The 69th annual South West Brass Band Association Championship was held at the Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay on the weekend.
Dances & Alleluias
24 bands competed in four sections, with Aldbourne, conducted by Josh Ruck, taking the Open Section Championship title with a well delivered rendition of 'Dances & Alleluias' to gain the partnership's first victory together as they reclaimed the trophy they last won in 2013.
It proved good enough to head off the competitive challenge of a delighted First Section Verwood Concert Brass, who played 'Dances & Arias', with their principal cornet Elaine Close taking the 'Best Cornet player' award.
Although Verwood will be promoted to the top flight in 2016 it was a result that showed their ambition as they in turn beat a number of Championship rivals led by third placed St Dennis performing 'Elgar Variations'.
Dark Side wins for St Stythians
In the Third Section, victory went to St Stythians under James Burns with their well structured account of Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'Dark Side of the Moon'. It gave the band their first SWBBA title since 2007, as they finished ahead of rivals Bratton Silver (who won the 'Best Horn Section' prize) and South Molton Town.
Pendeen victory
There was also a long overdue victory for Pendeen Silver conducted by Daren Jenkin to savour in the Fourth Section after they returned to the winner's enclosure at the contest for the first time since 2012.
Not only did they beat off the strong challenge of podium finishers Hatherleigh Silver and Tiverton Town with their solid rendition of 'English Folk Song Suite', but their tuba section also walked off with the 'Best Basses ' prize.
Cracking playing
Although there were only two bands in the Training Band Section there was plenty of cracking playing to enjoy for the judges, as Soundhouse Brass Juniors led by Gary Thompson just pipped Saltash Training conducted by Chris Spreadbury.
Once again Torquay proved to be a popular venue, with a good sized audience once again enjoying the competitive, friendly atmosphere.
Excellent day
The welcome visiting adjudicators, Jappie Dijkstra and Jan Van der Roost were also delighted at what they had heard, with Jappie telling 4BR: "We enjoyed an excellent day of quality music making, and the performances in all sections of overall high standard. It was a very well organised event at an excellent venue."
He added: "Although it would have been good to hear more young bands, we are confident that the future of brass banding in the South West is secure with such excellent playing, particularly from the youngsters on show."
The trophies were presented by the Association's President, Sue Richards, and the Chairman of Cornwall BBA, Trevor Bedding.
Although it would have been good to hear more young bands, we are confident that the future of brass banding in the South West is secure with such excellent playing, particularly from the youngsters on showJappie Dijkstra
Open Section:
Adjudicators: Jappie Dijkstra & Jan Van der Roost
1. Aldbourne (Josh Ruck)
2. Verwood Concert Brass (Kevin Smith)
3. St Dennis (Darren Hawken)
4. Lydbrook (Glyn Williams)
5. South West Communication (David Shead)
6. Helston Town (David Johnson)
7. Sidmouth Town (Adrian Harvey)
8. Chalford (Steve Tubb)
9. Lanner & District Silver (Stuart Chappell)
Highest Placed First Section Band: Verwood Concert Brass
Highest Placed Second Section Band: Sidmouth Town
Best Cornet Player: Elaine Close (Verwood Concert Brass)
Third Section:
1. St Stythians (James Burns)
2. Bratton Silver (Simon Carr)
3. South Molton Town (Gil Taylor)
4. Pendeen Silver (Darren Jenkin)
5. Heyl Town (Shaun Marsden)
Best Horn Section: Bratton Silver
Fourth Section:
1. Pendeen Silver (Darren Jenkin)
2. Hatherleigh Silver (Matt Green)
3. Tiverton Town (Andrew Harris)
4. Saltash Town (Chris Spreadbury)
5. Bideford Town (Mark Durham)
6. Okehampton Excelsior Silver (Richard Beardon)
7. Chard Concert Brass (Michael Hurley)
Best Set of Basses: Pendeen Silver
Training Band Section:
1. Soundhouse Brass Juniors (Gary Thompson)
2. Saltash Training (Chris Spreadbury)
Best Instrumentalist: (flugel) — Soundhouse Juniors
