Award winners and new president for Cory

Cory Band held its annual Awards Evening on Saturday 2 January 2016, to celebrate achievements in the previous 12 months.

There were several awards and announcements made over the course of the evening, with principal cornet Tom Hutchinson winning the coveted Player’s Player of the Year Award, having performed with distinction throughout 2015, not least on his debut solo CD release, In Principal. The award is voted for by fellow band members and, in a short address whilst collecting the trophy, Tom revealed his delight at scooping the prize having won it previously in 2012.

The Band Member of the Year Award went to Gwyn Thomas, Cory’s current librarian, but formerly the band’s star soprano cornet player. Gwyn was part of the Nationals hat-trick winning band (1982-84) and received the award in recognition of his immense and continuing contribution to the Cory Band with selfless year-round work to support Cory in countless areas, including matters concerning the upkeep and management of the band’s rehearsal room in Cwm Parc.

Outgoing Chairman Austin Davies was thanked for his unstinting 20 years service to the band, firstly as a tuba player and for the last 15 years as Chairman and Band Manager. Since the turn of the millennium Austin’s vision and long term planning has seen Cory become one of the very best bands in the World, and for many years he has proudly been its public face during concerts and contests. In recognition of his service, Austin received a richly deserved standing ovation as he was presented with a customised commemorative plaque.

Finally, it was revealed that Cory would have a new President in the shape of TV broadcaster Morgan Jones, who was present with his wife to give an opening address in which he spoke about his pride at being invited to the prestigious position, and his lifelong passion for brass bands. Morgan is best known as the anchorman for Welsh channel S4C’s European football show, Sgorio, but also presents many other arts and cultural shows, including Band Cymru.

Photo: New Cory President - Morgan Jones