The Mid Rhondda Band in South Wales has informed 4BR that the announcement of the immediate closure of the band on its website this week is not accurate.
Continuing
Former MD and Trustee Alan Gibbs told 4BR that despite the very evident difficulties that they are currently experiencing, it is hoped that the band will continue in a non contesting mode for the immediate future.
"The band is experiencing serious problems at the moment, but we wish to make it clear that we hope to continue the band in a non contesting mode until things pick up."
Circumstances
The band recently took part in the Welsh League Contest in Ammanford, and despite losing a number of players to rival bands, a combination of circumstances led to the information wrongly reported on the band website.
The band is experiencing serious problems at the moment, but we wish to make it clear that we hope to continue the band in a non contesting mode until things pick upAlan Gibbs
50 years service
"I've just come out of hospital myself to find this posted on the band website," Alan said.
"It has been a difficult time for me and my family. I have given over 50 years service to the band and we are determined to try to ensure its survival. We will continue to offer the opportunity for people to come and enjoy brass band music making with Mid Rhondda Band, and we hope that there will be an upturn in fortunes."
Proud history
The band itself was formed in 1941 as the Tonypandy Silver Band, and changed its name to Mid Rhondda in 1949. In 1995 it became known as the Thomas Coaches Mid Rhondda Band.
The band achieved 'Championship Section' status in 1955 and in 1967 won the HTV Band of the Year award. In 1991, they represented Wales at the European Championship Challenge and also the National Championship Finals at the Royal Albert Hall.
Midnight success
In total, the band has appeared in 11 National Finals, 5 in the Championship Section and 6 in the First Section coming runner-up after a brilliant midnight performance of Leonardo in Torquay.
Further success over the years have been achieved the Grand Shield, Pontins, Blackpool Mineworkers, Porthcawl entertainment and local Welsh competitions and the band was Champion Band of Wales runners up in 2002 and joint Champion Band of Wales 2006.
