21 years after they last lifted the Regional Trophy in triumph, Gawthorpe Brass '85 set the tone for the Yorkshire Regional Championships with an "outstanding"victory in the Fourth Section.

Now as then they were conducted by MD John Edward, who led them to Cheltenham with a focused, smiling determination that saw them deliver Rodney Newton's enjoyable 'World Tour' with rich characterisation and confidence. Joining them will be a "very clear"Garforth, who secured their first National final appearance since 2009 under John Thompson.

Full of praise

Both adjudicators David Lancaster and Stan Lippeatt were full of praise for the efforts of all 11 competitors, but would have surely recognised that a number took the stage depleted in number; Linthwaite opening the proceedings with just 16 players. Gawthorpe themselves had 22 brass and three percussion players, whilst Garforth was missing a bass trombone.

And whilst that was not remarked upon in the encouraging pre-results round-up, it is a growing problem that has not gone unnoticed by the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators. When Yorkshire banding is finding difficulty filling the ranks it is a very worry sign indeed.

Something to offer

However, Stan was not wrong in saying that "every band had something to offer"on a "challenging piece", whilst David added that it had to be delivered with "consistency"and "rhythmic accuracy".

And whilst he talked about the need to capture the correct tempo changes and keep an eye on tuning issues especially in the difficult 'Pacific Paradise' third movement, Stan pointed out that the instructions on the score held the key. "Just do what's there"he said.

Outstanding

No such problems with the winners; as an "outstanding"Gawthorpe secured victory with playing that had the right touch of expectancy and brio in the opening movement (especially on the little 'Punchinello' excerpt), linked to a well-paced ragtime, languid 'Pacific Paradise' and a finale of Aussie swagger led by the trombone section.

It was also helped by the contribution of the excellent flugel player Emma Sutcliffe, who deservedly took the 'Best Soloist' prize (on a day when there were a number of excellent individual performances) whilst the 'Best Percussion' award also came the way of their talented trio.

Quality

With Garforth also showing their quality to qualify in clearly defined style (aided by their brilliant little percussion player Sam Thompson, aged 7, who took the 'Youngest Player' award) the final podium slot went to Armthorpe Elmfield conducted by the veteran Haydn Griffiths MBE, which secured them promotion to the Third Section in 2019.

The remaining top-six places were claimed by colourful, if slightly variable renditions from Loxley Silver, Maltby Miners and Deepcar, the latter certainly catching the ear of many in the hall, but not quite the two in the box, whilst behind them it was a question of banding basics in performances that all had their moments, but just lacked that essential consistency David and Stan were looking for.

No such problems with the winners; as an "outstanding" Gawthorpe secured victory with playing that had the right touch of expectancy in the opening movement linked to a well-paced ragtime, languid 'Pacific Paradise' and a finale of Aussie swagger4BR

Result:

Fourth Section:

Adjudicators: David Lancaster and Stan Lippeatt

1. Gawthorpe Brass '85' (John Edwards)*
2. Garforth (John Thompson)*
3. Armthorpe Elmfield (Haydn Griffiths MBE)
4. Loxley Silver (Lee Dunkley)
5. Maltby Miners (Terry Clifford)
6. Deepcar (Cathryn Rogers)
7. Linthwaite (Paul Kershaw)
8. Friendly Band (Sowerby Bridge) (Neil Robinson)
9. Thurcroft Welfare (Matthew Wright)
10. Tingley (John Belton)
11. Golcar (Peter Strawson)

* Qualify for National Final

Best Soloist: Emma Sutcliffe (flugel) — Gawthorpe Brass 85
Best Percussion: Gawthorpe Brass 85
Youngest Player: Sam Thompson (aged 7) — Garforth