CHALFORD had another good result at Gloucestershire Brass Band Association's annual entertainment contest for 2003.

Cups were presented to Chalford for being best second section band and second best overall of the 14 contenders (again runners-up to City of Bristol) - although later a different list of overall results was sent out to competing bands by contest secretary Bill Poulton.

The competition at the Royal Forest of Dean College on Sunday (February 10) was tougher this time with one championship, two first, two second, three third and six fourth section bands competing. But Steve Tubb and his players rose to the challenge, despite getting the dreaded number one draw spot.

The chosen programme was Prelude to a New Age, Japanese Slumber Song, You Are the Sunshine of My Life (David Young's foot-tapping trombone solo) and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Euphonium player Ron Gardiner had been coaxed out of retirement at 10 days' notice to play bass trombone for the first time and the Training Band's 14-year-old kit percussionist Jake Gibbons had only a week to prepare for his debut with the senior band. Steve was pleased with both.

His written remarks show that Bryan Hurdley, the main adjudicator who judged the playing in the open, was very impressed with Chalford. He said it was very well trained, had a great sound and he couldn't believe it was a second section band.

Tony Wyatt, concert secretary for the Stroud Brass Band Festival, judged the entertainment value of all 14 20-minute concerts but apparently did not find Chalford particularly entertaining, commenting "some of the shoes left a lot to be desired." Black polish next time, eh?

Mr Hurdley marked out of 200 and Mr Wyatt out of 100 and it was announced from the stage that the two would be added together.

At the end of a long day there was over half an hour's delay before the results were announced. Compere David Hayward said he would not apologise because "we wanted to get it right."

The overall results announced were: 1 City of Bristol 274 points, 2 Chalford 259, 3 Lydney 257.

Championship: 1 Lydmet Lydney (only competitor).

First section: 1 City of Bristol, 2 Ammanford Town. Second section: 1 Chalford, 2 Cwmbran.

Third section: 1 Ynshir Welfare (Stack of Tiles), 2 Tewkesbury Town, 3 Portishead Town.

Fourth section: 1 Pillowell, 2 Phoenix Brass, 3 Lydbrook Training.

City of Bristol won the cup for the most entertaining band, young James Yemm of Lydbrook Training won the best soloist award and six-year-old Joe Loughlin of Lydbrook Training Bandwas the youngest player.

Bryan Hurdley's comments on Chalford senior band:

Prelude to a New Age

A most effective opening number. The band sounds tight and well balanced throughout. Excellent dynamics and a great bass sound. Some fine percussion work (Glock). H very effective with just the odd moment from Euphs (splits in higher parts). Very well rehearsed.

Japanese Slumber Song

A little uneasy to open in Solo Cornet who is also a bit flat. Glorious Euph sound from A. B Solo Cornet much better - well done. This flows well on the whole with fine solo work from flug, Euph, Cornet and horn. I would like however a less clinical start and finish to the phrases. Piu Mosso handled well with accents just right. Intonation cornet just before K (Low Ds). A lovely piece and generally well portrayed and well shaped from everyone. Intonation in Solo Cornets again a problem to close (Gs).

You are the Sunshine

Again the band is tight and sound well rehearsed with some excellent percussion work. If anything it is all a bit stiff. Kit needs to drive more and be a bit more adventurous. Soloist is really first class. Just the odd intonation problems before E (Top B, A). Most enjoyable thank you.

Harry Potter

Just a little uneasy to start but then you settle down to some fine playing - most effective. Is there a solo prize for Glock? You must be a contender! Excellent Solo Contributions throughout - particularly well done to flugel and soprano. A wonderful performance and a very fine ending. This band is very well trained, has a great sound and plays generally in tune!

Most enjoyable. thank you .

P.S. Can't believe You're 2nd Section!"