There is further good news for bands in Wales after it has been announced that the organisers of the South East Waels Brass Band contest in Treorchy have secured extra sponsorship.

Double

Mrs Ann Coleman, wife of the late Gerald Coleman, has very kindly agreed to double the sponsorship donated last year to £2,000, plus trophies. This generous increase follows the award of the initial £1,000 plus trophies in 2007 in memory of her late husband.

With the extra sponsorship donated this year, the prize monies will now exceed £4000, a record for the grading contests in the area.

We wish to express our most sincere gratitude to Mrs Coleman for the continued sponsorship. It now means that the contesting scene in Wales has a climax that should attract the very best bandsRob Gowing, SEWBBA

Best bands

On behalf of the S.E.W.B.B.A. Rob Gowing, Secretary of the Association told 4BR: "We wish to express our most sincere gratitude to Mrs Coleman for the continued sponsorship. It now means that the contesting scene in Wales has a climax that should attract the very best bands."

Anyone wishing for more information on the contest, or any bands wishing to enter, can contact Rob either by email robjgowing @aol.com or by telephone 07702 036503.