Camborne Town Band

January 2012 - News Report to 4barsrest

Camborne Town Band are delighted to welcome new faces to its ranks, some new and some returning after breaks or spells with other bands.

Recent signings are Chris Leonard, Nigel Chadd and Matt Julian. Chris joins the cornet front row having been a long standing principal with the band. Nigel was a similar long standing player on tuned percussion. Matt Julian joins on Bb Bass and came up through the ranks of our successful Youth Band. He previously played for the Lanner & District Band. During the past year the band has also celebrated signing Steve Hawkey former principal cornet of the Bodmin Band, Richard Hawkey returning on Euphonium, Ross Buist returning on 2nd Horn, Rory Abbott returning as lead percussionist, Dave Barnes returning on 2nd Cornet and Marcus Dunstan returning on 3rd Cornet.

Musical Director, Kevin Mackenzie said, "I am, of course, delighted that these talented players have chosen to be a part of the Camborne Town Band bringing a mixture of youth and experience. This year the band will be pushing to qualify at the areas in March and are also making a welcome return to Blackpool in May. The band are currently preparing for the Yeovil Entertainment contest in February. We welcome back professional conductor Gary Cutt for the Area Qualifier in March with an ambition to qualify for the National Finals. In May the band will be making a return to Blackpool and in June returning to Bugle to defend their Championship title".

June 22nd 1855 - Distin concert given in Camborne

‘It will not suit our purpose to criticise the playing of the "dramatic personae". As an "ensemble", they are the best that have yet visited our "copper diggings", whilst the orchestra, consisting of the Camborne brass band, under the leadership of Mr John Rowe (composed of nine of Henry Distin's best Sax horn instruments), share the applause of the house.’

(Royal Cornwall Gazette 22nd June 1855)

(Item provided by Ray Farr)

Goff Richards Celebration Concert

This was one of those events that will remain in the memory for some time: a fitting tribute to the life and work of one of Cornwall's finest musical talents.

Four great brass bands represented the brass band world - Camborne / Mount Charles / St Austell / St Dennis

Four superb male voice choirs represented the choir world - Four Lanes / Holman Climax / Nankersey / St Stythians

augmented by members of Mevagissey and Newquay

Nine talented conductors were on hand to lead the musicians in a programme of Goff's music - Leonard Adams / Ken Downing / David Loukes / Kevin Mackenzie / John Maines / David Marshall / Angela Renshaw / George Smith / Alastair Taylor (five of them to conduct one piece!!!)

Phillip Hunt was on form and, as ever, had done his homework to provide a packed Cathedral with informative and entertaining introductions.

The concert opened with 'Let There Be Light' performed by the massed choirs and bands and what a sound it was. It filled the Cathedral and gave us a taste of what was to follow.

Goff composed and arranged so much music that it must have been difficult to select the programme but each piece contributed to a balanced 'menu' that reflected his genius. 'A Special Place' provided an extra poignancy on this special night and the evocative 'Calling Cornwall' reminded us of our lost wake up call on Radio Cornwall! The concert had many high spots and was finally brought to a close with a double helping of 'Proper Goff' with Alistair Taylor taking the solo spot.

As one member of the choir said, "I just feel proud to have been a part of it".

PM Sound recorded the Concert and will shortly issue a CD costing £10.00 icluding p & p with every order also benefitting the Fund.

If you would like a copy, an Order Form is attached, please contact PM SOUND

14 Huthnance Close Truro Cornwall TR1 1YT

01872 263300 Email: pmsound@tiscali.co.uk

170th Celebrations

Sunday 18th September 2011

It is unlikely that the Blaythorne Social Club at Camborne has ever witnessed a more prestigious event than the one to celebrate 170 years of brass banding in Camborne.

As an audio/visual display recalled the history from the 1890s to the present day the large number of past and present players, committee and supporters took the opportunity to seek out old friends and recall their banding days. Friendly banter filled the air and the laughter was a sure sign that this was going to be a successful event.

The display of memorabilia was a popular feature and many enjoyed the photos and items from the 1984 Paris tour. This was assembled by former player, Robert Cook, who also provided previously unheard sound tracks of the concert at the famous Bobino Theatre. Also on show was vidio footage by former player, Jonathan Bond, of the band at Bugle and at the Best of Brass television contest.

Former MD Derek Greenwood was invited back to conduct the Band in a concert and it soon became apparent that he had lost none of his musical expertise or his rapport with the audience. In terms of contest results, Derek is the Band's most successful musical director. It was a sparkling performance that included excellent solo items by Andrew Mitchell and Mark Letcher.

The programme comprised: 'French Military March' by Saint-Saens, 'Dundonnell' from 'Hymns of the Highlands' by Philip Sparke, Rodrigo's 'Aranjuez Mon Amour' by K R Bolton and played by flugel Andrew Mitchell, 'Lightwalk' by Barrie Gott featuring the horns and flugel, 'Hymns of Praise' arranged by Goff Richards, 'Evergreen' arranged by Catherall and played by solo horn Mark Letcher, 'Deep Harmony' by Handel Parker and 'Vitae Aeternum' by Paul Lovatt-Cooper.

While all this was going on there were many admiring glances at the wonderful spread of food that the ladies had prepared. "Better than we used to get at a tea treat," according to one person but apart from a nibble at a cheese straw, everyone waited for the signal before tucking in.

Following the concert David Roberts, Band President, stepped forward to officially welcome everyone and to make some awards. He began by presenting Life Membership Certificates to former player and Musical Director, Edward Ashton, former Musical Director and guest conductor, Derek Greenwood and former Treasurer and current Chairman, Marcus Dunstan who was clearly taken by surprise.

Next came the long-service player awards to Andrew Mitchell, Chris Netherton, Jason Smith and Wayne Brown.

David Roberts read a message from musical director, Kevin Mackenzie, who was at home recovering from a back operation. As ever, his contribution to the success of the Band was appreciated and it was hoped that he would soon be back in charge. David also thanked Tony Mansell for writing a second book about the bands of Camborne. Few bands have their history recorded in print but now Camborne has two on the bookshelf.

The Band rounded off this part of the programme with a stirring rendition of its signature tune 'The Cossack'.

Next came the cutting of the celebratory cake and it was former President and nonagenarian the Reverend Basil Brown who wielded the knife to make the first cut. At last it was time for the food but despite the best efforts of the large crowd the amount on offer did not seem to reduce. Most folks left with a plateful but it was doubtful that anyone would require any more that day.

Events such as this do not happen by accident and the Committee and Band are to be congratulated for organising an event of which their predecessors would have been proud. It was a worthy celebration and in the true traditions of Camborne Town Band.

Eden Concert

Sunday 11th September 2011

A large and appreciative audience enjoyed two sessions of music as the players performed in open necked shirts in the warm Mediterranean biome. The acoustics enhanced the playing and the band enjoyed the afternoon.

Deputy conductor, David Hamilton, took over the baton to conduct a varied and entertaining programme. Kevin was now at home recuperating from a back operation and we are pleased to report that he is progressing well.

The programme included:

March - Bramyn

Overture - Golden Lady

Soprano Cornet Solo - Capriccio - Les Kneebone

Lightwalk by Barrie Gott featuring Andrew Mitchell on Flugel

A Quiet Moment dedicated to the 10th Anniversary of 9/11

Tenor Horn Solo - Evergreen - Mark Letcher

It's a lovely day tomorrow

Be a Clown

Hymns of Praise

March - Jubiloso

Gaudete

Cornet Solo - Buster Strikes Back - Kayleigh Mitchell

Valdres March

Flugel horn solo - Folks who live on the Hill - Andrew Mitchell

Sweet Gingerbread Man

Bass Trombone Solo - Mr Nice Guy - Neil Murley

Floral Dance

A Disney Fantasy

Thanks to all of the staff at the Eden Project for their assistance.

Last Night of the Proms

1st September 2011

This was some concert with something for everyone and you know what? It may well have topped last year.

The Truro Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society was a great addition to the line-up. The singing and choreography of this talented group was highly entertaining and much appreciated by the audience.

As ever, the Band was on form as the players delivered a well-chosen programme of considerable complexity. It's difficult to choose favourites but "A Quiet Moment" has to be up there and "Hymns of Praise" provided us with a chance to recall the immense talent of Goff Richards. Ian Porthouse clearly enjoyed his visit to Cornwall and his humourous and informative introductions were a delight. The soloists, Les Kneebone and Neil Murley were outstanding as was the virtuoso performance by Daisy who had the audience in the palm of his hand - literally. James Churchfield made a great compere. His easy-going style and rapport with the audience suited the evening well. Maria Gay joined for the traditional Last Night items and completed a very talented line-up. The evening demanded an encore and a few players said afterwards that next year it would be Trelawny!

The size of the audience proves that local talent can prise people from their TVs but, of course, this was the cream of local talent.

A New Find

We have been given a bundle of items by Penny Gray of Penzance relating to Camborne Town Band. Among it was the badge on the front page.

The bundle was amongst items she bought at auction and, in her words, she wanted it to go where it belonged.

Some items include the name W Head and we assume this to be Bill Head who played tenor horn and baritone during the 1950s and was Band Secretary for some time.

Thanks to Penny we have been able to record a few more contest results and over the next few weeks we will show some of the other items including the adjudicators remarks from the 1973 National when Camborne Town Band was 5th.

Ade in Britain

Following an invitation through our website the players gathered at King Edward's Mine at Troon on Friday 22nd July 2011 to take part in the Cornish edition of the ITV series 'Ade in Britain,' starring Adrian Edmondson. With the opening line, "Cornwall may have less tin now but it still has plenty of brass," Ade introduced the Camborne Town Band which launched into its short programme.

The series consists of 20 programmes about different locations across the country and for Cornwall the chosen theme was mining / brass bands and the chosen band was our own Camborne Town Band.

Check out the gallery to see Ade conducting and Marcus Dunstan and Kevin Mackenzie being wired for sound. It was our new bass player, Nick Wills, who came up with the idea of inviting Ade to pick up the baton. He readily agreed and seemed to enjoy it just as much as the players. Ade is no stranger to brass as he plays the baritone (wise choice!)

The programmes will be broacast on ITV 2 (we think) at 4.00pm commencing on Monday the 28th November 2011, every weekday for four weeks. It has yet to be decided on which day the Cornish edition will be shown.

West of England Bandsmen's Festival

Bugle

18th June 2011

With a highly musical performance of Carnival Overture that left few people in doubt of the result, Camborne Town Band claimed the Royal Trophy for yet another year. The devil is often in the detail and Dvorak's intricate classic is certainly challenging in that respect but Kevin Mackenzie and the players had clearly worked hard to tease out the technical aspects. It was impressive stuff, all the more because it was delivered in the musical style we expect from Camborne Town Band. It was a class performance that clearly impressed both audience and adjudicator. St Dennis, too, were on good form and thoroughly deserved second place.

There seemed little wrong with the Band's performance of Ave Verum but Mount Charles' did impress here and were worthy winners.

Congratulations to Kayleigh Mitchell (Best Player and Best Cornet), to Les Kneebone (Best Soprano) and Rob Jose (Best Euphonium).

(To avoid this being a purely personal view, contributions to this report are welcomed - TM)

Running for Band Funds

Once again, James Sturges and Les Kneebone have added to the Band coffers by taking part in a half-marathon. This time at Plymouth. Since 2008 James has completed four and Les and Paul Saggers two each and between them they have raised £4,000 in sponsorship for Band funds. A fantastic achievement that makes us all want to get out there and join them. On second thoughts, no it doesn't!

An Evening of Music & Comedy

Wednesday 25th May 2011

In every respect this concert was a major success. To almost fill the Hall for Cornwall shows that when the mix is right, people do appreciate local talent. Throw the name of Garry Cutt into the equation and you are onto a winner. On this occasion the splendid venue was graced by the superb playing of Camborne Town Band and the irrepressible talent of Johnny Cowling - what a combination!

The programme was well chosen with something to please everyone and while favourites will vary from person to person, how about Light Cavalry, Pastime with Good Company, Dance of the Tumblers and the two solos of Goodbye to Love and Donegal Bay played to perfection by Mark Letcher and Robert Jose.

Daphne Skinnard of Radio Cornwall compered the show and Johnny Cowling was simply top drawer. Well done to Garry Cutt for joining in the fun. Johnnie is a very funny man and his interaction with the audience had everyone rocking in their seats (literally) and wanting more.

Holidays and other commitments meant that a few guests were needed to fill some empty seats in the Band. Kevin Mackenzie, resident MD and the person who had rehearsed the Band so well prior to Garry's arrival, played baritone, Marcus Dunstan, Society Chairman, covered on cornet, Sarah Matthews, principal cornet for Camborne Youth and B Band, also played cornet, Mark Arnold and Karl Stevens helped in the kitchen sink department (percussion) and Jason Smith played Bb bass. Although Jason and Karl are not current regulars with Camborne they are registered with the Band and often play as guests.

For Mark Arnold and Garry Cutt it was a sort of re-union as Mark was a former player with Grimethorpe Colliery Band at the time of "Brassed Off."

West of England Championship 13th March 2011

Riviera International Conference Centre

Championship Section

Paganini Variations

What a wonderful piece of music this is, both for the listener and the players. It proved to be a real test at Torquay with no band managing to produce an error-free performance. Slips and blemishes are unfortunate but Derek Broadbent was clear that they were looking for bands that produced good music and in that respect, four bands stood out.

Playing under Garry Cutt, Camborne Town Band gave a good account of itself and, apart from the obvious disappointment of not being a part of the National Finals, the players and supporters were pleased with third place. Congratulations go to Garry Cutt, all of the players and to MD Kevin Mackenzie for his work in preparing the band. Congratulations, too, to Woodfalls and Flowers who will be representing the Southwest at the Royal Albert Hall.

(Further contributions to this report welcomed)

Annual Dinner - 19th February 2011 at The Cliffdene Hotel Newquay

The annual dinner was a great success with an excellent meal and a superb atmosphere. (Please take a look at the happy faces in the photo gallery) It was an excellent evening, thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

Unfortunately our Musical Director, Kevin Mackenzie, was unable to attend: Chairman, Marcus Dunstan, presented his speech and made the awards.

Kevin said that in making his decisions he was aware that more than one person was deserving of each award and he outlined the factors leading to his choices.

(The awards were presented by last year’s recipients and can be seen in the photo gallery)

Bandsman of the Year

This person had shown continued, 100% commitment to the band, a willingness to help in so many ways and to play at his best. His attendance was 100% and he is an extremely valued member of the band.

The award for bandsman of the year goes to James Sturgess.

Performance of the Year

There were many good individual performances last year – Les Kneebone at Bugle, Rob, Letch, Lee, Andrew at the Regional Contest and at the National Finals where there were some good work from all the soloists. The award goes to a player who has consistently played very well at the concerts and contests but two performances in particular stand out: the area qualifiers on English Heritage and at Yeovil.

The award for performance of the year goes to Kayleigh Rowe.

Most Improved Player

This is always the most difficult as I'd like to think that everyone improves year on year. Since she took on this particular seat she has proved that she is worthy of it. Particularly in the past 12 months, she has shown more confidence especially when at a certain point, was thrown into the deep end and delivered a superb performance.

The award for most improved player goes to Joanna Rowe.

Chairman, Marcus Dunstan, then reflected on the memorable moments from the past twelve months:

An excellent performance at the West Of England Area Qualifier under the baton of Ian Porthouse resulting in a second place and earning another National Finals qualification.

A concert in the Hall for Cornwall in June with Jonny Cowlin and Garry Cutt.

(To be repeated on 25th May this year)

Retaining the Royal Trophy at Bugle Bandsmen’s Festival under the baton of Garry Cutt culminating in an electric performance in the square bringing some to tears.

A busy summer season of concerts culminating in a Last Night of the Proms in the Hall for Cornwall with Ian Porthouse, James Churchfield and Duchy Opera.

(To be repeated with TAODS on 1st Sept 2011)

An excellent performance at the Royal Albert Hall under Richard Evans.

A busy Christmas and New Year of carolling and concert with St. Mewan School Choir at Brannel School.

A fine performance under Kevin Mackenzie at the Yeovil Entertainment Contest.

Thanks:

Kevin Mackenzie “Our talented musical director”

The band and their families

Our Management Team and supporters

Our Section and Concert Sponsors

Our principal Sponsor – Walters & Barbary who provide regular contributions and welcome refreshments on Trevithick Day

Players who have left the band – some with over 10 years of service:

Graham Barker Paul Saggers Roland Woods

Jess Tredrea Barry Buist.

Welcome to new players:

David Hamilton Sam Johns Sharon Holywood

David Retallack Simon Kendall Jaz Ryder- Pollard

Additional awards:

Robert Jose (Ten years service) Angela Netherton (Secretary)

Patrick Farr (Treasurer) Kevin Mackenzie (Musical Director)

Yeovil Entertainment Contest - 5th February 2011

The coach left Camborne at 7.15am and, after a number of pick-ups, reached Yeovil just before 11.00am. The contest had started at 9.30am so, by the time we were settled in our seats, three bands had already played and we had missed both St Dennis and the ultimate winner, Woodfalls. Apparently Woodfalls had included some sort of routine with wigwams and this may have contributed to the entertainment element of their performane. There is some consistency here as they were placed second, and ahead of Flowers, in the entertainment section of the Butlin's Mineworkers Open Brass Band Festival where Flowers took the overall trophy.

Camborne were drawn to play at number eleven out of the thirteen entries (number seven had withdrawn so twelve competed) and from the opening chords the quality of its playing shone through. Its programme was well chosen and balanced and, from the audience reaction, it certainly entertained (not a bad indicator in this sort of contest!)

Kayleigh Rowe's solo was pure magic with a tone that held the audience spellbound. But this high standard of playing was not restricted to Kayleigh and the only criticism from the adjudicator related to one of balance. His final comment of "Well done" was well deserved and, perhaps, suggested a higher placing than seventh.

It was a good day and we congratulate the winning bands. We now look forward to the next challenge.

(Tony Mansell)

New Signings for 2011

Camborne Town Band would like to announce the signing of some new players for the start of 2011

Jasmine Ryder-Pollard has progressed from the Camborne Youth & B bands to the senior band and is joining us on 2nd cornet.

Sharon Hollywood has played on principal cornet with Hayle and Lanner Bands and is joining us on 3rd cornet.

David Hamilton has moved from Scotland having played with Dalmellington & Annan Town Band. David has also been principle Bb with NYBBS and European Youth 2006; he will be joining us on Eb bass.

Gavin Knowles will be re-joining the band on first Baritone to play for the Yeovil Entertainment Contest in February after a break having a family.

Philip Trudgeon is joining our percussion section. Philip is currently principle percussionist with the Portsmouth Royal Marine Band (Royal Band) and founder of the Portsmouth Concert Orchestra.

Musical Director Kevin Mackenzie commented, “These signings are a major benefit to the success of the band

and it is a good strong start to the year.”

The band are now preparing for the contest at Yeovil and then for the arrival of Garry Cutt for the assault at the areas in March.

The Uren Family

My name is Dorothy Jane Uren Reading and I am the granddaughter of William Uren who re-founded the Camborne Band in 1896. I had the pleasure of seeing the new band house some years ago and saw the photos of William and his 4 sons on the wall.

My father, Harry Uren was the youngest of the 4 sons of William.

Harry returned to Camborne in 1963 and was allowed to play and compete with the band for the seven months he was in the UK.

I have checked out your web page and would like to know if there is additional history going back to the early days of the band re-founding.

You may contact me at this web address:

Dorothy Uren Reading from the USA richardreading@sbcglobal.net

(I have replied with information about our book but I am sure that Dorothy would welcome contact by others - Tony M)