2024 Holme Valley Contest
Unite the Union led by Jonathan Beatty claimed the top section honours in Holmfirth last weekend. The band gave an assured performance of 'The New Jerusalem', giving the band the title for the first time. Unite's outstanding solo cornet player Maria Beazer took the 'Best Soloist' award , plaudits were also given to the bass section with a section prize and the band also won the 'Best Hymn Tune' discipline with 'Prelude on Lavenham'.
Commenting on social media the band stated, “We've loved our day out over the hill in beautiful Holmfirth, and thank everyone involved in the contest for such a wonderfully organised day. A very special mention to our absolutely fabulous Maria Beazer, our best basses of Mike, Max, Andy and Hayden and Vicky Norman, played her first ever contest as part of our brilliant percussion team.”
There were also section victories for Hatfield & Askern Colliery in Section B led by Richard Marshall and Littleborough Band in Section C led by Ashley Higgins.
Results:
Section A:
Adjudicator: Sarah Groarke-Booth
1. Unite the Union (Jonathan Beatty)
2. Yorkshire Imperial (Garry Hallas)
3. Hepworth (Ryan Watkins)
4. Elland Silver (Brett Baker)
5. Marsden Silver (Andrew Lofthouse)
6. Hebden Bridge (Christopher Binns)
7. Meltham & Meltham Mills (Tom Haslam)
8. Hade Edge (John Collins)
9. Tewit Silver (Martin Hall)
Best Hymn: Unite the Union
Highest Placed First Section Band (not in main prizes): Hebden Bridge
Best Soloist: Maria Beazer (cornet) — Unite the Union
Best Euphonium: Yorkshire Imperial
Best Bass Section: Unite the Union
Section B:
Adjudicator: Sarah Groarke-Booth
1. Hatfield & Askern Colliery (Richard Marshall)
2. Lindley (Alan Widdop)
3. Delph (Philip Goodwin)
4. Slaithwaite (Simon Jacobs)
5. Dobcross Silver (Dennis Hadfield)
6. Huddersfield & Ripponden (Adam Bell)
7. Dronfield Genquip (David Holling)
Best Hymn: Lindley
Highest Placed Third Section Band (not in main prizes): Dobcross Silver
Best Euphonium: Paul Soulby (Hatfield & Askern Colliery)
Best Trombone Section: Hatfield & Askern Colliery
Best Percussion: Dobcross Silver
Section C:
Adjudicator: Colum O'Shea
1. Littleborough (Ashley Higgins)
2. St John's Mossley (Martin Gernon)
3. Cleethorpes (Brian Harper)
4. Honley Silver (Dylan John)
5. Thurlstone (Graham Bates)
6. Dodworth Colliery (Geoff Benson)
7. Linthwaite (Tony Robertson)
Best Hymn: Littleborough
Best Unregistered Band: Honley Silver
Best Soloist: Euphonium (St John's Mossley)
Youth Section:
Adjudicator: Colum O'Shea
1. Tewit Youth (Martin Hall)
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