Representatives of Llywdcoed Band have told 4BR that despite taking the decision to withdraw from all upcoming contests in 2025, they are determined to build a new musical future for the organisation in the heart of its local community.

It follows a period of extensive player loss and organisational upheaval for the Welsh Championship Section band — but one that new Chairperson, Elizabeth Connell says has also proved to be the catalyst for a new direction.

Unsustainable

"There was little doubt the band was working to a model that was completely unsustainable — both musically and financially," Elizabeth said.

"However, now the most important thing in the eyes of the committee and Trustees is to safeguard the charity to ensure that the band has a solid base from which to rebuild.

I am incredibly proud of the work the committee and fellow band members have put in to ensure that we can do just that."

Contest highs

As recently as 2023 Llwydcoed celebrated winning the Senior Cup and was placed 7th at the National Final at the Royal Albert Hall.

In September 2024 they came runner-up at the Doctor Martin Wainstone Cup in Stockton on Tees but subsequently withdrew from a proposed appearance at the Scottish Open.

The resignation of Musical Director Joshua Ruck, who was appointed to the role in 2023, was exacerbated by the loss of many players, whilst the committee of the band was also affected.

Determination

However, the determination to ensure that the doors to the Llwydcoed bandroom would not close permanently after 113 years, has seen what Elizabeth calls, "the start of a new chapter".

Despite some ill-informed rumours, the committee and Trustees of the band have used the past three months to get things in order, with Elizabeth explaining: "We now have a solid base upon which to start again, away from the pressures of the contesting world for the foreseeable future.

We have totally reorganised the governance of the band, its ethos and ambitions. We will be working on renewing essential links to schools and the education authorities and building lasting partnerships within the local community and to other bands that we can build support with.

We are keen to fully understand the needs of our local community and the wider geographical area of the Cynon Valley to ensure that the band and charity are able to truly serve those needs."

We now have a solid base upon which to start again, away from the pressures of the contesting world for the foreseeable futureChairperson, Elizabeth Connell

Goals and target

Elizabeth added: "We are a small team at present working to a clearly defined set of goals and targets. However, we are also looking for others who share this outlook to come and join us.

It will be a long road — but one that we hope will see Llwydcoed Band remain a vital and proud musical part of its community for generations to come.

We have already received many offers of support and help. Musically we want to rebuild on solid foundations, underpinned by a sensible approach to achieve realistic ambitions.

We're asking anyone who is interested in being a part of this rebuilding process to get in touch if they are interested in being a part of an organisation that is determined to represent its community with pride."

Get in touch

If you would like to be involved in supporting the band and charity in this next chapter, please get in contact via: Llwydcoedband@hotmail.com