Tredegar Junior Band was formed in 1970, and soon attracted youngsters from the main primary schools in the town to join with older local players, many of who were already playing in the senior band under the direction of conductor, John Childs.   

The early foundations which led to the Butlin’s National Championship victories of 1974 and 1975 was laid through a combination of inventive tuition (with important links made to the well funded local authority peripatetic music service), engaging repertoire and a great sense of communal pride (players were actively encouraged to regularly enter local solo and quartet contests). 

Charismatic

The band was soon boosted by the charismatic leadership of conductor Tudor Williams, a young computer engineer from Brynmawr and the principal cornet of the Town Band, whilst the musical ethos was overseen by John Childs (centre of back row).

This image was taken before a concert at Tredegar Comprehensive School in 1974.

Amazingly, 18 players from this band, either played for, or went on to play for the senior Town Band.

Two (Nigel Weeks and Neil Robson) went on to conduct the Junior Band themselves, whilst Nigel Weeks and Nicholas Childs eventually became successful conductors of the Town Band. 

Image:

Left to right (front row):
Melanie Childs; Andrew Lewis;  Benjamin Gregory; Ruth Jones; Julie Holder; Susan Howes; Julie Stokes; Nicola Powell; Hywel Fox; David Carey; Iwan Fox; Neil Robson; Clive Pinney; Carl Mealing; Nicholas Childs

Left to right (back row):
Gus Powell; Howard Morris; Robert Powell; Ian Morgan; John Peter; Robert Childs; John Childs; Trevor White; Brian Gratton; Paul Morris; Keri Davies; Nigel Weeks.