The Kippax Band

Established 1814

2nd Section National Finalists 2007

News Archive

15th July - Entertainment Contest- Heat Three- results

The final heat of this year's entertainment contest took place last sunday. Both competing bands (EYMS and Pennine Brass) played highly entertaining and challenging programmes which a capacity audience at the Kippax Band club appreciated. The final results saw the audicator Colin Hardy announce EYMS as winners.

EYMS now take their place in the final on Sunday 9th of November against fellow finalists- Drighlington and Harrogate. What a cracking final it should be.

9th July - Entertainment Contest- Heat Three

The final heat of 2008's entertainment contest takes place this Sunday (13th of July) at Kippax Band Club at 8pm. This heat features the EYMS and Penine Brass bands.

This year the EYMS band, based in East Yorkshire have not only qualified in the Championship Section to represent the North East of England at the National Championships but in May they also travelled to Blackpool and secured victory in the Senior Cup section of the Spring Festival. Pennine Brass also come with recent wins under their belt, not least the first section national championship which they won in Harrogate in 2007.

Please arrive early to secure a seat to listen to this battle between two immense bands.

1st July - New Musical Director

The Band would like to welcome David Horn as their new musical director with effect from the 1st of July 2008. David has been rehearsing the Band for the past month and we are delighted that David has accepted the offer to become the new MD. The Band are looking forward to a long and mutually successful relationship with David, aiming towards the Pontins Contest later in 2008 and ultimately success in the Area competition in March 2009.

For further details of David please visit the musical director section in Meet the Band

27th June - New arrival

The Band's E Flat Bass player- David Jackson is today celebrating the birth of his second son. Weighing in at 7lbs 5ozs Elijah Wilfred Jackson arrived after a gruelling 24 hour labour. Well according to David it was gruelling for him!

23rd June 2008 - Hello

The Band would like to announce the return of a former player. Faye Thompson has decided to rejoin the Band on Soprano Cornet after a break of three years. Faye originally left the Band to give birth to her first son however the Brass Band bug did not leave her for long and she had spells at Knottingley and Gawthorpe bands. We are delighted Faye has returned to the Band and she has already demonstrated her gifted playing and her dedication to the Band.

We hope Faye's return is the just the start of a busy period of recruitment. We are looking to recruitment some new players in preparation for the Pontin's contest later in the year and also for our assault on the National Championship Area competition next march. Please visit our recruitment page to see the vacancies we have at the moment- vacancies

23rd June 2008 - Goodbye

The Band wish to say goodbye to four players. The first two are Stuart and Julie Jackson. They have played Solo Cornet and Euphonium respectively with the Band for the past couple of years. They will be an extremely big loss to the Band not only because of their high standard of playing but also their assistance within the Band's organisation.

We also wish to say goodbye to Andy and Sue Fake. It was an extremely sad day when both resigned from the Band. Similar to Julie and Stuart both have displayed a high standard of playing which has been central to the Band's success over the past two years. Both Andy and Sue have received individual awards within the Band. Andy has also been a significant figure within the Band and club's committee and the good news from yesterdays AGM is that he will continue to be an active member of the club committee. Andy has also been the webmaster of the Band's website since 2005 and I'm sure everyone will agree that he has not only maintained the site but pushed it on to new levels.

On a personal note I'm very happy to take over once again as webmaster. As Andy stated below I was the original designer of the site so it certainly has sentimental attachment for me. I do wish to continue Andy's sterling work and continue to develop the site. Any comments and suggestions would be most grateful.

22nd June 2008 - Wetherby Bandstand/Kippax Carnival

The Band once again paid its annual visit to Wetherby Bandstand on Sunday the 15th of June. As usual it was well attended by the general public and they appeared to appreciate the music and the band's playing. A big thanks to Dave Flatman who took the baton and conducted the Band. Please watch this space for an imminent announcement regarding our new Musical Director!

The following week the Band also took part in the Kippax Carnival. The Band marched along the front street of Kippax to the Rugby field where the carnival was to occur. However due to the extremely poor weather conditions the actual carnival itself was cancelled.

After the march the Band took the opportunity to hold the Band and the Band Club's annual general meeting. A lot of positive ideas were put forward and the future certainly looks bright for both parts of the organisation

15th June 2008 - Busy Week Ahead

Following today's annual visit to Wetherby Bandstand, the band is now looking forward to leading the parade at next week's Kippax Carnival. Band and Club members are reminded that the AGMs of both the Club and the Band will take place immediately after this (approx. 12pm) at the Band Club.

On a personal note, I will be handing the website over to David Jackson this week. David set the site up originally, so it should be in safe hands! A big thanks to everyone who has supported the site over the last three years.

8th June 2008 - Entertainment Contest Continues Tonight

This Sunday sees a three-way tie in the latest qualifier for this year's Entertainment Contest. Barnsley Building Society, Harrogate and Old Silkstone compete for a place in the final, with the action starting at 8pm at the Band Club.

Result: 1st Harrogate, 2nd Old Silkstone, 3rd Barnsley Buiding Society

4th June 2008 - Keith Wardle

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of our former conductor Keith Wardle who died, aged 50, early on Monday morning, following several months of illness. Our thoughts at this time are very much with his parents Eric and Thelma and his brother Mark, all of whom have had close connections with us over a number of years.

Keith first came to Kippax in 1992, with the band in the newly constituted 1^st Section. He immediately impressed with his precise style and attention to detail, though never at the expense of making music. He was fascinated by the band’s long history and by the feats of previous conductors, such as Brian Nicholson and Tony Whittaker, who had propelled the band into the top section during the 1970s and 1980s. By the time he left in 1997, Keith had achieved his aim of putting Kippax back into the Championship Section, winning the Mineworkers’ 1^st section at Blackpool along the way.

Returning in the summer of 2005, Keith found Kippax doomed to relegation to Section 2, but immediately set about stopping the rot, once again getting the band to play together and enjoy their music making. 2006-7 was a true purple patch in Kippax history, with titles at both Butlins and Pontins, as well as qualification for the National Finals, arguably cementing his position as the band’s most successful conductor ever.

Rehearsals with Keith were never dull. There was much to be learned and much to be enjoyed. Despite his reputation for laid-back, off-the-wall humour, the week before a major contest was usually “tin-hats on time” as Keith strove for nothing less than perfection – but the results speak for themselves. He genuinely cared about the music and about the players around him and consequently brought the best out of both.

Always one for the random thought or fact (his internet user name “OddBod” summed him up perfectly), Keith left this life on the same day as Bo Diddley and Yves Saint-Laurent. In Bo, he can share the journey with a fellow musical genius who trod his own path and loved his art. Yves, however, is unlikely to be impressed by the dodgy suits.

Rest in Peace, Keith. The players and supporters of the Kippax Band, past and present, owe you a huge debt of gratitude for the fun, enthusiasm and musicianship you brought into their lives.

11th May 2008 - Goodbye to Lee

Long-serving solo baritone player Lee Fairburn makes his final appearance at the Band Club tonight, so come on down and wish him well. Our thanks to guest conductor David Horne and to a number of "borrowed" players helping us out due to holidays. As usual, the fun all starts at 8pm.

21st April 2008 - Conductor Departs

The Kippax Band regret to announce that they have parted company with Musical Director Russell Gray. The decision was particularly difficult, as Russell had brought superb musicianship and an excellent track record to the band. However, it was becoming increasingly clear that Russell was not getting the response required from many of the band and that morale was suffering all round. The committee therefore took the decision to look for a fresh start, in the hope of creating some new impetus for the band over the coming months. The band would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Russell for all his hard work and wish him well in his future endeavours.

13th April 2008 - Drighlington by a Whisker!

After an excellent opening heat, the Drighlington Band progressed to the November final of this year's Entertainment Contest, beating reigning champions Wakefield Metropolitan. It was very close though, with adjudicator Peter Roberts scoring it 192 points to 191.

The next heat takes place on June 8th and is a three-way affair between Barnsley Building Society, Harrogate and Old Silkstone.

13th April 2008 - Contest Opener Tonight

Drighlington take on reigning champions Wakefield Met. in the first qualifying heat of this year's Entertainment Contest, tonight at the Band Club (8pm). With the overall standard of the entry significantly higher than last year, it promises to be an intriguing and entertaining series, so get down early if you want a seat!

27th March 2008 - Farewell to Christ Church

This Saturday will see the end of an era as the band performs for the last time at Christ Church in Goole, accompanied as usual by the excellent Christ Church Singers. This has been a very popular venue for one of our Christmas concerts over the last few years, with an extra summer date also taking place in 2007. However, the church building is set to be demolished and so Saturday night will be a big "farewell" bash, complete with a "Last Night of the Proms" finale. The good news is that both the church and the singers intend to continue in new premises, so we hope it won't be too long before we visit Goole again.

9th March 2008 - Club Night Tonight - And Reminders For Supporters

The Kippax Band return to home soil tonight to give their first Band Club concert of the year. In and among some old favourites, we'll include the "area" piece - so you can judge for yourselves whether the adjudicators got it right or wrong!

Two reminders for regular followers of the band:

Firstly, club membership fees for 2008 are due and should be paid to Trevor Bowen (in and around the members' lounge tonight). At £2.50 (£4 couple and £1.50 OAP), membership entitles you to visit the club throughout the week for some of the cheapest prices in the area, as well as covering the membership requirement for the band concerts and contest nights. Members also receive substantial discount on room hire for parties etc.

Secondly, please see Jean Moss to renew your Monthly Draw membership for 2008 or, if not a member, please consider joining. For only £1 per month (or £11 in advance for the year) you will be supporting the band and will be in with a chance of winning up to £50 per month and up to £500 at Christmas. Please see any band official for further details.

2nd March 2008 - Predictions way off - unfortunately!

The pundits at 4barsrest.com got their predictions for the Yorkshire Regional Contest rather wide of the mark: Kippax were tipped to be beaten by Dodworth for first place, but in the end it was Kippax who just got the upper hand between the two. Sadly, though, this was for 6th and 7th places, rather than the top spots! It was a major disappointment for the band, who put in an exciting and polished performance, but found little favour with adjudicators Alan Hope and Barry Thompson. There's always next year, as they say, but this result means that we will, once again, be competing in Section Two, having hoped to gain promotion this time around.

10th February 2008 - Entertainment Contest Draw

The draw has been made for this year's Kippax Band Entertainment Contest. This has again been sponsored by Aqua Enviro Ltd and offers a prize fund in excess of £2000. Following a poor response from the "lower section" bands for whom the event was originally intended, the contest has been made "open" and this is very much reflected in the high quality of the seven bands entered.

Three heats will take place, as detailed below, with the winners meeting in a three-way final on November 9th. All rounds take place at the Kippax Band Club, with an 8pm start.

Heat One: Drighlington v Wakefield Metropolitan (April 13th)

Heat Two: Barnsley Building Society v Harrogate v Old Silkstone (June 8th)

Heat Three: EYMS v Pennine (July 13th)

3rd February 2008 - Matthew Steps In

We are pleased to welcome Matthew Clark to the band, signed to provide cover for Adrian Longbottom on 2nd Baritone. With Adrian heading for a long holiday in New Zealand, Matthew has come in for the Area, with a view to a possible permanent move if a suitable position arises (he says he's quite flexible!).

Matthew has previously played with Yorkshire Evening Post, Garforth Brass, Barnsley Building Society and South Milford. He seems to be coping easily with the demands of this year's test piece and is an excellent addition to the baritone section.

28th January 2008 - Drighlington Band to play February Club Night

With Kippax in the midst of "Area" preparation, the Drighlington Band have been confirmed as our guests at the Band Club on Sunday February 10th (8pm). Drighlington have had the benefit of a new MD in the shape of Kevin Belcher (right) since they last visited us and will be keen to make a big impression on this year's 1st Section field at Bradford.

The concert will also feature the draw for this year's re-structured Entertainment Contest, of which more details later this week. Any band still looking to enter should get in touch urgently, as there appears to be only one place left!

19th January 2008 - Disappointing Result at Skegness

A solid but unspectacular performance of Derek Broadbent's "Alberta Suite" saw Kippax placed 5th at today's Butlins Mineworkers contest, unfortunately just outside the cash prizes. Highlights were good debut performances from Sam Spedding on flugel and Catherine Nye on percussion, but overall we just failed to grab the judges' attention and must now concentrate on getting back in the frame at the all-important "areas" in March.

18th January 2008 - Butlins Contest Tomorrow

Saturday morning will see the band competing in the Butlins National Mineworkers Open contest at Butlins, Skegness. We've finished first and second here in the last two years, so hopes of success are high! Results as soon as we get them on Saturday night.

17th January 2008 - Entertainment Contest Re-Vamp

Following disappointing entries from the lower section bands for whom it was originally intended, the Kippax Band Entertainment Contest has been re-structured and opened up to all bands, allowing higher section bands who had been asking to come the chance to take part. Because of the delay in launching this year's event, the format has had to be tweaked too: Winners from three heats (of up to three bands each), taking place on the second Sundays of April, June and July will now progress straight to a three-way final on November 9th.

Thanks to increased support from sponsors Aqua Enviro Ltd., the first prize has been raised to £1000, with a total prize fund well in excess of £2000. This has already attracted a number of bands, but a limited number of places remain and bands who have not received an entry form can download one from the Contest Page or ring Keith Fairburn on 0113 2863699. The closing date is January 31st and the draw will take place at the Band Club on Sunday February 10th.

9th January 2008 - Guest Band This Sunday, Monthly Draw Re-Launch

Huddersfield and Ripponden Brass will be the guest band at the Band Club on Sunday Evening (8pm). They were unlucky losers in one of the closest heats of last year's entertainment contest and also picked up the soloist prize for the first round. With the pressure of contesting removed, we look forward to an entertaining evening with a band who certainly seem to be "on the up" at the moment.

Sunday will also see the re-launch of the Monthly Draw for 2008. Jean Moss will be administering this, so please see her to renew your numbers or, better still, to take out new membership. At just £1 per month (or £11 for the year if paid in advance), there's the chance to win up to £50 each month and up to £500 in December. The draw can provide a useful income for the band, but only if sufficient numbers are taken up, so please join up and support us.

7th January 2008 - Good and Bad News in the Bass Section

First the good news - Michael Cox has been able to sort out his work commitments and returns to the band after a short break, to take up the position of principal Eb Bass. Unfortunately his would-be partner, Ian Wilkinson, is suffering from ill health and is ruled out for the immediate future. On top of the retirement of Derek Dawson (also due to ill health) before Christmas and long-serving player Steve Butler's move to Yorkshire Imps, this has left the bass section somewhat light. We have been fortunate to secure the temporary services of Lee Armstrong (South Milford) and Rob Brown (Strata) for Butlins, but the search is on for full time players before the "Area". Get in touch if you fancy it!

On top of this, Bass Trombonist Dave Flatman has been lured to his local band, Knottingley Silver, with the promise of the MD position after the Area. While we have an excellent deputy in the form of Keith Fairburn, we are keen to sign a long term replacement of suitable quality so, again, get in touch!