It's been something of a question of lost and found for Black Dyke Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs, after he was recently told that he had just notched up a century of contest successes after leading Krohnengen Band to the Norwegian First Division National title in Bergen.
However, after a little bit of research it seems that he should have doffed his cap to the pavilion a little earlier in recognition of becoming the first conductor since Major Peter Parkes to achieve the feat — with victories at the French Open in 1998 and the Radio Wales Band of the Year contest in 1996 having not been entered into the record books.
100th win
It is now believed that his 100th victory came in leading Whitburn Band to the 2018 Scottish Championship title — with subsequent victories at the Scottish Open and Norwegian National taking his total to 102.
However, it has also been found that the record of the great Major Parkes (who also conducted both Black Dyke and Whitburn to success) has also been added to with possibly five victories in Scotland found that have also been omitted.
It is now understood that his record now stands at 104.
Next win
"Of course the only success that matters most is the next one,"Prof Childs told 4BR. "Major Parkes is a legendary figure to me and I'm delighted that the extra victories he achieved will now be placed against his name.
It was wonderful to meet up with his son Christopher in Norway recently after he was one of the judges that placed Krohnengen first — it was a nice piece of banding coincidence given what we have now found out.
I'm grateful to the brass band statisticians out there who have kept a record going back to my first win with the Deiniolen Band in the Fourth Section in 1984. I still remember that one as if it was yesterday."
It is now believed that his 100th victory came in leading Whitburn Band to the 2018 Scottish Championship title — with subsequent victories at the Scottish Open and Norwegian National taking his total to 1024BR
More
And as to adding more to his name?
"I hope so — but you can never take anything for granted in contesting. Getting number 103 in Huddersfield would be very nice with Black Dyke of course, but I'm sure there will be plenty of others bands trying to stop us!"
Victory there could mean another record — as Black Dyke would become the first band to win four consecutive Yorkshire Area Championship Section titles, whilst away from the contest stage later this year Prof Childs will make his 100th CD recording.
The next conductor on the contest century list is believed to be Duncan Beckley with 92 victories in youth and senior banding, whilst also closing in on the 100 mark are Garry Cutt (84) and David King (81).
Thanks to brassbandresults.co.uk and Gordon Simpson
