4BR has been informed of the death of Pedr Roberts, a highly respected player and administrator within the Welsh brass banding movement. He was 81.

A stalwart supporter of Welsh music, he gave many years of service to a number of North Wales bands, as well as the boards of Ty Cerdd, the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, the North Wales Brass Band Association and the National Eisteddfod of Wales through the Welsh Brass Band Association and Welsh Regional Brass Band Council which he chaired.

In 2019 he was presented with a Roll of Honour for services to brass bands in Wales by the Welsh Regional Council.

Valued

As a player he was a valued member of Royal Buckley Town Band, as well as serving as Secretary, Treasurer and Chairperson.

The band stated: "His wisdom, gentle manner and unwavering dependability shaped the band through countless chapters and his influence will be felt for generations."

It was recognised that in a great part through his drive and commitment that the Welsh Regional Championships returned to North Wales in 2014 and 2019.

Leadership

More recently he played trombone with Holywell Band and took the baton as Musical Director of the Royal Buckley Town Band Senior Ensemble — a role, the band stated, "he embraced with enthusiasm, humility and his characteristic quiet leadership."

They added: "Pedr was, above all, a man of kindness, integrity and deep loyalty. His loss leaves a profound void in our band, in our community and across the Welsh banding family.

The banding world is richer for all he gave and immeasurably poorer for his passing."