Tongwynlais Temperance Band has wished two departing players all the very best whilst also welcoming new faces to their south Wales bandroom in time for the start of the 2016 contesting year.

Best wishes

Band Chairman Jason Bevan told 4BR: "We wish Alyn and David James the very best in taking up their new roles at Tredegar Band.

Alyn and David have been huge characters and will be missed. They were both an integral part of the band's resurgence as a top flight force, qualifying for the British Open and National Finals.

David's recording of Christopher Bond's solo 'Of Wind and Weeping' is featured on our recent CD recording and is a fitting tribute to such a talented player. We wish them the very best and thank them for all they have done for Tongwynlais Band. We hope to see them performing at the highest level for many years to come."

Talented replacements

The band has acted quickly to sign replacements, with the talented Rhian Hills returning on flugel horn.

Rhian played solo cornet for many years but has returned after taking a banding break due to work and family commitments. Meanwhile, the band also welcomes Reverb Chu from Taiwan, who joins on 1st horn. Reverb is studying for his Masters at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama under Owen Farr.

In addition Georgie Evans returns on solo baritone after her successful spell at Tredegar after 2nd baritone Kate Blakemore decided to step down. Alice Jones, will return to the 2nd baritone seat.

The additions mean that we are in a strong position to build from the word go in 2016, starting the first week in January with the Band Cymru recordingResident Conductor, Christopher Bond

Delighted

Resident Conductor, Christopher Bond told 4BR: "It's sad to see such committed players as David and Alyn leave, and I wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.

I am however delighted that Rhian and Georgie have decided to return and know firsthand how well they will fit back into the team. The additions mean that we are in a strong position to build from the word go in 2016, starting the first week in January with the Band Cymru recording."