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 Site © 1999-2008 Rothwell Temperance Band and All Rights Reserved. |
27th May 2007 - International MastersAdjudicators: John Miller, Alan Morrison & David Read Following on from last year’s win the band were determined to return to Cambridge to retain their title for a consecutive year. This year Rothwell would face opposition from the double European Champion, English National Champion, the North American Champion, Grand Shield winners, Scottish Champions, Mineworkers Champions, the Area winners from London & Southern Counties, North of England, West of England & five London qualifiers. Not an easy task by any bands’ standards! Sellers International band had to withdraw from the competition this year. This was perhaps due to their concentration on practising ‘A Night to Sing’ for the Grand Shield, which this year only took place a couple of weeks earlier than the Masters. Sellers came an impressive second in Blackpool, once again gaining invitation back to the British Open. This year’s overseas contenders at the Masters came in the form of Fountain City Brass (the current North American Champions), Willebroek from Belgium, Soli Brass and Brass Band Rijnmond from the Netherlands and 1st Old Boys Association from Northern Ireland. Rothwell would also have increased determination to do well at Cambridge after missing out on a Nationals qualification place earlier in the year. In preparation for the performance of In Memorium RK, our conductor had listened to some past recordings and also gained some inspiration from attending a performance by Grimethorpe conducted by the composer. This all helped in deciding how to mould his own interpretation. We travelled down to Cambridge the night before the contest and stayed in our usual hotel and once again practised in a local primary school, after which we headed to the pub for a couple of quiet drinks and another impressive buffet. On the day of the contest we were up and on the coach at what seemed like the crack of dawn to drop Lewys off to get the draw and to get to the Scout Hut for a practice. The band played off the number 2 draw following Aveley & Newham. Historically, it is always a difficult to get a good result from second place, however this did not unsettle the band’s composure. This piece required only one percussionist in the form of John Turnbull who did his section proud and the whole band were particularly comfortable with the piece and practices had progressed to a near faultless performance. All parts went in as planned and additional praise should go to the soloists who replicated earlier practices without hesitation. Once again the audience numbers were much dwindled at less than 150 for at least eight bands. This must understandably be a worrying figure for the organisers who in the past have enjoyed fairly full houses and healthy ticket sales here. This is an issue which will need to be addressed in the very near future if the competition is to continue. It is never easy playing to a part-vacant hall. This however did not deter the band from delivering a healthy rendition of the piece. After playing and loading the coach most of the band descended on the local Wetherspoon pub at 11:00 for some well-earned light refreshments. Attention: If they are still serving the green real ale next year avoid it! Come results time the band were announced an impressive third. Not bad at all especially considering the band had played from the dreaded number 2 draw. This was obviously a performance which had stuck in the minds of the judges throughout the whole day. As usual the band headed to the coach to set off on the long journey back to Yorkshire. Unfortunately, this was delayed due to a member of the cornet section going missing. To cut a long story short he turned up an hour late and explained he had wandered off and must have fallen asleep and woke up rather confused in the middle of a church service! Without further ado we departed for home. The full results were: 1. Fodens Richardson, Garry Cutt (15) 7. Desford Colliery, Nigel Seaman (4) Congratulations go to Fodens for their result! Our thanks go to : Neil Cole |