A 40 year old score was finally settled for Tredegar on the weekend, as the newly crowned British Open Champion was reunited with a former piece of their title winning history.

Sinfonietta

The leather bound score of ‘Sinfonietta’ by Thomas Wilson, originally presented to Musical Director John Childs after leading the band to the Second Section National Final title in London in 1973, was given by Lorraine Childs and members of the family to the current band to be displayed at Tredegar’s refurbished bandroom.

Recital evening

Players from the 1973 band were present at a recital evening given by David Childs, which saw the virtuoso euphonium star perform with accompanist Chris Williams thrilling a capacity audience in the main Assembly Room of the town’s Bedwellty House.

Lorraine presented the score, which also contained the names of all the players who performed on the victory performance, to current MD Ian Porthouse, with the bust of the great Labour politician Aneurin Bevan, who gave many a memorable speech at the same venue and the British Open Shield behind them.

Happy memories

"It’s brought back so many happy memories coming here tonight," she said.

"There is a great family connection to Tredegar that still remains strong, so it’s appropriate that this score, which has been kept proudly by the family, is returned for further safe keeping and display by the current band."

it’s appropriate that this score, which has been kept proudly by the family, is returned for further safe keeping and display by the current bandLorraine Childs

Wonderful gesture

MD Ian Porthouse was delighted to receive the score on behalf of the Open champion. "It’s a wonderful gesture from the whole Childs family, especially as next month is the 40th anniversary of the victory.

As part of the ongoing refurbishment of our rehearsal facilities, the score will be framed and hung next to the other memorabilia of the notable success that John Childs brought to the band."