Oakdale band scoop top prize at National Eisteddfod (From Campaign Series)

Oakdale band scoop top prize at National Eisteddfod

6:10pm Monday 6th August 2012 in News By Emma Mackintosh

OAKDALE Silver Band were 'top brass' at the National Eisteddfod, where they beat stiff competition to win the Brass Bands Class 4 section.

Conducting in his first Eisteddfod, musical director Adrian Browning led the band to victory in the Vale of Glamorgan with 'The Rose', followed by a euphonium duet of 'Deep Inside The Sacred Temple' from Bizet's The Pearl Fishers, performed by Terry Wells and Natalie Rogers.

The band rounded off their performance with 'The Golden Lady', which sealed their win.

Principal cornet Janet Wells described the group's elation at achieving the top spot at their first National Eisteddfod on Saturday.

"We're on cloud nine, we haven't come down yet," said Janet, who has been playing with the band for 30 years.

"We were really pleased with our win because Seindorf Arian yr Oakeley are good, as are Band Pres Bro Morgannwg who are the local band."

Established in 1900, the former colliery band consists of 25 players and two percussionists, many of whom are related, Janet explained.

"We are a real family band," she said. "In the band I have two daughters, my son, my daughter-in-law and her father, and there are many brothers and sisters who play together. We have men, women and children in the band, from 13 to 80 years old."

The band will put their £400 prize money towards travelling to Fishguard for a competition in October.

Oakdale Silver Band rehearse on Monday and Friday evenings from 7pm, at the Presbyterian Church, Penmaen Avenue, Oakdale.