Not even a short shower of rain could dampen the musical spirits on show at the annual West of England Bandsmans' Festival in the Cornish village of Bugle on the weekend.
With the traditional march through the village and the end of contest march performance by the Royal Trophy winners adding to the attractions, it was another day to remember, especially for Camborne who took the Championship Section honours for the 40th time, on this occasion under the baton of the experienced David Hirst.
Keen battle
The Championship Section proved to a keen contest battle, with Camborne's evocative rendition of the classic set-work of Eric Ball's 'Journey into Freedom' securing victory from defending champion St Dennis, with Roche Brass in third.
In addition Camborne also took individual awards for 'Best Soprano', 'Best Solo Cornet', 'Best Euphonium' and 'Best Horn'.
Adjudicator Glyn Williams praised bands in each of the seven sections for the standard of their performances, especially the enthusiasm of the young players.
Forest victory
Forest of Dean Brass secured a fine victory in the First Section as they took the title by a point from AW Parker (Drybrook) with a well structured account of the set-work 'Ad Undas' by Gareth Churcher, whilst Wotton under Edge & District claimed a forthright victory in the Second Section with their bold rendition of the set-work, 'Corineus' by Christopher Bond.
Redruth hat-trick
Redruth Town made it a hat-trick of victories in the Fourth Section with a fine account of 'A Saddleworth Festival Overture', with the Youth Section title going to St Austell Youth. Soundhouse Brass Juniors claimed the Training Section accolade.
The annual A R Trudgian Youth Awards were presented to the talented Bodmin duo of Grace Denford and Matthew Opie.
it was another day to remember, especially for Camborne who took the Championship Section honours for the 40th time, on this occasion under the baton of the experienced David Hirst4BR
Results:
Championship Section:
1. Camborne Town (David Hirst) — 196
2. St Dennis (Darren R Hawken) — 194
3. Roche Brass (David Johnson) — 193
Hymn:
The Lord Bless You and Keep You (Nik & Emma Pears arr. Paul Sharman)
1. Roche Brass (David Johnson) — 96
2. Camborne Town (David Hirst) — 95
3. St Austell Town (Derek Greenwood) — 94
Best Player Award: Tim Joslin (Eb Bass) — Camborne Town
First Section:
1. Forest of Dean Brass (Gareth Ritter) — 191
2. AW Parker (Drybrook) (Joshua Ruck) — 190
March: Unconquered (Arthur Gullidge)
1. Forest of Dean Brass (Gareth Ritter) — 94
2. AW Parker (Drybrook) (Joshua Ruck) — 92
Best Player Award: Jim Mason (soprano) — Forest of Dean Brass.
Second Section:
1. Wotton under Edge & District (Ian Dickinson) — 189
2. Bugle Silver (Steve Osborne) — 186.
March:
Victors Acclaimed (Bramwell Coles)
1. Wotton under Edge & District (Ian Dickinson) — 92
2. Bugle Silver (Steve Osborne) — 88
Best Player Award: Bruce Davies (cornet) — Wotton under Edge & District
Third Section:
No entrants
Fourth Section:
1. Redruth Town (Andrew Craze) — 188
2. Lostwithiel Town (Barry Skinnery) — 185
3. Lanner Brass Academy (Lee Rouse) — 183
Best Player Award: Norman Pendray (cornet) — Lostwithiel Town
Youth Section:
1. St Austell Youth (Anna Minear) — 185
2. St Keverne Youth (Karl D Long) — 183
Best Player: Jason Wilton (horn) — St Austell Youth
Best Cornet: Sarah Wilton (St Austell Youth)
E J Williams Memorial Trophy to the Winning Conductor: Anna Minear
Training Section:
1. Soundhouse Brass Juniors (Gary Thompson) — 179
2. St Minver Training (Barbara George) — 178
3. St Dennis Training (Linda Trethewey) — 177
Training Section Awards:
Best Player: Lucy Evans (euphonium) — Soundhouse Brass Juniors
Best Cornet: Charlotte Blaikey (Soundhouse Brass Juniors)
Special Awards:
Best Soprano: Les Kneebone (Camborne Town)
Best Solo Cornet: Lee Wylde (Camborne Town)
Best Euphonium: John Hitchens (Camborne Town)
Best Solo Horn: Jo Scott (Camborne Town)
Best Basses: St Dennis
A R Trudgian Youth Awards:
Grace Denford (Bodmin Town) and Matthew Opie (Bodmin Town)
Deportment Class:
Adjudicator: Jonathan Lush-Camps LRSM
1. Bugle Silver
2. Okehampton Excelsior Silver
