Dewi Griffiths, conductor the M2 Band, who are the current Fourth Section Champion Band of Great Britain and the recently 2011 Fourth Section Welsh League Champion has been awarded the prestigious Eric James Memorial Trophy as Welsh Conductor of the Year.

Home grown talent

The award is given in memory of one of Welsh banding’s finest home grown conducting talents, who gave a lifetime of commitment to the banding movement in the Principality, and who valued the same commitment and talent that benefitted Welsh banding at grass roots level.

Fine leadership

The Award has been presented at the final contest of the SEWBBA year since 1992, and on this occasion the panel of judges felt that it was Dewi’s fine leadership of the emerging band that fully deserved the accolade.

Mentor

Alyn James told 4BR: "In choosing Dewi, we applauded the fine leadership skills he demonstrated in successfully guiding M2 to win the Fourth Section National Finals as well as the ongoing progress he has made with a band that has also won the Welsh League title."

He added: "We also recognise the energy he brings to his ongoing work within the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) organisation. All this, combined with his demanding playing duties with Tredegar Band, mean Dewi is a mentor and role model of the highest order."

All the credit really goes down to the band, which play so well for me. I enjoy every minute of it. To join a long list of very fine former winners is very specialDewi Griffiths

Memorable weekend

The award rounded off a memorable personal weekend for Dewi, as after leading M2 to success at Blaenavon he travelled to The Sage in Gateshead to lead Tredegar’s assault at the Brass in Concert Championships, where he won the ‘Best Principal Cornet’ Award at the high profile event.

He told 4BR: "I’m very honoured to be presented with the Eric James Memorial Trophy as Conductor of the Year. All the credit really goes down to the band, which play so well for me. I enjoy every minute of it. To join a long list of very fine former winners is very special."

Past Recipients:

1992: E.J. (NOBBY) CLARK — British Steel (Port Talbot)
1993: HAYDN EVANS — Pontardulais Town
1994: BERNARD WILLIAMS — Cwmaman Institute / Blaina
1995: GERALD ROBERTS — Ammanford Town
1996: MICHAEL THORNE — Burry Port
1997: GRAHAM SHEPPARD — Treherbert
1998: C. BRIAN BUCKLEY — Pontardulais Town
1999: BRYN DAVIES — Blaenavon Town
2000: ALAN PHILLIPS — Aberystwyth Youth/ Schools
2001: JIM DAVIES — Ammanford Town
2002: MIKE FARO — Briton Ferry Silver
2003: GRAHAM SHEPPARD — Treherbert
2004: CRAIG ROBERTS — Parc & Dare
2005: PAUL HOLLAND — Newbridge Celynen
2006: ALAN DAVIES — Llwydcoed
2007: PAUL HOLLAND — Newbridge Celynen
2008: GWYN EVANS – Beaumaris Band
2009: GARETH RITTER – City of Cardiff Band
2010: GARY DAVIES – Tylorstown Band
2011: DEWI GRIFFITHS – Melingriffith 2