One of the great stalwarts of the Lewis Merthyr Band in the Rhondda Valley will be celebrating half a century of dedication, commitment and top class playing this week.

50 years

Paul Williams (above) will have ‘clocked up’ 50 years of continuous playing service with the band, having started playing as a sprightly 8 years old under Don Hendy in the Cory Junior Band. He also received free tuition off John Trotman, who remained a close friend until his death last year.

Paul joined Lewis Merthyr in January 1965 on second euphonium after making an Albert Hall Finals appearance with Cory the previous year under Geoffrey Brand. He was also accepted into the National Youth Band of Great Britain in 1964, having been given his audition by the late T J Powell.

Distinction

In 1969 he was appointed solo euphonium — a position he held with great distinction on many of the banding world’s most prestigious contest and concert platforms — including the National Finals at the Albert Hall and the European Championships, with the occasional foray into the dark world of the EEb tuba and a few other instruments besides to help his beloved band.

Paul has also filled the role of secretary, chairman and librarian and was honoured to recently become a Life Member and Trustee of the Band4BR

Carry on

Paul has also filled the role of secretary, chairman and librarian and was honoured to recently become a Life Member and Trustee of the Band — a role which he is now determined to carry on with for the benefit of the Lewis Merthyr Band, if he finally decides to hang up his instrument.