A march by Welsh composer TJ Powell, which had lain undiscovered for over half a century before being found and restored to former glory, will now receive a long awaited broadcast performance by the Parkend Silver Band in the Forest of Dean.

Welsh Sousa

Powell who died in 1965, was described as 'The Welsh Sousa' in recognition of the number and quality of the marches he wrote. He worked with a number of Forest of Dean brass bands, with his composition 'Parkend' written on one such visit, when the band played at the unveiling of a historical plaque at New Fancy Colliery.

Amazed

However, the piece was though lost until it was found covered in dust in the back of the band library, as Secretary Sharon Thomas told 4BR: "I was amazed to find it tucked away, untouched for years.

The band was obsolete for a few years and didn't reform until about 1972 and it certainly hasn't been played since then. We are delighted to have found our own 'march' after so long."

Despite some missing parts local bandsman Clive Lewis was enlisted to try to fill in the gaps and the march received its reprise premiere at a local concert in October 2016.

The band was obsolete for a few years and didn't reform until about 1972 and it certainly hasn't been played since then. We are delighted to have found our own 'march' after so longSecretary Sharon Thomas

Heard again

It will now be heard on a radio broadcast for the first time on Tuesday 25th April by community radio station, Triangle Radio along with other performances at the IMG Soundsport contest from 8th April in Lydney.

Presenter, Dave Jury told 4BR: "The show always likes to feature local bands and having this long-lost march by T J Powell played by the band it was originally written for, is truly exciting."

Listeners can hear TJ Powell's march and an interview with arranger Clive Lewis on 'Strike Up The Brass', Tuesday April 25th at 7.00pm and again on Sunday 30th April from 9.00pm.

Listen online at www.triangleradio.co.uk