The resurgence of one of the banding world's most famous names continued at the NWABBA Contest in Rochdale on the weekend, as Besses o' th' Barn Band claimed a hard fought victory over ten rivals in the Third Section (above).

Back to life

Under the baton of Simon Cowen, a band that was struggling to recruit players just a year ago notched up its second successive victory of a season that has seen them spring thrillingly back to contesting life.

Their rendition of the classic test piece 'Labour & Love' — which they would have surely played under the baton of Alexander Owen when it was first written over 100 years ago — saw them produce the winning performance for adjudicator Sheona White, who described it as containing 'great balance' and 'a fine band sound'.

The win came from desire, dedication, and, more than anything, hard graft. My thanks go to everyone associated with the bandMD, Simon Cowen

Desire

A delighted MD Simon Cowen told 4BR: "The win came from desire, dedication, and, more than anything, hard graft. My thanks go to everyone associated with the band."