The death has been announced of Bernard Jones OBE, the man whose financial support led to the rejuvenation of Cory Band. He was 75.
A former player with the Mid Rhondda Band, with which he played at the Albert Hall National Finals on four occasions, he set up the 'Just Rentals' business with his friend Gerald Coleman in the early 1970s, and which went on to become one of the most successful retail businesses in Wales, employing over 700 people.
Arts & Business
The association with Cory which started with annual investment of £15,000 per year in 1998, eventually grew to a peak of a three year sponsorship of £350,000.
It not only enabled the band under Dr Robert Childs claim multiple major championship awards and become the number 1 ranked band in the world, but also saw 'Just Rentals' and its subsequent incarnation as 'Buy As You View' gain widespread recognition by winning a number of high profile 'Arts & Business' awards.
Over £1 million
He continued to generously support Cory (for a period renamed Buy As You View) long after he had sold the business.
In an interview he gave to 4BR in 2013 he acknowledged that he had invested over £1 million in the band to reflect his strong belief of 'being the very best' in whatever aspect of business or personal commitment he undertook.
However, he also stated: "I have always realised the importance of investing profits in the communities where the money was made in the first place. And it's been something I've been fortunate to have been able to do ever since I started in business over 40 years ago."
He also generously ensured that praise for Cory's achievements went to conductor Dr Robert Childs, stating: "Bob shared the same philosophy. When I put on something for the company or the Foundation, Cory was a key part in anything we did. Bob understood that completely — and that is why I think it became such a success.
He always kept me fully informed, and as a result I always had complete trust and respect for his opinions and ideas. It's all about the man in the middle."
Remarkable man
Responding to the news of his death, Dr Childs told 4BR. "Bernard Jones was a remarkable man who I had enourmous respect for both as a businessman and a brass band lover. His commitment and support to Cory Band and to me was total, and his drive and passion was inspirational.
He also had a fine in-depth knowledge and understanding of banding and especially the music. He was never happier then when talking about Eric Ball or the National Finals.
He also initiated open rehearsals which now other bands take for granted and asked for nothing in return only to be kept informed. I feel very humbled to have known him as a professional businessman and as a family friend."
His commitment and support to Cory Band and to me was total, and his drive and passion was inspirationalDr Robert Childs
Philanthropic commitment
Bernard Jones was also well known for his outstanding philanthropic commitment in grass roots rugby and medical research especially in cancer care. He was awarded the OBE in 2002.
In later years he also supported other Welsh bands, most notably his first band, Mid Rhondda, whilst his support of the Rhondda Schools Rugby Initiative, a production line of talent to both the Cardiff Blues and Wales teams, saw his death marked by great respect from businessmen and sports stars alike.
