Both Horbury Victoria and Newstead Brass have publicly thanked conductor Phil Goodwin after the Black Dyke tuba star stepped in at late notice to direct the bands at the recent Yorkshire and Midlands Regional Championships.

Illness

With regular conductor Duncan Beckley recuperating in hospital after falling ill, Phil first stepped in to help Horbury in the Second Section at Bradford at less than 36 hours notice — taking his first rehearsal on the Friday evening.

Although preparation time was short and drawing to play first, Phil led Horbury to an outstanding podium finish — just missing out on a qualification place to Cheltenham.

However, he wasn't able to enjoy the success with the players as he had to quickly rush to a Black Dyke rehearsal ahead of their successful top flight win the following day.

Cambridge Variations

And with Duncan unable to direct Newstead for the first time in 27 years at Bedworth, Phil once again stepped in to lead them to a highly creditable eighth place finish on 'Cambridge Variations'.

Both bands would like to publically thank Black Dyke and Delph Bands for their understanding and help, and we wish Duncan a speedy and full recovery. We look forward to seeing him in our bandrooms again very soonbands

Thanks

Mike Allcock, who played with Horbury in 2015, and recently rejoined Newstead, told 4BR: "Both bands would like to thank Phil for his help over the last two weeks.

It's not a position neither would have wanted to be in, but his approach kept the bands calm and focused. Obviously, Duncan was very disappointed that he had to stand down but both bands recognise the immense work that he puts in to their organizations, shown by his continuing involvement and planning even when he couldn't get to rehearsal."

Beckley return

He added: "Both bands would like to publically thank Black Dyke and Delph Bands for their understanding and help, and we wish Duncan a speedy and full recovery. We look forward to seeing him in our bandrooms again very soon."