BBE Conference Success
The BBE Conference was an opportunity to highlight so much of the positive work that has taken place within the movement. The event included a key-note address from Professor Edward Gregson, which delivered in spades in his warning to those in attendance that it would be controversial and designed to challenge accepted opinions and stereotypes. Chief Executive Officer Kenny Crookston highlighted continued rise in BBE membership during the past year with over 350 member bands currently. Reference was also made to the successes of the National Youth Championships of Great Britain as well as a number of different initiatives that have no doubt played a part in the strengthening links between the organisation and the Arts Council England.
The conference also provided the perfect opportunity for the organization to pay tribute to the outstanding and innovative work that takes place within the brass band movement in England with its inaugural awards ceremony. Gordon Higgingbottom was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of the contribution he has made to the brass band movement as a player, conductor, adjudicator and educator. Special mention was also made to fellow nominees: Philip Goodwin of Black Dyke and Delph Band, and player, conductor and adjudicator John Maines.
An award for innovation was presented to the UniBrass organisation for their inventive approach to the organisation and presentation of their annual championships with the BrassPass.tv 'Band of the Year' contest also nominated in this category. The tremendous work of the Shepherd Group Band in inspiring performers of all levels and abilities in their local community saw them presented with the Social Impact Award. This was a particularly stellar category with deserving nominations also for Stephen Tonge of Kearsley Youth Band, teacher Glenis Smith, Grimethorpe Colliery Band's community outreach work and the superb leadership of Fred Harrison of Amersham Band. The awards were concluded with a special 'Outstanding Contribution to the Brass Band Section' presented to Heidi Bradley for her work in providing the blueprint structure for the BandSafe training initiative that has now been utilised by hundreds of bands throughout the UK.
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