WINGATES Brass Band are in buoyant mood after gaining the runners-up spot in the prestigious All-England Masters Brass Band Championships in Cambridge.

This is their greatest success in top-level contests since 1975 when they won the last of their seven British Open Championship Titles.

Although a relatively young contest it started in 1989 - the "Masters", which attracted 20 bands, is widely regarded as being among the three most important contests in the British Brass Band movement. The other contests are the British Open and the British National Champions.

The only other time when Wingates claimed money in the "Masters" was in 1990 when they were placed fifth.

This year Wingates were pipped to the title of All-England Masters by Stockport-based Williams-Fairey Band by just one point.

As runners-up, Wingates received the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire shield and prize money of £1,500.

The band's professional conductor for the contest was Howard Snell. He was engaged by the band several month's ago.

The band's new resident conductor is Michael Fowles, who will be making his local debut with the band at a special concert called Summer Showcase at the Georgian House, Blackrod, on Sunday, June 29 at 7.30 pm. Tickets from the Georgian House (01942 814598); Westhoughton Town Hall (01942 811222); Krones Uk Ltd., (01942 840044) and David Kaye (01204 696127).

At the "Masters", Wingates longest-serving member, committee man Charlie Southern, known as "Mr Wingates" was awarded the 1997 Masters Dedicated Service Award in recognition of his 66 years of service to the Brass Band movement..

Accepting the award, Charlie paid tribute to his wife, Dorothy.

Wingates latest achievement is likely to propel them back into the Top 10 rankings. It should also give a boost to the recently launched Business Patrons Scheme, under which local companies are being asked to pledge £1,000 a year in exchange for special patron's privileges. Details of the scheme and the Band Supporters Club are available from 01204 696127 or 01942 840044.

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