Please note that Cornish Brass Band Contest results are recorded separately and can be found using this link

 

Many concert programmes and concert results have been provided by Martin Caddy on behalf of his father John Caddy.

 

1820: There is a suggestion that a Redruth Band was formed in this year and that it was known initially as the Redruth Volunteer Band. I am not disputing this but I have not found any evidence to support it. (Tony Mansell)

1828: Bands of musicians were playing in Redruth. These were likely to be a mixture of instruments including some brass.(Still Blawin’ / Band Website)

1830: “At the Proclamation of William IV, in 1830, the Yeoman Cavalry, two trumpeters on horseback, and a band, led a colourful parade through Redruth and Plain-in-gwarry…The band later played from a platform in front of Andrew’s Hotel ‘enlivening the occasion with national and other airs’.” (West Briton 16^th July 1830 / Victorian Redruth by Michael Tangye)

1832: A [Redruth] Band paraded the streets playing The Dead March in connection of the resignation of Earl Grey. (Still Blawin’)

1836 – 27^th June: A [Redruth] Band of Musicians headed a procession of Freemasons and townspeople from the town to Carn Brea for the laying of the foundation stone of the monument to Lord de Dunstanville.

1837 June: At each proclamation of Victoria as Queen the [Redruth] Town Band played the National Anthem. (Still Blawin’)

1838: Redruth Amateur Band played at various venues and functions. (Still Blawin’)

1839: Redruth Band played at the first exhibition for the season of the Royal Horticultural Show. (Still Blawin’)

1842: The Redruth band were in attendance and played during the day. (5 August 1842 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1843 – May: A Redruth Band was at Portreath Harbour for the launch of the ship, the Trio. (Victorian Redruth by Michael Tangye)

1844: Redruth Band at Penryn for the opening of the Oddfellows lodge. (RCG 19^th May 1843)

1850: Redruth Town Mission Brass Band founded. The Mission was situated in King Street, Plain-an-gwary. (John Brush)

1853: Redruth Band was not chosen to play at a Grand Teetotal Demonstration held at the home of Michael Williams at Trevince, the procession was led by Camborne Brass Band. It is suggested that the current name of the Redruth and Porter Band may have made them unsuitable. (Still Blawin’)

1856 – 22^nd July 1856: Penzance and Truro Teetotal Demonstration at Tehidy. Penzance Band, Godolphin Teetotal Band, Camborne Band, Truro Band (Emidy’s) and Redruth Band were in attendance. (Cornish Telegraph 30^th July 1856)

1856: “The Cornwall Teetotal enjoyed their annual gala yesterday. Tehidy, one of the residences of J. N. Basset, Esq., was very readily and kindly placed at the disposal of the committee, and the teetotallers of Penzance and Truro repaired thither in great force. Early in the morning the committee, their assistants, and the excursionists were stirring in Penzance and towards nine o’clock many parties, on foot and in vehicles, were seen converging on the West Cornwall Railway Terminus, whither the Penzance band repaired in full force. Here 20 close and open carriages awaited the holiday-seekers. These were soon filled and, to the spirited strains of ‘Cheer, boys, cheer,’ the party moved off. As the train moved along the Eastern green it presented a very pretty sight. Each carriage bore its flag, with a motto appropriate to the occasion, such as Firm as oak, Built on the rock, Popular Principles, Come thou and all thy house into the ark, Temperance is the parent of virtue, The Penzance Total Abstinence. Society,’ &c. At Marazion a few passengers were taken up. At Hayle 10 well-packed carriages awaited the train. One of these was occupied by the Godolphin Teetotal Band who carried their banner. At Gwinear Road the numbers were still further augmented, and at Camborne 13 more open carriages (one which was tenanted by the Camborne Band) were attached. All along the line of railway groups had collected to peep at the flying train – the agriculturist fresh from the plough or the hay-field; the miner in underground habiliments and with candle only just extinguished; the cottager’s wife, with hands snatched hastily from household work; his children, momentarily withdrawn from their gambols; and the bal-girl brown complexioned, (in spite of her comfortable sun-bonnet) healthy looking and cheerful – all shewed their interest the excursion by a smile, a cheer, or a wave of hand. When the train (which now consisted of 52 carriages, without reckoning engines and tenders) left the main line at Cara Brea and traversed the Portreath branch the sight both of, and from, the train was of very interesting description. Those at a distance saw between two and three thousand persons travelling at a rapid pace, but cheaply, and bent on the most innocent of recreations. This would be pleasant to the mind, while the eye might be gratified by the varied hues of the flags borne allot, and the ear delighted by the strains proceeding from the three sets of musicians. From the train at this juncture the landscape was certainly well worth a look. On the right hand Redruth, with Pedn-an-drea stack as a prominent object, backed by the hills stretching away towards Truro. On the left hand a slope of six or seven miles terminating with the towans at Phillack, the high ground about St, Ives, and the elevated country near Ludgvan. Behind Carn Brea – its granite head looking somewhat sullen through the misty shower that had just touched the excursionists with its gentle hand, so gentle that they were not inconvenienced by it, and only seemed to enjoy the succeeding brilliancy the more – in front, the grounds of Tehidy with gay flags flaunting here and there amongst the trees, and the sound of more music swelling and dying away on the grateful breeze. This shews that our Truro friends have arrived. They came in 52 or 53 carriages, bringing with them variety flags and banners and Emidy’s band. At Redruth they were strongly reinforced, and the teetotallers of that town also brought their musicians with them. The monster trains discharged their swarming freight just outside the entrance to Fair field. To form a regular procession would have been of little service and have caused great trouble and delay, so along the highway the joyous throng tramped to the sound of the enlivening music. The Truro and Redruth bands and most of the excursionists had entered Tehidy park prior to the arrival of their Western acquaintances, and look a circuitous route through shrubberies and grounds which led them down to the ponds and up to the back of the house. Over the lodge-gate was the Association banner inscribed West Cornwall Teetotal Association, instituted 1838 and the pretty, rustic lodge was otherwise decorated. The well dressed and well behaved crowd swept onward through the narrow avenue until the whole park, with the antique, substantial mansion in the distance, came into sight. Here there was an opportunity of expanding, and the carriage drive was in many instances exchanged for the soft greensward. “And all the sloping pasture murmured, sown with happy faces and with holiday.” As the foremost of the walkers turned and looked back, just by the gateway fronting the mansion, they saw the road throughout the park thronged from end. The house was shut up, but the gardens were open, and through these – along rows of the queenly dahlias and the groups of orange trees, with their golden fruit and darkling leaves – down to the ponds by the spreading beech and shady elm, the visitors merrily disported. There was abundant supply of eatables and drinkables from stalls, and, whist the bands promenaded and played, the company either walked about or sub-divided into groups, reposed and refreshed themselves during the warm mid-day. In the afternoon the people amused themselves in a variety of ways – cricket, dancing, and games of various description were engaged in. Teetotal addresses were also delivered by the Rev. Mr. Hartley, and Messrs. Lomax, Wheeler, Docton, Downing, &c. At five a return train left and its occupants arrived safely at Penzance at half-past seven; at seven a second followed and reached its destination westward at half-past nine. The arrangements of the W C R throughout were admirable. Some thousands of people were conveyed cheaply, and speedily, without the slightest confusion or accident. Whether viewed as a mere holiday or an imposing teetotal demonstration, the Tehidy monster pic-nic was completely successful for its promoters, and satisfactory to the public at large who are indebted to the Committee (amongst whom Mr. R. Matthews was foremost) for their exertions in rendering the trip agreeable and the occasion one of unalloyed pleasure.” (30 July 1856 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1856 – 29^th July 1856: The 4^th Gala of the West Cornwall Teetotal Association at Tehidy Park… “Two monster trains from Truro and Penzance called at all the intermediate stations which converged into the Portreath line a quarter of a mile to the place. A procession was formed, headed by the Redruth Band followed by other bands from Truro, Penzance, Godolphin and Camborne.” (RCG 8^th August 1856)

1857 – 29^th June: Teetotal Festival at Mrs Pendarves’. Camborne Band, Truro Band (Emidy’s) and Redruth Band were in attendance. (Cornish Telegraph 29^th July 1857)

1860: 17th Duke of Cornwall’s Rifle Volunteers (Redruth) “There was a brass band belonging to a service unit in 1857, but this Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles unit was formed in 1860 and very quickly had a viable band, recorded as accepting civilian engagements as early as 1862. They soon became a very successful outfit, finding themselves leading a busy life right up to WW1. There was a temporary hiccup late 1881 when, for reasons not too plain to see, they disbanded, reforming early 1882. The first conductor was W Sims, and in 1881, when the little pause took place, they were in the hands of William Gribble. How long he had been with the band is not exactly known but upon the band’s reconstruction in 1882 he was thanked ‘for his valuable services for many years past in connection with the band……’ Robert H Heath took over the new band. He was a much-respected musician and stayed with the band until 1894 when he immigrated to South Africa. R Wills took over until 1900 when he was relieved by James Williams. John Males had a turn in 1904 and James Williams came back in 1909. Despite the undoubted success of this band, they do appear to have entered very few contests.” (John Brush)

1861/62: “The Mount Hawke Band of Hope Tea-Treat had as many as two bands and paraded with banners in 1861, ending up for tea in Mr Garland’s field. (Chacewater and St Day Bands were used). However, it was quite an event the following year. From Mount Hawke the Redruth and St Day Bands led the party to St Agnes and from thence to Trevaunance Pier which was a distance of three miles! They then had their penny trips on the boats, returning to Mount Hawke for the tea. The day was rounded off by a concert.” (Ashley Rowe The Chapel at Mount Hawke – Journal of the St Agnes Museum Trust)

1862: Accepting civilian engagements. Redruth DCR Band soon became a very successful outfit, finding themselves leading a busy life right up to WW1.

W Sims, Redruth DCR Band MD.

1862: The authors of Still Blawin’ consider that this year marked the starting for the first of the Redruth Brass Bands and, therefore, the first Redruth Brass Band. They suggest that it was formed of members from the Redruth Volunteer Band.

1862: Redruth Brass Band walked to the parish church. (16 May 1862 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1862: Royal Cornwall Miners’ Artillery Militia, Truro, the Redruth Rifles, and the Chacewater Brass Band, marched to Tregullow. (18 July 1862 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1863: Bands of Chacewater, Forest Gate Illogan, St Day and the Redruth Volunteers. (page 57 of Tehidy and the Bassetts by Michael Tangye)

1863: Redruth Volunteer Band will perform selection of new music, under the management of Mr W Sims, band master.” (11 December 1863 – Western Daily Mercury)

1864: There were seven bands entered for competition, but only six appeared on the ground, the 17th D.C.R. (Redruth) Band having broken up in consequence of some disagreement amongst the members. (30 June 1864 – Western Daily Mercury)

1864: Redruth DCR Band played at Illogan Cottage Garden Society annual exhibition at Portreath. (WB 12^th August 1864)

1868: Plain-an-gwarry Band of Hope Fife and Drum Band at Wheal Rose Tee-Total Society’s treat. (Cornubian 26^th June 1868)

1870: Redruth Rifle Band, under the management of Mr Tom Moore. (22 July 1870 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

Redruth Volunteer Band 1870s

1881: Redruth Rifle Band – H Company played a selection of music, under the direction of bandmaster Gribble. (22 April 1881 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1881: In the book Portreath, Michael Tangye records that “the band of the Redruth Volunteers [were] positioned on top of the limekiln” to entertain at the annual regatta.

1881: Redruth DCR Band disbanded for some reason. (John Brush)

1882: Redruth Volunteer Band re-formed by Colour-Sergeant Robert Heath. (John Brush)

William Gribble Redruth DCR Band MD. How long he had been with the band is not exactly known but upon the band’s reconstruction in 1882 he was thanked for his valuable services for many years past in connection with the band.

Amongst a batch of Redruth Photos and thought to be Redruth Band in the 1880s/1890s (Photo: courtesy Malcolm Mc Carthy)

Amongst a batch of Redruth Photos and thought to be a Redruth Band member in the 1880s/1890s (Photo: Frederick Argall/courtesy Malcolm Mc Carthy)

Amongst a batch of Redruth Photos and thought to be Redruth Band members in the 1880s/1890s (Photo: Chenhall Photos, Redruth/courtesy Malcolm Mc Carthy)

Amongst a batch of Redruth Photos and thought to be Redruth Band in the 1880s/1890s (Photo: Chenhall & Son, Redruth/courtesy Malcolm Mc Carthy)

1882 to 1894: Robert H Heath, Redruth DCR Band MD. He was a much-respected musician and stayed with the band until 1894 when he immigrated to South Africa. (John Brush)

1882: Redruth Mission Band at Plain-an-gwarry played at the Whitsun Fair. (Victorian Redruth by Michael Tangye)

1883: Redruth Rifle Band, under the leadership of Colour-Sergeant Robert Heath, in field Green. (14 June 1883 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1883: The Gospel Temperance [Brass] Band from Redruth, which Mr Wilson, the town missionary, has formed. (23 June 1883 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1883: Redruth Town Mission Band. (3 August 1883 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1884: The Pengegon Wesleyan School was headed by a Brass Band from Redruth. (6 June 1884 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1885-1902: Redruth Independent Brass Band active. (John Brush)

1885: “Rifle Corps Band, and Redruth Independent Band. Dear Sir – As there appears to some misconception as to the relative positions of these bands, will you kindly permit me to explain the same. The same rules apply to the H Company Rifle Volunteer band in other Corps, namely, that the Corps provides uniform, instruments and music for the band, pays the bandmaster a salary for instructing the members, and provides refreshments for the band, on their practice nights, all the year round. The expenses amount, on the average, to nearly £30 a year. In return for all this, the only duty imposed upon the band to play the Corps the parade ground and back on Saturday evenings, during the spring and summer months. This was not done very regularly last year, and the Committee of the Corps, this year passed a resolution that the duty should be strictly performed this summer, as the attendance Drill, and consequently the efficiency of the company much depended upon it. Upon being informed of this by the band master, several of the members (who had previously shown signs of disaffection) struck, and refused to obey the order. These men (and some outsiders) have since constituted themselves into the Redruth Independent band and have been canvassing the town for subscriptions. The title is appropriate but unfortunate, as it has been earned by shirking public duty. Colour-Sergt. Heath, and his painstaking deputy, Band Sergt. Gribble, have, with the nucleus of the old band, and some promising new members, succeeded in reorganizing good Volunteer band, the members of which are practising assiduously several evenings a week. They have my consent, as in previous years, to accept all engagements for school treats, fetes, &c., which will not interfere with the performance of their duty to the corps on Saturday evenings, and they will, I trust, receive such measure of support from the town and neighbourhood as they deserve. —Yours faithfully, Jas. Kelly, Captain R Company.” (1 May 1885 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1885: The new Redruth Independent Brass Band at the annual tea treat in connection with Carnkie Wesleyan Sunday School. (26 June 1885 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1885: Redruth Volunteer Band. (24 September 1885 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1886: “The Redruth Philharmonic Band. (25 February 1886 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1886: H Company Volunteer and Redruth Town Mission Bands at Gwennap Pit. (3 September 1886 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1886: The Town Mission Brass Band, who were attired for the first time in their new uniforms. (31 December 1886 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1887: Redruth Gospel Temperance Brass Band active. (John Brush)

1887: Sergeant Heath, bandmaster of the Redruth Volunteer Band. (22 June 1887 – Western Morning News)

1887: “Jubilee Celebrations at Redruth: Town Mission Brass Band, Brea Brass Band and Four Lanes Band. (24 June 1887 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1887: Mr W Knight, the leader of the Town Mission Band. (26 August 1887 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1887: “Redruth Volunteer Brass Band in attendance. (16 December 1887 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1888: Town Mission Band. (17 February 1888 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1888: Truro’s wooden cathedral, re-erected in Drump Road as a shoe factory, was used for a service when the Redruth Mission Band played. (West Briton 9^th July 1888)

1889: Redruth Philharmonic Band, under the conductorship of Mr R H Thomas. (4 April 1889 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1889: Redruth Volunteer Band and the Town Mission Band. (25 July 1889 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1889: Redruth Independent, Brea, Four Lanes, and Illogan Bands. (22 August 1889 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1889: Redruth Independent and Illogan Brass Bands. (22 August 1889 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1889 – February: The Band of the Redruth Town Mission disbanded following “some misunderstanding”. (John Brush)

1890: It is to be regretted that the Redruth Town Mission Band, which was formed for the express purpose of assisting at this and similar meetings, for some reason known only to themselves, failed to appear. (3 January 1890 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

A Redruth Bandsman – date unknown

1890: North Country Band of Hope Fife and Drum Band formed under Edward Stevens. (Victorian Redruth)

1890: “Redruth Volunteer Band has been accused of obtaining money to the amount of half-a-crown under false pretences. It is customary at the new year for the band to go round and play at the residences of various inhabitants of the town, for which they receive such donations as good nature may be pleased to bestow upon them. They received from one gentleman the above-named sum, and afterwards were the recipients of another half-a-crown from the hands of a young gentleman who was at a short distance from the house, in company with a young lady, listening to the selections rendered. These happened to be the son and daughter of the gentleman from whom they had received the first half-a-crown, and subsequently the captain received a letter from the gentleman in question protesting against the conduct of the band, inasmuch as they obtained half-a-crown under false pretences — by asking his son for a donation after having received one from himself. If the money were not returned he said legal proceedings would be taken to recover the same!” (16 January 1890 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1890: The local bands of music are sore at the presence in the town of a band from Hungary, the latter meeting with warm and substantial support from the inhabitants. (19 July 1890 – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser)

1890: In interrupting the Hungarian Band’s performances near Tabb’s Hotel, the Redruth Volunteer Band and the Brea Band committed a grave error. (25 July 1890 – Cornubian and Redruth Times) [This event seems to have been based on jealousy and resulted in the three bands trying to play louder than the others.]

1890: Some time since, Redruth Town Mission Brass Band disbanded in consequence of some misunderstanding. It has now been thought feasible by the late bandsmen and their friends to start a Town Band. (7 February 1890 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1890: Redruth Town Band re-formed. At a meeting at Mr Will’s Temperance house in Clinton Road some members of the previous Mission Band reformed as the Town Band, with Stephen Hind as bandmaster. These first bandsmen were: J Polkinghorne, W Rogers, J Bennetts, J Saunders, M Mitchell, J Lawry, and S Tippett. (John Brush)

1890: Stephen Hind, Redruth Town Band MD.

1890 June: Concert in Silver Field by the Redruth Season Band attended by a thousand people. (Victorian Redruth)

1890: Redruth Volunteer Band have made arrangements to give occasional performances. (19 September 1890 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1891: Redruth Town Brass Band advertising for engagements. (3 July 1891 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1891: Redruth Volunteer, Brea, Pool, and Illogan Bands in attendance. (16 July 1891 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1892 to 1900: R Wills, Redruth DCR Band MD.

1892: Redruth Volunteer Band, under Band-sergt. Wills. (6 May 1892 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1893: Redruth Volunteer Band, under Bandmaster Wills. (20 July 1893 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1894: H Company Redruth Volunteer Band, conductor Mr Wills. (20 September 1894 – Cornishman)

Redruth Town Band disbanded.

1895: Redruth Volunteer and the Illogan Brass and Reed Bands. (18 July 1895 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1897: “Redruth Hungarian Band engaged. (17 June 1897 – Cornishman)

1897: Redruth Volunteer and Illogan Reed and Brass Bands. (15 July 1897 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1898: H. Co.. D.C.L I. from Redruth, Mr R Wills conducting. (30 June 1898 – Cornishman)

1898: Redruth Season’s Band present. (1 September 1898 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1899: “The man in the street heard one or two of the old Camborne town-band talking this week about the Redruth Band. The consensus opinion was that they are capital fellows but are badly treated through their leader being insufficiently paid. This leader does many kinds of job to earn his living, but cannot much with his band for them to earn a little from the tea-treats, &c. The moral of the talk was that if a volunteer company wishes to have good music they should put things in their way, so that the study of music should be something more than a weariness of the flesh.” (27 July 1899 – Cornishman)

1899: Redruth Season Band supplied music. (27 July 1899 – Cornishman)

1900: James Williams, Redruth DCR Band MD.

1900: Illogan Reed and Brass Band, conducted by the Rev. H. Oxland, and the Hungarian Season Band at Redruth. (24 May 1900 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

Despite the undoubted success of Redruth Volunteer Band they appear to have entered very few contests. (John Brush)

Redruth DCR Band 1900 – James Williams MD (Photo: courtesy Paddy Bradley, Redruth)

1900: Redruth Volunteer Band, Camborne Town Band, and lllogan Reed and Brass Band left their respective districts and marched to … (14 June 1900 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1900: “A movement is on foot in Redruth to start a Town Band, and the earnest help of all is asked for. Mr Knight, of Redruth, a well-known cornet player, has the matter in hand, …” (24 August 1900 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1901-1902: The Band of the 1st Duke of Cornwall Rifle Volunteers – H Company active. (John Brush)

1901: The defunct Redruth Town Band re-formed as the Redruth Independent Band. (John Brush)

1901: “The newly-formed Town Band at Redruth. (16 October 1901 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1901: James Williams, Redruth Independent Band and Redruth Volunteer Band MD. (Victorian Redruth)

1902: Redruth is the happy possessor of two Brass Bands —the Volunteer and the Redruth Independent – both of which are excellent. (13 February 1902 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1902: “The Redruth Town Band. (14 February 1902 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

Redruth Volunteer Band 1902 (Photo: unknown)

1902 to 1905: James “Jim” Williams, Redruth Independent Band MD and Redruth Volunteer Band MD from October 1901.

1902: The Redruth Voluntary Band, lately re-organised, and under the leadership Mr James Williams (Cornet Soloist) is open take Engagements. (18 April 1902 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1902: Redruth Town Band is open take Engagements. (2 & 11 May 1902 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1902: Redruth Season Band active and making annual tours of Hungary and Germany.

1902:  Redruth Town Band. (22 May 1902 – Cornishman)

1902: Redruth Season Band in attendance. (31 July 1902 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1902: Redruth Volunteer Band and the new Band [Independent]. (31 December 1902 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1903: Redruth Hungarian Band. (9 July 1903 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1903: Redruth Season Band. (15 July 1903 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1903 to 1915: R Wills, Redruth Band MD.

1903: Redruth Town Band, under the conductorship of Mr Wills. (23 July 1903 – Cornishman)

1903: Mr Williams, bandmaster Redruth Volunteer Band. (8 October 1903 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1903: Redruth Town Bands. (31 October 1903 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1903: Redruth and Blackwater united Brass Bands. (12 November 1903 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1904 to 1905: John G Males, RMCM Redruth DCR Band MD. (John Brush)

1905: Redruth Brass Band. (29 June 1905 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1905: Redruth Volunteer Band. (8 July 1905 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1905: Redruth Town Band (in their new uniform, which becomes them well). (8 July 1905 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1905: Redruth Town Band at Portreath Wesleyan Sunday school held their annual Treat. (29 July 1905 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

Redruth Band 1905 (Photo: courtesy of Paddy Bradley, Redruth)

Redruth Band 1905 (Photo: courtesy of Paddy Bradley, Redruth)

Redruth Volunteer Band 1905 (Photo: unknown)

1906: Sergeant Jim Williams, Redruth Volunteer Band MD.

1906: Redruth Hungarian Band. (14 June 1906 – Cornishman)

1906: Redruth Independent Band at the Wesleyan School, Ruan. (21 June 1906 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1906: Redruth Season Band. (5 July 1906 – RCG)

1906: Redruth Town Band was present. (14 July 1906 – Cornubian and Redruth)

Redruth Volunteer Band 1906 (Photo: unknown)

1906: Redruth Volunteer and Town Bands were in attendance. (28 July 1906 – Cornubian And Redruth Times)

1907: Redruth Volunteer Band. (23 May 1907 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

From the next item, it seems that the Town Band disbanded.

1907: “A Town Band. Some weeks ago I made suggestion that Redruth should do something in the direction of establishing a town band. Several correspondents wrote to me pointing that there was one time a town band in existence. I made enquires, and I am sorry to say it is finally disbanded. The chief difficulty the band bad to contend with, I was informed, was lack of funds. This state of affairs is oft times the direct outcome of bad management. There is plenty of support in Redruth for a good band properly managed. Perhaps the clearest evidence of this is the annual sojourn in our midst of the little knot of foreign musicians – the Hungarian band.”  (23 May 1907 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1907: Redruth Hungarian Band. (13 June 1907 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1907: Redruth Band played at St Agnes Hospital Sunday (RCG 18th July 1907)

1907: Redruth Volunteer Band at Penventon. (1 August 1907 – Royal Cornwall Gazette

1908: Redruth Territorial Band, under Bandmaster R Martin, gave a sacred concert in Falmouth Drill Hall. (1 October 1908 – Cornishman)

Redruth Band in Treruffe Chapel tea treat parade heading up Falmouth Road in 1908 (Photo: from “Redruth” by Paddy Bradley)

1909: Redruth Territorial Band, bandmaster Williams conducting. (15 July 1909 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1909:  “The people of Blackwater and district fully realise the benefit derived from the Royal Cornwall Infirmary, Truro, and the Miners’ Hospital, Redruth, and for years have had what they term a Hospital Sunday demonstration. The idea originated with the members of Blackwater Band, with Mr. T. D. Jenkins as president, and for some years that band gave their services, assisted by some members of Redruth Volunteer Band. Through emigration and other causes the Blackwater Band ceased to exist and for the last two years the Redruth Band has gratuitously placed its services at the disposal of the Hospital Sunday Committee. Last year over £8 was raised. The interest in the cause has not waned; in fact, it has largely increased. After an address in front of Blackwater Institute, a procession will be formed, headed by the Redruth Territorial Band, and march to the top of Blackwater-hill east, where an address will be given by the Rev. B. Smart, vicar of Mithian. (RCG 15 July 1909)

Redruth Territorial Band circa 1909 (Photo: courtesy Mac Waters)

1909: Redruth Territorial Band, under the conductorship of Bandmaster Williams. (26 August 1909 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1910: Redruth Hungarian Band was in attendance. (16 June 1910 – Cornishman)

Redruth Territorial Band 1910

Redruth Band in Penventon Grounds 1911 (Photo: Paddy Bradley / names: Ben Oliver of Four Lanes and Redruth Bands)

The headline was “The Redruth Band that beat Camborne back in 1911”

Back row: unknown, Dick Hooper, unknown, J Coombe (Four Lanes), unknown, Dick Kemp, unknown, unknown, unknown,

Middle row: ? Jeleff (in suit), Horton Venton, unknown, Joe Sandow, Richie Wills (according to his gt granddaughter, Naomi Miller), Jim Williams (bandmaster), Bill Roberts (Four Lanes), unknown, Joe Gill, unknown

Front row: Nick Thomas, unknown, unknown, Wiggy Johns (Four Lanes), ? Northey, Frank Tresidder (Four Lanes), unknown

 

1911: Redruth Town Band re-formed according to a 1936 newspaper report which states that it had been in existence for 25 years. (30 January 1936 – Western Morning News)

1911: Redruth Band included some brass and woodwind and side drum. (19 May 1911 – Western Morning News)

1912: Redruth Hungarian Band, marched in procession to the Polurrian grounds. (30 May 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1912: Redruth Town Band gave a concert in the Park on Sunday afternoon. (30 May 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1912: Redruth Season Band, marched through the beautiful grounds of Trelowarren, by permission of the Rev. Sir Vyvyan Bart. (13 June 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1913: Redruth Season Band headed the procession. (17 July 1913 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1914: Redruth Hungarian Band was in attendance. (25 June 1914 – The Cornish Telegraph)

The activities of Hungarian and German Bands seem to have ended at the outbreak of WWI. (Victorian Reduth)

1914: Redruth Season Band. (2 July 1914 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1914: Mr W Halstead conducted Redruth DCR Band at Camborne Contest.

1914: Redruth Town Band at a mass open-air meeting in the fair Meadow. (9 July 1914 – The Cornish Telegraph)

E C Wills, Lelant Brass Band MD, resigned to conduct Redruth Band.

1915: E C Wills, Redruth DCR Band MD (JB / Contest archive)

Redruth Band and Redruth DCR Band disbanded during WWI.

1919: Redruth Town Band re-formed.

1919: Redruth Town Band at St Agnes Wesleyan Sunday School tea. (RCG 6^th August 1919)

1920: Redruth Salvation Band played several selections of music. (25 August 1920 – Cornishman)

1921: Redruth Town Band, paraded the principal streets of the town. (21 July 1921 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1922: R H Venton, Redruth Town Band MD.

1921: Redruth Town Band, under Bandmaster H. Venton. (10 November 1921 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1922: Sergeant Beath, bandmaster of the Redruth Volunteer Band. (24 August 1922 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1923: Redruth Town Band at the Primitive Methodist Church. (15 November 1923 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1924 circa: E C Wills, Redruth Town Band MD.

1924: Redruth Town Band, under Mr. E, Wills the new bandmaster. (22 May 1924 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1924: The Redruth Town Band, under Bandmaster E Wills, was in attendance. (9 October 1924 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1924: The procession was headed by Redruth Town Band, Bandmaster Wills. (23 October 1924 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1925: Redruth Town Band, under Mr. Wills, marched to the top of the hill. (16 April 1925 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1925: “Sir Edward Nicholl, of London. … under Court News, that Sir Edward has been appointed Deputy Lord Lieutenant of London. The drummer boy in the Redruth Town Band has had many surprises in the course of his strenuous and successful career; but whatever dreams he had when a working lad in the Carn Brea railway repair shop, he has never claimed, like Dick Whittington, to have dreamt or heard the bells telling him, that he would be “thrice Lord Mayor of London, or rather Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the greatest city” in the world, with its seven-million population.  …” (19 August 1925 – Cornishman)

1928 circa to circa 1930: R W Floyd, Redruth Town Band MD.

1928: The carnival procession was headed Redruth Town Band, under Mr W J Floyd. (4 August 1928 – Western Morning News)

1929: Redruth Town Band contesting under R W Floyd. (Contest archive)

1930: Redruth Town Band, under Mr J W Floyd. (7 July 1930 – Western Morning News)

1930s: Redruth Band made the first BBC broadcast by a Cornish band. (A claim made by at least three bands)

1930 circa to 1932: E J Williams Redruth Town Band MD.

1931: Redruth Town Band, under Mr E J Williams, gave a concert on the Recreation Ground. Redruth. (2 June 1931 – Western Morning News)

Redruth Town Band early 1930s (Photo: courtesy Paddy Bradley, Redruth)

Back row: Joe P Reynolds, Clifford Harris, Otto Rhilmann, Stanley Coombes, Jack Williams, Ivor Watts, Harry Eddy, Stanley Parsons, Telfor Kent

Middle row: Sam Chegwidden, T Gilbert, George Martin, Walter Williams, J Gilbert, Fred Bawden, Richard “Dick” Bray

Front row: George Robinson, Richard “Dick” Penaluna, Norman Reynolds, Ivor Hosking, Charles Baker (MD), Ernie Pearce, William “Bill” Tremain, Alfie Opie, J Parkin

 

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: Camborne Town Band under Mr A W Parker, Redruth Town Band under Mr E J Williams and Perranporth Town Band under Mr H Robins at Perranporth Carnival. (11 August 1932 – Cornishman)

1932 to 1934: C H Baker, Redruth Town Band MD.

1933: “… Music was provided by Redruth Town Band, under Mr C H Baker; …” (31 August 1933 – Cornishman)

1934: Redruth Town Band, under the conductorship of Mr C H Baker. (26 July 1934 – Cornishman)

1934: “Bandmaster to go. Pay Salary reluctant step at Redruth … disquieting financial position was reported last night to the annual meeting of Redruth Town Band. Mr J J Pascoe said the committee felt that their resources would not permit the employment of a bandmaster at the salary of per annum at present being paid to Mr. C. H. Baker, and accordingly they had reluctantly given Mr. Baker notice to terminate his appointment on October 3. …  Crystal Palace Contest. The President (Mr. C. J. Cooke) said there was no question that Mr. Baker had served the band exceedingly well and had brought about considerable improvement, which was greatly appreciated by the townspeople generally. The only reason for the committee’s decision to dispense with Mr. Baker’s services was on the grounds of inability to meet the expenditure entailed In his appointment. Mr. Cooke announced that the band had entered for the Crystal Palace contest, and that Mr. J. D. Howarth, of Westminster, had generously offered to defray the whole the expenses associated with the band’s visit to London. In view of Mr. Howarth’s great generosity on this and previous occasions, Mr. Cooke proposed his election as president of the band, and this was carried unanimously.”  (21 September 1934 – Western Morning News)

1934: “Cornish Band at Crystal Palace. Redruth Town Band, who were taking part in the contest for the first time. (4 October 1934 – Cornishman)

1934: Redruth Town were placed 3^rd in Junior Shield A (fifth tier) of the of the National Brass Band Championship of GB at Crystal Palace under C H Baker playing Gems of Wagner No 2 by Wagner.

1934: “Mr A G Richards, of Penzance, till recently bandmaster of St Dennis, has been appointed bandmaster of Redruth Town Band. Mr C H Baker, the Redruth bandmaster, has now returned to St Dennis, and is once more in charge of the clay workers…”(8 November 1934 – Cornishman)

1934 to circa 1939: A G (Tim) Richards, Redruth Town Band MD.

1935: Redruth Town Band, under Bandmaster A G Richards. (2 May 1935 – Cornishman)

1935: Redruth Town Band placed 4th in the Junior Cup B (fourth tier) of the National Brass Band Championship of GB at Crystal Palace under A G Richards playing Lorenzo by Thomas Keighley.

1936: Redruth Band broadcast under the baton of Arthur G Richards. It is the band’s first broadcast. (16 January 1936 – Cornishman)

Redruth Town Band’s signature tune was White Ruth by Arthur G Richards.

1936: Redruth Town Band, conducted by G Richards has been in existence for 25 years. (30 January 1936 – Western Morning News)

1936: “Two Broadcasts from Bodmin. Redruth Town Band will make their microphone debut on Feb. 11. Their conductor, Mr. G. Richards, conducted St Dennis Silver Band when they made the first broadcast from a Cornish borough in April 1934. …”(6 February 1936 – Cornishman)

1936: “…from the Foster Hall, Bodmin. Marjorie Pinch (contralto) will be the soloist with the Redruth Town Band which will conducted by Arthur G. Richards. The Redruth Town Band have been in existence for about 25 years and all the members are amateur musician …” (11 February 1936 – Western Daily Press – Bristol)

11th February 1936: The 21st concert to be relayed from the Foster Hall, Cornwall Mental Hospital, Bodmin, was broadcast on Tuesday when Redruth Town Band made their microphone debut.

This novel programme was arranged by the chaplain of the hospital, the Revd Denys C Hoey. The details are given in Kernewek (Cornish) on the cover and in English on the last page. The Revd Hoey was made a Cornish bard in 1935 taking the bardic name “Dyon Freth” (Eloquent Denys).

1936: Redruth Town Band participated in the Junior Cup A (third tier) of the National Brass Band Championship of GB at Crystal Palace under A G Richards playing Pride of Race by Kenneth A Wright.

1936: Redruth Town Band under the direction of Mr T Hubbard, gave an evening concert at Crellow House. (18 August 1936 – Western Morning News)

1936: Redruth Town Band had been advanced to the third section for the Crystal Palace contest at the end of September. (20 August 1936 – Cornishman)

1937: Redruth Town Band placed 7th in the Junior Cup A (third tier) of the National Brass Band Championship of GB at Alexandra Palace under A G Richards playing Kenilworth by Arthur Bliss.

This programme has been lodged at Kresen Kernow

1939: Music was supplied by Redruth and St Agnes Town Bands, under Bandmasters A G Richards and F C Langford. (10 August 1939 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1939: Mr Leslie Truran, bandmaster Redruth Salvation Army Band. (25 December 1939 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1939: Redruth Town Band struggled on during the early years of WWII but eventually disbanded. (John Brush)

1939: Redruth Town Band paid their annual visit to the institution on Saturday. (25 December 1939 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

Redruth band room suffered a direct hit by an enemy bomb causing the destruction of all instruments.

WWII: 9th Battalion Home Guard Band formed.

Redruth Home Guard Brass Band – nb some names do not match photo position (Photo: unknown)

(courtesy Paddy Bradley, Redruth)

1945: Redruth Salvation Army Band. (30 August 1945 – Cornishman)

Redruth Town Band re-formed.

1945: Redruth Silver Band at Cornwall versus Devon match. (14 November 1935 – Cornishman)

1946: P Clotworthy, Redruth Town Band MD.

1946: Redruth Town Band when it makes its first re-appearance post war. (2 May 1946 – Cornishman)

1946: Redruth Band resignation of Musical Director. There were 23 applicants for the position of musical director of Redruth Band vacated by Mr P Clotworthy. (3 October 1946 – Cornishman)

1946 to 1949: Albert S Grant, Redruth Town Band MD

1946: St Euny Feast. Hoped that the resuscitated Redruth Silver Band would accept their invitation to lead the procession. (26 December 1946 – Cornishman)

Redruth Town Band 1946/1947 at Tolvean House (Photo: courtesy Paddy Bradley, Redruth)

Back row: F Williams (bass drum), F Williams (soprano), R Jennings (principal solo cornet), L Truran (solo euphonium), O Rhylmann (solo cornet), G Eustace (2^nd baritone), S Parsons (2^nd cornet), H Evans (baritone), unknown, T Dunstan (solo baritone), H Eddy (flugel), B Faulkner (1^st horn), J Williams (solo cornet),

F Bawden (solo horn), F Thomas 2^nd/3^rd cornet), D Parkyn (side drum)

Front row: E Pearce (2^nd euphonium), G Robinson (double bass), T Dunstan (Eb bass), F Richards (solo trombone), E Bray (2^nd trombone), Albert S Grant (conductor),

D Penaluna (2^nd trombone), N Reynolds (bass trombone), A Opie (Eb bass), R Penaluna (double bass)

Seated: L Pearce (2^nd horn), C Opie (2^nd cornet)

Redruth Town Band 1947 at the Regional Championships at Exeter where they were placed second in the fourth section behind Swindon Railway

(Photo: G Heanly courtesy Paddy Bradley, Redruth)

Back row: Fred Williams (soprano cornet), Roy Jennings (solo cornet), Otto Rhilman (solo cornet), Jack Williams (solo cornet), Mr Paul (Committee),

Fred Williams (sectretary/bass drummer)

Middle row: Ernie Pearce (2^nd euphonium), Les Truran (solo euphonium), Tom Dunstan (solo baritone), Geo Eustace (2^nd baritone), Harry Eddy (flugel),

Len Parce (horn), Clarence Opie (cornet), Bernard Faulkner (1^st horn), Stanley Parsons (2^nd or 3^rd cornet), Fred Bawden (solo horn)

Front row: Norman Reynolds (bass trombone), Ernie Bray (2^nd trombone), Freddie Richards (solo trombone), A W Grant (conductor), Tom Dunstan (Eb bass),

Alfie Opie (Eb bass), Geo Robinson (double bass), Dick Penaluna (double bass)

 

1947: The instruments of the Battalion purchased by the revived Redruth Band. (6 March 1947 – Cornishman)

1947: Redruth St John’s Ambulance Silver Band active. (John Brush)

1947: Redruth Silver, under their newly-appointed director, Mr Albert S Grant. (8 May 1947 – Cornishman)

1947: Redruth Silver placed 2nd in the Fourth Section at the Regional Championships under A S Grant playing Divertimento by Eric Ball.

1947: “The funeral of Mr. Hart Biddick (67), of Blowinghouse, near Redruth, took place last week at Illogan parish church. Rev. W. E. W. Wycliffe- Jones officiating. Mr. Biddick was a well-known euphonium player and played for many years with the former well known Illogan Military Band, and since then had assisted the Redruth Town, Home Guard and the Carharrack and St. Day Silver Bands and various orchestras, and he had also spent some time in the U.S.A.” (17 July 1947 – Cornishman)

1947: Carnival Week – Music  by Redruth and Truro Silver Bands and the Bugle Band of Redruth Ambulance Divisions. (21 August 1947 – Cornishman)

1947: Redruth Silver supporters heard the band needed nearly £600 for new instruments. Mr A S Grant, their musical director, said they had to have at least three instruments costing £387. (23 October 1947 – Cornishman)

1948: Redruth Silver, under its director, Mr. A. S. Grant, gave a concert in Redruth Ambulance Hall Sunday evening. (19 February 1948 – Cornishman)

1948: Mr. A. S. Grant, musical director of Redruth Silver Band, who is also a member the National Brass Band Club and a teacher of the Brass Band College of Music. (6 May 1948 – Cornishman)

1948: Redruth Silver Band and Four Lanes Male Voice Choir gave a concert in the Fair Ground at Redruth. (20 May 1948 – Cornishman)

This programme has been lodged at Kresen Kernow

1948: Redruth Town Band participated in the fourth section final of the Daily Herald contest at Bellevue, Manchester.

1948: Redruth Town Band under Mr O Rhilmann. (22 July 1948 – Cornishman)

This programme has been lodged at Kresen Kernow

1948: Redruth Silver Band, a combination which under their musical director, Mr A S Grant, is rapidly achieving popularity. (12 August 1948 – Cornishman)

1948: Redruth Band, under Bandmaster O Rhilman. (13 September 1948 – Western Morning News)

1948: Three applicants for the position of musical director of Redruth Silver Band interviewed. (4 November 1948 – Cornishman)

1948: Redruth Silver Band, and Redruth Salvation Army Band. (30 December 1948 – Cornishman)

1948: Bandmaster for several years of Camborne Town Band, Mr. J. Volante has been appointed musical director of Redruth Silver Band in succession to Mr. A. S. Grant. (30 December 1948 – Cornishman)

1949 to 1952: Joe Volante, Redruth Town Band MD. (Cornishman 13 January 1949)

1949: Redruth Silver Band, under its musical director, Mr. J. Volante. (7 April 1949 – Cornishman)

This programme has been lodged at Kresen Kernow

Brothers Leonard and Monty either side of their father, Ernest Pearce, in 1950 and still wearing their pre WWII uniforms (Photo: courtesy Paddy Bradley, Redruth)

This programme has been lodged with Kresen Kernow

1951: Monty Pearce, Redruth Town Band Deputy Bandmaster. (Bugle Contest programme 2008)

1952 to 1955: Alwyn Teasdale, Redruth Town Band MD.

1952: Redruth Town placed 2nd in the First Section of the SWBBA Contest under A Teasdale playing Othello by Drake Rimmer.

Redruth Silver Band lead the Coronation celebrations in 1953 (Photo: courtesy Paddy Bradley, Redruth)

Denzil Penrose, Ernie Pearce, Ernie Bray, unknown, Tom Dunstan jnr, Monty Pearce, Otto Rhylman, Jack Williams, Roy Jennings. Syd Davey, Tom Dunstan snr

This programme has been lodged with Kresen Kernow

1953: Redruth Town participated in the Championship Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under A Teasdale playing Rhapsody in Brass by Dean Goffin.

Ernest Pearce of Redruth Town Band

Cadet Band, St John Ambulance, Redruth, 1950s

Lodged with Kresen Kernow

1954: Redruth Town placed 1^st in the First Section of the SWBBA Contest unde A Teasdale playing Sirius by Frank Wright.

Circa 1955: Redruth Town disbanded.

1956: Redruth Town re-formed with seven members of the Dunstan family.

1956 to 1970: Otto Rhilman, Redruth Town MD.

Redruth Town Band 20^th September 1957 at the rear of Tabb’s Hotel where the band rented a practice room (Photo: G Harvey courtesy Paddy Bradley, Redruth)

Back row: F Williamson, V May. L Rhillman, K Robins, L Dunstan, C Dunstan, M Stafford

Middle row: unknown, G Phillips, K Roberts, D Johns, J Dunstan, A Kellow, T Johns, D Roberts, Mr May, Mr Dyer, R Lawrence

Front row: T Dunstan, B Dunstan, T Allen, L Truan, O Rhillman, J Caddy, T Dunstan jnr, K Dunstan, H Scholethorpe

The Dunstan family (Photo: unknown)

Redruth Town Band 1960s

Monty Pearce in 1965, composer and member of Redruth Town Band (Photo: Henry Parkinson courtesy Paddy Bradley, Redruth) Monty was born in 1933

1960s: Trewirgie Secondary School Band contesting under Frank Moore. (Contest Archive)

Redruth Youth Band formed by Clifford Bolitho and Arthur Osborne.

Redruth Junior Band on the steps of a building opposite the Baptist Church on Station Hill circa 1965-67 (Photo: courtesy Leonard Adams – names: Martin Caddy)

Back row: John Caddy, Clifford Bolitho, Arthur Osborne

Third row: Leonard Adams, Malcolm Caddy (no relation ), Philip Bennets, Robert Osborne, ? Nicholls, Andrew Kaye

Second Row: unknown, Neil Gay, ? Nicholls , ? Evans, Ted Hosken, Cecil Bennets

Front row: Rodney Mason, Philip Hawke, Graham Hooper, ? Hosken , Martin Caddy,  unknown, Michael Jeffery

 

The Youth Band used to give concerts in conjunction with Plain an Gwarry Girls Choir. I remember Eddie Williams training us for Truro Band Contest – I think the test piece was Little Suite for Brass. (Martin Caddy)

1970 to 1975: Ken Hamlod, Redruth Town Band MD.

1971: Redruth Town band room at Redruth Rugby Ground.

This programme has been lodged at Kresen Kernow

This programme has been lodged at Kresen Kernow

1975 to 1977: Philip James, Redruth Town Band MD.

1977 to 1978: Fred J Roberts, Redruth Town Band MD.

Circa 1978 – This programme has been deposited at Kresen Kernow

1978 to 1979: Ken Hamlod, Redruth Town Band MD.

1978: Redruth Town Band placed 3^rd in the Third Section of the Regional Championships under Ken Hamlod playing Call of the Sea by Eric Ball.

1978: Redruth Town Band participated in the Third Section of the National Championship of GB under Ken Hamlod playing Caprice by Paul Huber.

1979 to 1980: Albert Chappell, Redruth Town Band MD.

1979: David Frost formed Redruth Junior Band. (Eileen Carter)

Redruth Junior Band 1979 with David Frost. (Photo: Eileen Carter, Perranporth)

Girl standing on left is Diane Pope, little boy with large gasses is Byron Fulcher, Jonathon Carter, Tamsin Carter

1980 to 1981: David W Frost, Redruth Town Band MD.

1980: Redruth Town Band placed 4th in the Second Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under David Frost playing Concert Overture for Brass Band by Vilem Tausky.

1980: Redruth Town unplaced (Academic Festival Overture) in the Second Section at the SWBBA Contest under D Frost.

1981: Redruth Town – unknown result (Concertino) in the Second Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under David Frost.

1981 to 1985: Leonard Adams, Redruth Town Band MD.

1982: Redruth Town Band placed 1^st in the Second Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under L Adams playing Henry V by Vaughan Williams.

1982: Redruth Town Band in celebratory mood (Photo: Peter Hughes courtesy Sue Atkinson, St Agnes)

Andrew Caze being lifted aloft by Leonard Adams

 

1982: Redruth Town placed 6^th in the Second Section of the National Championship of GB under Leonard Adams playing A Caledonian Suite.

1982: Redruth Town – unknown result (The Frogs of Aristophanes) in the Second section of the Pontin’s Finals under L Adams.

Redruth Town at SWBBA 1983 (Photo courtesy Leonard Adams)

1984: Redruth Town placed 4^th (Images) in the Championship Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under Leonard Adams.

1983: Redruth Town Band winners of the Royal Trophy at Bugle Contest.

Redruth Town Band 1983 with WEBF trophies – Leonard Adams, P Hawke, Norman Johns, John Hitchens

1983: Redruth Town Band placed 1^st in the Open section of the SWBBA Contest under Leonard Adams playing Tam O’Shanter.

Redruth Town Band 1983 Leonard Adams MD (Photo: unknown)

1984: Redruth Town Band unplaced at Yeovil Entertainment Contest under L Adams.

1984: Redruth Town Band placed 7^th in the Championship Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under Leonard Adams playing Waverley by Hector Berlioz/Howard Snell.

1984: Redruth Town placed 2nd (James Cook Circumnavigator) in the Championship Section at the SWBBA Contest under L Adams.

1985: Redruth Town Band unplaced at Yeovil Entertainment Contest under L Adams.

1985: Redruth – unknown result (Contest Music) in the Championship Section at the National Brass Band Campionships under Leonard Adams.

1985: Redruth Youth placed 1^st (Saturday Market) in the Youth section at the SWBBA Championships under Leonard Adams.

1985: Redruth Town Junior Band advertising for a Bandmaster. (British Bandsman 26^th October 1985)

1985: Barry Thomas, Redruth Town Band MD.

(Courtesy British Bandsman 26^th October 1985)

1986: Redruth Town Band placed 10^th at Yeovil Entertainment Contest under Barry Thomas.

1986: Redruth Town Band advertising for a Musical Director. (British Bandsman May/June 1986)

1986: Redruth Town Band participated in the Championship Section of Pontins Regional Championships under Barry M Thomas playing Lorenzo by Thomas Keighley.

1987 to 1990: Derek Johnson, Redruth Town Band MD.

1987: Redruth Town Band placed 2^nd in the Second section of the Regional Championships.

(Courtesy British Bandsman 19^th September 1987)

1987: Redruth Town Band participated in the Second section final of the National Championship of GB. (Derek Johnston)

1988: Redruth Town Band placed 2^nd in the Championship section of the SWBBA Contest playing Judges of the Secret Court.

1990 to 1991: Leon Johnston, Redruth Town Band MD.

1991 to 1993: David Loukes, Redruth Town Band MD.

1991: Redruth Town Band placed 2^nd in the Championship section of the 45^th SWBBA Championships at Paignton on the 2^nd November under D Loukes. (British Bandsman 9^th November 1991)

1993 to 1995: F Ralph, Redruth Town Band MD.

Redruth Town Band 3^rd July 1993 at Hicks Mill Methodist Sunday School tea treat (Photo: courtesy Paddy Bradley, Redruth)

1993: Redruth Town Band placed 1^st in the First section of the SWBBA Contest under F Ralph playing Resurgam by Eric Ball.

1994: Redruth Town – unknown result (Maorlana) in the First Section at the National Brass Band Regional Championships under Francis Ralph.

1994: Redruth Town Band placed 1^st in the First section of the SWBBA Contest. (British Bandsman 12^th November 1994)

Redruth Town Band probably 1994 (Photo: David Penprase courtesy Paddy Bradley, Redruth)

Back row: Simon Phillips, Jo Ryder-Pollard, F Mills, David Pascoe, A Hardacre, Mark Atkinson, Felicity Danning, Sharon Dower, Chelle Rowling

Middle row: V Danning, , Andrew Sundrey, Ross Buist, Warren Bennett, Norman Johns, Amanda Trevena, Reuben Long, Barry Buist, Andrew Annear, J Phillips

Front row: David Parsons, L Brant, J Ralphs, Russell Buist (Chairman), Francis Ralph (MD), Russell Parsons (Vice Chairman), Steve Thomas, David Coad, B Williams

 

1995: Redruth Town – unknown result (The Land of the Long White Cloud) in the First Section at the National Brass Band Regional Championships under Francis Ralph.

1995: Alan Toy, Redruth Town Band MD.

1995: “Still Blawin”, the story of Redruth Town Band, was written by Monty Pearce and Denzil Richards.

Marcus Rogers wrote: “Hi Tony, we made contact before about the Blackwater Brass and Reed Band photo c1907 and my Grandad Thomas Harvey Rogers (known as Harvey). The person 2nd from left at rear with moustache I’m sure is Harvey Rogers. He moved to Lanner in 1907/08, died 1946 and played in numerous local bands. There are also photos of him in the Illogan Military Band and Redruth Pictured Rome Orchestra that I have seen.”

 

1995: Redruth Town withdrew from the First Section of the SWBBA Contest.

1996: Redruth Town Band placed 8^th in the Second Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under Alan Toy playing Hollywood by Goff Richards.

1997: Redruth Town Band placed 15^th in the Second Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under Stuart Chappell playing New Buckingham Suite by Andrew Jackson.

1997: Redruth Town withdrew from the Second Section of the SWBBA Contest.

1998: Redruth Town Band placed 1^st in the Second Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under M Medlyn playing Culloden Moor.

Redruth Town Band at the Royal Show at Stoneleigh in 1998

1998: Redruth Town Band placed 17^th in the Second section final of the National Championship of GB under M Medlyn or Denzil Stephens playing Capriccio by Kenneth Downie.

2005: Redruth Town Band contesting under Norman Johns MD / conductor. (Contest archive)

2015: Sara Munns, Redruth Town Band MD.

2015: Redruth Town Band placed 17^th in the Fourth section of the Regional Championships under Sara Munns playing An English Pastorale by Dean Jones.

2016: Redruth Town Band placed 19^th in the Fourth section of the Regional Championships under Sara Munns playing The Journal of Phileas Fogg.

2016: Keith Anderson, Redruth Town Band MD.

Redruth Town Band with MD Keith Anderson

At Bugle Contest in 2017

2017: Redruth Town placed 1^st in section at Exmouth Entertainment Contest

2018: Redruth Town placed 8^th in the Fourth section of the Regional Championships under Keith Anderson playing World Tour by Dr Rodney Newton

2018: Redruth Town placed 1^st in the Fourth section of the SWBBA Championships under Keith Anderson playing Lydian Pictures. Best bass section.

2019: Andrew Craze, Redruth Town Band MD.

2019: Redruth Town placed 1^st in the Fourth section of the Regional Championships under Andrew Craze playing Stantonbury Festival by Ray Steadman-Allen.

2019: Redruth Town placed 2^nd in the Fourth section of the National Championships of Great Britain under Andrew Craze playing Beecher Variations by Stephen Bulla. Report in the Packet Newspaper 2^nd October 2019

Andrew Craze (Photo: Band website)

2019 – Redruth Town with MD Andrew Craze at Bugle Contest

2020: Redruth Town placed 2^nd in the Fourth section of the Regional Championships under Mark Arnold playing Neverland by Christopher Bond.

2020: Redruth Town given notice to vacate its band room at Redruth Rugby Ground.

2022: Redruth Town placed 1st in the Third section of the Regional Championships under David Nicholson playing Facets of Glass by Gordon Langford.

September 2022: 200 Years and still Blowing: Ahead of our Bicentennial Celebration Concert (7:30pm Sunday 4th September in St Andrew’s Church Redruth) please see what Redruth Town Band has been involved with in almost two centuries years of banding. Credit and thanks to Tony Mansell.

Celebration Concert

September 2022: Redruth Town placed 9th in the Third section of the National Championships of GB under David Nicholson playing Sinfonietta for Brass Band by Joseph Horovitz.

2023: Redruth Town placed 14th in the Second Section of the Regional Championships under David Nicholson playing Pilgrims Progress by Rodney Newton.

2025: Redruth Town placed 16th in the Third Section of the West of England Regional Championships under Mark Wilson playing Arkansas by Jacob de Haan.

2026: Redruth Town placed 10th in the Third Section of the West of England Regional Championships under Mark Wilson playing Three Haworth Impressions (Gordon Langford)

 

 

 

 

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.