Helston is a town and civil parish situated at the northern end of the Lizard Peninsula approximately 12 miles east of Penzance and 9 miles south-west of Falmouth
1840: Wrestling: the attendance of the Helston Band greatly enlivened the sports. (31 July 1840 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1847: “Helston Grammar School Regatta. On Wednesday the 26th ult, the scholars of the Helston Grammar School were invited by the Rev. Canon Rogers to spend the day at Penrose, and to hold a Juvenile regatta at the Loe pool. The day was remarkably fine, even for the merry month of May, there being brilliant sunshine to make the happy company grateful for the shade afforded by the newly expanded foliage of the ancient Penrose oaks, and a breeze sufficiently fresh to fill the canvas, of the fairy craft. … The Helston amateur band embarked on the Loe early in the day, and during both the regatta and dinner, enlivened the scene by merry music borne across the waves.” (4 June 1847 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1852: Helston Volunteer Band in existence. Perhaps 7 Company Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles or an earlier group. It later became D Company Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles / D Company 1st Volunteer Battalion Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry / D Company 4th Battalion Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry (Territorial Force). “There is on record an army volunteer band of some description in Helston as early as 1852. It must have been more than a bugle band because it was engaged to play at the opening of the West Cornwall Railway at Penzance Station. Whoever these people were, they were more than likely involved in the formation of this new 7 Company Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles, as this unit had a functional band at their disposal on their very first unit inspection in 1860. Like most of the volunteer bands, the Helston group were kept very busy with many civilian engagements on top of their military commitments. Their first known conductor was a J Cope in 1863. 1888-94 and Amos Blight was leading them. He was back in harness again during the 1914-18 war when he took charge of the Hayle Military Band. The last known conductor was WA Harris (1901-1909) who can be found later, in 1927, conducting the Helston Town Band. The strength of the Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles Band ranged from 10 to 14 players, and they are known to have taken part in at least 7 contests.” (John Brush)
1860: Volunteer Corps, Helston, marched, headed by their Brass Band, to the Helston Downs. (13 July 1860 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1861: Helston Flora Day. The Company marched to the Market House, headed by their excellent Brass Band, and opened the Bazaar at 11 o’clock, in the presence of an immense assemblage of persons. (17 May 1861 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1861: Helston Rifle Band was in attendance, and played various airs. (8 April 1861 – Western Morning News)
1863: J Cope, Helston DCR Band MD.
1867: Headed by the 7th D.C.R. Volunteers Brass Band (Helston), and followed by the Porthleven Fife and Drum Band, perambulated the port. (11 July 1867 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1867: Helston Volunteer Band led the way. (11 July 1867 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1868: Helston Rifle Band was in attendance. (27 August 1868 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1869/70s: Helston Brass Band active. (John Brush)
1869: Mr Cope, Helston Brass Band MD. (John Brush)
1871: Mr Perry, Helston Brass Band MD. (John Brush)
1871: The steamer Dandy, of Falmouth, landed about 200 excursionists from Helston and Porthleven. The party was accompanied by a capital Brass Band from Helston, under the conductorship of Mr. Perry. (26 August 1871 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1874: The Band of the Helston Volunteers, under Mr. Cope and the Seworgan Brass Band discoursed excellent music. (28 May 1874 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1876: Where is the Volunteer Brass Band? It is a long time since I heard a note of harmony therefrom, but I believe there is a plenty of discord. (4 November 1876 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1876: If the Helston Volunteer Band be not ashamed of the position they occupy they ought to be. They have a good conductor. (23 December 1876 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1877: One day last week our volunteer band took a turn to Porthleven, but they had scarcely arrived in the little port of tippler and templar war, when to their surprise, 18 or 19 shoemakers mustered with clarionets, (sic) brass instruments, and a drum, and began to bang, blow, and make day hideous. This was a curious welcome for the Helston band, and certainly not warranted by the treatment the Porthlevenites have always received in Helston. (1 June 1877 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1877: I have no antipathy to the St Just men but I will say that, for the number of players, the Helston Band is second to none in the county, and is well calculated to officiate on such an occasion. (16 November 1877 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1878: The sound of another band to be engaged has again stirred up the members of the Helston Volunteer Band, who cry shame to think they are not supported by their own townsfolk. (22 March 1878 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1878: Crowan and Kerrier Agricultural Society. The Porthleven Brass Band enlivened the proceedings with a choice selection of music during the day. Talking of the abovenamed band brings to my mind that, after this party of musicians had finished their day’s work in the show and were proceeding home, they were pursued by the members the Helston Brass Band who were lying in wait for the country folks; and as the Porthleven men were playing down Coinage-hall-street the blasts of both bands produced noise enough to disturb all creation and make us, that would be peaceable, ask ourselves if were turned savages. This noise alarmed the fair crowd that before the monument was reached hundreds of people began to hustle one another about in a very dangerous manner. The constables deserve special praise for the way which they stayed serious proceedings from taking place. I believe the question “Who began this barbarous brawl” is about to asked, and the reason why must be told. (1 August 1878 – Cornishman)
1879: Helston Rifle Band performed a capital selection. (7 August 1879 – Cornishman)
1879: Helston Rifle Band is greatly improved since Mr Mark Polglase has been the conductor. (13 March 1879 – Cornishman)
1880: Mr Polglase has brought the Helston Band to a state of efficiency never dreamt of before. (24 June 1880 – Cornishman)
1881: Since the departure of Mr Mark Polglase, Helston Rifle Band has been without a leader. (28 April 1881 – Cornishman)
1882: Cutting the first turf of the Helston Railway. The procession was formed in the following order: The Helston Volunteer Band … (23 March 1882 – Cornishman)
1882: Helston Volunteer Band (Mr Evans, bandmaster), followed by the Helston Rifle Volunteers, commanded by Captain Tyaoke and Lieutenant Kirby. (24 March 1882 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1882: “A public tea was held on Monday. The Helston Brass Band was in attendance. (13 October 1882 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1883: Helston Volunteer and Lizard Brass Bands were in attendance. (17 August 1883 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1884: “New Connexion, headed by the Helston Brass Band. (6 June 1884 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1885: Helston Mission Band has collapsed. The members … some months ago from the Salvation Army in consequence of the unfair manner of Captain Froggatt, who was then in command at Helston, (23 January 1885 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1886: Helston Volunteer Band, playing the celebrated Furry dance. (13 May 1886 – Cornishman)
1887: The money realised by the sale of the forms which belonged to the Helston Mission Band, and which society broke up about two years ago, after paying all expenses, left a sum of £10. (14 January 1887 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1887: Bands Employed in the Helston District. Porthleven Band will discourse sweet music at Trevarno on Jubilee-day. Sithney and Helston Bands will be employed. (16 June 1887 – Cornishman)
1887: Amos Blight has resigned the post of leader of the Porthleven [Volunteer] band and accepted the conductorship of the Helston (D Company) D.C.B.V. Band. A good leader has long been desired for the Helston men. (22 September 1887 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1887 to 1894: Amos Blight Helston DCR Band MD.
1888: Primitives led by the Helston Volunteer Band. (24 May 1888 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1888: Helston Volunteer Band was in attendance under Mr Blight. (9 August 1888 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1890: Emperor and the St Mawes Castle brought a great number of excursionists from Falmouth. Two bands were in attendance; the Helston Brass Band under the leadership of Mr Blight and a string band from Falmouth. (11 September 1890 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1891: “In four well-laden omnibuses, a Jersey car, wagonette, &c., the scholars of the Breage Church Sunday-school proceeded to Mullion on Monday, accompanied by the Rev Jocelyn and Mrs Barnes, and spent a most pleasant day. The Breage band accompanied, personally and by their enlivening music. The leader of the Helston rifle band is also master of Breage’s musicians. So, on the return journey of the large party from Mullion, the two bands massed at the top of Meneage-street and played sonorously and well through two of Helston’s main streets.” (Cornishman 16th July 1891)
1892: Shortly after the hour, the Helston Volunteer Band, under bandmaster Amos Blight, struck up the quaint old Furry Dance music. (12 May 1892 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1893: Porthleven on Friday, when the Bible-Christians held their school-tea and engaged the services of the Penzance Season and Helston Volunteer Bands. (6 July 1893 – Cornishman)
1893: Hayle Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles Band attended at least two contests without much success. Amos Blight conducted them at an 1893 contest but whether he was their resident conductor or brought in for the event is not known, but he was certainly also involved with the Helston Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles Band. (John Brush)
1894: Mid-day Dance. The dancers assembled at the Corn-market, in Coinagehall-Street, at one p.m. and, preceded by the Helston Rifle Volunteer Band (conducted by Mr Blight) danced through the town, returning to the corn-market to finish with a country dance. (17 May 1894 – Cornishman)
1894: They perform their duties why should they not be encouraged to engage in friendly contests and carry off substantial trophies? Helston Band intend breaking off from the company because they were also not allowed to appear in uniform at the contest. (9 August 1894 – Cornishman)
1894: The sports were enlivened by the excellent music of the Helston Volunteer Band under the superintendence of Mr Blight, bandmaster. (11 October 1894 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1895: Helston Volunteer Band on the Breage side and Porthleven Band on the Sithney side of the harbour enlivened the interval. (22 August 1895 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1896: Porthleven brass and reed band, numbering about 20, have come out for the first time this season. Their leader, Mr. A. Blight, left the Helston band some time since to take the leadership of Porthleven’s instrumentalists. He may be already congratulated, to judge from the way he conducts the band. After hearing the selections played we should say is first-class leader; and a successful one too; and that deserves all the praise that should encourage him his arduous undertaking. (9 April 1896 – Cornishman)
1896: Helston and Porthleven Bands were playing in opposition. Mr Pengilley, for the defence, explained that Helston’s bandmaster teaches the Porthleven Band, and was in bad taste, indeed provocative, of the latter to intrude. (28 May 1896 – Cornishman)
1896: Complaint that Helston and Porthleven Bands, followed each other down the street, playing different tunes. When Porthleven Band stopped, the Helston Band continued playing. (29 May 1896 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1896: General comment speaks well of the present tuition of Helston’s Volunteer Band, under its new band-master, Mr W A Harris, who secured a silver medal recently for his able performance on the euphonium. (9 July 1896 – Cornishman)
1897 – 8th June: Camborne Children’s Day was clearly a huge event as it involved the Wesley and Centenary Wesley Chapels, the Church, the Primitive Methodists, the Bible Christians, the New Connexion, the Salvation Army and the Wesley schools of Beacon and Pengegon and Tuckingmill Church and Wesley Schools. The bands leading the various groups were Camborne Town Band, Helston Band, Porthleven Band, Troon Band, St Erth Band, Illogan Reed and Brass Band and Penzance Salvation Army Band.
1897: Helston Band, under Bandmaster J Andrews, gave a good selection music during the afternoon and evening. (1 July 1897 – Cornishman)
1898: Helston Volunteer Band, under the direction of Mr T Harry, discoursed a pleasant and well varied programme. (4 August 1898 – Cornishman)
Early 1900s to WWI: Helston Temperance Band active. (John Brush)
1900s: Helston Town Brass Band founded. (John Brush)
1900: The procession was headed by the Helston Volunteer Band, and the Porthleven Brass and Reed Band brought up the second portion of it. (10 May 1900 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1900: The dancers were played round the town by the Band of the Helston Company Volunteers. (10 May 1900 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1901: Helston Volunteers and Band, mustering 40 in all under Capt. Pengilly, were at the station to meet the returned soldiers. (4 July 1901 – Cornishman)
1901 to 1909: W A Harris, Helston DCR Band MD.
Helston Town Band in Coinagehall Street The mount is inscribed: “Helston Flora Day May 8th 1901, The Band leading the ‘Furry’ dancers through the town.
J Benjamin Stone. Mr Henry Moses (Mosey) Willey is playing the tuba on the right and in addition to playing in Helston Town Band, Mr Willey was the sexton of Helston Cemetery. Grylls Monument can be seen in the background.” (Photo: unknown courtesy of Paul Phillips)
The strength of the Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles Band ranged from 10 to 14 players, and they are known to have taken part in at least 7 contests. (John Brush)
1903: A well-arranged programme was submitted, in which the Helston Orchestral Band, under the conductorship of Mr A Blight (accompanist, Miss Carrie Richards), was well received. (5 March 1903 – Cornishman)
1904: Camborne Town Band and Helston Volunteer Band played the procession around the town. (22 September 1904 – Cornishman)
1905: The annual festival of the Bible Christians, Lowertown took place on Monday. The procession was headed by the Helston Volunteer Band, under Bandmaster Harris, which played selections of music during the evening. (22 June 1905 – The Cornish Telegraph)
Helston Furry Day 1905 (Photo: Griffiths & Leaver, Helston)
Flora Day unknown year
Flora Day unknown year (Photo: Facebook – Paul Caruana posting)
Flora Day unknown year (Photo: Facebook – Paul Caruana posting)
1905: Camborne Town Band and the Helston Volunteer Band paraded the principal streets of the town, which were thronged with spectators. (20 July 1905 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
Unknown band at Helston Horse Show 8th May 1907 (Photo: Opie)
1908: In each case the dancers were played round the streets by the Helston Town Band. (11 May 1908 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1908: Prior to the meeting several selections were given by the Helston Orchestral Band, under the direction Mr A Blight, of Porthleven. who also rendered the solo, Jack’s Yarn. (10 December 1908 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1908: “The newly-formed Town Brass Band at Helston, on Thursday last made its first public appearance rendering programme of music in Coinagehall Street. (24 December 1908 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
Flora Day 1908
WWI Members of Helston DCLI Volunteers Band (Photo: courtesy Paul Phillips)
Flora Day at Helston (Photo: Print from a glass plate by A H Hawke of Helston)
1909: Helston Orchestral Band, under the conductorship of Mr Amos Blight, considerably enlivened the proceedings. (13 May 1909 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1909: Music was supplied by the Helston Ex-Volunteer Band. (13 May 1909 – Cornishman)
1910: Torchlight procession marched through the town headed by Helston Town Band. (28 January 1910 – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser / 27 January 1910 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1910: Members of the brigade, in full uniform, attended at the Railway Station, when the engine was horsed, and, headed by the Helston Town Band, it was drawn through the gaily-decorated streets. (3 March 1910 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1910: “Helston Temperance Band attracted a large number on Saturday. (16 June 1910 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1910: “The annual festival of Herland Cross United Methodist Sunday school took place Saturday, when the Helston Town Band, under the command Mr. Amos Blight, was in attendance, and acquitted itself in highly creditable manner.”(14 July 1910 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1910: The Wesleyans of Coverack Bridges at their annual Sunday-school festival when Helston Reed and Brass Band acquitted themselves well. (21 July 1910 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1910: United Methodist Sunday school celebrated their Sunday festival headed by the Helston Temperance Band. (21 July 1910 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1910: Helston Reed and Brass Band, under Bandmaster C. Hendy played selections. (18 August 1910 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1910: Helston Temperance Band, under the conductorship of Mr. Hendy, rendered several selections in Coinagehall Street on Saturday night. (1 December 1910 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1911: Godolphin Hall, Helston, a bazaar in aid of the new Temperance Band now being formed. (9 February 1911 – Cornishman)
1911: During the day pleasing selections of music ny Helston Temperance Band was much appreciated. (8 June 1911 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1911: “Festivities at Helston. A procession was then formed, and, headed by Helston Temperance Band, wended its way to St. Michael’s Church. (29 June 1911 – Cornishman)
1911: St. Day Wesleyan Sunday School tea treat when a procession was formed in the school yard, and headed by the Helston Town Band, they paraded the principal streets. (6 July 1911 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1911: Temperate Demonstration at Helston. The Helston Temperance and Town Bands were in attendance. (20 July 1911 – Cornishman)
1911: About 2,000 members of Bands of Hope and Temperance societies of Helston and district, headed by the Helston Town and Temperance Bands, marched to the Lower Green. (20 July 1911 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1911: Helston Temperance Band visited Rosudgeon for the United Methodist Sunday school festival. (20 July 1911 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1911: Oddfellows and Foresters – Helston Town Band and Helston Temperance Band were also in the procession. (27 July 1911 – Cornishman)
1911: An open air concert was held for funds for new instruments for the Reed and Brass Band. Selections were rendered by the local Helston Temperance Band. (10 August 1911 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1911: Helston Temperance Band contributed two fantasias. (17 August 1911 – Cornishman)
1911: Kimberley Park Sunday afternoon last open-air concert given by the Helston Town Band, under Bandmaster A. Blight. (22 September 1911 – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser)
1911: The Mayor’s banquet at the Angel Hotel. The Town Band, under Bandmaster Blight, and the Helston Temperance Band, under Bandmaster C. Hendy, played selections outside the newly-elected Mayor’s residence. (16 November 1911 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1912: Musical items were rendered by Helston Temperance Band, under the leadership of Mr C Hendy. (1 February 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: Helston Temperance Band. Mr Charles Hendy is shortly leaving the town for the United States. (4 April 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: Helston Temperance Band will be in attendance. (2 May 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: The procession was headed by Helston Temperance Band, under Bandmaster F James. (2 May 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: Titanic Relief Funds. Through the initiative of Helston Temperance Band under Mr. F. James a successful effort was made to raise funds at Helston. (9 May 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: The coming of May was celebrated at Helston in accordance with an old custom in the borough. The Town Band started from the Market Place at an early hour, and marched around the town playing the old Flora tune. (9 May 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: “Helston Flora. Returned to the Corn Exchange, where the country dance terminated this part of the proceedings. The procession was headed by Helston Town Band, under Mr. A. Blight (Porthleven). (9 May 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: Church Parade at Helston from all parts of the district assembled at the Bowling Green, and under the command of Colonel Vyvyan, and headed by the Town Band, under Bandmaster A. Blight, they marched by way of Coinagehall and Church-streets to St. Michael Church. (23 May 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: Helston Town Band rendered a programme of music at the Bowling Green on Sunday afternoon, under the leadership of Mr. Blight. (23 May 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: Degibna Sunday School, headed by Helston Temperance Band. (6 June 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: Morning service was attended by the Helston Company of the Territorial Force (under Sergt. Instructor Crowden) and by Helston Town Band. In the afternoon the latter under, Bandmaster A. Blight, rendered an excellent programme in the Parsonage Grounds. (13 June 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: On Monday, the annual festival took place, and the teachers and scholars marched through the village, headed by Helston Temperance Band. (20 June 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: Teachers and scholars formed in procession and, accompanied by Porthleven and Helston Temperance Bands, marched through the place, after which they proceeded to a field. (4 July 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: “Penryn Sunday School Tea Treat headed by Helston Temperance Band. (11 July 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: During the afternoon and evening, Helston Temperance Band played a choice repertoire of music and boating upon the lake was enjoyed by large parties. (25 July 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: The teachers and scholars assembled at the schoolroom and then paraded with Helston Temperance Band, returning to a field near the chapel, where tea was provided. (25 July 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: Helston Hospital Sunday assembled at the Godolphin Hall, where a procession was formed and, headed by the Town Band and Helston Temperance Band, under their respective bandmasters Messrs A Blight and I James, the principal streets were paraded. (1 August 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: The annual festival was held on Monday, when the usual walk was taken, headed by Helston Temperance Band. (8 August 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: Scholars and friends visiting Antron with permission Mr Williams, Helston Temperance Band was present. (8 August 1912 – Cornishman)
1912: Sports At Helston formed a procession and led by the Helston Temperance Band. (15 August 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: Lizard Athletic Association. The ninth annual sports Lizard Athletic Association held at the Clifden Recreation Ground, Saturday. Helston Town Band were in attendance. (22 August 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: During the afternoon choice selections of music were rendered by Helston Temperance Band, under Bandmaster F James. (9 September 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: Helston Town Band played at the residences of the councillors who had been returned unopposed. (7 November 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: On Saturday evening Helston Temperance Band, under Mr. F. James, rendered a programme of music. (14 November 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1912: Mayor’s Sunday at Helston. Helston Temperance Band, under Mr. James. (21 November 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1913: Helston Temperance Band contesting. (Contest archive)
1913: Helston Temperance Band visited the workhouse and gave a concert on New Year’s Day, and not the Helston Town Band.” (16 January 1913 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1913: Helston Wesleyan Band of Hope concert was given by the Helston Temperance Band. (30 January 1913 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1913: Helston Flora. Helston Town Band, under Mr. Amos Blight, rendered the necessary music. (15 May 1913 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1913: Porthleven lifeboat was launched. Excellent programmes of music were rendered by the Helston Temperance Band (under Band master F, James) and Porthleven Band. (7 August 1913 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1913: Helston. During the afternoon and evening the Temperance Band (Mr. F. James, conductor) played a nice selection of music. (2 October 1913 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1913: Porthleven. A concert, was given in the Wesleyan schoolroom Friday evening last by the Helston Town Band, assisted by the Porthleven Band. (13 November 1913 – Cornishman)
1913: Helston Mayoral Banquet. During the evening the Helston Temperance Band (under Bandmaster James), rendered choice selections of music in the garden. (27 November 1913 – Cornishman & The Cornish Telegraph)
1914: Helston Temperance Band, under Bandmaster F. James, rendered a pleasing selection of music in Coinage Hall Street on Saturday evening. (16 April 1914 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1914: Helston Temperance Band, under Mr. F. James, attended the tea treats of Coverack Bridges (Tuesday), and (Wesleyan) and Herland Cross (Saturday). (16 July 1914 – Cornishman)
1914: Splendid muster of the Helston National Reserves and the Helston Temperance Band. (17 September 1914 – Cornishman)
1914: We regret to announce that Mr. F. James, of Godolphin-road, Helston, the popular bandmaster of the Helston Temperance Band, received injuries to his foot on Friday. He was working upon ladder and slipped, coming to the ground very heavily. (1 October 1914 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1914: Helston National Reserves and the Temperance Band attended Sunday-morning service. (8 October 1914 – Cornishman)
1914 to 1918 war period: Amos Blight, Helston DCR Band MD (also leading Hayle Military Band.)
1915: Mayor (Mr. W. Hall) and Corporation attended the morning service in company with the No. 1 Boys’ Brigade and the Helston Temperance Band. (15 July 1915 – Cornishman)
The strength of the Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles Band ranged from 10 to 14 players, and they are known to have taken part in at least 7 contests. (John Brush)
1917: In the afternoon a procession was formed and paraded the village, headed by the Helston Town Band (instructor Mr. F. James). (26 July 1917 – Cornishman)
1919: The members of Helston Town Band, which has been under formation for some little time, are making great progress. Several old members are returning. (9 April 1919 – Cornishman)
1919: Helston Town Band, under Mr Harvey Polglase (conductor) visited Ruan Minor on Wednesday, and Gweek on Friday. (11 June 1919 – Cornishman)
1920: The mid-day dance the party leaving the Corn Exchange at 12 o’clock to the strains of the familiar haunting melody played by Helston Town Band. (13 May 1920 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1920: Music being supplied by Helston Town Band, under the direction of Mr Harvey Polglase. (12 August 1920 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1920: Headed by Helston Town Band and included St Keverne and St Martin Bands. (16 September 1920 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1921: Helston Flora on Tuesday the attendance was not so large as usual. In the early morning eight couples, headed by the Helston Town Band, danced through the main streets. The principal dance was at noon, when the couples assembled at the Corn Exchange. (12 May 1921 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
Flora day 1920s, the dancers are of the morning or evening dance (so would be the same people) posing with
Helston Town Band for a group picture (Photo: courtesy Paul Phillips)
1922: Helston Town Band played in Coinage Hall-street on Saturday evening, with Mr W. A. Harris as conductor. (4 January 1922 – Cornishman)
1922: During the evening selections of music were rendered by Helston Prize Band, under Bandmaster Harris. (19 July 1922 – Cornishman)
1923: Helston Flora celebrations were carried out in great style on Tuesday. The music during the whole day was supplied by the Helston Town Band. (10 May 1923 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1924: Haunting strains of the dance were heard in the streets as early as seven o’clock, when eight couples were escorted by Helston Town Band, Bandmaster W A Harris, and afterwards the party was entertained to breakfast by the Flora-day Committee. (9 May 1924 – Western Morning News)
1924: Flora Day at Helston. The “Furry dance” was heard early in the day, played by the Town Band. (15 May 1924 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1924: Helston. Cury, and Mawgan branches of the British Legion, and service men, accompanied the Helston Town Band, to Divine service at St Michael’s Church. (5 June 1924 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1924: Wendron Three Cross School. Selections were rendered by Helston Town Band. (10 July 1924 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1924: Helston Prize Silver Band was in attendance during the afternoon, and in the evening rendered a concert on the Vicarage Lawn. (31 July 1924 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1924: Selections of music were rendered during the evening by the Helston Town Band, under the direction of Mr Harris. (7 August 1924 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1924: Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, children of the Sunday Schools and Salvation Army, and headed by Helston and Porthleven Bands, paraded the principal streets of the town. (1 October 1924 – Cornishman)
1924: “Helston Hospital Sunday led by Helston Town Band, under Bandmaster A. Harris. (1 October 1924 – Cornishman)
1924: “Mayoral Sunday. The procession left the Townhall. headed by the Helston Town Band (under Band-Master Harris), and walked to the chapel. (27 November 1924 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1925: Annual hospital demonstration at Stithians. A procession was formed at the Church Square, and headed by Helston Town Band, perambulated the principal streets of the village, returning to the beautiful grounds of Mr. B. C. Simmons, Crellow House. (20 August 1925 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1928: Helston Town Band (under W A Harris) played selections during the afternoon. (13 September 1928 – Cornishman)
1929: School pupils with 12 couples brought up the rear. These little kiddies looked delightful as they danced along. The Helston Town Band, under Bandmaster Busby, was divided into two sections. The route taken was the Corn Exchange through Meneage street … (9 May 1929 – Cornishman)
1931: The United Methodists celebrated their Sunday-school festival on Saturday. A procession, headed by Helston Town Band (under the conductorship of Mr. W. J. Orchard, Porthleven). (23 July 1931 – Cornishman)
1932: The Fire Brigades in the procession were from Camborne, Redruth, St Ives and Falmouth. The bands taking part were Camborne Town, Redruth, Gweek, St Erth, Hayle, and Helston. (23 June 1932 – Cornishman)
1932: The procession, headed by Helston, Breage, Porthleven and Gweek Bands. (28 July 1932 – Cornishman)
1933: Helston Town Band, under Mr C Orchard, rendered selections throughout the day. (2 February 1933 – Cornishman)
1934: It was in gay spirit that thousands of people gathered in Helston on Tuesday morning for the famous Flora celebrations. The Helston Town Band, which leads the procession, is the only band in the world that can interpret correctly the simple, lilting air of the dance, which perfectly interprets Flora Day. (10 May 1934 – Cornishman)
1935: Civic Services at Helston and St. Ives.. Helston and Rame Cross Silver Bands. (28 November 1935 – Cornishman)
1936: The procession, headed by Helston Town Band under Mr A Busby. (26 November 1936 – Cornishman)
1938: Only a few bars, yet the lilt of it has gone round the world, and it is played by the Helston Band in a sort of bouncing whimsical way that no imitators could achieve. (7 May 1938 – Western Morning News)
1938: The procession was formed in the following order: Helston R A Band, under Bandmaster Busby … (9 June 1938 – Cornishman)
1938: Music was provided Helston R A Band and St Keverne Band. (14 July 1938 – Cornishman)
Helston Band members wearing the Royal Artillery cap badges 1938 under A (Bert) F Busby (Photo: unknown)
Seated: unknown, Harold Nicholas, Leonard Hender, Bert Busby, unknown, Albert Watts, Harry Pascoe, Dale Penaluna.
Others are Walter Wearne (side drummer), Percy Bowden (back row third from left), Charles Wearne, Vernie Whear, Jim Busby (all back row)
The Territorial Band 1938 made up of Helston Bandsmen (Photo: Newspaper)
The parade to the Royal Cornwall show held in Helston
Included are Teddy Uren, Leonard Hender, Charlie Wearne, Harold Nicholas, Jim Busby, Lionel Johns (trombone looking left) and Kenny Pascoe
The Territorial Band of the late 1930s made up of Helston Bandsmen (Photo: Newspaper)
Included are Vernie Whear, Charlie Wearne, Percy Bowden, Leonard Hender, and Harry Pascoe
Members of Helston Band under Bandmaster A F Busby date unknown (Photo: Museum of Cornish Life)
Harold Nicholas (euphonium), Walter Wearne (front with side drum)
1938: Helston Town Band was supported by Hayle Prize Silver Band, under Bandmaster S Coombe, and Helston Royal Artillery Band, under Bandmaster A F Busby. (25 August 1938 – Cornishman)
1939: Drumhead Service at Helston. … The A.A., D.C.L.I., and Helston Silver Bands were present. (24 May 1939 – Cornishman)
1939: Helston Hospital Sunday. Helston Silver Band, under Mr. A. F. Busby, headed an imposing procession from the Guildhall to the Downs. (6 July 1939 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1939: Selections were rendered by Helston Town Band, under Mr. A. F. Busby. (17 August 1939 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1939: Ruined church of St Euny at Merther Euny, Wendron, on Sunday afternoon. Accompaniment for hymns was supplied by Helston Salvation Army Band, under Adjutant J Jepson. (7 September 1939 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1940: “Helston people experienced an unexpected thrill when they were awakened in the early hours of May Day by the strains of the famous Furry Dance. Practically the whole of the [Helston] Town Band are on active service but a few members home on leave, with others, too young for active service, assembled at the Town Hall and, following the age-old May Day custom, paraded the town playing the Flora… There were many expressions of gratitude to the bandsmen.” (West Briton 2nd May 1940)
Helston Town Band players turn out to celebrate Flora Day during WWII (Photo: The West Briton)
Includes: Gus Hendy, Reg Williams, Fred Philpott, Charlie Wearne, Fred Carew and Robert John Herriott
1941: Headed by Helston Borough Band, under Bandmaster Busby. The Week was inaugurated in the afternoon with impressive parade of Service, Civil Defence … (16 September 1941 – Western Morning News)
WWII: Helston Home Guard Band gave a valuable uplift to the local population’s spirits. (SWBBA 50 Years of Service)
1945: Helston Town Band will be in attendance during the afternoon. (8 March 1945 – Cornishman)
1945: Helston Borough Band was in attendance. Following this ceremony, there was a pageant through the town. (27 September 1945 – Cornishman)
1945: Selections were given by the Helston and Gweek combined bands and the Bugle Band of the Army Cadet Force. (4 October 1945 – Cornishman)
1945: Applications are invited for the post of bandmaster of Helston Town Band; candidates will be required to obtain their own accommodation within 3 miles of Helston. (15 November 1945 – Western Morning News)
1946: Grand Dance in Godolphin Hall. Helston Borough Band, under Band-master Jose, will be in attendance. (2 May 1946 – Cornishman)
1946: Under their new bandmaster, Helston Town Band, during this past month have improved 100 per cent. Mr H Joyce, who was appointed by the committee last month, comes from East Anglia. He was educated at the Army School of Music. (9 May 1946 – Cornishman)
1946: Bandmaster’s Retirement. On his retirement from Helston Town Band, Mr. A. F. Busby was presented with a barometer, suitably inscribed, from committee and players of the Town Band. (30 May 1946 – Cornishman)
1946: Floral Town on V-Day. The procession was led by Helston Town Band, under their bandmaster, Mr. H. J. Joyce. (13 June 1946 – Cornishman)
1946: Leonard Hender, Helston Band MD, who had been a playing member for 28 years. (Band website) He was born in Helston in 1909.
1946: Helston’s Great Memorial Run. Mr. Walter Quick marshalled the procession which was preceded by Mr H. G. Spargo on a white horse, with Helston Silver Band and the Band of Helston Army Cadets close behind. (12 September 1946 – Cornishman)
1947: Helston Town Band, under Mr L Hender are continuing to make good progress and the class of new beginners formed early in the winter will make their first appearance on May 8, when the Furry Dance will be held. (10 April 1947 – Cornishman)
1948: “First Cornish Celtic Congress. Furry dancers from Helston, accompanied by the famous Town Band, and Irish dancers from St. Ives, with the local Ceilidh Band, gave national songs and dances in the evening. (27 May 1948 – Cornishman)
1948: Through thronged streets the carnival went, headed by Helston Town Band the only band in the world, they say, that can play the Flora Dance properly. (2 and 9 September 1948 – Cornishman)
1949: Helston’s Record Flora Day in Blaze of Sunshine. Helston Silver Band, led by Mr. S. L. Hender and augmented by several P.O.’s and C.P.O.’s from Culdrose, played the tune as only they can play. (12 May 1949 – Cornishman
1950: £300 for Helston Band Uniforms. Mr. K. J. Hinks, hon. treasurer of Helston Town Band, at a meeting of the committee held last week reported that net profit from the Christmas concert was £7.1s. (9 February 1950
1950: Helston Town Band Public meeting … was held the Guildhall, Helston, on Tuesday, when the report and statement of accounts were adopted. (16 March 1950 – Cornishman)
1950: Flora Day Preparations. … on Wednesday at 10.25 in the West of England Home Service, Renee Cunnack will revive some memories of this Festival. Helston Town Band will have a full programme. In addition to the many dances which it will be accompanying around the customary routes. (27 April 1950 – Cornishman)
1950: Helston Town Band funds; benefited by about 10s. as the result of a recent concert they gave at Helston Bowling Green. (15 June 1950 – Cornishman)
1950: Grand Carnival, headed by Helston Town Band (Musical Director: Mr. C. L. Hender). (31 August 1950 – Cornishman)
1950: Combined Camborne Weeks a Pronounced Success. …part of the procession as the five bands…Camborne Town Band, the grand D.C.L.I. Cadet Bugle Band, and Helston and Porthleven Silver Bands were firm contributory factors to the parade’s success, but one must give credit again to the less musical but equally entertaining Ventonleague High School Band led by P D Penberthy. (7 September 1950 – Cornishman)
Helston Band led by MD Leonard Hender on left (Photo: unknown)
Includes Jack Tucker (trombone), Teddy Uren, Dale Penaluna, Albert Watts, Jim Busby, and brothers Russell and John Harvey.
1950: Helston Town Band became affiliated to the S.W. Brass Band Association and Mr. C. L. Hender (bandmaster) became a member of the Brass Band Conductors’ Association. (19 October 1950 – Cornishman)
1950: Four cups and two other Prizes Helston Town Band won another success on Saturday, when, under Conductor C L Hender, it obtained first place in the second section at The South West Brass Band Association’s contest at Launceston. (23 November 1950 – Cornishman)
1950: Helston Band’s Triumph. South West Brass Band Association’s contest at Launceston. Prize consisted of the Whiteway Silver Cup and the Founder Members’ Memorial Silver Cup. The band achieved further distinction when one of its members, Mr. E. Ashton, solo trombone, won the special prize. (23 November 1950 – Cornishman)
1950: Helston’s popular Town Band with their new, resplendent, uniforms are to tour the town, rendering Cornish and other carols. (14 December 1950 – Cornishman)
1951: Helston Town placed 1st or 2nd in the Fourth section of the Regional Championships.
1951: Helston Town participated in the Fourth section of the National Championship of GB under C L Hender.
Programme lodged with Kresen Kernow
1952: Helston Town placed 3rd in the First Section of the SWBBA Contest under C L Hender playing Othello by Drake Rimmer.
1954: Helston Town unplaced in the First Section of the SWBBA Contest under C L Hender playing Sirius by Frank Wright.
1950s (Photo: courtesy Roy Blewett)
1960: Helston Junior Band contesting. (Contest archive)
1967: Charles Leonard Hender died whilst rehearsing for the BBC’s Songs of Praise at Mullion Cove. He died suddenly, aged just 58. Deputy Bandmaster, Kenny Pascoe, stepped in for the evening recording but, by then, the band members were aware that Mr Hender had died and so for many reasons it was a day they would never forget. Mr Hender’s military leaning, discipline and dedication to music are set out well in the reports from the time of his death. He was the well-respected figurehead of Flora Day. His involvement with the CYBB probably began in 1959 or maybe earlier when he became its first treasurer. He was also involved in the Cornwall Brass Band Association and became its Chairman.
1967 to 1983: Edward Ashton, Helston Band MD – past member of Helston and Camborne Town Band. (Band website)
1968: Helston Town unplaced and 2nd in the Third Section of the SWBBA Contest under E S Ashton playing Little Suite No 2 for Brass Band and own choice march.
1969: Helson Town placed 3rd/2nd in the Second Section of the SWBBA Championships under E S Ashton playing English Folk Song Suite by Vaughan Williams and own choice march.
1970: Helston Town placed in the first three of the Third Section at the W D & H O Wills Regional Championships under E S Ashton playing Pacemakers by Edward Gregson.
1974: Helston Town placed 1st in the Third Section of the Regional Championships under E Ashton playing A Devon Fantasy by Eric Ball.
1974: Helston Town participated in the Third section of the National Championship of GB under Eddie Ashton.
Flora day unknown year (Photo: Facebook – Paul Caruana posting)
Helston Band 1974 with Harry Pascoe on bass (Photo: unknown)
1975: Helston Town unplaced in the Second Section of the SWWBA Championships under E S Ashton playing Alice in wonderland.
1975: Helston Town placed 3rd in the Juvenile Section of the SWBBA Championships under E S Ashton playing Youth Salutes a Master by Eric Ball.
1976: Helston Town placed 2nd (Sinfonietta for Brass Band) in the Second Section at the SWBBA Contest under E Ashton.
1977: Helston Youth placed 1st in the Youth Section at the SWBBA Championships under E Ashton.
1977: Helston Youth placed 1st in the Youth section at the SWBBA contest under Eddie Ashton.
Back row: Neil Bassett, Colin Reed, Adrian Medlyn, Mark Williams, Mark Christophers, Graham Christophers, Ian Harvey, Colin Rosewarne
Second row: Mark Williams, Wendy Jackson, Helen Carswell, Gerard Moiningham, Andrew Bryant, Vivian ???, Adrian Waters, Lester Ashton
Third Row; Kevin Magor, Simon Jackson, Edward Ashton, Paul Jenkin. unknown, Kelvin Jenkin
(Names by Helen Matthews although she says, “I will give it a go forgive me for one or two I may forget and spelling names wrong”)
1978: Helston Town placed 2nd in the Second Section at the SWBBA Contest under E Ashton playing Promenade by Frank Bryce.
1978: Helston Juniors placed 4th in the Juvenile Section at the SWBBA Contest playing Indian Summe by Eric Ball.
1981: Helston Band contesting under D Pascoe. (Contest archive)
1981: Helston Town placed 1st in the Third Section of Pontin’s Regional Contest under Edward Ashton playing Swiss Festival Overture by Eric Ball.
1981: Helston Town placed 1st in the Third Section of Pontin’s Championship Final under Edward Ashton playing Alice in Wonderland.
1982: Helston Town placed 1st (Northwest Passage) in the Third Section of Pontin’s Regional Contest under E S Ashton.
1983: Helston Townd placed 1st in the Third Section of the Pontin’s Regional Contest under Edward Ashton playing Egmont by Ludvig Van Beethoven.
1983: Helston Town unplaced (Sinfonietta) in the Third Section of the Pontin’s Championship Final Contest under Edward Ashton.
1984: Helston Town – unknown result in the Third Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under S Willis playing A Spa Suite by Philip Lane.
1984: Helston Town contesting under A Clemence. (Contest archive)
1985 to 1986: Ken Hamlod, Helston Town MD.
1985: Helston Town – unknown result (A Barchester Suite) in the Third Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under K Hamlod.
1986: Helston Band placed 1st in the Third section of the Regional Championships.
1986: Helston Band placed 1st in the Third Section of Pontin’s Regional Contest.
1986: Helston Band participated in the Third Section of Pontins Regional Championships under Ken Hamlod playing Sunset Rhapsody by Eric Ball.
1986: Helston Band participated in the Third section of the National Championship of GB under Ken Hamlod.
1986: Helston Band advertising for a Musical Director. (British Bandsman 13th December 1986)
1986 to 2002: Edward Ashton, Helston Band MD.
1987: Helston Band placed 6th in the Second Section of Pontins Regional Championships under Edward Ashton playing The Wand of Youth by Edward Elgar/Bram Gay.
1989: Helston Band placed 1st in the Second Section of the Regional Championships of Great Britain under E Ashton.(British Bandsman 29th April 1989)
1989: Helston Band participated in the Second Section of the National Championship of GB under Eddie Ashton.
1991: Helston Band placed 5th in the Second Section of the Regional Championships under E Ashton playing Masque by Devreese. (British Bandsman 27th April 1991)
1991: Helston Town placed 3rd in the Second Section of the 45th SWBBA Championships at Paignton on the 2nd November under E Ashton. (British Bandsman 9th November 1991)
1991: Helston Juniors placed 1st in the Junior Section of the 45th SWBBA Championships at Paignton on the 2nd November under A Busby. (British Bandsman 9th November 1991)
1993: Helston Town placed 3rd in the First Section of the SWBBA Contest under E Ashton playing Resurgam by Eric Ball.
1993: Helston Youth placed 1st in the Youth Section at the SWBBA contest under A K Busby playing own choice.
(Courtesy British Bandsman 19th February 1994)
1994: Helston Town – unknown result (Maoriana) in the First Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under E Ashton.
1995: Helston Town – unknown result (The Land of the Long White Cloud) in the First Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under E Ashton.
1995: Helston Town unplaced (Symphony of Marches) in the First Section of the SWBBA Contest under E Ashton.
1996: Helston Town placed 16th in the First Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under E Ashton playing Spectrum by Gilbert Vinter.
1997: Helston Band placed 12th in the First Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under Eddie Ashton playing Ballet for Band by Joseph Horovitz.
1997: Helston Band placed 1st in the First section of the SWBBA Contest at Torquay under E Ashton playing Les Francs Juges by Berlioz / F Wright. (British Bandsman 8th November 1997)
1998: Helston Band placed 11th (Purcell Variations) in the First Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under Eddie Ashton.
1998: Helston Band placed 3rd in the First section of the 52nd SWBBA Contest under E Ashton playing Lorenzo by Keighley.
(British Bandsman 7th November 1998)
1999: Helston Band placed 12th in the Second section of the Regional Championships under Eddie Ashton playing Symphonic Suite for Brass.
1999: Helston Band placed 1st in the Second section of the SWBBA contest under Edward Ashton playing Labour and Love.
2000: Helston Band placed 17th in the Second section of the Regional Championships under Eddie Ashton playing Sword, Jewel and Mirror.
2001: Helston Band placed 2nd in the Third Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under Eddie Ashton playing Sinfonietta by Joseph Horowitz.
2001: Helston Band placed 5th in the Third section final of the National Championship of GB under Eddie Ashton playing An English Suite for Brass Band by Michael Ball.
(British Bandsman 24th February 2001)
2002: Helston Band placed 3rd in the Third section of the Regional Championships under Eddie Ashton playing St Austell Suite.
2002: Helston Band placed 10th in the Third Section of the National Championship of GB under Eddie Ashton playing Cherchebi by Goff Richards.
2002: Helston Town Band advertising for a Musical Director. (British Bandsman 19th October 2002)
2002 to 2013: John Hitchens Helston Band MD. (Band website)
2003: Helston Band placed 1st in the Second section of the SWBBA contest under John Hitchens playing Oceans.
2003: Helston Town placed 5th in the Second section of the Regional Championships under John Hitchens playing Celestial Prospect by Wilfred Heaton.
2004: Helston Band placed 3rd in the Second section of the Regional Championships under John Hitchens playing Kaleidoscope by Philip Sparke.
2004: Helston Band placed 1st in the Second section of the SWBBA contest under John Hitchens playing Celestial Prospects by Wilfred Heaton.
British Bandsman 14th February 2004
(British Bandsman 31st July 2004)
2005: Helston Band placed 1st in the Second section of the SWBBA contest under John Hitchens playing Oceans.
2005: Helston Band placed 11th in the First section of the Regional Championships under John Hitchens playing Comedy Overture.
2006: Helston Band placed 1st in the First section of the Regional Championships under John Hitchens playing Voyage of Discovery.
2006: Helston Band placed 7th in the First section final of the National Brass Band Championships of GB under John Hitchens Ballet from the Perfect Fool.
2007: Helston Band placed 3rd in the First section of the West of England Brass Band Championships under John Hitchens playing The Wayfarer.
John Hitchens MD
2008: Helston Band placed 1st in the First section of the Regional Championships under John Hitchens playing James Cook Circumnavigator by Gilbert Vinter.
2008: Helston Band placed 4th in the First section final of the National Brass Band Championships of GB under John Hitchens playing The Saga of Haakon the Good.
2008: Helston Band promoted to the Championship Section. (Band website)
2009: Helston Band placed 10th at Yeovil Entertainment Contest under John Hitchens.
2009: Helston Band placed 8th in the Championship section at the Regional Championships under John Hitchens playing Salute to Youth.
Helston Band at Bugle Contest under John Hitchens 2009 (Photo: Tony Mansell)
Helston Band at Bugle Contest under John Hitchens 2009 (Photo: Tony Mansell)
2010: Helston Band placed 8th in the Championship section at the Regional Championships under John Hitchens playing English Heritage.
2011: Helston Band placed 7th in the Championship section at the Regional Championships under John Hitchens playing Paganini Variations.
2012: Helston Band placed 11th in the First section at the Regional Championships under John Hitchens playing Mountain Views.
2013: Helston Band placed 5th in the First section at the Regional Championships under John Hitchens playing Brass Triumphant.
2013: Derek Johnston Helston Band MD (Band website)
2013: Jim Gribben temporary Helston Band MD.
2014: Helston Band placed 10th in the First section at the Regional Championships under Derek Johnston jnr playing Cry of the Mountain.
2014: Darren Hendy Helston Band MD. (Band website)
2014: Kevin Johns Deputy Helston Band MD. (Band website)
2015: David Johnson Helston Band MD. (Band website)
2015: Helston Band placed 6th in the First section at the Regional Championships under David Johnson jnr playing A London Overture by Philip Sparke.
2016: Helston Band placed 15th in the First section at the Regional Championships under David Johnson jnr playing Essay.
2016: Helston Band placed 5th in the SWBBA Annual Championships under John Berryman.
2017: Helston Town placed 3rd in the Second Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under John Berryman playing Rhapsody in Brass.
2018: Helston Town placed 1st in the Second section of the Regional Championships under John Berryman playing Ex Terra Lucem by Jonathan Bates.
2018: Helston Town placed 9th in the Second section of the National Championships of Great Britain under John Berryman playing Firestorm by Stephen Bulla.
2018: Helston Town placed 1st in the Second section of the SWBBA contest under John Berryman playing Renaissance.
2019: Helston Town placed 9th in the First section of the Regional Championships under John Berryman playing Symphony of Marches by Gilbert Vinter.
2022: Helston Town placed 1st in the Second section of the Regional Championships under John Berryman playing The Aeronauts by Goff Richards.
2022: Helston Town placed 5th in the Second section of the National Championships under John Berryman playing Ghosts, Goblins, Witches & Wizards by Darrol Barry.
2023: Helston Town placed 4th in the First Section of the Regional Championships under John Berryman playing A Day in the Life of a Knight by Philip Lawrence.
2023: Helston Town placed 4th in the Open Section of the SWBBA Championships under John Berryman playing Resurgam by Eric Ball.
2024: Helston Town placed 4th in the First Section of the Regional Championships under John Berryman playing High Peak by Eric Ball.
2024: Helston Town placed 14th in the Open Section of the SWBBA Championships under Andrew Berryman.
Compiled by Tony Mansell (Bardh Kernow)
This collection is a part of the Cornish National Music Archive (CNMA) project to Collect, Preserve and Share our Cornish Heritage and Culture.
It is based on location as each may have had more than one band.
Our thanks go to all of the organisations and individuals, whether named or not, who have provided information and photographs for this archive.
If you own the copyright to any of the photographs included here then please let us know and they will be credited or removed.
If you are able to correct or update any information included here then please leave a comment.