The recent SEWBBA contest in Merthyr Tydfil marked the end of the 2016 domestic season in south Wales, with the various Welsh League titles decided on what proved to be an exciting day of competition.
It also saw the annual presentation of the Eric James Memorial Trophy to the 'Welsh Conductor of the Year', with Chris Turner of newly crowned Welsh League Champion, Llwydcoed winning the award for the first time.
Grass roots
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."
Inspirational leadership
Alyn added: "I played under Chris when he was a young student and was even then struck by his maturity and clarity of purpose in front of a band.
In recent years we have been impressed by his interpretations of brass band 'classics' where he has delivered well thought out and moving performances, whilst developing a revitalised Llwydcoed Band into genuine contenders for National Final qualification.
Our group would like to thank the South East Wales Association for allowing us to make this award at its final contest every year.
Honour
In reply Chris told 4BR: "It's a real honour to follow in the footsteps of conductors who have done so such for Welsh banding.
My family background meant we all knew Eric James and the work he did with the bands he was connected to, so this award also recognises the success of Llywdcoed Band too."
It's a real honour to follow in the footsteps of conductors who have done so such for Welsh bandingChris Turner
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
2016: LUKE JENKINS — Phoenix Brass (Goodwick)
2017: CHRIS TURNER — Llwydcoed
