4BR has been informed of the death of Colin Evans, the respected member of the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band in south Wales.
Great contribution
Band Chairman Alan Gwynant told 4BR: “Colin was one of the longest serving members of our organisation, and contributed greatly to the resurgence of the band in recent times.
He played various instruments, in various positions with the various bands, always willing to help out and fill in where needed. He was a true bandsman.
He was the immediate past President of the Melingriffith organisation, and was also the current secretary of the South East Wales Brass Band Association. Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife and family at this very sad time.”
Assistant Chief Constable
Although a Devon man, Colin Evans was extremely proud of his Welsh roots. His father, a miner from Merthyr, had moved to Devon to give his family a better life.
Colin joined the police force, and eventually found his way back to South Wales as Assistant Chief Constable. He was asked by the then Chief Constable, John Woodcock, to form the South Wales Police Band, which he did and which he conducted for over 20 years.
Award from Pope
He was awarded the Queens’s Police Medal, and received a special medal from the Pope, to thank him for his services in helping to organise the Pontiff's visit to Cardiff in 1982.
He was also a proud Salvationist and attended the Penarth Citadel on a regular basis.
Instrumental
Alan Gwynant added: “When the Melingriffith Band started re-building after a period of decline, Colin joined as solo euphonium. He was instrumental in building the band up to contest strength, and when the band had grown so big that M2 had to be formed, Colin moved on to the solo euphonium seat there.”
Colin was a member of the band that won the Fourth Section National Championship of Great Britain in Cheltenham in 2010.
A great believer in encouraging younger players, many a budding player found his experience and guidance to be invaluable.
When Colin found the contesting calendar too much of a commitment, he decided to ‘retire’ from playing, but whenever any of the bands were short, he could be counted upon to help out, be it on euphonium, baritone or trombone.
Welcome return
Alan Gwnant also recalled his welcome return to playing: “With the formation of the Melingriffith Community Band, Colin made a welcome ‘come back’, again on euphonium.
He attended all the rehearsals and engagements, and enjoyed socialising over a cup of tea in the break. His last engagement with the Community Band was at Llantrisant Hospital, two days before he became unwell. Two words describe Colin — a gentleman and a bandsman.”
He was awarded the Queens’s Police Medal, and received a special medal from the Pope, to thank him for his services in helping to organise the Pontiff's visit to Cardiff in 19824BR
SEWBBA Secretary
Colin not only played, but also conducted when needed, and also wrote many arrangements and original pieces for the bands.
His involvement with bands stretched further with him becoming a highly respected secretary of the South East Wales Brass Band Association, a job he held with great pride until his untimely death.
Colin leaves a wife, Margaret, four children, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral service
The funeral service will be at Canton Salvation Army Hall, Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff at 2.30pm on Friday February 6th, followed by cremation at Thornhill Cemetry at 4.15pm.
