Rogerstone Revival

Rogerstone Revival

One of the famous names of south Wales brass banding made a welcome return to making music, with the news that Rogerstone is to reform as a non-contesting community band.

The Rogerstone Community Band was launched at a special rehearsal on Friday the 24th February led by conductor Dr. Robert Childs, who has offered his ongoing support to the venture. Commenting on the rehearsal Bob said: “I’m happy to help the band re-establish itself in the future. I have four young grandchildren who all live in Bassaleg and Rogerstone is our nearest local band. I’d love to see the band doing well so they can join in the future.”

The rehearsal was a welcome revival of a band that enjoyed a great deal of success in Welsh banding since its formation in 1948 — winning the Second Section National Championship of Great Britain under Brian Buckley in 1971, followed by the Welsh Regional Championship Section title in 1973 and National Eisteddfod the following year.

Further success in the lower sections occurred all the way up to 2010 and they last competed at the Welsh Area contest in 2015. Now however, their future lies in community music making. A spokesperson for the band commented:

"We are looking for players, past and present who enjoy playing along with the social aspect of banding. The aim of the band will be to perform in concerts throughout the year to support the infrastructure of the organisation and of course the local community of Rogerstone and beyond. The initial plan will be to hold rehearsals twice a month on Friday evenings."

Photo: courtesy 4barsrest.com