What would Theresa May give to come up with an easy solution to solve cross border disputes it seems following the announcement that as from the 1st January 2019 the Brass Band Players Registry (BBP) and the Welsh Brass Band Registry will join together?

It will see all existing registration data for Welsh bands and players merged into the Brass Band Players Registry database.

No ambiguity

In a statement the BBP said: "The merger will guarantee that there is no ambiguity in relation to Welsh/English cross-Registry transfers.

Welsh and English bands will both now come under the BBP banner, so players will now be able to transfer between Welsh and English bands without the need for taking the cancellation/New Player registration route."

Although it was confirmed that Welsh bands will retain their national identity on new 'Welsh' BBP registry cards, as from 1st January they will fully adhere to BBP Registry Rules and Fee Schedules.

All Welsh band, Band Secretaries and Managers will be invited to complete a BBP 'Change of Secretary Form' to ensure the BBP Registry holds the most up to date information.

The BBP will also honour current validation date and current active registration cards until the cut-off date. The 2019 fees remain the same, whilst the respected Philip Rogers will continue as the new BBP Welsh Registrar and work for the Brass Band Players Registry every Wednesday.

Sensible

Speaking about the changes one Welsh Band Manager agreed that the move was sensible and overdue.

"We have no problem with the integration of what was a system that needed updating," they said.

"If it makes things easier for hard pressed Band Managers and Secretaries to understand, especially around the time of the Regional Championships, and to eliminate the type of mistakes that can lead to ill feeling, all the good."

The merger will guarantee that there is no ambiguity in relation to Welsh/English cross-Registry transfersBrass Band Players Registry

Contact details

Welsh bands are advised that the current contact telephone and e-mail details will become redundant from 1st January to be replaced by the current BBP information:

E-Mail:
Telephone: 02920 700943 (Option 1)

Go to: www.bbpregistry.com

The Brass Band Players Registry office is open weekdays from 9.30am — 3.30pm except for Bank Holidays.