*
banner

Rhondda spirit helps rejuvenate Lewis Merthyr

There is a bright future ahead for the Lewis Merthyr Band after they battle back after a difficult 2015 to end on a contesting high.

Lewis Merthyr
 

The Lewis Merthyr Band is looking forward to the new contesting year after enjoying a season of considerable progress under MD, Craig Roberts.

High

2015 ended on a high as they came runner-up in the First Section of the Welsh League Championship — a fine achievement given the difficulties they faced at times, according to Chairman Paul Williams.

"It's been a very challenging year for us," Paul Williams admitted to 4BR.

"At one point during the summer we were genuinely concerned about our future. The band was down to just nine players and things did look pretty bleak, but with the loyalty of our longstanding members, then the arrival of Craig as our new MD and fresh influx of new and returning players, the future now looks bright."

Boosted

In the last few months Lewis Merthyr has been boosted by a number of successful contest performances — including a brace of well earned podium finishes at two of the three Welsh League events.

They've also undertaken a series of high profile concerts, entered into a new twinning agreement with a German Wind Orchestra from their twin town of Ravensburg, and performed for over 50,000 people at the Millennium Stadium in the warm up to the Rugby World Cup.

The band has also created links with a number of local schools, re-launched their Junior Band as part of the Cory Academy scheme and updated their social media presence.

It's testament to the players, new and longstanding and that unique Rhondda spirit to see things turn around like this. There's a great atmosphere now and a fantastic events calendar lined up for 2016MD, Craig Roberts

Turning corner

"It's great to see the band turning the corner,"Craig Roberts told 4BR. "It's testament to the players, new and longstanding and that unique Rhondda spirit to see things turn around like this. There's a great atmosphere now and a fantastic events calendar lined up for 2016."

Paul Williams added: "We're all looking forward. Ending the year with a couple of trophies in the cupboard is great, but a full calendar and practically full band around the stand is more than we could have hoped for in June."

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    


Black Dyke Band

Marshall leads with Evo

October 9 • The Black Dyke principal cornet player will lead Black Dyke Band's National title challenge on his new Oldroyd Evo cornet.


NYBBWales

Closing date looms for National Youth Brass Band of Wales auditions

October 9 • Young Welsh players who wish to represent their brass banding nation still have time to book an audition date.


Besses

Besses welcome new principal cornet

October 9 • Danny Riley has become the new principal cornet at Besses o' th' Barn Band.


Mining

Blidworth to help celebrate proud mining heritage

October 9 • The sound of a brass band will return to the site of the former Clipstone Colliery as Blidworth Welfare Band helps celebrate a proud mining heritage.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd