Tredegar Town Band has announced a number of player moves as they prepare for the start of the 2010 contesting season.

40 years service

After clocking up 40 years of service, former principal cornet player and MD, Tudor Williams has decided that the time is right to hang up his contesting spurs.

Tudor has been a playing member of the band since 1969 and will continue to provide essential cornet cover for the band.

Step down

Meanwhile, Andrea Lewis has also decided to step down due to family commitments, although she too will stay signed to provide player cover when required. The flugel horn player has been a mainstay in the band's return to top level contesting success, winning plaudits for her playing over the past decade.

Student leave

Two of the most promising students at the Royal Welsh College have also decided to take a break. Soprano player Adrian Williams will concentrate on his final year studies at the college, whilst solo horn player Vicki Reynolds has taken the decision to concentrate on developing her primary studies on French horn.

Zoe is a real catch — she is a quite outstanding talentMD, Ian Porthosue

Fortunate

Tredegar MD, Ian Porthouse told 4BR: "We have been very fortunate to enjoy the playing talents of Tudor and Andrea for many years. Tudor has been the heartbeat of the band and Andrea has been a real star performer for us. We are very lucky both have decided to remain signed with us — I'm sure we will be asking for their help again and again."

As for the departing students, Ian was also grateful for their contribution to the band. He added: "Both Adrian and Vicki have been wonderful players for us and we wish them all the very best as they develop what I believe will be very exciting playing futures."

Replacements

Tredegar has been quick to find replacements for the departing players.

Adrian's brother, Matthew will now come in on soprano cornet. Matthew is currently in his first year of study at the Royal Welsh College, whilst former solo horn player, Chris Davies returns to the band after a spell with Cory.

Former player Andrew Evans returns on back row cornet, whilst Steffan Jones has been signed on Eb tuba.

Star flugel

Finally, Zoe Hancock, from the St Dennis Band has accepted the opportunity to join on flugel horn.

Ian Porthouse is delighted with the new signings. "We are very fortunate to have secured the signings of two very talent young players in Matthew and Steffan, whilst the return of Chris is a huge boost to the middle of the band. Andrew is a very experienced performer, whilst Zoe is a real catch — she is a quite outstanding talent."