The SEWBBA contest in Merthyr Tydfil marked the end of the 2015 domestic season in south Wales, with the various Welsh League titles decided on what proved to be a fine day of competition.
Second time
It also marked the annual presentation of the Eric James Memorial Trophy to the Welsh Conductor of the Year — with Matthew Jenkins of Goodwick Brass winning the award for the second time in its 25 year history.
The presentation was made by Eric's son Alyn, who told 4BR: "The idea came from a group of my father's friends following his death in 1990.
My father had expressed the view that, all too often, the hard work of grass roots conductors can go largely unrecognised and that an award of some kind might go some way to remedy this.
During November each year our group meets to discuss the achievements of Welsh conductors throughout all the sections and choose a recipient for the award."
Wonderful leadership
Alyn added: "Once again Matthew has demonstrated wonderful leadership and conducting qualities. Two National titles in three years is ample evidence of this, along with his success in guiding his young band through the disappointment of their 2014 campaign.
To move on from that and push so close for the Championship Section Welsh League title this year on top of claiming a memorable National First Section title has been so impressive — all done while dealing with departures for university and bringing through a new generation of young players.
2016 will provide new challenges, but we feel confident that under Matthew's inspirational leadership Goodwick Brass will continue to be a leading light in Welsh banding."
Alyn added that the group thanked the South East Wales Association for allowing them to make the award at the Merthyr Tydfil contest.
2016 will provide new challenges, but we feel confident that under Matthew's inspirational leadership Goodwick Brass will continue to be a leading light in Welsh bandingAlyn James
Award Recipients:
1992: E.J. CLARK — British Steel (Port Talbot)
1993: HAYDN EVANS — Pontardulais Town
1994: BERNARD WILLIAMS — Cwmaman Institute/Blaina
1995: GERALD ROBERTS — Ammanford Town
1996: MICHAEL THORNE — Burry Port
1997: GRAHAM SHEPPARD — Treherbert
1998: C. BRIAN BUCKLEY — Pontardulais Town
1999: BRYN DAVIES — Blaenavon Town
2000: ALAN PHILLIPS — Aberystwyth Youth/Schools
2001: JIM DAVIES — Ammanford Town
2002: MIKE FARO — Briton Ferry Silver
2003: GRAHAM SHEPPARD — Treherbert
2004: CRAIG ROBERTS — Parc & Dare
2005: PAUL HOLLAND — Newbridge Celynen
2006: ALAN DAVIES — Llwydcoed
2007: PAUL HOLLAND — Newbridge Celynen
2008: GWYN EVANS — Beaumaris
2009: GARETH RITTER — City of Cardiff (Melingriffth)Band
2010: GARY DAVIES — Tylorstown
2011: DEWI GRIFFITHS — City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) 2
2012: MATTHEW JENKINS — Goodwick Brass
2013: GARY DAVIES -Tylorstown
2014: GARETH RITTER — Ebbw Valley
2015: MATTHEW JENKINS — Goodwick Brass
