Cory principal cornet player Tom Hutchinson will be in action at the final Welsh League contest in Merthyr Tydfil on the weekend — although on this occasion he will not be playing.

Tom will in fact be making his conducting debut — leading Ammanford Town Band in the First Section contest for what promises to be an enthralling climax to the domestic season as the various Welsh League titles are decided.

Enjoyed

"I feel really excited by it,"Tom told 4BR. "It was a bit of a surprise to be asked to help out for the contest, but I've enjoyed every minute of it — although I will be glad when MD Glyn Davis returns!

This is the fourteenth consecutive weekend of being away from home and by Saturday it will be twelve nights in a row that I've been at band!"

He added: "I can't complain though. Cory's success has been brilliant and Ammanford are a great band to work with — so supportive, friendly and committed."

Highs and lows

Ammanford can trace its origins back to the 1850's and has experienced plenty of highs and lows in its history — although they have started to climb back towards the top in recent years under the baton of local lad Glyn Rhys Davies.

One of the reasons has been the development of their own young players through their junior band set-up, and they will take to the stage on Saturday led by 14 year old principal cornet Elizabeth Rogers alongside eight other players all aged 15 or under, such as Rhydian Tidddy on solo trombone and Millie Savage on solo baritone.

The rehearsals have been fun and despite their novice conductor this weekend I'm sure the musical future is in safe hands with their brilliant young playersTom Hutchinson

Great future

That has also been one of the reasons why Tom has been delighted to help out.

"It's great to see a band such as Ammanford invest in youth in this way, and Glyn has done a remarkable job. The rehearsals have been fun and despite their novice conductor this weekend I'm sure the musical future is in safe hands with their brilliant young players."

Delighted

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We thought we would ask Tom just to find out if he fancied helping us out, and we were delighted when he accepted the challenge. He's been fantastic — and we have learnt so much from him."