Monday 19th June - Youth Members Set the £5 Challenge!

As part of Twenty 4 Twenty, the society's new fund-raising scheme for a new bandroom, each member of the youth band has been given £5. They each have to use their initiative over the summer holidays to make the £5 grow. The £5, as well as the profit made, will be collected from each member on Monday 11th September and a prize will be awarded for the most interesting 'fiver growing' idea.

Some members of the band have got straight to work with their fund-raising. Percussionist, BJ Abbott, sold Chocolate Crunchies during the lunch times of the recent Alan Morrison Weekend and Euphonium Player, Simon Dunstan, has organised a 5-a-side football tournament.

More information and ideas can be found on the band notice boards. If any members wish to advertise their schemes on the website, please email me on enquiries@cambornetownband.com with the details.


Monday 5th June - Room at the Inn!

There are 10 double rooms available at the Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury, Russell Square, London, for the nights of 27th and 28th October 2006. The cost is £130 per person for both nights including travel on coach.

This is your chance to see Camborne Town Band at the Royal Albert Hall for the National Finals (tickets available separately) or to indulge in some retail therapy! Please contact Angela Netherton on 01637 870585 for details.


Thursday 1st June - New Bandroom Fund-raising Scheme

Camborne Town Band Music Society, which incorporates Camborne Town Band, Camborne ‘B’ Band and the current National Junior Champions, Camborne Youth Band, are launching a major fund-raising scheme for new bandroom.

The appeal, to be known as ‘Twenty 4 Twenty’, indicates the determination of the newly restructured management committee’s desire, after many false starts, to finally replace their seventy-one-year-old wooden bandroom in South Terrace. Through the success of the Society’s Youth movement in attracting a membership of 70 young people, the facilities available became totally inadequate both in terms of size and the deteriorating condition of the building. The organisation moved into a short-term lease arrangement with Kerrier District Council for a band headquarters at Tuckingmill Pavilion, which critically has now reached the half way point.

‘Twenty 4 Twenty’ represents twenty-four months to raise £20,000 and the project leader for this will be the Society’s Vice-Chairman, Roger Merritt. A number of fund-raising ideas are being explored, but one person out of the blocks quickly with his initiative is Society Chairman, Michael Weeks. At the recent concert by Camborne Town Band, Michael launched his ‘Buy a Brick’ campaign; this simply invites people to purchase a brick for a £1 and will run through the twenty-four months of the campaign.  All band members from the Society’s bands will be involved in helping to raise funds to meet the target amount by June 2008. All future events and the progress of fundraising for the scheme will be available on the 'Twenty 4 Twenty' Webpage and for anyone who wishes to help, please contact Roger Merritt on 01209 218218.


Sunday 28th May - Enjoyable Concert with Derek Broadbent

Last night Camborne Town Band presented 'An Evening with Derek Broadbent and his Music' at the Camborne Rugby Club to a very appreciative audience. The band rehearsed the selection of music with Derek on Thursday and Friday in preparation for the concert. The entertaining programme included several of Derek's own arrangements such as Phil the Fluter's Ball, Hey Jude, which featured the horn section; YMCA, Zambezi and, of course, The Floral Dance. The cornet section were featured in Derek's own composition, Cornets A-Go-Go! and Tim Joslin was featured in the Eb Bass solo Tijuana Tuba. The event was sponsored by Mr and Mrs David Roberts. Mr Roberts is the President of the Band and Rugby Club.

Before the concert, there was an official presentation of the Senior Band's new polo shirts which are sponsored by 'Securitas'. The Band wore the new polo shirts that eveing, for the first time in concert. At the end of the evening, Society Chairman, Michael Weeks, presented three long-time society members with Life Membership Certificates for their hard work and service to the society. These were, Roy Nancarrow, Stanley Pope and Roy Kelynack.

The band thoroughly enjoyed working with Derek over the two rehearsals and the concert and thank him for his time and effort. The band are now awaiting the arrival of Frank Renton on the 12th June, to begin preparation on PhilIp Sparke's Year Of The Dragon for the West of England Bandmen's Festival (Bugle Contest) on the 17th.


Sunday 21st May - Youth Band Entertain at County Rugby Match

Yesterday the Youth Band entertained the crowds attending the Devon vs. Cornwall Rugby Match held at Redruth Rugby Club. The band set up in the spectators' stand to perform their selection of Cornish tunes to support the county team, however it was still, unfortunately, a loss for Cornwall. Songs included 'The Floral Dance', 'Lamorna', 'Camborne Hill' and, of cousre, 'Trelawney'! The entertainment was provided before the match and at half time, however the band had a chance to relax and watch the game, still cheering on Cornwall!

After the enjoyable afternoon, the Youth Band joined with several Senior Band members at Russel Kellow's house (Eb bass player with the 'B' Band) for a barbeque which celebrated the start of the society's fundraising for a new bandroom.


Tuesday 16th May - Another Disappointing Result in Blackpool

Last weekend Camborne Town Band travelled to Blackpool to compete in the Senior Trophy at the British Open Spring Festival held at the Winter Gardens. Despite the band's excellent preparation for the contest under the esteemed conductor, Richard Evans, and a fine, musical performance on the day of Peter Graham's 'The Essence of Time', the band were awarded a disappointing 7th place out of 20 last Saturday.

4barsrest.com had predicted a win for Camborne and praised the band's performance on the day as being 'possibly the most complete so far'. All members thoroughly enjoyed the run-up to the contest as Richard Evans made a fine connection with the band from the first rehearsal and everyone was thrilled and confident with their performance at Blackpool. Unfortunately luck was, once again, not on our side 'up north'!

Below is the adjudication from 4barsrest.com of our performance.

'Born/Dance/Love
Fine opening. Everthing in place and lovely sense of style. Some rough edges but the shape unfolds well. Good start this.

Hate/Die/Mourn
Again there is a lot of musical shape on show and the best sounding band of the day so far. Solo work is of the highest quality. Don't let it get OTT!

War/Peace
This has real poise. There is such good playing in places and the music is there for everyone to hear. Big bold and brave in final sections to a huge ending.

Overall
Possibly the most complete performance so far. MD and band as one.'

For their retrospective of the section, and our performance, please click here.

The band are now looking forward to working with Derek Broadbent on the 25th and 26th May, culminating in a concert at the Camborne Rugby Club on Saturday 27th commencing at 7:00 pm.


Thursday 4th May - Poem in Honour of 1909 Band Victory Received

Tony Mansell, the author of the Camborne Town Band history book, has forwarded a letter received from Mr. Des Mitchell of Troon. Included with it was a poem written to commemorate the band's success at the County Band Contest held at St Austell on Saturday 28th August 1909. Below are extracts from Mr. Mitchell's letter.

"Thanks for the memories. Reading through the history of Camborne Town Band has brought to mind the many players associated with various events over the years. As a young boy I can recall George Rosevear the trombone player. He earned his living as a bill poster…After the war most of the players in the band lived or worked in Camborne and were well known. Every Cambornian knew when it was Bugle Band Contest and, wet or dry, an entertaining period of time could be had before the Class “A” section commenced by enjoying a chat before eating as much saffron cake, white cake and jam splits as you wanted for half a crown. Those were the days.

After the trip back home would be the march down through Trelowarren Street to the fountain where half of Camborne would be waiting to welcome the band…The interesting stories, facts and figures make the book a priceless part of Camborne’s history.

I enclose a poem (see here) and a badge which you may wish to add to your Camborne Town Band collection.

The Supporters Club was formed in the 1950s when Fred Roberts was Musical Director. As well as supporting the band at concerts and contests etc., a newsletter was published four times a year which was sent to each supporter, many who lived “up country” and in several foreign counties where cousin Jacks and Jennys made their homes.

I hope you find this bit of news interesting and hope you accept my sincere thanks for a wonderful publication."


Wednesday 3rd May - Successful Weekend with Richard Evans

Last weekend saw a busy time for the Band with Richard Evans' arrival in preparation for the Spring Festival on 13th May at Blackpool. Friday night was a thrilling practice with Richard in top form, working on the set test piece "The Essence Of Time".

Saturday saw the Band entertaining all day at the Camborne Trevitihick Day celebrations with two marches and a lunchtime concert in the Town Square. In the evening the Band once again took to the practice room with Mr Evans starting to fine tune the music in front of a very appreciative audience.

On Sunday night, with the Band suitably refreshed from the previous day's exertions, Richard once again put the Band through their paces. Everyone went home happy after a good weekend's work, and look forward to Richard's return next week to make the final preparations for the contest.


Monday 1st May - 'Brighouse Today' Reports Memorable Concert

Below is an article from the website 'Brighouse Today' about the Youth Band's joint concert with the world famous Brighouse and Rastrick Band on Saturday 8th April, the night before the National Youth Championships.

Bands Join Forces for Memorable Concert

Everyone was a winner when Brighouse and Rastrick Band joined forces with their guests, Camborne Youth Band.

Brass enthusiasts had a rare opportunity to see one of the country's finest championship class bands play alongside what is currently the leading junior band in the land.

The youngsters from Cornwall had the best dress rehearsal possible for their hat-trick attempt at the national title the following day in Manchester. And Hollybank School, Mirfield, benefited from the proceeds of this marvellous collaboration.

Central Methodist Church, Brighouse, was the setting for a concert that saw the Cornish connection between B. & R. and the far south west continue.

The link here was B. & R.'s principal cornet Alan Morrison who is also professional musical advisor to the Camborne band. The role sees Alan travel to Cornwall several times a year to work with them and their musical director, the charismatic Alan Pope.
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The two Alans took centre stage on Saturday when both bands played spots either side of the interval. The Camborne band, backed by two coachloads of supporters, were on fine form considering a 6am start and a tortuous eight-hour journey north.

Their second half performance was a dry run for the national championship, playing the selected programme for the contest. They were clearly inspired for they went on to comfortably land the title beating four highly regarded youth bands in the process.

It was a particularly memorable weekend for young percussionist, Jeremy Taylor. He earned a standing ovation for his performance in "Helter Skelter'', a piece for xylophone which was simply mesmerising. He was given the chance to don B. & R.'s purple and gold for their second spot in which he joined them on percussion, an experience which spurred on the 15-year-old sufficiently to win the individual musician title at the national championships.

The programme itself at Central was a mixture of familiar favourites blended with exciting new arrangements, from 'Nessum Dorma' to 'All That Jazz', hymn tunes to show tunes. And when you have a band from Cornwall shoulder to shoulder with the band that made famous a Cornish folk tune there can only be one choice for the encore. Who didn't come up with 'Floral Dance' then . . .?


Sunday 23rd April - Tony Mansell Summarises Band History

Tony Mansell, the author of 'Camborne Town Band' (a book containing a detailed history of the Band) has kindly written a new summary of the Band's history for our website's History page. This is an ideal way to promote his new book and an excellent opportunity to update even more of our site. We thank Tony for giving up his valuable time to help support and promote the band.


Thursday 13th April - Youth Band's Report from 4barsrest

Below are the remarks of the Youth Band's performance last Sunday at the National Youth Championships from Malcolm Wood at 4barsrest.com.

"Camborne Youth and Alan Pope certainly enjoyed themselves and in doing so brought a smile to everyone's faces.  Camborne's overall level of performance throughout was superb and you had sympathy for the other three bands because in making it a hat-trick of victories in this section they showed they were simply too good for the section and worthy of competing at a higher level. 

The bands winning performance opened up with a convincing rendition of ‘Fest Musik Der Stadt Wien'  before the band completely relaxed into ‘Slipstream' by Philip Sparke taken by the conductor at a nice steady tempo. The MD was smiling, full of positive body language and the band responded throughout.

Then everybody was treated to something that was nothing short of brilliant; a virtuoso performance that if it had come from Wayne Rooney, it would be repeated time after time on the television.  It came from percussionist Jeremy Taylor.

Jeremy stepped forward to perform Helter Skelter on the xylophone, and his communication with the audience, the way he interacted with the band was superb.  This was note perfect and the best bit of all, he loved it; smiling away to people in the front rows.  Like Mr Rooney with a ball at his feet, Jeremy seems to be a young man who enjoys nothing better than playing tuned percussion.  One thing for sure, his temperament is outstanding.

It was here last year that Jeremy took the Best Instrumentalist prize for his performance of Czardas and he took it again this time.  Originally Jeremy was a trombonist and fell into percussion by accident, but he now plays not just with the youth band, but Camborne's Championship Section Band as well. He is a real star.

As the audience attempted to get its breath back, Camborne confirmed their victory with An American Trilogy that featured some fine playing from the various sections although it did it seem unnecessary for sections to be stood at every opportunity.

Not surprisingly, Alan Pope was a delighted man afterwards in conversation with 4BR ‘I'm delighted, the band were magnificent today and after performing with Brighouse last night, it rounds off a fantastic weekend.  We've been working on the programme since the Autumn and I can't praise the band enough'.

It was Camborne's day once again though and Alan Pope can't be praised enough for the way he brings the best out of his young players.  Three wins on the spin here and plenty of success awaits them if they maintain the standard produced here."

For the full review go to: http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2006/art574.asp


Monday 10th April - Youth Band Completes Hat-trick of Wins!

This weekend the Camborne Youth Band, under the direction of Alan Pope, made history, winning the Junior Championship at the National Youth Championships for the third consecutive year completing a hat-trick of wins. Xylophone soloist, Jeremy Taylor (16), also won the Best Instrumentalist Trophy for the second year running for his outstanding performance of Helter Skelter.

6:30 am on Saturday saw the band and many of their 114 supporters leave Camborne for their long trip to Brighouse where that evening the band would feature in concert with the world famous Brighouse & Rastrick Band. The band arrived at their hotel at about 3 pm and after half an hour in the hotel lounge, the band headed to the Brighouse Central Methodist Church for a rehearsal due to start at 4 followed by tea - 'Cow Pie and Peas'!

Brighouse & Rastrick, conducted by Alan Morrison, began their concert with their signature tune, West Riding followed by Army of the Nile. Youth Band percussionist, Jeremy Taylor, also wore one of the famous purple jackets, as he was asked to perform with B & R that evening, sight reading throughout their sections of the concert. The Youth Band started their section of the concert with Camborne Hill (their signature tune) featuring soloists Jessica Tredrea, Rosie Langley and Peter Harvey. After featuring soloists Chloe Abbott, Christopher Bond and Peter, once again, in Highland Cathedral, as well as Alan Morrison's arrangement of All That Jazz, the band ended the first half with Breezing Down Broadway.

The second half gave the band a chance to perform their contest programme for the Youth Championships the following day: Festmusik Der Stadt Wien, Slipstream, Helter Skelter and American Trilogy. To end the evening, after another slot from B & R, both bands joined to perform the encore: The Floral Dance, conducted by both Alan Morrison and Alan Pope (at different times!)

The following day, down the road at the RNCM in Manchester, the Youth Band entered the hall showing great professionalism and little nerves shortly before 11 am. After a cracking start with both Festmusik and Slipstream and an emotional moment after Helter Skelter, the band ended their successful performance with a stunning rendition of American Trilogy. The band left the stage showing the same professionalism and were whisked away for their group and individual photographs. Without time to change, the band re-entered the hall for the presentations, leaving extremely happy with first prize for the third year running and the soloist prize for the second year running.

The band left Manchester at 1:30 pm (after a nice long lunch break!) still holding the two awards that they travelled up with, for another year!

If any members or supporters have any photographs they would like to see in the Youth Band Gallery, please e-mail them to us, as soon as possible, at enquiries@cambornetownband.com.

Also, congratulations go to Mount Charles Youth Band who came 1st in the Community Section.


Wednesday 5th April - Rugby Club Full for Pre-contest Concert

On Sunday, Camborne Rugby Club was overflowing with people to see the Youth Band perform their concert and contest programmes for their trip to Brighouse and Manchester next weekend. After a fun start with the Muppet Show Theme and ending the first half with a request of an old favourite, Backdraft, the band performed their programme for their concert with the Brighouse and Rastrick Band, to be held at the Brighouse Central Methodist Church on 8th April. After the raffle, they played their entertaining contest programme for the National Youth Championships, to be held the following day at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where they aim to retain their 'junior champions' title for an historic third time.

Several dignitaries were amongst the audience, including: the Chairman of Cornwall County Council, Mrs. Doris Ansari; the Mayor of Camborne, Mr. John Pope; and Miss Julia Goldsworthy, MP, who all wished the band good luck for the forthcoming weekend, along with band and rugby club President, Mr. David Roberts, OBE.


Thursday 23rd March - 'B' Band Performance Report from 4barsrest

Below are the remarks of the 'B' Bands performance of Entertainments last Saturday at Torquay from Malcolm Wood at 4barsrest.com

"Alan Pope's ‘Camborne B' opened the proceedings with a cracking show that was unlucky to come as low as fifth place.  Once again they were a band with plenty of young talented players in the ranks and it was the younger players who really excelled.  Well done to Peter Harvey (16) on euphonium, Samuel Eddy (13) on soprano, Ben King on baritone and Chloe Abbott in the cornet section.  These four stars were absolutely terrific and made a big impression on us.  Camborne certainly had a few wobbles but it benefited from the playing of the aforementioned quartet and if they'd played a little later to the same standard, then they could well have seriously challenged for a trip to Harrogate. The draw didn't help."


Tuesday 21st March - May Concert with Derek Broadbent

Derek Broadbent will be travelling to Cornwall to work with the band on the 25th and 26th May, culminating in a concert on Saturday 27th at the Camborne Rugby Club, where many of his own arrangements will be performed, commencing at 7:00 pm. This is a concert not to be missed by any brass band enthusiast, especially as the bar will be open!


Monday 20th March - Senior Band Qualify for the Nationals!

Yesterday Camborne guaranteed their place at the National Finals to be held at the Royal Albert Hall on 28th October. The band's outstanding performance of Peter Graham's 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth', conducted by Frank Renton, gained them 194 points from adjudicators, Geoffrey Whitham and Denis Wilby. Everybody is thrilled with the result and the band are looking forward to their 'journey to the centre of London' in the Autumn!


Saturday 18th March - 'B' Band Gain 5th at Torquay

After an early start at 6am, and a dreaded number 1 draw, the 'B' Band was awarded an admirable 5th place out of 14 in the third section at the West of England Areas for their fantastic perfomance of 'Entertainments' by Gilbert Vinter. Hopes were high to head for Harrogate and, although they were unsuccessful this year, we congratulate them on their brilliant effort.


Saturday 11th March - Camborne Music Festival Concert

The Centenary Chapel was the venue on Saturday evening for the Youth Band, together with Helen Dawes, soloist, and Christopher Uren, pianist. The concert was in  aid of the Camborne Music Festival Society. Several new pieces of music delighted the audience, amongst some ‘favourites’ such as ‘Camborne Hill’ and ‘Highland Cathedral’. The ‘B’ Band also had the chance to play their contest music ‘Entertainments’, which they will be performing at the West of England Regional Qualifiers at Torquay on Saturday 18th March.


Thursday 9th March - Guest Conductor for Spring Festival Announced

Camborne Town Band is very fortunate to engage the services of the esteemed conductor, Richard Evans, for the Spring Festival in May. Members may recall that it was at Blackpool last year where he launched his autobiography, 'Dick The Stick'. He was also one of the adjudicators who awarded the Youth Band first place at the National Youth Championships in 2004.

The band is looking forward to working with Mr. Evans and is anxiously awaiting his arrival.


Tuesday 7th March - Showstoppers a Success!

Camborne Town Band and the Redruth Amateur Operatic Society Trust Singers combined their talents for the very first time to produce a fine show of brass and song on the evening of Sunday, 5th March 2005 (St. Piran’s Day).

The Regal Theatre at Redruth was nearly full to hear a programme of music and songs from film and the musicals. Steve Thomas conducted the band and Alistair Taylor accompanied his choir on the piano, as well as singing a solo with his male members. Philip Hunt expertly compered the evening and the Chairman of Camborne Town Band, Michael Weeks, thanked the various organisations for the wonderful evening. He suggested that the Band and the Choir should hold a similar evening as an annual event. He also awarded a long service tankard to former band member, Jeremy Squibb, as he was unable to attend the recent dinner and dance. The new Camborne Town Band key-rings were for sale during the evening.

The band will be joining the choir again at the Hall for Cornwall on 18th September 2006, together with the Cornwall Caledonian Pipes and Drums Band.


Tuesday 7th March - Presentations at Annual Dinner & Dance

On Saturday, 18th February 2006, approximately 70 band members and guests enjoyed an evening of good food, wine and dance at the Sandy Lodge Hotel, Newquay.

After the meal, Alan Pope spoke regarding the Youth and ‘B’ Bands and the Chairman, Michael Weeks also addressed the guests. Following the speeches, Steve Thomas gave several awards to the following band members:


Also tankards were awarded to long service members playing with Camborne Town Band for 10 years and over:


For his work regarding the new book on the history of the band, Tony Mansell was presented with a copy signed by all the band members.


Monday 6th March - New Webmasters Installed

We are delighted to announce that the new Webmasters of cambornetownband.com are Gill Taylor and her son, Jeremy, who is a member of the percussion section.

All enquiries or comments should still be directed through the usual e.mail which is enquiries@cambornetownband.com.
Camborne Town Band Music Society
News Archive: January - June 2006
Last Updated: 24 March, 2008
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