Many people have emailed and called me since the National Brass Band Championships at the Royal Albert Hall on saturday, asking what my marks would have been for the top placings.

In my opnion  (one clearly not shared by the three judges on the day), my marks based on my criteria system for my top four bands, were as follows: 1. Black Dyke 192  2. Brighouse and Rastrick 187  3. Cory 185  4. Leyland 179 . Incidentally my 8th placing received 166points. (Black Dyke actually came 8th).

Congratulations to Brighouse and Rastrick who delivered a totally convincing performance, with Professor King on absolutely top form. My only surprise for the whole day, shared in my opinion by the vast majority of the large audience, was that the superb performance by Black Dyke only achieved 8th place. This is one of the most astonishing placings of a wonderful performance I have ever encountered.

For me the call for change in contest adjudication goes on. Transparency in marking and fairness for all bands is my only agenda