Durham Mining Museum - Coal Magazine (original) (raw)
May, 1958
Northern Pit Bandsmen Collared the Trophies
Miner-bandsmen of Durham and Northumberland scored resounding victories for their pits and Areas at Newcastle, winning three out of four 'firsts,' three out of four 'seconds' and a third.'
Championship section, second and fourth section contests were all won by colliery bands. In the third section a pit band gained the third place.
Crookhall's famous competition, concert and broadcasting band secured the premier award. Daily Herald area challenge trophy (and £30) — their playing of 'The Moor of Venice' earned them 188 marks (maximum: 200). Runners-up, awarded £20 for a performance which set them only two points behind Crookhall, was Easington.
Only two marks again made the difference in the contest for the second section, won by Craghead (Durham) awarded 175 marks. Daily Herald area challenge cup and £20. Close behind came Ellington (Northumberland) awarded second prize (£15) and 173 marks.
In the third section contest a colliery band was in the first three — Brandon (Durham) gained third place with 167 marks and won £5. First prize, Daily Herald area challenge shield and £15 (for 171 marks) went to Cockerton (Durham). Haltwhistle (Northumberland) came second with 169 marks and won £10.
Pit bands in the fourth section won both first and second places. Cowpen and Croften (Northumberland) gained the Daily Herald area challenge tribute and £10, with 184 marks. Hetton (Durham) were runners-up with 181 marks and were awarded second prize of £8.