Freedom of Rhondda for Cory

Members of Cory Band received the rarely presented Freedom of Borough of Rhondda - the highest honour that the local community can bestow - at a prestigious ceremony on 14 March in recognition of its record-breaking 2016, when it lifted four major contest titles.

The ceremony, which also recognised many local champions including Rhondda-born Paralympic Swimmer, David Roberts OBE, saw nine members of Cory appear on the stage in the Coliseum Theatre in Aberdare to accept the award presented by the BBC’s Beverley Humphries, as well as to play some pieces that added a distinct flavour to the event.

The culmination of the ceremony saw Cory’s Musical Director, Philip Harper, presented with a casket containing an official scroll, whilst Gwyn and Helen Thomas, who have been associated with Cory for five decades, received a framed certificate and a bunch of flowers from The Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cllr Rhys Lewis. Philip Harper then gave a brief acceptance speech before Cory’s performance of the Finale from the William Tell Overture brought the ceremony to a close.

Said Philip Harper: “The band is extremely honoured to have received this award, and will display the casket and certificate very prominently in its Cwmparc rehearsal base. We would all like to thank everyone at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council for this marvellous recognition for what Cory Band has achieved over its long history in the Rhondda.”