts in the final hurdle on the Second Section work to round off an enjoyable contest.

Cockerton Silver really went for it today with a detailed yet measured account. They pushed the dynamics at times but the quality of the playing within the piece

Barton including the Eb bass player wearing a flat cap delivered a lyrical warm sound that certainly had the character and was full of bombast.

Feryhill closed the contest with a slightly inconsistent account that certainly had its moment.

It's been very enjoyable stuff this morning with all of the bands really getting to grips with Kit Turnbull's piece. The playing standard has varied at times though as you'd expect and we await Sheona and Sandy's thoughts..

It's going to be tight at the top we suggest for the winners and extra qualification spot, but between Ashington, Cockerton Silver, Felling and NASUWT Concert;

There's a musical interlude from the Geneva Brass Quintet (Brett Baker and co) before results.

4BR Prediction:

1. Ashington
2. Cockerton Silver
3. Felling
4. NASUWT Concert

Dark Horses: Dunston, Barton.

Second Section:

Whistling the piece

You can tell the bands have really enjoyed this piece — everyone leaves the stage smiling and whistling!

Two thirds through now and we have enjoyed three more colourful, engaging accounts in a bid to catch the ears of Sandy Smith and Sheona Wade in the box.

Dunston Silver went for a lighter dynamic approach that was very well controlled from the middle but just needed a touch more solidity at times, whilst Ashington Colliery under the experienced Nigel Stedman also opted for contrasts in colour and texture with great solo ensemble lines to boot. The solo cornet really did a great job.

Bearpark had a cautious, somewhat twitchy start and it took time before they really got a foothold in the piece. When they did, the quality shone through but perhaps those early blemishes took sheen off things.

Three to go and its really still all to play for. The bands are giving it their all and bringing out the character of the music in what has been a super contest.

Second Section:

Early thoughts from the north

We are a third of the way through here in Durham in a section that has 9 contenders for the two Cheltenham places on offer, with the opening three bands delivering bold, colourful, characterful accounts all be it with a few gremlins along the way.

Durham Miners opened things up with a well paced account, that was very descriptive but was not without a few unforced errors in places, whilst Felling took to the stage beefed up by five basses who really made their presence felt and certainly had their marching boots on.

Two contrasting accounts in their way, but each giving plenty of early food for thought in the box.

NASUWT followed with the passion flowing. It was a touch robust in places but the MD certainly knew how they wanted to portray the piece — full of energy, drive and fervour. Lots to enjoy there and it certainly made a mark.

It's a compact theatre here in Durham with the box the closest to the stage we've seen at any regional series contest. Ensembles will need to be at the top of their dynamic game all weekend as a result. Overblowing may get bands into trouble if they don't keep the tonality warm and focused.

Draw:

Second Section:

Test Piece: The Golden Sabre — Tales of the Hussar-Poet, Denis Davydov (Kit Turnbull)
Adjudicators: Sandy Smith & Sheona Wade

1. Durham Miners (Stuart Gray)
2. Felling (Jason Smith)
3. NASUWT Concert (Andrew Hall)
4. Dunston Silver (Fraser Hodgson)
5. Ashington Colliery (Nigel Stedman)
6. Bearpark & Esh Colliery (Philip Tait)
7. Cockerton (Andrew Hunter)
8. Barton Community (Gary Oglesby)
9. Ferryhill Town (Tom Madsison)

Good morning from Durham

Good morning and welcome to the historic and picturesque city of Durham, renowned for its university, its teaching and numerous high profile alumni.

It's nice to see the place again and good to be back again. Great to see the hard working Regional SecretaryTony Griffiths and the team with everyone looking forward to a great weekend.

Bands will test themselves to get to Cheltenham in Second, Fourth and First Sections today.

We start at 11.00am. The draw takes place at 9.30am we will publish once the judges Sheona Wade and Sandy Smith go in the box around 10.45am

Malcolm Wood

Saturday action in Durham

We have three sections taking place here in Durham today. The Second Section gets us underway at 11.00am followed by the Fourth Section bands. The day's action concludes with the 6 First Section bands who will take to the stage later this afternoon.

First Section:

Test Piece: 'Legacy' — Tom Davoren
Saturday 14th March

Adjudicators: Sandy Smith & Sam Fisher
Draw: 3pm
Commences: at the conclusion of the Fourth Section

GT Peterlee (Ian Langthorne)
Houghton (TBA)
Kirkbymoorside Town (Sarah Woodward)
North Skelton Band (Stephen Craig)
Ripon City (Mark Sidwell)
York Railway Institute (David Lancaster)

Second Section:

Test Piece: 'The Golden Sabre' — Tales of the Hussar-Poet, Denis Davydov — Kit Turnbull
Saturday 14th March

Adjudicators: Sandy Smith & Sheona Wade
Draw: 9.30am
Commences: 11.00am

Ashington Colliery (Nigel Stedman)
Barton Community (Gary Oglesby)
Bearpark & Esh Colliery (Philip Tait)
Cockerton (Andrew Hunter)
Durham Miners (Stuart Gray)
Dunston Silver (Fraser Hodgson)
Felling (Jason Smith)
Ferryhill Town (Tom Madsison)
NASUWT Concert (Andrew Hall)

Fourth Section:

Test Piece: 'Neverland' — Christopher Bond
Saturday 14th March

Adjudicators: Sarah Groarke-Booth & Alan Bourne
Draw: 12.30pm
Commences: at the conclusion of the Second Section

Backworth Colliery (Calum Hartwell)
Billingham Silver (Vaughan Evans)
Craghead Colliery (Steven Goddard)
Easingwold Town (Alistair Shipman)
Marske (James Chisholm)
Penrith Town (Ian Butterworth)
Spennymoor Town (Fiona Casewell)