With glorious spring weather outside, it was Oldham Band (Lees) under the direction of John Collins that took the Tameside Open Trophy and £400 in doors at Dukinfield Town Hall on Sunday after a fine performance of Martin Ellerby's 'Chivalry'.

Adjudicator, Gordon Higginbottom didn't have any problems on deciding the winner describing the percussion playing within their performance as the best of the day.

The art of contesting

Having returned to the UK after living in Spain, the legendary tenor horn player told the audience that “banding seems to have forgotten what contesting is about, and its not about winning a prize and going home with a lot of money".

Gordon went on to give his views on the benefits of contesting to a band as a whole. "A contest means that a band can get bums on seats at rehearsals, and going in for a competition, they seem to pull their socks up a bit and get more rehearsals which leads to better rehearsals, which become more intensive because you're aiming for a purpose when you're away. It can become a bonding session and at the end of it all, the band is playing better".

Delighted

Speaking to 4BR after taking the title, Oldham's MD John Collins was naturally delighted at how the day had gone especially after it was the band's fifth win in a row at Tameside. The performance was also a good yardstick for preparations for The Senior Trophy in May where the band will makes its début. "I'm absolutely delighted at how today went and congratulate my band for their work in recent weeks, but I know we will have to maintain that work ahead of Blackpool in May".

Close behind in second place was Cheltenham finalist, Rainford Band led by Neil Samuel who gave a committed account of Wilby's 'Paganini Variations'.

In third place was Simon Stonehouse's Ashton-under-Lyne who opted for a reprise of the championship section area test, The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea'.

On behalf of Lancashire Contests, I thank all the competitors for their involvement today and in particular Tameside Council in allowing the event to take place at Dukinfield Town HallFrank Hodges

Second Section

Six bands competed in the Second Section with the top two honours going to the bands who opted to perform music they've become familiar with recently, Goff Richards' 'Cross Patonce'.

It was a confident reading by Tyldesley Band under Robert Taylor that took the £400 first prize ahead of the North West Second Section Champion, Mossley under Duncan Byers.

Fellow Cheltenham finalist, Haslingden & Helmshore gave a vibrant account of Sparke's 'The Saga of Haakon the Good' under David Holland to finish third place and £150 with Greenall's, Uppermill and Dobcross Silver finishing fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.

Warriner in the box

The opening Fourth and Third Sections on Sunday morning was presided over by Morecambe MD, Andrew Warriner.

In his pre-results summary, the well-known bass player highlighted the need for conductor's to be absolutely sure that they are choosing suitable music for their bands. Tuning issues were key as were tempo markings, but Andy praised some great choices of music that were well played.

When it came to his decisions, the judge was more than content with his decisions.

Olympic winner

With regards to the Third Section, Farnworth & Walkden along with Trinity Girls were beaten by Formby and Louise Hough who opted for Philip Harper's 'Olympus' for their challenge.

The Third Section Area test proved to be a popular choice with 50% of the challengers opting to perform it on this occasion.

In the Fourth Section, praise was given for the overall standard with two very good bands and one really good performance.

Oceans

Darwen Brass conducted by Steve Hartley continued its recent good form and having qualified for the National finals in the autumn, by taking the first prize courtesy of a well judged account of Goff Richards' 'Oceans.' Finishing behind in second place was another Nationals finalist, Parr (Richardson) St Helens after John Ludden delivered an impressive reading of 'Three Saints'.

In third place was the first band of the whole day to take to the stage, Coppull & Standish and Matthew Stringer who gave a confident account of 'Facets of Glass'.

Grateful thanks

The contest was run efficiently by Frank Hodges and his team from Lancashire Contests. Councilor John Sullivan from Tameside Council was on hand throughout the day to encourage the bands in continuing to compete and work hard.

Whilst the competition was supported by Lancashire Contests, Tameside Council provided Dukinfield Town Hall free of charge and Frank Hodges told 4BR “that everybody involved in the contest was extremely grateful to Tameside Council not just for the help that they've given in the past, but for the generosity this year which enabled the contest to continue”.

Full results

Adjudicators: Gordon Higginbottom (Championship & Second), Andrew Warriner (Third & Fourth)

Championship Section

1. Oldham Band (Lees), John Collins
Chivalry
2. Rainford, Neil Samuel
Paganini Variations
3. Ashton-under-Lyne, Simon Stonehouse
The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea

Second Section

1. Tyldesley, Robert Taylor
Cross Patonce
2. Mossley, Duncan Byers
Cross Patonce
3. Haslingden & Helmshore, David Holland
The Saga of Haakon the Good
4. Greenall's, Karl Stott
Music of Thanksgiving
5. Uppermill, Alan Widdop
Cross Patonce
6. Dobcross Silver, Kenny Pain
A Moorside Suite

Third Section

1. Formby, Louise Hough
Olympus
2. Farnworth & Walkden, Peter Ashley
Variations on Laudate Dominum
3. Trinity Girls, Stuart Barton
Olympus
4. Blackpool Brass, Tariq Ahmed
The Dark side of the Moon
5.Besses Boys, James Holt
Olympus
6.Rivington & Adlington, Brian Harper
Music for Kantara

Fourth Section

1.Darwen Brass, Steve Hartley
Oceans
2. Parr Band, John Ludden
Three Saints
3. Coppull & Standish, Matthew Stringer
Facets of Glass
4.Hawk Green, Neil Hewson
English Folk Song Suite
5. Lees, John Collins
Dimensions
6. Tareleton, Gillian Bould
Oregon
7. BMP Europe Goodshaw, David Warren
A Royal Mile Suite
8. Brindle, John Smith
The Dark side of the Moon