In one of the most high profile player moves of recent times between top Championship Section rivals, Glyn and Helen Williams have announced that they are to make the permanent move from Foden's to Cory in time to play at the British Open.

It brings to an end 35 combined years of service with the Sandbach Band, and will see the duo take up the solo euphonium and flugel horn positions with the Welsh Area champion.

Heart wrenching

Glyn told 4BR: "It's been a heart wrenching decision, but we are looking forward to new challenges and beginning a new chapter in our lives.

We are venturing into pastures new but Foden's Band will always remain close to our hearts and we wish them all the very best for the future. Lifelong friendships will be maintained."

Helen agreed: "I'm particularly excited to have been offered the opportunity to work with the Cory Academy to help encourage and develop community grassroots banding in the Rhondda Cynon Taf area and throughout South Wales. It has been a very difficult decision, but one we feel comes at the right time for us both."

Delighted

Meanwhile, Cory MD Philip Harper, told 4BR that he was delighted that the vastly experienced duo had chosen to join the number 1 ranked band in the world.

"I'm thrilled that Glyn and Helen will be joining the Cory Band, and I look forward to many musical adventures together in the years to come.

Helen has played with the band in the past, most notably on our tour of Australia in 2013, and Glyn played with us at the recent European Championships."

He added: "We all enjoyed having them as part of the team, and I speak for everyone in the band when I say that we are delighted that they have decided to make a permanent move."

Looking back

With the future now set in South Wales, Glyn looked back on his association with Foden's.

"I would like to publicly thank Foden's for the countless experiences, opportunities and fond memories that both Helen and I have enjoyed — especially over the last 15 years together,"he said.

"The chance to work with the likes of Howard Snell and Bramwell Tovey to name just a few, will be cherished forever."

Final appearances

The couple's final concert with Foden's will be at the Sandbach 'Proms in the Park' on 4th July.

The weekend will also mark Glyn's final full time engagement as MD of the Marsden Band and Helen's as MD with Huddersfield & Ripponden Brass, with the pair taking their bands to the Brighouse March & Hymn Tune Contest the following day.

Tributes

Tributes have already been paid by many of the couple's friends and colleagues, with Foden's principal cornet Mark Wilkinson telling 4BR: "All at Foden's would like to thank Glyn and Helen for their long service, commitment and dedication to the band.

During that time they have been model band members well as great assets both playing and socially. We send our best wishes for their relocation and new banding future."

Pleasure

Solo trombone John Barber added: "It has been an absolute pleasure to share the rehearsal room, concert stage and contest platform with Glyn and Helen for the past 15 years and more. Moreover, the friendships are significant and will continue not only with myself but with all of Foden's Band.

It's often hard to find great people who are musicians of such stature and who will commit so much for such a period of time. We at Foden's have been blessed to enjoy two of the very best. I wish them all the very best."

It's been a heart wrenching decision, but we are looking forward to new challenges and beginning a new chapter in our livesGlyn Williams

Marsden tribute

A spokesperson for Marsden Band also gave their thoughts: "We would like to thank Glyn and Helen for all they have done for us over the last 11 years.

Helen has been contest secretary and ever-willing guest on flugel horn, while Glyn has led us though the most successful period in our history — including Pontins and Senior Cup titles as well as top-six finishes at the Yorkshire Regional and Grand Shield contests, not to mention the countless march contest titles."

They added: "On a personal level Glyn and Helen have given more than just their time to help Marsden Band, they have consistently gone above and beyond the remit of their roles to make the band a success.

The band will always be proud to be associated with this talented and dedicated couple, and wish them all the best with their new endeavours."