The winner of the Eric James Memorial Trophy for Welsh Conductor of 2008 has been announced as Gwyn Evans of Beaumaris Band.

Grass roots award

Alyn James told 4BR: "The idea for the award came from a group of my father’s friends following his death in 1990. My father had expressed the view that, all too often, the hard work of “grass roots” conductors can go largely unrecognised and that an award of some kind might go some way to remedy this.

"During November each year our group meets to discuss the achievements of Welsh conductors throughout all the sections and choose a recipient for the award."

This year, in choosing Gwyn Evans, our task was made easy with the resurgence of Beaumaris and the band’s wonderful achievement at HarrogateAlyn James

Easy task

Alyn added: "This year, in choosing Gwyn Evans, our task was made easy with the resurgence of Beaumaris and the band’s wonderful achievement at Harrogate. We also recognise the incredibly hard work which has gone on in that part of the world for around a quarter of a century.

Congratulations

"As a group we would like to congratulate Gwyn and thank the South East Wales Association for allowing us to make this award at the Treorchy Contest every year."

Past Recipients:

1992: E.J. CLARK — British Steel (Port Talbot)
1993: HAYDN EVANS — Pontardulais Town
1994: BERNARD WILLIAMS — Cwmaman Institute / Blaina
1995: GERALD ROBERTS — Ammanford Town
1996: MICHAEL THORNE — Burry Port
1997: GRAHAM SHEPPARD — Treherbert
1998: C. BRIAN BUCKLEY — Pontardulais Town
1999: BRYN DAVIES — Blaenavon Town
2000: ALAN PHILLIPS — Aberystwyth Youth / Schools
2001: JIM DAVIES — Ammanford Town
2002: MIKE FARO — Briton Ferry Silver
2003: GRAHAM SHEPPARD — Treherbert
2004: CRAIG ROBERTS — Parc & Dare
2005: PAUL HOLLAND — Newbridge Celynen
2006: ALAN DAVIES — Llwydcoed
2007: PAUL HOLLAND — Newbridge Celynen