The 70th anniversary of the National Health Service is being marked around the UK at the present time, with a great deal of focus centered this weekend on the celebrations that will take place in Tredegar, the home town of its founder, Labour MP, Aneurin Bevan.
Tredegar-ise
Bevan was inspired to use the model of its ground-breaking Medical Aid Society as his template for the service — one which political legend has it, was his way to 'Tredegar-ise' the nation.
On Sunday 1st July, the celebrations will also include the world-premiere of a part of a new brass band work by composer Tom Davoren entitled 'Legacy' — itself inspired by Bevan's desire "To Provide All People"with a universal health service that was free at the point of need.
Free to all
Commissioned by Tredegar Band with funding through Ty Cerdd, its central movement is a soprano cornet solo that also echos Bevan's belief in a free service for all — as following its second performance in the Speakers House at the Houses of Parliament on Thursday 5th July, the work will be available to every band across the world — free of charge.
following its second performance in the Speakers House at the Houses of Parliament on Thursday 5th July, the work will be available to every band across the world — free of charge4BR
Radio broadcast
Actor Michael Sheen explores the rich 'Legacy' of Bevan in a special Radio 4 programme today (11.00am) entitled 'Out of Tredegar', where there is a sneak preview of the work performed by Tredegar's sop star Ian Roberts, as well as interviews with local people who knew Bevan and with Band Vice-President Iwan Fox and Chairman Alwyn Powell.
Programme
Friday 29th June: Out of Tredegar — 11.00am (Radio 4)
