The Dr Martin Trust was set up to stage an annual, world class, brass band competition for championship section bands.
Dr Ian Martin was an eminent consultant psychiatrist in Darlington, County Durham, who, in his will, bequeathed a substantial amount of money to enable an annual brass band competition to take place.
The trustees are all connected to first section northern region band, Cockerton Prize Silver Band who, each Christmas, used to play carols at Dr Martin's home - "Wainstones".
The inaugural competition was held on Saturday 17th July 2010 at the Gala Theatre, Durham City where 4 Championship Section bands competed for The Wainstones Cup and a prize pot of over £7000. Subsequent contests have been held at Middlesbrough Town Hall. For 2015 the contest moved to the fantatic Princess Alexandra Auditorium at Yarm School.
Bands perform 3 pieces comprisng their own choice of test piece, a march and a solo. Prize money now totals £8,000.
Cockerton Prize Silver Band
Custodians of
‘The Wainstones Cup’
The Wainstones
The North Yorkshire Moors beauty spot
that Dr Martin's house was named after
and chose to name the cup he bequeathed to the brass band world
