The 5th Annual Skelmanthorpe Slow Melody and Ensemble Competition took place at the weekend, and once again proved to be a hit with audience, competitors and adjudicator alike.

Over 50

With over 50 entries representing 14 different bands and travelling from as far afield as Blackpool, Stoke and London, the large audience was treated to nearly 7 hours worth of music making.

Adjudicator, Alan Morrison, commented on how impressed he was, not only with the standard of playing, especially in the 14 & under and 11 & under section, but the challenging choices of music played by the youngsters.

Ever popular

When the ever-popular ‘Random Section’ took place, however, the standard of ‘music making’ completely disappeared, with Jim Tew taking the title this year, providing what was described as the, 'most consistently bad performance' of the section, playing the flute — although nobody could recognise the tune he was playing.

Organiser, Graham Bates told 4BR: "It was great to see so many of our friends returning again this year as well as some new faces. The day ran very smoothly, with some great music, fun, friendship and excellent refreshments!"

Results:

Open:
1. Nick Walker (Clifton & Lightcliffe)
2. Jim Tew (VBS Poynton)
3. Laura Brown (Skelmanthorpe)

16 & Under:
1. Nick Walker (Clifton & Lightcliffe)
2. Jay Jay Vernon (Lions Youth)
3. Alex Crisp (Clifton & Lightcliffe)

14 & Under:
1. Bethany Moore
2. James Charnock (Milnrow Youth)
3. Jay Jay Vernon (Lions Youth)

11 & Under:
1. Hannah Stell (Skelmanthorpe B)
2. Robert Lambert (Poulton Youth)

Junior Ensemble:
1. Milnrow Youth

Senior Ensemble:
1. Just Brass Ensemble
2. The Three Tenors (Thurlstone)
3. Fiona & Rory Rolfe (United Co-op Crewe)

Veterans:
1. Ian Gill (Lindley)
2. Debbie Bates (Thurlstone)
3. Jim Tew (VBS Poynton)

Random:
1. Jim Tew (VBS Poynton)
2. Charlotte Hirst (Slaithwaite)
3. Fiona Rolfe (United Co-op Crewe)

Next year’s event will take place on Saturday 12th November 2011.