Christmas certainly came early for the Usk Youth Band recently when at the end of November 2007 the band were fortunate enough to acquire a set of instruments, percussion and music.

Break up

Due to the sad break up of the Conwy Band in North Wales, Usk Band Secretary Lea Jones wrote to the Trustees of Conwy and made enquiries regarding their stock of instruments.

Lea put forward a very strong case — stating that Usk were growing very successfully, and have achieved some very good results in the last four years. They were also saving hard for a new trombone and taking an active part in local community life.

This acquisition now means that we are able to change our old stock for newer instruments and it takes considerable pressure off us financiallyUsk Conductor Jeff Jones

Like minded organisation

Geraint Williams, one of the Trustees of Conwy Band was very clear that the Conwy Band constitution stated that all the band stock must be passed on to a like minded organisation, and everything must go, and not be split up.

Other bands and individuals made enquires, but only wanted a few instruments and this did not fulfil the constitutional obligations.

Geraint and Lea negotiated over the telephone and set a date for a meeting to inspect what would be involved. This in turn led to Usk taking everything off their hands lock, stock and barrel.

Saddened

Usk conductor Jeff Jones, a North Walian himself told 4BR: "I am extremely saddened by the demise of Conwy Band. Keith Jones the former conductor of Conwy is a very close friend and I know how much work he and the committee put into the Band — taking them from 4th to 2nd Section with some great results."

Brighter future

It now means a brighter future for the Usk Band: "Usk Band has 55 members and at the last count we only had 30 decent instruments to our name. We had to put youngsters on bad instruments or on a waiting list to join — not an ideal situation. This acquisition now means that we are able to change our old stock for newer instruments and it takes considerable pressure off us financially."