*
banner

Death of City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) stalwart

The death has been reported to 4BR of Colin Evans — an integral part of the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) organisation and secretary of the South East Wales Brass Band Association.

City of Cardiff
 

4BR has been informed of the death of Colin Evans, the respected member of the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band in south Wales.

Great contribution

Band Chairman Alan Gwynant told 4BR: “Colin was one of the longest serving members of our organisation, and contributed greatly to the resurgence of the band in recent times.

He played various instruments, in various positions with the various bands, always willing to help out and fill in where needed. He was a true bandsman.

He was the immediate past President of the Melingriffith organisation, and was also the current secretary of the South East Wales Brass Band Association. Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife and family at this very sad time.”

Assistant Chief Constable

Although a Devon man, Colin Evans was extremely proud of his Welsh roots. His father, a miner from Merthyr, had moved to Devon to give his family a better life.

Colin joined the police force, and eventually found his way back to South Wales as Assistant Chief Constable. He was asked by the then Chief Constable, John Woodcock, to form the South Wales Police Band, which he did and which he conducted for over 20 years.

Award from Pope

He was awarded the Queens’s Police Medal, and received a special medal from the Pope, to thank him for his services in helping to organise the Pontiff's visit to Cardiff in 1982.

He was also a proud Salvationist and attended the Penarth Citadel on a regular basis.

Instrumental

Alan Gwynant added: “When the Melingriffith Band started re-building after a period of decline, Colin joined as solo euphonium. He was instrumental in building the band up to contest strength, and when the band had grown so big that M2 had to be formed, Colin moved on to the solo euphonium seat there.”

Colin was a member of the band that won the Fourth Section National Championship of Great Britain in Cheltenham in 2010.

A great believer in encouraging younger players, many a budding player found his experience and guidance to be invaluable.

When Colin found the contesting calendar too much of a commitment, he decided to ‘retire’ from playing, but whenever any of the bands were short, he could be counted upon to help out, be it on euphonium, baritone or trombone.

Welcome return

Alan Gwnant also recalled his welcome return to playing: “With the formation of the Melingriffith Community Band, Colin made a welcome ‘come back’, again on euphonium.

He attended all the rehearsals and engagements, and enjoyed socialising over a cup of tea in the break. His last engagement with the Community Band was at Llantrisant Hospital, two days before he became unwell. Two words describe Colin — a gentleman and a bandsman.”

He was awarded the Queens’s Police Medal, and received a special medal from the Pope, to thank him for his services in helping to organise the Pontiff's visit to Cardiff in 19824BR

SEWBBA Secretary

Colin not only played, but also conducted when needed, and also wrote many arrangements and original pieces for the bands.

His involvement with bands stretched further with him becoming a highly respected secretary of the South East Wales Brass Band Association, a job he held with great pride until his untimely death.

Colin leaves a wife, Margaret, four children, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral service

The funeral service will be at Canton Salvation Army Hall, Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff at 2.30pm on Friday February 6th, followed by cremation at Thornhill Cemetry at 4.15pm.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Musical Director.. The band are looking for a positive and dynamic leader who can further develop our players skills & aid us in our aspirations of reaching the 1st section.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd