Held once again at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington, the Band despite playing a strong, competent and musical performance, only managed to gain 6th place. This was the first area contest of the year, as due to a technical hitch (very politely put) the traditional weekend in March was unavailable due to a double booking of the Dolphin Centre. The test piece was Richard Wagner's Overture - Rienzi, and on the day was adjudicated by Geoffrey Whitham.

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Jez in the big banana - it's no good having a flash motor when you have to follow the bus at 50mph for two hours!

Danny, Kirsty and Alison discuss the finer points of - a) The forthcoming contest, or b) which team to have on the bus stop card.

A smiling Kirsty relieves another mug, I mean Alison of her money.

The Trombone section - Steve, Jez and Mark. Just a little worrying at the final rehearsal no one seems to be bothering with music.

Nice pair Mike!

Graham receives last minute tips on hair colouring before his final contest preen.

Not sure whether Gareth is sneezing or imagining a cup of coffee.

It was the coffee! He's now doing an impression of that other Gareth, shaking the coffee beans.

Ditto - but this time in slow motion.

It's either a very limp wrist, or someone has moved the glove puppet!

Gareth points to Dave's shiny bass.

I don't know who took all these pictures of Gareth - it must have been someone he knows - as mid performance he manages to wave to the camera!

Then he fell asleep!

From the left, Steve, Iain, Dave, Simon, Graham, Danny, Jez, John and Tim. Outside our rehearsal venue - The Darlington Cricket Club.

This years horn babes (so they say!) - Julia, Rachel, Alison and Kathy.

No contest nerves for Sophie, though we did have to postpone the start of our performance until she'd finished the chapter.

If you look carefully you will notice the lack of alcohol - it's before the contest. For the record, from the left Phil, Mrs Gareth, Vicki, Gareth, Jason, Paul and Tommy Cooper.

The foundation of the Band, or the Bass Babes......not!

Tim, Steve, Dave (it was his birthday today) and Iain.

Yes, they would also put their heads in to a gas oven!

Obviously David Bailey forgot to tell the cornet section that he was ready. 

That's better ... just. From the left Dave, Stewart, Danny, Tony, Paul, Sophie, Kirsty, Vicki, Simon and Graham.

Ditto

Only a soprano player would settle for two halves served in separate glasses! 

Believe it or not the Band had only just arrived in the bar. Perhaps the camera is faulty!

Our star drummer.

In the absence of Iain's Mum, Kirsty takes over! Kathy does her best to keep a straight face. I believe the message was " two glasses of coke is enough for you young man!"

Liz, Danny, and Paul try to look subtle, whilst wondering about the new Reg Vardy headwear modelled in the background.

Enough said!

Look into my eyes..

Mind your fingers!

Mel checks that the fingers are all there, whilst once again Gareth closes his eyes hoping that his piano playing days are not quite over!

Pictures by Steve and Emma Gibson.

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