4BR has been informed that there is to be a change in the adjudication pairings for the 2027 British Open Spring Festival to be held in Birmingham on the weekend of the 8th & 9th May.

Step down

Due to a conflict of interest, Dr Robert Childs has taken the decision to step down from his role in the Grand Shield. He is to be replaced by David Hirst who will now judge the bands on Philip Sparke's 'Music of the Spheres' with Sheona White.

His position in the Senior Cup will now be taken by Col. David Barringer MVO MBE, who will judge the performances of 'Isaiah 40' alongside Lt Col. Lauren Petritz-Watts.

There is no change in the adjudication team for the Senior Trophy which will be judged by Morgan Griffiths and Stephanie Binns on 'Forest of Dean' by Derek Bourgeois.

Professionalism

Speaking on behalf of the Mortimer family, owners of the British Open Championship, Karyn Mortimer told 4BR: "As soon as Bob found out he immediately took the decision.

It speaks greatly of his professionalism that this was done quickly, and we are grateful to Col. David Barringer for agreeing to judge the Senior Trophy contest."