A MUSICAL manuscript that hasn’t been performed for more than half a century is to be played by Parkend Silver Band at a major Forest event.

Roger Deeks, a brass band enthusiast and a member of the Forest of Dean History Society, says the band’s secretary discovered Parkend March while searching through its music library, in preparation for their performance at the unveiling of the plaque telling something of the history of New Fancy colliery.

He said: “In thinking about what to play one of the older members recalled a piece written especially for the band called Parkend March. The band secretary, Sharon Thomas, has had it arranged so that all the band can play a part. They don’t think anyone has looked at it for 60 years.

“The piece of music was written by Tom Powell, a Welsh composer, also known as T.J. Powell the ‘Welsh Sousa’. He was a famous bandmaster, born in 1897, who dramatically died on stage, while conducting in 1965. He composed many marches for village bands.

“Sharon was disappointed to find that not all the parts for each instrument were there and was delighted when Clive Lewis, a well-known bandsman, who teaches and conducts, agreed to add the missing parts. Clive has been able to arrange the work for the whole of the band to play.”

The band plans to premiere the long-lost work on Saturday, September 10 at 10.45am and will play a programme of music relating to the mining history of the Forest.

Parkend Silver Band was formed from a merger of the village band and the New Fancy Colliery Band. 

Sharon said: “I found the manuscript in our band library covered in dust. The band was obsolete for a few years and didn’t reform until about 1972 and it certainly hasn’t been played since then. We are delighted to have found our own ’march’ after so long.”