Lancers News

22 Sept 08 - Rain stays away at Brass Explosion 08

The morning of the 6th Brass Explosion Competition held at Stafford Rangers Football Club began early. After the heavy downpours over the past few days there was concerns on the previous day if the event would go ahead, but the pitch had held up well and we were all good to go. Weather was dull, but importantly it was not wet and raining!

By 8.30am, whilst the day was still being set up in the background, Stafford Lancers Main Corps took to the football field for a brief rehearsal. After a disruptive summer holiday with many members being away throughout, the corps had come together the previous weekend for their summer camp to recap and push on for the second half of the season. This time on the football field was spent ensuring members were up to date with the improvements to the show, including the new part five ending tune. After 30 minutes of rehearsal, the Stafford Lancers Academy arrived to watch the main corps warm up and get accustomed to the arena. By 9.30am, all were packed away with the Academy off to get ready for their performance.

Opening the show were Atherstone Cadets, closely followed on by Stafford Lancers Academy. Stafford Lancers Academy were to compete for the first time in the BYBA Cadet Class, and came onto the field welcomed with a big applause from parents, supporters and members of the main corps to perform "Spongebob Squarepants" and "Flintstones". After a short but sweet show which they performed brilliantly, they came off having done everyone very proud and I'm sure many of them will eventually take the leap into the main corps over the next few years.

Division 3 then kicked off with Downsmen, whilst Stafford Lancers Main Corps were off getting ready in the Rangers FC changing rooms and then using the Astonfields Industrial Park for a relaxed warmup and tune up. The time soon disappeared and after a short march Lancers were at the back of the performance arena ready to perform as soon as Midsommer Norton MB had finished.

Stafford Lancers Main Corps performance was a good marker for the competitive second half of the season, although rusty in quite a few places. Many things improved, although lots of work to be done. However, an appreciative crowd enjoyed the performance and the Stafford Lancers came off to a generous applause hoping they had done enough to secure a good result at their hometown show.

After a short wait, the results were announced for Cadets and Division 3 with Andy Bruus of Call Print nominated to give out the certificates. Cadet Class was first announced and Stafford Lancers Academy had taken 1st place with a score of 51, winning the Visual Caption. A big well done to all the Academy on their maiden performance and victory. Stafford Lancers Main Corps were announced in 3rd place in Division 3 (taking Field Wind and Field Visual captions) with a score of 67.67, losing out by 2.13 points to winners Spirit of Coventry.

In the afternoon, Divisions 1 & 2 took place with a further 8 bands and corps performing with 37th Kingswood and East Coast Elite taking the victories in their respective divisions.

A good day overall, although slightly subdued compared to previous years due to the expected bad weather the day before. Thanks go to all the volunteers who helped to prepare for, and ran the competition: the Army Cadets, St Johns Ambulance, Multi-Sports Court Ltd, Call Print, Stafford Rangers FC.