Sunday 29th April saw the band travelling up the A23 to The Hawth Theatre in Crawley.  We were there to take part in the scaba Spring Contest. The band duly arrived at the appointed time and got themselves ready to take on the other 7 bands competing in the Second Section.

We had drawn to play number 7, so there wasn’t too long to wait to hear the results of the section, as judged by Alan Morrison, formerly Principal Cornet of the famous Grimethorpe and Brighouse & Rastrick Band.  Alan is a very experienced adjudicator, and is also an examiner for the Associated Boards.

We took 2nd place in the March Contest, playing Mephistopheles (Shipley Douglas) and 1st place in the Testpiece, playing Olympus (Philip Harper).  The trombone section were awarded the prize for being the best trombones in the second Section – so congratulation to Jo Highfield, Peter Cowlett and Jane Stewart.  Our Musical Director, Ian Stewart was also awarded the Conductor’s prize for the best interpretation in the section.

In second place were Uckfield Concert Brass  – including former LGB members Mick Horscroft, Simon Kahn and David Pattenden.

We were very grateful to Geoff Clarke and Matt Tallamy from Horsham Borough Band for their help on percussion.  Geoff and Matt then had to hot-foot it to their own band – who won the March and the Testpiece in the First Section.  Tony Line, LGB’s Solo Euphonium, was playing cornet for Horsham and Karen Palmer (wife of our former euph player, Greg) won the prize for the Best Tenor Trombonist – again!  Chris Line, one of LGB’s Vice-Presidents, also plays with Horsham, so many congratulations to all the band.

Our M.D. Ian, then had to put on his playing hat to join his band, Friary Guildford in the Championship Section.  Guess what – they won the March and Testpiece prizes and the prize for the best bass section, which included Nigel Simmons, formerly of – LGB Brass!

All in all, a very busy and successful day for LGB, our MD and various former members of our band!