RECREATION
Newspaper report dated 11 June 1932
Band Mr. William Price presided over a meeting of the band Committee at the Rising Sun Hotel on Tuesday, when the question of purchasing a new set of instruments was under discussion. Mr. Rollingson, London, the representative of Messrs. Boozey and Hawkes, was present, and gave a report, and explained in detail, the prices of various sets of instruments, and terms of purchase. The present set of instruments has been in use for 40 years. A new set will cost from £400 to £500. The Secretary is Mr. Arthur Coggan, who will be pleased to give any information.
Newspaper report dated 13 August 1932
Band Mr. William Price presided at a meeting of the Fochriw Silver Band on Tuesday. The bandmaster reported on the silver instruments just received, and spoke very highly of their quality of tone. The committee agreed to organise a community singing open-air concert in aid of Merthyr General Hospital.
It was not until 2 years later that new uniforms were purchased as the following newspaper report dated 11 August 1934 advises.
Concert A concert was held at the New Hall on Sunday evening under the auspices of the Fochriw Silver Band. The bandsmen appeared in their new uniforms. The chairman was Mr. Willie Adams Jones. The Band, under their conductor Mr. Albert Mantle, played the following selections: "The Typhoon," "Dawn of Spring," "Country Life," "Echoes of Spring," "Royal Artillery," "Eventide." The band was assisted by Mrs. Marjory Humphreys, Pontlottyn, soprano; Mr. James John Lewis, Fochriw, tenor; Miss Megan Jones, Pontlottyn, elocutionist; accompanist, Mr. Thomas Walters. Mr. William Price moved a vote of thanks to the artistes, chairman and band.
The band was not disbanded during the Second World War and continued with its contribution to local activities, fundraising and entertainment.
During 1946 the band’s conductor, Mr Albert Mantle, spent some time in hospital and his deputy Mr Emrys Lewis took over his duties. New instruments were also purchased at this time as the following newspaper report dated 2 March 1946.
During 1946 the band’s conductor, Mr Albert Mantle, spent some time in hospital and his deputy Mr Emrys Lewis took over his duties. New instruments were also purchased at this time as the following newspaper report dated 2 March 1946.
Band Concert At the New Hall on Wednesday, the Silver Band, under the conductorship of Mr. Albert Mantle, provided a programme that delighted a large audience. The artistes were Mr. Haydn Thomas and Mr. Wilfred Jones, Bedlinog, with Mr. W.P. Lawrence, Mus. Bac. as pianist. Councillor W.J. Payne presided. He said that he was pleased to see such a large gathering.