Memories of a fellow musician
| Type of post: | Band news item |
| Sub-type: | News |
| Posted By: | Iestyn Davies |
| Status: | Current |
| Date Posted: | Mon, 17 Jul 2023 |
Memories of a Fellow Musician
Band recalls one of the many lives cut short by conflict
This Sunday the Tongwynlais Temperance Band took its place alongside the residents of Whitchurch as the community gathered together for the rededication of the village war memorial.Among the many names carved into the granite on, one stands out and that’s the name of Musician Richard G Fice. Aged only twenty-two, he was one of the eleven musicians murdered in the atrocity at the Royal Marines Deal Barracks at 8.22am on 22nd September 1989.
Richard was originally from Whitchurch and played in the South Glamorgan Youth Band a place where many Tongwynlais players learned to play and his name is listed on the memorial alongside those who gave their lives in the conflicts of the twentieth century.
Recalling the thirtieth anniversary of the attack, the band’s Euphonium player, and BBC journalist Andrew Gourlay, reflected on Richard’s life, interview his parents who to this day maintain a strong link with brass banding supporting the young players who participate in the South Glamorgan Youth Band.
You can hear the interview with Andrew Gourlay Soundcloud here and read about the Richard Fice Awarded presented to young players in Cardiff and Vale on ther BBC Website here
The band is grateful for the invitation to participate in the service and for the opportunity to be part of the life of its local community.
