The recent SEWBBA Welsh League series contest in Penarth saw the annual presentation of the prestigious Eric James Memorial Welsh Conductor of the Year Trophy to Newport Borough conductor, Robin Hackett.
The award was first presented in 1992 following the untimely death of Eric James, one of Welsh banding's most popular conductors.
The ethos of the award has been to recognise the hard work of 'grass roots' conductors in helping develop community bands throughout Wales.
Difficult task
Award spokesperson Alyn James told 4BR: "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.
Such has been the success of Welsh banding at all levels it has become a hard task with many conductors worthy of the award. This year has been an exceptionally difficult decision with a number of dedicated and talented conductors doing so well."
Inspiration
He added: "In choosing Robin we felt he had continued to develop Newport Borough Band in the most positive musical way possible — inclusive and ambitious. His band has been a joy to listen to and his work should act as an inspiration to others.
We would like to thank the South East Wales Association for allowing us to make this award at its final contest every year."
In choosing Robin we felt he had continued to develop Newport Borough Band in the most positive musical way possible — inclusive and ambitiousAlyn James.
List of 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 Band
2009: GARETH RITTER — City of Cardiff Band
2010: GARY DAVIES — Tylorstown Band
2011: DEWI GRIFFITHS — Melingriffith 2
2012: MATTHEW JENKINS — Goodwick Brass Band
2013: GARY DAVIES — Tylorstown Band
2014: GARETH RITTER — City of Cardiff Band
2015: MATTHEW JENKINS — Goodwick Brass
2016: LUKE JENKINS — Phoenix (Goodwick)
2017: CHRIS TURNER — Llwydcoed Band
2018: GARETH RITTER — Ebbw Valley / Taff Vale Brass
2019: ROBIN HACKETT — Newport Borough
