After not being able to run our competition last year due to lack of entrants, we were pleased to have three young people enter in 2006. They all assembled at Woking Leisure Centre on Saturday, the day before the competition for one hour's practice. Some were from distant parts of the country, so they and an adult member of their family were provided with accommodation for Saturday night.

This year the set piece was "Fools Rush In" a quite tricky arrangement by Bill Irwin. This must be played as written with the judges following them on the music. The contestants also play a piece, or a selection lasting no more than 6 minutes as their free choice

The contestants were:

Adam Zair:

from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, aged 16.
Free choice - 'The Dambusters March', 'Yesterday' & 'Wish me Luck'.

Mary - Ann Wooton:

from Longridge, Lancashire aged 12.
Free choice - 'Estudiantina' by Waldteufel & 'When I Fall in Love'.

Hannah - Jade Murphy:

from Horsell, Woking aged 15.
Free choice - 'Dizzy Fingers'.

The Judges for the competition were: Chairman - Len Rawle & Keith Beckingham.

A draw was made for the order of play, and before a pleasingly large audience on Sunday afternoon, the Master of Ceremonies, our Chairman Ian Ridley got the competition under way. The first half of the proceedings consisted of all the contestants playing their free choice, and then their set piece, in reverse order. It was obvious immediately that the judges were going to have a tough time deciding on a winner. While they retired to a private room for their deliberations the rest of us had a tea interval.

Immediately after the interval, while the judges were still deliberating, the previous winner in 2004 Elaine Dawes played a wonderful half-hour concert.

It was then time for the judges to deliver their verdict. The chairman Len Rawle told the audience what a difficult task it has been to decide on a winner and also gave individual contestants some general advice. The results were then announced.

WINNERS 2006.

1st Prize and Gold Medal went to Mary - Ann Wooton from Lancashire.

2nd Prize and Silver Medal went to Hannah - Jade Murphy from Woking.

3rd Prize and Bronze Medal went to Adam Zair from County Durham.








The Christie Cup which is awarded to the contestant who, in the opinion of the judges shows promise for future improvement and potential went to Adam Zair.

After Elaine had handed over the chain of office to this year's winner Mary - Ann Wooton, she then closed the proceedings by once again playing her free choice to a very appreciative audience.