Driver Pete Wilson gives the Band its pre drive safety talk. Ex player Pete was smiling as he'd qualified for the 1st Section National Finals the day before with Barton Town Band.

That's right Andy, I used to get up early to wash my hair!

Never too late for some colour to be added to the score.

Could the change in rehearsal venue break the run of 2nd places?

Jake, John, and Neil, during a break in the rehearsal.

 A mixture of youth and experience?

A break in the proceedings. From L to R - Sarah Evans, Bob Childs, Neil Day, James Cunningham, Lorraine Childs, Lisa Childs, Kevin Marshall, Mel Kennedy, Julia Mathews, Vicki Kennedy, Michael Kennedy, and Thomas Kennedy.

The 2009 Band recruitment picture.

 Kathy, Alison, Andrea, and Kirsty.

They could be the backing singers for the Band's next hit album 'Tiger Rag'.

Jez, Alistair, and Mark, wonder why they are here if trombones aren't brass instruments. 

Dean, James, and Jonathan. No tapping, no banging, no hammering, no DIY. Just silence - marvellous.

Sam would need more than crutches to hold him up before the day was done.

I think we'll stick with the black colour scheme.

The hard work about to start again.

Eyes down.

The cornet section :- Soprano - John Belton, Repiano - Kirsty Fox, 2nd - Julia Mathews & Thomas Kennedy, 3rd - Andrea Grace & Simon Blow, Solo - Neil Day, Tony Newiss, Stewart Kennedy, and Kevin Marshall.

 The Euphonium (Neil Johnson & Andrew Kennedy) and Baritone (John Mathews & Sarah Evans) section receive a quick blow dry from the Trombone section (Mark Unsworth, Jez Kearney, & Alistair Shipman).

 Last minute touch up.

But with enough time for a little light relief.

Just in case the location was in doubt.

Mind your fingers Kirsty.

Obviously a nail biting time for some as the Band awaits the result ceremony in the warmth of the Dolphin Centre ............................. bar.

Two cokes and Neil is starting to lean already.

How much for a beer!

Tony tries to get the beers in using an original white fiver.

Have a rest John, you need to save your energy for lifting the cup.

Kirsty wins the 'I can make myself smaller than you can' award.

The grinning Grimsby boys! 

Jez manages to stand up without support, but as for the other three....

After the results, the Champion Band took to the stage.

It's been a long time coming.

1998, was the last win for the Band.

And for many, this was their first win at an area.

The Band now goes to the National Finals in London, as North Of England Champions.

Triple Champions - Senior Cup, Kippax Entertainment, North of England.

Marvellous.

Best Soprano, North of England Champions, and Best Bass Section.

A better scrum, and more trophies than the England squad.

The first of three dynamic duos, Karl and Simon not content with the Area win, consider entering Strictly Come Dancing.

Mine's bigger than yours.

Yes, but mine is all mine.

A warm up for the official cheesy picture. 

The prize winning Bass section - Pete Arden, Sam Kind, David Fox, and Gareth Hughes.

Smile for the camera.

Who'll drink this?

I will.

All gone.

I've got some in my hair.

No Kirsty, you aren't supposed to hide behind the cup. 

Even the bottom of the cup looked good!

But Pete thought that the top was better.

The taste of success.

Jonathan and the munchkins.

Looks like a quick spot of line dancing.

I didn't realise Karl was that short.

Thomas, you're supposed to drink it, not use it to wash your hair.

It would prove difficult to get the cup off Andy, even when it was empty.

Alison manages to get a couple of fingers onto the cup.

It's mine, all mine!

It wasn't really as dark and cramped as the pictures imply.

Is that Frank Cannon, the seventies TV detective over Gareth's shoulder?

Obviously this cup only takes a half.

Uncle & Nephew, or Nephew & Uncle.

Obviously the beer isn't up to Garry's standard - either that or he's struggling to lift a whole pint.

The traditional cheese shot.

Nearly a matching set of halos!

Our fine upstanding front row - Tony, Kevin, Stewart, and Neil.

Upstanding, not straight standing!

Are you okay Sam?

Kathy leans one way, whilst her beer leans the other.

And then, after probably the finest result of the year so far, it was time to go home.

Alison, I don't think Neil is listening!

Pictures by Kathy Newiss, Pete Arden and Andrew Kennedy.

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