SUNDAY 20th MAY 2007

First Place at Weston

Same Band, same players, same MD, same test piece but a different Adjudicator. Colin Hardy placed Blaenavon Town Band first in the Third Section at Weston-Super-Mare today.  He awarded the band with 184 points to clinch a victory that the band has had to wait a long time for.  After disappointment in Swansea and Ebbw Vale this was a very welcome return to winning ways.

After playing well and finishing last at Ebbw Vale the band was determined to put on the best performance possible. Dimensions by Peter Graham was once again the test piece and Gareth Ritter the MD.  Gareth had said that if we played to our best it would be up to the other bands to beat us.

On very warm and sunny day the band took to the stage having drawn 6 out of 7 bands. The band left the stage knowing that we had put in another good performance and that Gareth was very pleased with the way it went.  All the soloists played well and there were very few slips or mistakes.  E-flat bass player Trevor Sanders shone once again in his short solo and Principal Cornet Lulu proved once again what a fine player she is.

After the results the band retired to the Cabot Bar for drinks on the terrace and football for the younger supporters.  On the whole a very satisfying and enjoyable day out by  the sea.

Top three at Weston:

1. Blaenavon Town (Gareth Ritter) – 184
2. Avonbank (Evesham) Band (Nick Smith) – 183
3. Leicestershire Co-op (Graham Jacklin) – 181

Adjudicator: Colin Hardy
Best Bass Section: Avonband (Evesham) Band
 

It was a one - two for the Town of Blaenavon as the Blaenafon Concert Band picked up second place in the Fourth Section.