93-year-old Percy Gilbert, of Port Tennant, with the insignia he was presented with by Princess Anne
FOR more than 61 years he's been the man behind the Eastside Jazz Band.
And while his work usually takes place behind the scenes, it was Percy Gilbert's moment to step into the spotlight, when he went to London to collect his MBE.
The 93-year-old from Danygraig road was named in the Queen's birthday honours earlier this year, for his services to the community, after being the driving force behind the band, whose members are drawn from St Thomas, Grenfell Park and Port Tennant. They have twice won the world jazz band championships.
Mr Gilbert, who received his medal from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle, said: "It was a wonderful experience".
Port Tennant resident Mr Gilbert described the honour, coming shortly after a successful membership drive which helped secure the band's future, as "the icing on the cake".
Declining membership meant the band had earlier this year been facing the prospect of closing altogether.
But an appeal in the Evening Post for new recruits saw its membership shoot up.
And it has already landed a few more prizes, to add to its world championship titles in 1978 and 2002, after winning competitive events held in Merthyr and Pontypridd over the summer.
Mr Gilbert, who was accompanied to the ceremony by his niece Lillian, said: "Princess Anne was very charming, and asked me how long the band had been going. She was surprised when I told her the youngest member isn't even 3 years old."
The band will be performing at a charity event in Trecco Bay on November 6, followed by an appearance at the Merthyr Stadium later in the month.
Percy added: "The MBE was not something I ever wanted, but it is a nice thing to have."
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