Although there has been a general decline of grass roots banding the Vale of Glamorgan area in South Wales over the past few years, the local Vale of Glamorgan Band have been working hard to re-establish itself at the centre of community music making.

Reverse decline

Having nearly folded in the early part of the Millennium, a hard core of players made the decision to keep the band running and appointed Dave Short as MD to help reverse the decline.

Working socks off

The MD has worked his socks off, and the signs of recovery are now very encouraging.

The band is now just a few players short of being back to full strength and is hoping to return to the Welsh contesting arena this year.

Dave told 4BR: "With so many bands falling by the wayside the Vale of Glamorgan band is going from strength to strength, and all this done with out sponsorship and limited funds."

With so many bands falling by the wayside the Vale of Glamorgan band is going from strength to strength, and all this done with out sponsorship and limited fundsMD, Dave Short

New uniforms

The one problem they are trying to overcome however is a lack of uniforms and is looking to try and fund the purchase of a new set of uniforms.

So if any band is changing its uniform and have not decided what to do with their old uniform The Vale of Glamorgan band would welcome the opportunity of taking them off any band's hands.

Dave can be contacted at: md.vogband@yahoo.co.uk