The Reg Vardy Band reclaimed the domestic bragging rights in the North of England by winning the lucrative £4,000 first prize on offer at the Doctor Martin Contest in Middlesbrough.

High class

Conducted by Black Dyke Director of Music, Dr Nicholas Childs, the 2010 champion regained the Wainstone Cup courtesy of a trio of high class performances of the march ‘Ravenswood’, Liz Cook’s outstanding solo rendition of Curnow’s, ‘Rhapsody for Euphonium’, and a reprise of the British Open set work, ‘Electra’.

It gave the band a close two point winning margin over Yorkshire rivals Rothwell Temperance, conducted by Dave Roberts, with Fishburn confirming their return to form under Huw Thomas in third.

Outstanding quality

The winning MD later told 4BR that he felt Reg Vardy had displayed outstanding quality in winning the title.

“I must thank Ray Farr for the way in which he prepared the band for this contest,” the Black Dyke Director of Music said.

“As soon as I walked in the door they were in such a determined mood to reclaim their position as the premier band in the North of England. I was left in no doubt they did just that on the weekend – it was an outstanding performance.”

Ambitious contest format

Nicholas Childs also thank the organisers for what he felt was an ambitious contest format that deserves to grow in importance and prestige.

“I was really impressed by the whole event. It’s a format that shows the competing bands off well and the friendly atmosphere and excellent organisation makes this a contest that deserves to grow and succeed. I hope to be back again for certain.”

Determined

So too Reg Vardy after they pocketed the hefty cheque of £4,000.

Band spokesperson Les Palmer told 4BR: “Dr Childs was right when he said we were determined to regain our position as the premier band in the region after the disappointment of the Area contest earlier in the year.”

He added: “To do that in your own backyard so to speak made this a very satisfying victory. We can now concentrate on our Brass in Concert programme knowing that we are back in what we believe is our number 1 spot.”

Well worked

Rothwell claimed the £2,000 runner up prize with well worked performances of the march ‘The Wizard’, followed by principal cornet Tim Hammond on ‘Miss Blue Bonnet’ and the Open set work, ‘Electra’.

Meanwhile, a delighted Fishburn took home the £1,000 third prize thanks to a contrasting set that included the march, ‘Superlative’, an original composition dedicated to the band by their Composer-in-Residence, Dave Collins.

Philip Sparke’s ‘Partita’ was preceded by the prize winning contribution of ‘Best Soloist Award’ winner John Gill on his cornet feature, ‘Oblivion’.

As soon as I walked in the door they were in such a determined mood to reclaim their position as the premier band in the North of EnglandDr Nicholas Childs

Best march

North of England Area champion Felling could only manage fourth despite winning the £250 award for their performance of the march ‘Ravenswood’.

However, it still meant that they boosted their National Finals fund by a hefty £750 as they look towards their first appearance at the Royal Albert Hall.

Mini battle

NASUWT Riverside was fifth, whilst Drighlington took the honours in the mini Yorkshire First Section battle by finishing ahead of Cheltenham bound duo of Yorkshire Imperial and Unite City of Sheffield.

The remaining places went to Wakefield Metropolitan in ninth with Easington Colliery in tenth.

Full Results:

Adjudicator: Colin Hardy
March/Solo/Test Piece = Total

1. Reg Vardy (Dr Nicholas Chids): 45/42/197 = 284
2. Rothwell Temperance (Dave Roberts): 44/43/195 = 282
3. Fishburn (Huw Thomas): 42/44/193 = 279
4. Felling (Steve Malcolm): 46/43/189 = 278
5. NASUWT Riverside (Alan Morrison): 44/41/190 = 275
6. Drighlington Colliery (Jim Davies): 45/42/187 = 274
7. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (David Nesbitt): 43/40/188 = 271
8. Unite City of Sheffield (Derek Renshaw): 40/39/186 = 265
9. Wakefield Metropolitan (Michael Howley): 40/38/183 = 261
10. Easington Colliery (Chris Bentham): 39/37/184 = 260

Best Soloist: John Gill (Fishburn)
Best March: Felling