The band competed in the Northern Area Brass Band Championships in Darlington 22nd March 2009, playing the test piece 'Salute to Youth - composed by Gilbert Vinter'.  Unfortunately, despite a good performance on stage, led by Resident Conductor Jason Smith, we were not placed in the top three.   Although disappointed, the band were still pleased with their performance, having been up against some stiff competition, and also after having to change conductors at such a late stage a last minute change in conductor following the withdrawal of Derek Broadbent.

“The Band is very much in Jason’s debt for stepping into the breach and doing such a fantastic job at the last minute”,

commented chairman Steve Kyle. 

“He wasn’t expecting to conduct the Band at this contest and he really did us proud”