Despite some challenging traffic and miserable weather, both Chalford Senior and Academy bands descended on St Luke’s church in Torquay for pre-competition rehearsals.  The Academy band has only really come together over the last couple of months as the organisation recovered from the pandemic, and fair to say a few weeks ago there was still plenty of work to do on “Hungerford Town”, the 4^th section test piece.  But in the church, supported by a few Chalford alumni, the Academy band sounded fantastic, causing more than one of the senior band players listening to well up with pride and admiration.

The competition itself was in a new venue: the Assembly Hall in Torquay Town Hall.  The acoustic was a real challenge: somewhere between a sports hall and a cave.  Despite that, and some instrument issues, they put in a solid performance, held together by an animated Steve Tubb.  They were placed tenth, with some encouraging comments in the adjudicator’s remarks.  But the real achievement was getting a full band there to compete – well done to the players, and to Steve, Bev and Andy.

And so to the senior band, drawn 9^th in the 18-band 1^st section.  The hall was fuller than usual, and responded warmly to a musically engaging and polished performance – confident soloists, great technical playing and a good band sound.  The results were announced just before 8pm – counting down from sixth place, Chalford hadn’t been mentioned – surely not, but oh yes, the West of England Region First Section Champions were the band drawn number 9, Chalford!

What a great weekend for both bands!  As usual, many thanks to all our supporters.

First Section:

Test piece: A Day in the Life of a Knight (Philip Lawrence)
Adjudicators: Chris Jeans & John Maines

1. Chalford (Steve Tubb)*
2. A W Parker (Drybrook) (Joshua Ruck)*
3. Sherborne Town (Dave Shead)*
4. Helston Town (John Berryman)
5. Lydbrook (Gareth Ritter)
6. Hyde (Nigel Seaman)
7. City of Bristol Brass (Craig Roberts)
8. Glastonbury Brass (Kevin Smith)
9. SW Comms (Chris Spreadbury)
10. Lanner & District Silver (David Johnson)
11. Bournemouth Concert Brass (Matthew Brown)
12. Weston Brass (Ian Holmes)
13. Hatherleigh Silver (Matt Green)
14. Sidmouth Town (Adrian Harvey)
15. St Austell Town (Adam Glynn)
16. Wotton-Under-Edge & District (David Lawrence)
17. Camborne Brass (Alan Pope BEM)
18. Forest of Dean Brass (Martyn Patterson)

*Qualify for National Final

Fourth Section:

Test piece: Hungerford Town (Darrol Barry)
Adjudicators: Dr Howard Evans & Morten E Hansen

1. Saltash Town (Neil Ellis)*
2. Brunel Brass Academy (Daniel Hall)*
3. St Stythians (James Burns)*
4. Shanklin Town Brass (IoW) (Malcolm Lewis)
5. Pillowell Silver (Ian Whitburn)
6. St Breward Silver (Tom Howard)
7. Wincanton Silver (James White)
8. Weymouth Concert Brass (Keith Espin)
9. Bugle Silver (Mark Phillips)
10. Chalford Academy (Steve Tubb)
11. Shaftesbury Town Silver (Martin Hill)
12. Test Valley Brass (Edward March)
13. Cheltenham Silver Academy (Colin Forster)
14. Illogan Sparnon Silver (Shaun Marsden)

*Qualify for National Final