It’s all go for Newtown’s well-known silver band as it reveals a busy season ahead and an appearance on television next weekend.
Newtown Silver Band, which is based in Back Lane, is preparing for its annual concert at All Saints Church on 14th May at 7pm, although before this it will be appearing on S4C’s new series Ar Faes y Gad on Sunday when it forms part of the programme presented by former Wales footballer, Owain Tudor Jones.
Owain goes on a journey to discover some of the Welsh internationals who left the football fields behind in order to face much bigger battles in the Great War.
From the gentlemen amateurs to the professional footballers - from Robert Mills-Roberts to Fred Keenor - Owain learns about some of the football world's biggest names and the horrors they faced.
The spotlight on Sunday’s programme will be on Harry Beadles, an ex player of the band and a relative of a well known Newtown family.
As a youngster, Harry played cornet with Newtown Silver Band. In 1914, along with his two older brothers, he enlisted in the Royal Welch Fusiliers, even though he was only 16 years old at the time! Many members of Newtown band, Harry being one of them took part in the Gallipoli Landings at Suvla Bay in 1916 during World War One.
The band was affiliated to the 7th Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers and proudly led the battalion through the town as they headed to the railway station to the sound of “Sussex by the Sea”.
One hundred years on, the band was marching through the streets of Newtown once again on Remembrance Sunday last November and played the same march “Sussex by the Sea” as a tribute to its gallant heroes. Harry Beadles was awarded the Serbian Gold Medal for gallantry and returned home to become a talented footballer, playing for teams such as Liverpool, Cardiff City and Wales.
Next month one of the ban’d highlights will be Newtown Carnival weekend.
As well as heading the town carnival parade on Saturday 11th June, the band will also be hosting the fifth ‘Newtown March and Open Air Brass Band Contest’ on Sunday 12th June.
The competition attracts bands from all over the Principality and from over the border. With free entry and a feast of entertainment, this is an event not to be missed!
Newtown Silver Band has served the community since 1880.
New members are always welcome. The Band’s AGM will be held in the bandroom on Thursday, 26th May at 7.30 p.m.
