Despite the Coronavirus restrictions imposed by local lockdown in their home area of Blaenau Gwent, Abertillery Town Band is still looking towards the future.

Following their last rehearsal way back in March this year the band members have remained in contact with each other through social media, although plans to return to limited rehearsals have been out on hold due to the most recent health regulations issued by the Welsh government.

Appointment

However, it hasn't stopped them from appointing the experienced Alun F Williams as their new Musical Director.

Alun replaces Joshua Ruck who enjoyed a very successful six years with the band and who relinquished his position at the end of last year.

It also sees Alun look to build on the progress made even in a truncated 2020 season — one that saw Abertillery 'qualify' for the Cheltenham National Finals for what would have been the third time since 2015 — although that honour was of course denied them.

50th anniversary

Undeterred the band is now looking to 2021 for what will be their 50th anniversary celebrations.

Alun retired from his post of Head of Gwent Music Service in 2014 but has remained a busy and influential part of the brass band movement in both Wales and beyond — taking on the interim role as Administrator of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

A former recipient of the Worshipful Company of Musicians 'Mortimer Medal' he has directed a number of bands during his career — including the highly successful Gwent Youth Band.

Alun has been wholeheartedly welcomed to the band, and we're delighted to have attracted such a knowledgeable and talented MDAbertillery Town Band

Welcomed

Band spokesperson Nigel Bard told 4BR: "Alun has been wholeheartedly welcomed to the band, and we're delighted to have attracted such a knowledgeable and talented MD.

Despite the lack of rehearsals we are eager and confident to do well on our return and to continue to grow under his leadership. The band and Committee would also like to take the opportunity to publicly thank Joshua Ruck for his long association with us."

New players

New players have also joined the band in the form of Steven Woods, Christopher Llewellyn, Steven Bard, Tracy Davies and Michael Davies, whilst a new rehearsal base has been established in the town.