A link to the 2015 NAO Championships can be found here         NAO 2015

A link to our Last Year's NAO Championships photographs can be found here      NAO 2016

HARRY HINCHCLIFFE has for forty years and more, supported the NAO. Craven Accordion Orchestra, senior and junior groups and individual students have been regularly represented at the Championships, taking part in the competitions at all levels. Recently his son DANNY HINCHCLIFFE has taken over some of the responsibility, and has presented several of the Junior Groups and individuals.

For his long term work for the National Accordion Oganisation and his promotion of the accordion as NAO board member, teacher, musical director, composer, and soloist entertainer, this year Harry received a Special Award from The NAO .

Below is a selection of the photographs from the weekend, and the awards presentation ceremony on Sunday, featuring where possible the members of the Craven Accordion School of Music - groups and individuals entered by Harry and Danny in this year's NAO Championships, 2017.

Several award winners were not present for the photographs, unfortunately, but CONGRATULATION TO ALL PARTICIPANTS, and huge thanks to Harry and Danny for their faith and support!! It is the fellowship and the 'taking part' that is important.

.........but winning a certificate or a cup is a delightful bonus!

                                                                                                PHOTOGRAPHS by JOHN and CAROL CHEESBROUGH

                                                                                                FOLLOWED BY A SET TAKEN BY DANNY HINCHCLIFFE

The main Craven Accordion Orchestra was not present this year, but several individual members were persuaded to enter the 'Small Group Section'. With hopes that they did not disgrace themselves four people made themselves available - Graham, the strong leader who selected the music, Carol, Jane and Jo. At a rehearsal in Sutton in Craven an amateur recording was made. Danny and Sophy judged that (with practice), the group could go forward!

The recording is available on Youtube here         Youtube recording

They had a final practice just before their section, in Liverpool. THEY WON!!! Harry said "I told you so!" ---- and to think that they almost withdrew.

Harry's thank you speech can be found on youtube    YouTube Video

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Danny's collection of photographs.