Oldham Band (lees) continued their excellent form in 2009 with victory in the 2nd section at Tameside Contest. The local district contest, this year held at Dukinfield Town Hall attracted a seven-band strong line-up with many of the those present having featured heavily at the area contest in Blackpool.
Performing a reprise of New World Sketches, albeit with a few minor alterations in both positions and band personal from the historic win at the Winter Gardens, the band produced another outstanding performance, that impressed adjudicator Duncan Beckley enough to give Oldham a 2-point victory margin over Middleton.
Once again Principle Cornet Toni Heywood and Harry Heeley on Euphonium took most of the plaudits for excellent solo performances, but a special mention must go to Flugel Horn Jenny Brown, an ever-present for the band over the past 5 years, performing in her first contest on a solo instrument and doing so with great aplomb.
The Band are now looking forward to Whit Friday in early June, where they will be looking to maintain their current string of results throughout the night and then into the National Finals in September, where they will be aiming at ending their winless run at Harrogate and bringing a deserved and well-overdue 1st national title.