ON Saturday, October 22, Knighton Town Silver Band held its long awaited concert in memory of former member Richie Owens.

The band, under the baton of Sarah Freeman, invited Rhayader Male Voice Choir to be its guests. The choir was conducted by Jonathan Pearce and accompanied by Bethan Thomas.

The band and choir performed to a very appreciative audience. The MC for the evening was Heather Jones who told some stories about Richie’s life and expanded on his long and illustrious band career. Donations from Richie’s funeral had been given to the band and a new set of stands had been bought with small plaques attached stating that they are in memory of Richie.

One of Richie’s favourite marches was entitled Slaidburn so the band enjoyed playing this with great enthusiasm.

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Soloists with the band were Andy Beckingham playing cornet and Gareth Davidson playing euphonium.

The choir sung several arrangements by Alwyn Humphreys, who has conducted the choir previously. Their rendition of Neopolitan Trilogy, an arrangement of Alwyn’s, had everyone’s feet tapping.

During the concert a trophy given in memory of Richie was presented by Richie’s wife Val to the person who had contributed greatly to the smooth-running of the band during the year. This was received by the band’s librarian Julie Tyler. Another trophy was previously awarded to Ted Pearmain, a young man who has made the most progress during the year. Ted was awarded a place in the National Children’s Brass band of Britain. His award was presented by Andy Beckingham and Sarah Freeman.

Richie died before the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic and the band hasn’t had the opportunity until now to pay tribute to him.

Richie played first baritone in the band for more than 70 years, only taking a short time out while being away on national service. Not only did Richie give such a lot to the band but the band gave him his lovely wife, Val.

Val joined the band as a teenager and only took time out during the early years of motherhood to raise their four children. Val still plays trombone in the band and has clocked up nearly 50 years of dedicated playing.

The band meet on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm and will soon begin rehearsing for its Christmas programme.