The band traveled to Saddleworth once again this year to take part in the Whit Friday contests on the 25th May. Heavy Bank Holiday traffic coupled with extensive roadworks meant that the journey took a little longer than usual. However, the band arrived for their first contest at Scouthead at just before 5pm. The weather was wet and windy and the players thought that the first performance went well considering the conditions. So well in fact that the band achieved the top placing for a fourth section band!
Moving on from Scouthead, the band then played at Delph and Dobcross, putting in solid performances under steady rainfall. On leaving Dobcross to head to the next contest at Uppermill, band members at the rear of the coach noticed the smell of smoke. The driver pulled over (conveniently outside The Commercial pub) as he entered Uppermill. It was fairly clear on inspection that this was the final stop that this particular coach would be making! Fortunately, the band were well within walking distance of the contest at Uppermill and so were able to register and compete in what could have been, and turned out to be, the last contest. As such, the band focused hard and made its last performance count, resulting in another top fourth section placing.
Although players had fingers crossed that a replacement bus would arrive in time to make another contest or two, it wasn't to be, and the band enjoyed the opportunity to socialise, take refreshments and absorb the... rather lively... Uppermill atmosphere!
Even though the day's playing was curtailed, the band are delighted with the performances and results achieved and would like to thank MD Nigel Butler for all the hard work preparing the band for this year's event.
Photographs from the night can be found in our Gallery.