Philip Harper and Cory Band recently enjoyed a well deserved moment of freedom on their own doorstep when they were presented with the Freedom of the Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff.

Highest honour

As previously reported on 4BR, the award is the highest honour which the local community can bestow, and came in recognition of their record breaking achievements, and in particular, of the past year in which they secured an unprecedented series of titles.

The ceremony, held at the Coliseum Theatre in Aberdare, also saw members of the band joined by other high profile awardees such as Paralympics swimmer David Roberts OBE, in a presentation made by opera star, BBC Wales presenter and brass band fan Beverely Humphries.

Presentation

Philip Harper was presented with a casket containing an official scroll, whilst former soprano player Gwyn Thomas and his wife Helen, who have been associated with the band for over half a century, received a framed certificate on behalf of the band from the Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cllr Rhys Lewis.

After a brief acceptance speech made by the MD, the Cory ensemble gave a quick performance of the 'Finale' from 'William Tell' before proceedings were completed.

The band is extremely honoured to have received this award and will prominently display the casket and certificate at our Cwmparc rehearsal baseMD, Philip Harper

Honoured

Philip later told 4BR: "The band is extremely honoured to have received this award and will prominently display the casket and certificate at our Cwmparc rehearsal base. We would all like to thank everyone at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council for this marvellous recognition for what the band has achieved over its long history."