The Cory Band has announced that long-standing Chairman and Band Manager Austin Davies will stand down from his roles at the end of the year.

It will mark the end of 15 years of dedication and commitment to the demanding positions — ones that saw him oversee the administration of the Welsh band during an unprecedented period of success.

Leading figure

Austin initially joined Cory as a tuba player in 1996, later becoming a very proud Chairman during season upon season of amazing contesting success and a leading figure behind the world-class development of the band.

Instrumental

A Band spokesperson told 4BR: "Austin has been instrumental in our vision together with a small management team alongside Musical Directors Robert Childs and more recently, Philip Harper.

The success and consistency that has been achieved is testament to Austin's commitment to the band — one that has seen him become a wonderful ambassador and the public face of Cory all over the world. It's through his work that Cory remains the undisputed number 1 band in the world."

Activist and supporter

However, what many people may not know is Austin is also a highly respected Labour Party councillor and activist, as well as a hard working supporter of all levels of Welsh banding — which he has also combined with his 24/7 commitment to Cory and his responsibilities to his ever-supportive family of wife, Mary, children and grand-children.

In 2013 he also revealed that he had a wonderful tenor voice when he proudly sang a solo version of the Welsh National Anthem to a packed Oslo Concert Hall hall after Cory won the European title!

The good news though is that Austin will remain a very proactive supporter of the current National and Brass in Concert champion — something Musical Director Philip Harper is delighted by.

Synonymous

He told 4BR: "For as long as I can remember, Austin's name has been synonymous with Cory Band, and since I arrived in 2012 I've considered him to be my right hand man — ever dependable, ever committed and ever able to be a great sounding board for advice on all kinds of matters.

His drive, determination and passion have been huge factors in the Cory's success in the last 15 years, and to say that his work will be missed is an understatement.

I would like to thank Austin for everything he has done for Cory: He leaves with a standing ovation from us all."

His drive, determination and passion have been huge factors in the Cory's success in the last 15 years, and to say that his work will be missed is an understatementMD, Philip Harper

Honour and privilege

A typically modest Austin told 4BR: "It's been an honour and privilege to represent Cory both on and off the stage since 1996. I continue to pledge my support and friendship to the band and to the wider brass band movement."

Review

4BR understands that the band is currently undertaking a review of its future operational structure, with the spokesperson concluding: "Everyone associated with Cory Band would like to thank Austin for his unwavering commitment and dedication over many years, and hope that we will still continue to see him regularly in the bandroom and supporting us in the future."