*
banner

Welsh stalwart celebrates half century at Lewis Merthyr

Paul Williams will be celebrating 50 years of dedicated banding life with the Lewis Merthyr Band this weekend.

Paul Williams
 

One of the great stalwarts of the Lewis Merthyr Band in the Rhondda Valley will be celebrating half a century of dedication, commitment and top class playing this week.

50 years

Paul Williams (above) will have ‘clocked up’ 50 years of continuous playing service with the band, having started playing as a sprightly 8 years old under Don Hendy in the Cory Junior Band. He also received free tuition off John Trotman, who remained a close friend until his death last year.

Paul joined Lewis Merthyr in January 1965 on second euphonium after making an Albert Hall Finals appearance with Cory the previous year under Geoffrey Brand. He was also accepted into the National Youth Band of Great Britain in 1964, having been given his audition by the late T J Powell.

Distinction

In 1969 he was appointed solo euphonium — a position he held with great distinction on many of the banding world’s most prestigious contest and concert platforms — including the National Finals at the Albert Hall and the European Championships, with the occasional foray into the dark world of the EEb tuba and a few other instruments besides to help his beloved band.

Paul has also filled the role of secretary, chairman and librarian and was honoured to recently become a Life Member and Trustee of the Band4BR

Carry on

Paul has also filled the role of secretary, chairman and librarian and was honoured to recently become a Life Member and Trustee of the Band — a role which he is now determined to carry on with for the benefit of the Lewis Merthyr Band, if he finally decides to hang up his instrument.

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    


podcast

Join us now — 4BR Review podcast: Lessons from Europe?

October 29 • Join the discussion on whether or not UK banding can learn from the way in which our European friends host their major championship competitions.


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Soprano Cornet. Solo Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . 1st Horn . Solo Euphonium . 2nd Baritone .


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd