A mixed bag in the North of England

by Steve Jack

A few weeks ago, on Test Match Special, Jonathan Agnew asked Geoff Boycott what sports or hobbies used statistics, numbers and historical facts as much as cricket. Boycott couldn't come up with an answer, which, for a Yorkshireman who should be steeped in the traditions of bands, is as sacrilegious as one waving a flag with a red rose on it!
Well, here are a few statistics from Darlington to get us going - the home guard changed here for the first time since 2001 as East Yorkshire Motor Services (EYMS), under the direction of Robert Childs, beat perennial favourite, Reg Vardy (the band's first win since 1998). In doing so, Dr. Childs took his second ‘Area' title of the campaign and left brother, Nicholas, stuck on 19 wins.

The regional power shift has also moved, with more bands from Cumbria and North Yorkshire qualifying rather than those from County Durham or Northumberland. The number of bands registered is now down to only 52, with only 41 turning up to play - the lowest since the region was created. Furthermore, since last year, a few more bands have gone out of existence, but Langbaugh Brass reformed under its old name of North Skelton and competed again in the 3rd Section with success.
The Championship Section proved that the brilliance of Gilbert Vinter's music had again been served with a lack of respect from bands and conductors. There was no single perfect performance of Salute to Youth, but there were certainly two outstanding ones that got the tongues wagging. EYMS continued the improvement that has seen it take bragging rights at the ‘Final' for the last two years, and finally overturn two consecutive second places here.