Blowing in the wind
BRASS band enthusiasts went through a roller coaster of emotions when musicians from near and far came to town at the weekend.
BRASS band enthusiasts went through a roller coaster of emotions when musicians from near and far came to town at the weekend.
From the talent and showmanship of guest band from Holland, The Spijkerpakkenband, to the moving tributes to brass stalwarts Stephen Thornton and Geoffrey Whitham, it was a stirring event that will live long in the memory.
The 11th Brighouse Lions' Music Festival attracted top bands - and large crowds who attended the climax to the three-day event played out in blustery conditions that threatened to whisk away sheets of music at any time.
David Horsfield, who helped organise the event on behalf of the Lions, was delighted with the outcome.
"The combination of some marvellous music and a great atmosphere in Thornton Square combined to make it a special day," he said.
Dutch champions, the Spijkerpakkenband, were making their first trip to Britain to take part in the festival. The band from Friesland, led by conductor Thijs Oud, arrived in Brighouse on Friday.
Hetty Nienhuis, from the band, said: "It was much more special than what we could have imagined and the atmosphere and all the traditions make it really refreshing," she said.
The band also performed at Bailiff Bridge Memorial Park on Sunday and at a gala concert on Saturday evening at Central Methodist Church.
Skelmanthorpe Band, under the leadership of John Roberts. were crowned the champions.
They also took the best Soprano Cornet and Best Contest March prizes. The band will receive an invitation to take part in EuroBrass Drachten next year with additional concerts in addition to the contest.
The runner-up spot went to the consistent Hammonds Saltaire Band, conducted by Morgan Griffiths. They also won the Best Hymn Tune.
Fred Etherington, MC for the event, welcomed guests and paid tribute to Stephen Thornton and Geoffrey Whitham,a moving tribute to two local brass musicians who died recently. The Elland Silver Band, musical director James Shepherd, reinforced by ex-Hammonds and James Shepherd Versatile Brass Players gave a short concert in memory of both men.
Among the large crowds who filled Thornton Square and Bethel Street were enthusiasts from Cumbria, Norfolk plus many from Lancashire as well as closer to home.
The Deputy Mayor of Calderdale, Coun Keith Watson and his wife Eileen were among the guests and said they were having a pleasant and enjoyable afternoon.
The festival was off to a good start on Saturday morning when the Brighouse Youth Solo Championships in Bailiff Bridge took place. The event was sponsored by Kershaw's Garden Centre, Brighouse, and Brigitte Matthews of Holmfirth.
The gala concert on Saturday evening, at Central Methodist Church featured The Spijkerpakkenband with a programme of popular music. Mr Horsfield said he rated the best concert so far in 11 years.
"The Brighouse people took the Dutch band to their hearts and the band provided a really varied and entertaining programme of music."
Youth Solo Championships
Under 11: 1, Gemma Riley (trombone) Wigan Youth Band: 2, Bethany Moore (cornet) Bare Trees Youth/Elland Youth: 3, Sarah Whaites (cornet) Gawthorpe Brass '85. Youngest player: Nadia Long. Under 14: 1, Alex Crisp (tenor horn) Clifton and Lightcliffe; 2, Emma Sutcliffe (flugel) Gawthorpe Brass '85: 3, Bethany Moore. Under 17: 1, Lewis Bettles (trombone) Stannington; 2, Alex Crisp (tenor horn); 3, Jessica Whaites (cornet) Gawthorpe Brass '85.
Full results: 1, Skelmanthorpe Band; 2, Hammonds Saltaire Band; 3, The Drighllngton Band; 4, Marsden Silver and The Diggle Band. Best principal cornet: Alex Gibson (Hebden Bridge), Yamaha "Xeno" Cornet plus the Stuart Broadbent Memorial Trophy. Best contest march: Skelmanthorpe. Best hymn tune: Hammonds.
Best soloist of the day: Flugel Horn Spijkerpakkenband. Best band road march: Spijkerpakkenband. Best trombone section road march: Spijkerpakkenband. Best soprano cornet: Skelmanthorpe. Best hymn tune section four: The Friendly Band. Deportment: Marsden Silver. Best first section band: Hammonds. Best second section band: Diggle. Best third section band: Elland Silver. Best fourth section band: Boarshurst. Best youth band: Elland Silver Youth. Second youth band: Dobcross Youth. Third youth band: Shirland Welfare Training. Youth deportment: Dobcross Youth. Youngest player: Aaron Kerwin (eight) Sellers International Youth. Best soloist youth: Jason Varley Cornet Elland Youth.
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Weather for Halifax
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
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