Bands in the Rhondda Valley are currently going through a testing time, with rumours of three major named bands having been threatened with extinction over recent months.

Bucking the trend

The Lewis Merthyr Band from Porth however, is bucking that trend.

In the past year MD, Gareth Pritchard has promoted a policy based not just on competitive success, but to actively encourage the wider sphere of entertainment for the public at large.

A series of concerts has been promoted at a modernised local chapel, which has become a concert venue to be much envied, whilst weddings and corporate events have become part of the staple musical diet of the band4BR

Modernised

A series of concerts has been promoted at a modernised local chapel, which has become a concert venue to be much envied, whilst weddings and corporate events have become part of the staple musical diet of the band.

Skegness

The band has appeared at several competitions and in the New Year are set to make the trip to Skegness to play at the Bultins Mineworkers Contest.

Despite the encouraging progress over recent months, there have been two sad developments however. Solo euphonium player Andrew Gardner has had to retire from playing due to a reoccurrence of a medical condition, whilst Terry Barnes has also had to retire following the death of his wife.