There will be a new Presidential inauguration at Tredegar Band, following the news that the highly respected former conductor and adjudicator C Brian Buckley has accepted the invitation to take on the role with immediate effect.

"We are delighted that Brian has agreed to take on the new President role,"MD Ian Porthouse told 4BR.

"His personal connection with the band goes back to 1941 when he made his first appearance in a concert playing flugel horn in a local park concert, whilst his family link goes back even further with his own father to the late 1920s."

Former principal cornet

Ian told 4BR that he was amazed to find out that Brian had become principal cornet of the band aged 12, and went on to hold the position for the next 25 years.

When his work as one of the UKs leading water scientists saw him unable to carry on full time playing, he then took up the baton with huge success, whist also becoming one of the country's most respected adjudicators.

Great support

Ian added: "Brian has always been a great support to the band throughout his professional and musical life, and his advice and help has been invaluable to us over the years.

He will play an important role, not just as our highly respected figurehead, but as part of the team that is already starting work on our successful Heritage Lottery Fund project. My thanks go to Iwan Fox who now steps down from the role with the band."

He will play an important role, not just as our highly respected figurehead, but as part of the team that is already starting work on our successful Heritage Lottery Fund projectMD, Ian Porthouse

Putting something back

Meanwhile, Brian added: "It's a privilege to accept the role as a proud Band President. Now that my professional and musical commitments are less onerous I'm delighted to be able help put something back into a band that has played such a major part in my musical life."