Tragedy struck on Friday 29th January 1965. Tom Powell was to be guest conductor of Cory Workmen's Band in the radio series ‘Challenging Brass’, and they gathered for the live broadcast in the BBC's Cardiff orchestral studio, a converted chapel vestry in Charles Street.

Their opponents, Luton Band, were similarly waiting in London whilst the programme presenter drew lots for the order of play. When it was announced that “Band B” (Cory) would perform first, T.J. sprang to his feet, ready to accept the challenge, and collapsed with what transpired to be a fatal heart attack. In the best of traditions, and as he would have wanted, a solo cornet player left the bench, took up the baton and conducted the band’s performance.

T.J. never heard the result - that Luton had won; he died in the studio as Cory played. A glorious era, which had spanned 45 years and given Melingriffith its richly deserved reputation, had come to an end.

To learn more about the history and the modern Melingriffith Brass Band, feel free to take a look at our history and learn more about us.