Less than a week before they attempt to qualify for the British Open Championship in Blackpool, and just a fortnight before they represent Wales at the European Championships, Tongwynlais Temperance has announced that Musical Director Steve Sykes has resigned with immediate effect from the band.

Debut

Former Redbridge and Cory MD, Jeremy Wise has accepted the invitation to take the Welsh contenders to the Grand Shield contest next weekend, as will also as lead them on their debut appearance at the European event in Perth.

In a statement to 4BR, the band confirmed the departure.

"Following a successful two year partnership, Tongwynlais Band has parted company with Professional Conductor, Steve Sykes.

It’s with regret that Steve leaves us at this point in our journey and we thank him for his time with us.

Ahead of the band competing at the Grand Shield and the European Championship, we are pleased to welcome Jeremy Wise to the helm.

Jeremy brings a wealth of experience and the band looks forward to working with him.”

Resignation

4BR understands that Steve Sykes offered his resignation following a rehearsal on Saturday.

Speaking exclusively to 4BR he stated: "I’ve enjoyed a wonderful time with Tongwynlais, but there were a number of essential issues that had not been addressed despite discussions.

Unfortunately, I felt I could no longer continue to direct the band in the circumstances and offered my resignation. I wish them all well for the future."

Startling debut

The MD made a startling debut with Tongwynlais at 2012 National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall, where they came fourth.

The partnership followed it up less than six months later by claiming the Welsh Regional title, beating both Cory and Tredegar in the process at the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea — a result that saw the qualify for the 2014 European Championships in Scotland.

However, they failed to qualify for the British Open last year and ended 19th at the National Finals, although they unluckily missed out at the Masters. 2014 has seen them win the Welsh Miner’s Eisteddfod entertainment title in Porthcawl, qualify once more for the National Finals and reach the final stages of the televised ‘Band Cymru’ contest.

I’ve enjoyed a wonderful time with Tongwynlais, but there were a number of essential issues that had not been addressed despite discussionsSteve Sykes

Daunting task

Despite the very short period of rehearsal time available to him, Jeremy Wise is looking forward to the daunting task of preparing the band for its Grand Shield and European appearances — contests in which he has done well with bands in the past.

He told 4BR: "I received the invitation to conduct the band on the weekend and was delighted to link up with them.

I’m sure we can work very well together and I’m looking forward to conducting once more at the Grand Shield and the European Championships."