Most successful bands at the 'areas'
Now that the 2010 area contest series has ended, let's look at the most successful bands in the top section since the series started in 1945.
It will be no surprise to anyone that Reg Vardy (formerly Ever Ready) has the most wins. Despite not actually winning their first title until 1968, by which time several other bands were already in double figures for titles won, Reg Vardy has completed dominated the North of England area since breaking their duck and today claimed their 32nd title in the last 43 years.
One or two serial winners from the past are no longer in the top flight (e.g. Parc & Dare) and some no longer exist (CWS Manchester, Sun Life, etc) but it is notable just how many of this year's area champions have always been dominant. Five of this year's area winners are in the top 8 all-time winners!
Those bands with 10 or more Championship Section area titles are as follows:
32 wins - Reg Vardy
27 - Cory
20 - Camborne Town, Virtuosi GUS
19 - Co-operative Funeralcare
18 - Black Dyke
17 - Brighouse & Rastrick, Foden's
15 - Parc & Dare
14 - CWS Manchester, Sun Life, Whitburn, Desford Colliery
13 - Morris Concert, Fairey, Redbridge Brass
11 - Crookhall Bradley, Grimethorpe Colliery
10 - St Dennis, Hanwell, Tredegar