Successful start to 2014

January saw the band take part in its first contest after promotion to the second section in Skegness.

Previous results at the Butlins Mineworkers Championship include 3rd place in the third section last year, and fourth section victories two years running, 2008 and 2009.

Preparations began early in the new year with the test piece Kenilworth (by Arthur Bliss) proving a serious challenge in both technique and repertoire. Nonetheless, the band developed well and we were able to approach the weekend with confidence. We were absolutely delighted to take 2nd place, against a tough field which included many north-west rivals and we celebrated long into the night.

The momentum from this result carried us forward into the more serious test of the North West Area Championship at Blackpool Winter Gardens under the experienced baton of Andrew White.

The performance developed style and character and once again we very happy indeed to prove our worth against rivals far more experienced at contesting in this section, taking 6th place out of sixteen.

Over the spring and summer the band will be focusing on concerts and the Whit Friday marches, before returning to contests at Fleetwood and Wychavon, hoping for perhaps even better results than the start of the year has provided.