*
banner

Labour intervenes for Lewis Merthyr

The possibility of a labour intervention means changes for Lewis Merthyr ahead of Llandudno challenge.

Gavin Pritchard
 

The Lewis Merthyr Band has been forced to make some last minute changes in personnel ahead of their tilt at the First Section Welsh Area title in Llandudno this Saturday — although for the best possible reason.

Arrival

Solo horn player Rachel Pritchard is patiently awaiting the imminent arrival of her first child, so as a necessary precaution, the band’s MD (and father in law), Gareth Pritchard, has agreed to take her place on horn, with Rachel’s husband Gavin, taking over the conducting role.

Ability

Gareth told 4BR that under the circumstances, it was the ideal solution — as long as the labour pains can hold off for a few days more!

"We are all very excited about the next few days in more ways than one!

Rachel is waiting patiently and Gavin has conducted the band in the past so I have complete faith in both their abilities! As to my contribution on solo horn, we will just have to wait and see!"

Additions

Meanwhile, the band has welcomed a slightly older new arrival with Kirsty Davies joining from BTM.

Kirsty will make her debut on percussion rather than cornet because the band’s regular percussionist, Joe Rumming, has just been allowed home from hospital following major surgery.

Also returning are Neil Batton and Annie Smith who join the cornet section, as well as trombonists Synne Andrea Campbell and Sondre Aase and Trond Vegar Skold on Bb Bass from Radøy Brass in Norway.

being able to conduct my father, mother and brother and still await the birth of our new baby at the same time is something that can only be described as unique!Gavin Pritchard

Expectant

An expectant and excited Gavin Pritchard added: "I’m so pleased with the huge effort the band has made for the contest. It’s always a pleasure to conduct the band, but this time seems a bit different and there is a real buzz around the place.

Having family members involved of course makes it extra special, and being able to conduct my father, mother and brother and still await the birth of our new baby at the same time is something that can only be described as unique!"

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Crewe Brass

September 16 • We are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd