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Point of return

The Point of Ayr Band, which last competed at the Welsh Regional Championships in 2001 is set to make a remarkable return this year.

 

After seven year in which they have been down to a handful of stalwart players keeping the band alive they have made a Lazarus like return to health and are set to make their first contesting appearance since last competing at the Pontins Championships in 2001 under Thomas Wyss.

Last reunion

After their last annual reunion at Pontins in 2007 a final decision was made to try and get the band back together once and for all and with tremendous fortitude and plenty of arm twisting to get old players to get their lips back into shape they will make their long overdue appearance at Swansea playing in the Second Section.

We are just so pleased to be able to return to contesting. The buzz around the bandroom is great and the special atmosphere that made Point such an enjoyable place to play has returnedDave Roberts

Conductor

Peter Christian, the former baritone player with Black Dyke and Leyland Bands will conduct and the band report a fantastic atmosphere in the bandroom at Ffynongroew near Prestatyn in North Wales as former players have met up once more.

Buzz

Dave Roberts from the band told 4BR that it would be a day to remember for everyone: “We are just so pleased to be able to return to contesting. The buzz around the bandroom is great and the special atmosphere that made Point such an enjoyable place to play has returned. Some of us are taking a while to get lips back into shape, but this is more about getting the band back into shape and planning for the future.”

Success

Over the years Point of Ayr was one of the Principality’s most successful bands, especially in the late 1990s when they twice took the Welsh title in 1997 and 1999 and went on to come third at that year’s European Championships.

Dave told 4BR that the future now looks bright for the band with plans to run a youth band. After a point of no return, it seems there is definitely a point of welcome return at last.

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Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

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