Despite Wales enjoying yet another successful National Finals in Cheltenham last weekend, where their representatives claimed titles in the Third and Fourth Sections, the future of the domestic Welsh League series of contests has come under scrutiny following a poor response from bands entering the forthcoming West Wales event in Fishguard.

Lamentable support

In correspondence seen by 4BR from the South East Wales Association secretary Colin Evans written to its member bands, he has expressed his dismay at what he calls, “...the lamentable degree of support for our friends and colleagues in the WWBBA (West Wales Brass Band Association), who have a highly commendable record of support for contests organised by SEWBBA (South East Wales Brass Band Association).”

The Welsh League contest is due to take place at the Bro Gwaun School in Fishguard on Saturday 4th October, with only 13 SEWBBA bands making the trip to compete.

Three contests

The annual series is made up of three contests — two in South East Wales and one in West Wales, and through the hard work of organising committees and member bands, has until now seen increased participation at new venues such as Merthyr Tydfil and Fishguard, boosted by the growing contest successes of Welsh bands at all levels.

However, the fragile nature of this success filtering down to become long term support for local contests is a matter that has come under scrutiny by both Associations in the past — and has surfaced again.

I would urge all band committees to consider their support for our Joint Association activities before they are driven into disrepute — or even abandonmentColin Evans, Secretary SEWBBA

Association threat

Mr Evans goes on to state that without the support of bands throughout South Wales the very future of the series and of the Associations that organise them, might well be under threat.

He adds: I am sure, that, upon reflection, it will be realised that this situation concerns us all — even to the extent that contests organised by SEWBBA might become compromised, which could, in the extreme, lead to a situation where some might question their viability and even the “raison d’être” for the Association itself.

Given the high cost of staging contests, it is imperative that they are supported by a high number of entries.

Whilst it is too late to do anything about the entry level to the forthcoming contest at Fishguard, I would urge all band committees to consider their support for our Joint Association activities before they are driven into disrepute — or even abandonment.”

4BR understands that the matter will discussed further at the next SEWBBA General Meeting.