St Erth is a civil parish and village four miles southeast of St Ives and six miles northeast of Penzance
Unknown formation date.
1889: A procession numbering about 800. The Artillery Band took the lead, immediately behind the banner, the Trencrom and St Erth Bands being placed in the centre and rear respectively. (8 August 1889 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1889: St Erth Band led the procession and was followed by the lifeboat and crew, drawn by six horses. (15 August 1889 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1891: After parading the town the scholars proceeded to the Towans where tea was provided. The St Erth Brass Band was present, and played selections of music. (9 July 1891 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1891: Correction. The St Erth Village Band, and not the Hayle Band, as stated our report last week, was in attendance at the proceedings in connection with the restoring of the village cross. (12 November 1891 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1892: Each school formed procession, by the Lelant Downs and St Erth Brass Bands respectively. (21 July 1892 – The Cornish Telegraph)
August 1892: St Erth independent Brass Band consisted of: Gillard Stephens, W R Blight, W Tredrea, Charles Wearne, Charles Lobb, Frank Potter, Frank Tregenza, Richard H Vivian, W Hampton, W J Treloar and Fred Nicholas. (John Brush)
1892: R G Nicholas, St Erth independent Brass Band MD. (John Brush)
1892: THE MERRY CARNIVAL. Hayle Alive with Gaiety. The carnival has found its way into Cornwall and is becoming as popular as in Venice. We have mirth and gay colours. We are amused by a motley throng of clowns and kings, cowboys and gondoliers, who march in procession in comical or gorgeous attire; and like to see the rockets and Roman candles and torchlights sending forth streams coloured fire and turning night into day. Hayle has been successful in its organization carnivals. … The St Erth independent brass band comprised Mr G. Nicholas (conductor) Messrs Gillard Stephens, W. R. Blight, W Tredrea, Charles Wearne, Charles Lobb, Frank Potter, Frank Tregenza, Richard H. Vivian, W. Hampton, W. J. Treloar, and Fred. Nicholas; with Mr J. Jordan driving a brake from Mr Champion’s White Hart hotel, Hayle ; and with T Jose as postillion. (18 August 1892 – Cornishman)
1893: CARNIVAL AT HAYLE. Hayle artillery band, blowing their most melodious and inspiring sound. The conductor of the band was Mr. Trebilcock, and the other members Messrs. Solomon Stephens, Edwin Merrifield, A. Trounson, J. Odgers, Sydney Gregory, Robert Rowe, J. Angove, J. Andrews, W. H. Williams, J. Stephens, W. Merrifield, J. T. H. Williams, J. Coombes, C. Love, and J. There was quite little heart-burning over the selection of this band to lead the procession, as the Hayle rifle-volunteer band having long chafed at taking second place and, having come out victoriously in the recent band contest at Nansloe, thought that they ought to take precedence of the artillery band. The committee and the officers of both companies thought differently. They acted the rule that in actual warfare the artillery takes the lead, and decided that this must be the order the carnival procession. … St Erth Band was comprised of Messrs. R. G. Nicholas (conductor) J. B. Blight, W. R. Blight, W. J. Pellow, F. J: Potter, A. Harris. F. Tregenza, C. Lobb, C. Wearne, R. H. Verrant, E. C. Williams, F. Colleck, and W. J. Treloar … (17 August 1893 – Cornishman)
1893: Mr Passmore Edwards and son, accompanied by a mounted escort; trade representatives, etc. Hayle Town Band; and St Erth Brass Band. The procession marched from Hayle and Copperhouse and back to the site. (28 September 1893 – The Cornish Telegraph)
September 1894: St Erth independent Brass Band consisted of:Fred Nicholas, John Nicholas, Charles Lobb, Alfred Harris, W J Pellow, W J Treloar, W J Richards, W Tredrea, Thoomas Colliet, W Blight and F Trengeza. (John Brush)
1896: Soon after half-past eight the band struck up. St Erth and Deveral Bands headed the whole line into Foundry Square, thence down the street to Copperhouse. (6 August 1896 – Cornishman)
1896: St Erth Band obtained 2nd prize at Trevenson park. (5 November 1896 – Cornishman)
1897: St Erth Independent Brass Band was in attendance and by its lively music and sweet strains added greatly to the enjoyment of those present. (13 May 1897 – Cornishman)
1897: Headed by Helston Band, the Primitive Methodist by Porthleven Band, the Bible Christian by Troon Band, the New Connexion by St Erth Band, the Salvation Army by Penzance Salvation Army Band. The Wesleyan Schools Beacon and Pengegon also paraded the town. (10 June 1897 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1896: There was large procession in full regalia, headed by the handsome banner of the Rechabites and accompanied by the St Ives Town Band and St Erth Independent Band. (9 July 1896 – Cornishman)
1896 to 1898: St Erth Brass Band Contesting (Contest archive)
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: The New-connexion school, the Tuckingmill school, and … paraded the streets, headed by the St Erth, Illogan, and Devoran Bands respectively. (10 June 1897 – Cornishman)
1898: It was pleasing to notice the unanimity existing between the St Ives and St Erth Bands, as they subsequently combined and marched through the streets. (30 June 1898 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1900: The newly-formed St Erth String Band, under conductorship of Mr A Stevens, played and were thanked by the vicar for their kindness. (28 June 1900 – Cornishman)
1901: The proceedings opened with a march by the St Erth Orchestral Band, who also contributed several selections during the evening, which were much appreciated. (27 February 1901 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1902: St Erth Brass Band, under the leadership of Mr R J Nicholas, started from the schools and marched to Treloweth. (3 July 1902 – Cornishman)
1903: It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death of Mr Thomas Perry. For some years deceased was the leader of the St Erth Band. (6 August 1903 Cornishman)
1904: St Erth Brass Band, under the leadership of Mr R J Nicholas, builder, St Erth, paraded the village of Goldsithney.”(10 March 1904 – Cornishman)
1904: The Wesleyans held their annual festival on Saturday. Headed by St Erth Band, the procession marched to Relubbus and back to the chapel, where a goodly number partook tea. (4 August 1904 – Cornishman)
1905: The annual school treat was accompanied the St Ives and St Erth Volunteer Bands. (6 July 1905 – Cornishman)
1905: The St Erth Band (under the conductorship of Mr R J Nicholls) played several selections music during the afternoon. (17 August 1905 – Cornishman)
1905: During the afternoon, the St Erth Independent Band played several selections of music in creditable manner. (9 November 1905 – Cornishman)
1906: Various carol parties were in evidence at Goldsithney, prominent among them being the Church choir, Relubbus, and Marazion. St Erth Brass Band (under Mr Harris) also visited some of the principal residences, and their music was much enjoyed. (4 January 1906 – Cornishman)
1906: Met at Loggans by a crowd of enthusiastic Liberals. A grand procession was formed and accompanied by the Camborne Town Band and St Erth Brass Band, they proceeded on their triumphal march. Mr Dunn’s carriage was drawn by a number of his supporters. (1 February 1906 – Cornishman)
1906: St Erth Band (under the conductorship of Mr R J Nicholas) was in attendance and played lively selections of music during the afternoon. (8 November 1906 – Cornishman)
1907: St Erth Band has been re-organised by the conductor, Mr R J Nicholas. Great care and time has been taken by the conductor training the fresh musicians. (28 March 1907 – Cornishman)
1907: Sunday school. The children, after meeting at the schoolroom in the afternoon, accompanied by St Erth Brass Band, walked to Wendron Vicarage, and were there accorded a hearty welcome by the Rev. Arundell Leakey. (1 August 1907 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1908: St Erth Band, under the conductorship of Mr R J Nicholas, has lately rendered selections of music during the evenings in the village. (21 May 1908 – Cornishman)
1908: Fine weather was enjoyed at Hayle where Christmas-day was quietly spent. Carol parties and the Hayle Rifles and St Erth Brass Bands made their usual rounds. (28 & 31 December 1908 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1908: Societies, wearing their regalia, marched in procession through the principal streets of the town, headed by St Erth Brass Band. Collections were made en route for the Truro and Penzance Dispensary and the Nursing Fund. (27 August 1908 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1909: In connection with St Erth Brass Band a smoking concert was held in the band room on Saturday evening. There was large attendance. (7 January 1909 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1910: Band of Hope annual festival. Headed by St Erth Brass Band, under the conductorship of Fred Nicholas in the unavoidable absence of Mr R J Nicholas, bandmaster). (23 June 1910 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1910: Hayle Independent Band and the St Erth Band, also some carol parties, made their usual rounds, and enlivened matters a little. (29 December 1910 – Cornishman)
1914: F Nicholas, St Erth independent Brass Band MD. (John Brush)
1914: On Christmas Day, St Erth brass band, under the conductorship of Mr F Nicholas, played a selection of carols at various places throughout the parish. (1 January 1914 – Cornishman)
1914 March: St Erth Brass Band re-organised under Richard Rogers MD and P C Harris Secretary. (BBHD)
1914: St Erth Brass Band has been re-organised under the conductorship of Mr Richard Rogers. (26 March 1914 – Cornishman)
1914: The inhabitants of St Erth are pleased to hear that the St Erth Brass Band has been re-organized with a new bandmaster in the person of Mr Richard Rogers. Mr Philip C Harris has been appointed secretary. About 15 or 16 have joined the band. (2 April 1914 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1914: Great progress has been made by St Erth Brass Band since its re-organisation, the selections of music played periodically in the village square being much appreciated. (4 June 1914 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1920: Stuart Rowe, St Erth Brass Band MD.
1920: In a tug of war, teams from St Hilary and Perranuthnoe were rivals, and Perranuthnoe won. St Erth Brass Band played good selection of music. (12 August 1920 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1921: St Erth Brass Band will render special selections of music under the conductorship of Mr Stewart Rowe. (10 March 1921 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1921: Hayle Local Regatta. The Hayle Town Band and St Erth Brass Band are giving their services. (1 September 1921 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1921: Selections of music were played by St Erth Brass Band, under Mr Stuart Rowe. (26 October 1921 – Cornishman)
1922: St Erth Silver Band visited Pool on Saturday and played at the combined Wesleyan and United Methodist Free Church Sunday-school treat. The band, under Bandmaster Rowe, has attained a high of efficiency. Its services are in great demand. (28 June 1922 – Cornishman)
1922: A procession was formed, headed by the St Erth Silver Band, and paraded the village, afterwards returning to a field kindly lent for the occasion. (19 July 1922 – Cornishman)
1922: Gwinear. The Sunday school scholars assembled in the schoolroom and a procession, headed by the St Erth Silver Band proceeded to Reawla. (26 July 1922 – Cornishman)
1922: Breage. Teachers and scholars assembled in the chapel, a procession was then formed and, headed by the St Erth Silver Band paraded the village. (2 August 1922 – Cornishman)
1922 to 1925: St Erth Brass Band contesting under Stuart Rowe. (Contest archive)
1922: Gwinear Races. St Erth Silver Band was in attendance. (2 August 1922 – Cornishman)
1923: Grand Display of sports and races. St Erth Silver Band will play selections during the afternoon. (24 & 31 May 1923 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1923: St Erth Silver Band rendered selections of music. (7 June 1923 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1923: Annual festival. The members assembled in the schoolroom at p.m. at 2.30 a procession headed the St Erth Silver Band paraded the village. (20 June 1923 – Cornishman)
1923: Trelissick, Hayle, by a band from Newquay. The proceeds were in aid of the St Erth Silver Band fund. (21 June 1923 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1923: Wesleyan School festival. The village procession was headed by St Erth Silver Band. (21 June 1923 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1923: Ludgvan. On Saturday in lovely weather, Wesleyans of Tolveth (Ludgvan) celebrated their annual Sunday-school festival. St Erth Silver Band was in attendance. (18 July 1923 – Cornishman)
1923: St Hilary. Headed by the St Erth Prize Silver Band, marched in procession to Relubbus and back to the chapel on the occasion of Hallamanning (St. Hilary) Wesleyan Sunday-school. (1 August 1923 – Cornishman)
1923: Teachers and scholars in a procession headed by the St Erth Silver Band, paraded the village. (8 August 1923 – Cornishman)
1924: St Erth Silver Band gave an open air concert at Moor Grove. (4 June 1924 – Cornishman)
1924: A concert in aid of the funds of the St Erth Silver Band was given in the Trelissick Gardens. (2 July 1924 – Cornishman)
1924: St Erth Praze, held their annual school treat. St Erth Silver Prize Band was in attendance and very pleasant time was spent by the young and old. (23 July 1924 – Cornishman)
1924: Sports at Canonstown. St Erth Silver Band was in attendance throughout. (9 July 1924 – Cornishman)
1924: Selections were given during the afternoon by the String Orchestra and the St Erth Silver Prize Band. (6 August 1924 – Cornishman Penzance, Cornwall)
1924: Scholars and teachers met in the schoolroom. A procession was formed and, headed by the St Erth Silver Prize Band. (6 August 1924 – Cornishman)
Name change to St Erth Silver Band.
1925: Godolphin Fete And Show. St Erth Silver Band discoursed the sweetest of music all the afternoon and evening. (1 July 1925 – Cornishman)
1925: The teachers and scholars paraded the village. St Erth Silver Band was in attendance and gave selections of music, including the test piece for the forthcoming contest. (2 July 1925 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1925: St. Erth Feast. During the afternoon the St Erth Silver Prize Band [I think] played selections in the field. (4 November 1925 – Cornishman)
1926: The Frivolities, gave an entertainment at St. Erth Church Hall Monday, the proceeds being in aid of St Erth Silver Band. (17 February 1926 – Cornishman)
1926: Band of Hope procession was formed at the schoolroom and, headed by the St Erth Silver Band, the members paraded the village. (2 June 1926 – Cornishman)
1926: Under the leadership of Mr. J. H. Trudgeon. A silver collection was taken at the gate in aid of the funds of the St Erth Silver Band, which was also present and rendered selections. (28 July 1926 – Cornishman)
1926: Wanted. Bandmaster for St Erth Band: cornet player preferred. (12 October 1926 – Western Morning News)
1927: St Erth Silver Band contesting under E C Wills. (Contest archive)
1927: St Erth. St Erth Silver Band gave two concerts which were listened to by large appreciative audiences. (3 November 1927 – Cornishman)
1928: St Erth Band, under Mr E Wills, provided the music on Saturday at Bridge Wesleyan Sunday-school annual treat. (12 July 1928 – Cornishman)
1928: St Erth Silver Band contesting under Charles Baker. (Contest archive)
1928: St Erth Silver Band contesting under George Cave. (Contest archive)
1928: St Erth Band of Hope – large gathering met in the Wesleyan School room, and afterwards paraded the village, headed by the St Erth Silver Band. (13 June 1928 – Cornishman)
1928: St Erth Silver Band, under Mr G Cave, was attendance. (2 August 1928 – Cornishman)
1928: St Erth Silver Band played at Angarrack Sunday school tea treat (Methodist tea-treats in Cornwall by Cedric Appleby)
1928: Sports at The Lizard (Cury). St Erth Silver Band (under Mr. Cave) was in attendance, and later played selections in the Square. (16 August 1928 – Cornishman)
1928: Bandmaster, immediately, St Erth Silver Band. Applicants state salary, experience – Richard Warren, Secretary, St Erth. (5 September 1928 – Western Morning News)
1928: St Erth Feast. The weather on the whole was favourable, and there was as usual a large number of visitors. Selections of music by St Erth Silver Band on Sunday afternoon and evening, and again on Monday, added greatly to the festivity of the occasion. (8 November 1928 – Cornishman)
1928: On behalf of the St Erth Silver Band a concert was given in the Wesleyan schoolroom. (20 December 1928 – Cornishman)
1929: St Erth Silver Band contesting under S Pye. (Contest archive)
1929: St Erth Silver Band, under the conductorship of Mr. S C Pye gave a sacred concert the Bolton Moors, Crowlas. (6 June 1929 – Cornishman)
1929: Band of Hope. The members assembled at the schoolroom; a procession was formed and, headed the St Erth Silver Band, paraded the village. (13 June 1929 – Cornishman)
1929: St Erth Silver Band (who kindly gave their services) were in attendance and rendered a pleasing programme of music. (22 August 1929 – Cornishman)
1929: St Erth Prize Silver Band, conducted by Mr S Pye, gave a band concert at Whitecross on Sunday in a field kindly lent by Mr J E Andrewartha. (26 September 1929 – Cornishman)
1930: Wanted. Bandmaster for St Erth Silver Band. Reply giving experience and salary required. (16 January 1930 – Cornishman / 23 January 1930 – Cornishman)
1930: The fourth annual social and dance of St Erth Silver Band was held in the Parochial Hall, Friday. (20 February 1930 – Cornishman)
1930: St Erth Silver Band is prepared to accept, Engagements for Gala Days, Sunday-school Treats, Etc. Terms on application to the Hon. Sec.. G. Gooding, St. Erth. (10 April 1930 – Cornishman)
1930: Cricket Club. St Erth Prize Silver Band, conducted by Mr N Trudgen, was in attendance, and a large number of supporters of the club. (3 July 1930 – Cornishman)
1930: The humorous side of the game was thoroughly enjoyed by the large number present. St Erth Silver Band was in attendance. (3 July 1930 – Cornishman)
1930: British Legion were well represented and a large number of the general public were present. The singing was led by the St Erth Silver Band and a very impressive service terminated by the singing of the National Anthem. (13 November 1930 – Cornishman)
1930: On Tuesday last a concert was given by the Newlyn Prize Male Quartette in the Wesleyan schoolroom in aid the St Erth Silver Band. (25 December 1930 – Cornishman)
1931/32: St Erth Silver Band contesting under Norman Trudgeon. (Contest archive)
1931: A few members of the St Erth Silver Prize Band give their services, rendered some lively music. (19 February 1931 – Cornishman)
1931: In connection with the St Erth Silver Band, the annual social was held in the Schoolroom on 11 Friday evening. There was a large number present. (5 March 1931 – Cornishman)
1931: All correspondence relative to St Erth Silver Band in future please address to W. P. Stone. Hon. Sec., St. Erth. (30 April & 7 May 1931 – Cornishman)
1931: St Erth – the annual festival of the Band of Hope procession was formed at 2.30 p.m. and headed by the St Erth Silver Band paraded the village. (18 June 1931 – Cornishman)
1931: St Erth Silver Band gave two splendid open air concerts in the afternoon and evening, under the conductorship of Mr. Trudgeon. (5 November 1931 – Cornishman)
1931: Memorial and a very impressive service conducted by the Rev. W. Lee was held. The singing of the hymns led by the St Erth Silver Band. (12 November 1931 – Cornishman)
1932: A concert was given by the Camborne Glee Party, in aid of the St Erth Silver Band. (14 January 1932 – 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: Scholars and officers met in the schoolroom and afterwards, headed by the St Erth Silver Band, paraded the village. (4 August 1932 – Cornishman)
1932: St Erth Feast. St Erth Silver Band gave two programmes of music during the afternoon and evening. (3 November 1932 – Cornishman)
1932: Remembrance Day at Ludgvan. The procession being headed by St Erth Silver Band. (17 November 1932 – Cornishman)
1932: There was a large representative gathering, and the singing was led by the St Erth Silver Band. After the Benediction was pronounced, wreaths, in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice. (17 November 1932 – Cornishman)
1933: St. Erth Methodist Band of Hope was headed by the St Erth Silver Band, paraded the village. (15 June 1933 – Cornishman)
1933: St Erth Silver Prize Band, and, after the children had their buns and tea there was a well-attended public tea. (29 June 1933 – Cornishman)
1933: The nnual festival was held. The teachers and scholars met in the schoolroom, and, headed by the St Erth Silver Band, paraded the village. (10 August 1933 – Cornishman)
1933: Ludgvan branch of the Legion (under Major N. C. Richards), and Trencrom troop of Boy Scouts, headed by St Erth Silver Band. (28 September 1933 – Cornishman)
1933: The singing was led by the St Erth Silver Band. The Last Post and Reveille were efficiently sounded by Mr. H. Pellow. Hayle. (16 November 1933 – Cornishman)
1934: All met in the Methodist schoolroom 3 o’clock, where a procession was formed and headed by the St Erth Silver Prize Band, paraded the village. (21 June 1934 – Cornishman)
1934: The scholars and teachers assembled in the schoolroom and forming a procession, headed by the St Erth Silver Prize Band, paraded the village. (16 August 1934 – Cornishman)
1935: A procession was then formed and, headed by the St Erth Silver Band, paraded the village. (9 May 1935 – Cornishman)
1941: Annual treat took place on Saturday. The scholars assembled in the schoolroom and at 3 p.m., headed by the St Erth Band, paraded the village. (24 July 1941 – Cornishman)
1960s late: St Erth Silver Band disbanded. (John Brush)
1973: St Erth Silver Band re-formed. (BBHD)
St Erth Silver Band – unknown date (Photo: Sharon Ciliberti – Nostalgic St Erth)
1977 to 1986: St Erth Silver Band Contesting under I P Stone. (Contest archive)
1984 circa: Barry Tresidder, St Erth Silver Band MD.
1989: St Erth Silver Band contesting under C Lawry. (Contest archive)
1995: St Erth Silver Band converted to a concert band. (BBHD)
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.
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