Welsh Area champion Tongwynlais Temperance has bid a fond farewell to principal cornet Vicki Kennedy who, following the completion of her degree at Royal Welsh College in Cardiff, is moving back to her home in Doncaster.

Leading principal

Initially joining on repiano, Vicki soon rose through the ranks to become one of the leading principal cornet players in Welsh banding at the start of 2012.

Proved

Band spokesperson Jason Bevan told 4BR: "It was a testament to how Vicki matured as a player that she was able to become principal cornet.

She proved herself to be a key part of our recent successes, receiving many plaudits for her notable performances in the Welsh Area victory this year and at the recent All England Masters."

Fantastic years

Vicki added: "I would like to thank everyone for a fantastic three years and to Phil Harper for believing in me and having the confidence to appoint me as principal cornet.

I’m proud to have led the band as principal cornet through one of the most successful periods in its history."

She added: "Finally I would like to thank Steve Sykes for his ongoing support and of course to Gareth Hann who has been an incredible bumper-up: I couldn’t have asked for better support."

She proved herself to be a key part of our recent successes, receiving many plaudits for her notable performances in the Welsh Area victory this year and at the recent All England MastersJason Bevan

Taking over

Gareth will now take over the principal role once more, with Jason Bevan adding: "Gareth is a player of such vast experience that being able to secure a new principal to replace Vicki so quickly has ensured continuity.

He is no stranger to the role as earlier this year he stepped in for Vicki at the Welsh Open, and won both the Best Cornet and Best Instrumentalist awards."

Goodbye

The band has also said goodbye to cornet player Matt Murray following the completion of his university studies, whilst Steve Evans joins on the front-row from Rogerstone.