It has been a memorable couple of weeks for one of Welsh banding's inspirational conductors — with personal and family success to enjoy for Penclawdd MD Tony Small BEM, alongside a long overdue celebration for his band.

Paul Harris Fellowship

Tony has just been awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship from the Gower and Llwchwr Rotary Club in recognition of over 50 years of dedicated service to his local community.

The award not only recognises his local contribution, but is also placed within a national and international context, with the fellowship approved by the Rotary International of Britain & Ireland.

Paul Harris was a Chicago attorney who founded Rotary International in 1905. Many notable figures have been named as Paul Harris Fellows, including U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, astronaut James Lovell and UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar.

Humbled

Tony told 4BR: "Naturally, I felt very humbled to receive an award which has been conferred upon so many famous people.

It caps a very memorable period for the family, with two of my cornet-playing grandchildren, Harry and Tomas performing in their very first National Youth Band Championships in Manchester and my son Gareth winning the 'Best Instrumentalist' award in playing with Black Dyke at the European Championships in Lille."

Success

Tony has also been the MD of Penclwadd Brass since 1973, leading them with great distinction over the past 40 years.

The band recently secured their first domestic Welsh League victory since 2010 at Merthyr Tydfil, but it was typical of Tony that he deflected all the praise for the achievement to his players.

Naturally, I felt very humbled to receive an award which has been conferred upon so many famous peopleTony Small BEM

Pleased

"I was so pleased for the band,"he added. "They work so hard and with such pride in representing Penclawdd. What made it special was my good friend Alun Evans on euphonium deservedly winning the 'Best Soloist' prize.

I'm so pleased for him, as he has battled back from a torrid time with serious teeth and mouth infection problems. He never gave in and always put the band first."