11 Corps Duke of Cornwall’s Artillery Volunteers / 13 Corps Duke of Cornwall’s Artillery Volunteers / 5 Company Cornwall Royal Garrison Artillery. “The 11 Corps Band, in 1852, was engaged to play at the opening of the West Cornwall Railway at Penzance Station. 13 Corps was the new title adopted under the reorganisation in 1859 and they had their band by 1862. The complete unit was disbanded in 1878 then reconstructed in 1900 under the new title 5 Company. At this point, St Ives Town Band enlisted en bloc, whilst continuing with their town band activities, which, as the next few years passed grew less and less, until 1909 when the town acquired a new town band of their own. From then on the artillery band stuck to its own side of the fence. Known conductors were Gordon Steer who served from 1900 to 1909, he being superseded by A Spray. No records can be found of contesting.” (John Brush)
1852: The Band of 11 Corps Duke of Cornwall’s Artillery Volunteers engaged, with other bands, to play at the opening of the West Cornwall Railway at Penzance (Penzance Gazette 1st September 1852)
1853: To those residents in towns near the West Cornwall Line facilities were offered for reaching Trevince by its means. The St Ives Band came by the first train to Penzance, and, after a hasty recruiting through the principal streets, joined a large number. (10 August 1853 – The Cornish Telegraph)
Early 1860s to early 187os: St Ives Brass Brass Band active. (BBHD / John Brush)
1862: 13 Corps Duke of Cornwall’s Artillery Volunteers Band active.
(Royal Cornwall Gazette, Friday September 7th 1860)
1862: A concert on behalf of the funds of the corps was given in the National Schoolroom by the St Ives Brass Band, assisted by gentlemen amateurs, which was respectably attended. (25 April 1862 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1862: Volunteer Corps. A concert was given in aid of the funds of the St Ives Corps, by the St Ives Brass Band, assisted by a part of the St Ives Choral Society. (25 April 1862 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1862: The corps were marched off, headed by the St Ives Brass Band, but halted at the Town-hall, when the gallant colonel again addressed the battery. (6 June 1862 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1865: St Ives Volunteers. On Tuesday night, the ladies of St Ives gave a tea party for the purpose of providing a Brass Band for the Volunteers of the town. (13 January 1865 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1867: Band of 13 Corps Volunteers Contesting. (Contest archive)
1867: A musical entertainment will be given at the same room on Friday evening, April 20th, in aid of the St Ives Brass Band. (18 April 1867 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1867: The Artillery Band played on Saturday evening. (19 August 1867 – Western Morning News)
1870: Accompanied by the St Ives and Hayle Artillery Bands, perambulated the principal streets. (2 July 1870 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1877: St Ives Railway line opened to the music of the Band of the 11th and 13th Duke of Cornwall Volunteers.
1878: Band of 13 Corps Volunteers disbanded.
1879: St Ives Town Band formed. (Band website)
1882: Season Band (supported entirely by voluntary contributions). (24 August 1882 – Cornishman)
Did the 1879 St Ives Town Band falter? See folllowing item.
1885: A long felt want in St Ives was about to be supplied by the establishment of a Town Band. Several prominent young men, including Mr. Parsons, Mr. Payne, and Mr. French have interested themselves in the matter. (10 December 1885 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1890: Gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood, together with the Welcome All Court of Foresters, and the St Ives Brass Band which brought up the rear. (26 June 1890 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1893: Mr W. W. Knowles, the solo clarinet of the Town Band gave such admirable rendering of Le Thiere’s arrangement. “Home Sweet Home” that an encore was inevitable. (19 October 1893 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1895: St Ives Town Band contesting. (Contest archive)
1896: Yachting at St Ives. St Ives Town-Band paraded the principal streets of that borough on Saturday evening and gave capital selection of marches. (25 June 1896 – Cornishman)
1895/96: Hayle DCR Band formed, or re-formed.
1896: Hayle Rifle Volunteer Band and the St Ives Town Band accompanied the procession, and discoursed sweet music in a field. (2 July 1896 – The Cornish Telegraph)
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)
1897: “St. Ives. The Town-Band appearing in uniform for first time under the direction of bandmaster Steer. (24 June 1897 – Cornishman)
Summer 1897: St Ives Band (probably the DCR Band) in Trevorrow’s Garden, at the top of Tregenna Lane (Photo: courtesy Val Thomas)
1897-1901: C Gordon Steer. St Ives Town Band MD. (BBHD / John Brush)
1898: Hayle Rifles and the St Ives Town Band to the Western Towans. (2 June 1898 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1898: A procession was formed at the Board-school. The Rechabites, accompanied the St Ives Town Band, took the lead, and were followed by the Towednack Brass-Band, who preceded the Foresters. (7 July 1898 – Cornishman)
1898: Passmore Edwards institute. The mayor, Mr. B. S. Bead, J.P., in the presence of members of the corporation and the St Ives Town-Band, presented Mr. Charon Gordon Steer, for many years assistant-town-clerk of St. Ives and bandmaster of St. Ives Band. (22 December 1898 – Cornishman)
1898: … of the Town Council, handed to Mr. C. G. Steer (assistant town clerk) a purse of gold, and at the request of the St Ives Brass Band (of which Mr Steer is conductor), made a further presentation of a handsome baton. Mr. Steer suitably replied. (22 December 1898 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1899: St. Ives Bible Christians and Primitive Methodist Sunday-schools had their annual tea treats on Wednesday in delightful weather. The Town Band was engaged for both schools. Hayle Artillery Band also accompanied the Primitive Methodist children. (29 June 1899 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1899: St Ives Town Band played an admirable selection of music on the Malakoff on Thursday evening, under the direction of the bandmaster, Mr C. Gordon Steer. (27 July 1899 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1900: 5 Company Cornwall Royal Garrison Artillery Band formed and members of the then reconstructed in 1900 under the new title 5 Company. St Ives Town Band enlisted en bloc whilst continuing with their town band activities, which, as the next few years passed, grew less and less. (John Brush)
1900: The Artillery Band. Councillor Read said the Town Band that once was, had now become the Artillery Band and the council had given an annual subscription of £5 towards the band. (12 July 1900 – Cornishman)
1900: Bandstand – fo the use of the St Ives Artillery Band. (20 July 1900 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1900: St Ives Artillery Band had the new Drill Hall as their base. (Internet)
1900: St Ives [Artillery] Band have already referred to the want of this band of new instruments. (13 September 1900 – Cornishman)
1900 to 1905: Gordon Steer, 5 Company Artillery Band MD.
1901: It will be remembered that some few months ago the suggestion was made that the St Ives Artillery Band should be provided with new instrument. A number of the old ones having been in use for some considerable time. (13 February 1901 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1901: St Ives ladies have provided for the Brass Band with six new instruments and a silver cornet for the leader, Mr. C. Gordon Steer. (14 February 1901 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
St Ives Town Band disbanded. (John Brush)
1902: St Ives Town Band. Mr. John Tanner, Jun, of St. Ives, wrote the St. Ives town council, which met last Wednesday evening, stating that he had been asked to restart the old Town Band, which was so successful while it existed. At present there was no town and the general public had lost the benefit of the music at one time discoursed. He desired to know if the town council would grant him the use of the instruments, formerly belonging to the band, and bought by public subscription, the greater part of which were now lying idle. He had some knowledge of the work of raising and sustaining a band, and there was every prospect of having a town band at St. Ives that would be a credit to the place. The Town’ clerk understood that the instruments of the old town band were handed over to the Artillery corps. Ald. Blight thought the council gave them the instruments and £5. The town-clerk: They were to give public performances during summer season. He believed that was done. Ald. Faull did not think the council gave the corps the instruments. They intimated their consent to their being handed over. He was given to understand that the corps band were nearly all supplied with new instruments. If that was so the artillery may pass over the old ones to the council. The question was referred to the property and plans committee. (17 July 1902 – Cornishman)
1902: John Tanner invited to restart the St Ives Town Band.
1902: The decorations at St Ives were on an extensive scale, flags and bunting being everywhere to be seen. Two Brass Bands, the St Ives and Towednack, were engaged. (14 August 1902 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1902: St Ives, from one end to the other, was a blaze of colour, flags flying in great profusion. Two Brass Bands (St Ives Artillery and Towednack) were engaged. (14 August 1902 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1903: Penzance, and 100 from St. Ives, accompanied by their officers and the St Ives Volunteer Artillery and Penzance Independent Brass Bands, marched to the St. Ives Football Ground, where the men were put through various drills and indulged in sports. (19 February 1903 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)
1905: St Ives Volunteer Band played a capital selection on Monday evening in front of Hotel, St Ives. (17 August 1905 – Cornishman)
1905: Annual school treat accompanied by the St Ives and St Erth Volunteer Bands the teachers and scholars perambulated the town and then to the field were tea was provided. (6 July 1905 – Cornishman)
1905: Mr G Osborne, St Ives Volunteer Band MD. (Internet)
St Ives Town Council asked for the use of the instruments which had been paid for by public subscription but which had been handed over the to the Artillery corps. (John Brush)
1908: St Ives Town Band re-formed. (John Brush)
Thought to be St Ives Town Band (Photo: Courtesy St Ives Museum)
1908: St Ives Brass Band under the able lead of Bandmaster Osborne rendered a capital selection of music. (9 July 1908 – Cornishman)
1908: Congratulated on their smart appearance and large numbers. A procession was then formed and, headed by the St Ives Territorial Artillery Band, they marched through the principal streets of the town. (16 July 1908 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1909: 5 Company Artillery Band disbanded or simply ceased to exist. (John Brush)
1909: St Ives Temperance Band’s performance was appreciated by a large gathering. (9 June 1910 – Cornishman)
1910: Although the weather was fine, the sea was rather choppy. The St Ives Temperance Band, who kindly gave their services, played some capital selections during the afternoon. (8 September 1910 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1910: St Ives Temperance Band played open air selections in the borough on Saturday. (3 November 1910 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1911: St Ives will celebrate the historic event. It was also resolved to engage three bands for the occasion: St Ives Territorials, St Ives Temperance, and Towednack Bands. (13 April 1911 – Cornishman)
1911: Sunday School tea, Carthow, St. Ives. The procession was accompanied by the St Ives Town and Lelant Town Bands. The weather was everything that could desired. (6 July 1911 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1908: Mr Osborne, St Ives Town Band MD. (John Brush)
1909: A Spray, St Ives Town Band MD.
E J Williams, St Ives Town Band MD.
1912: From the 1969 LP sleeve (Photo: courtesy Chris Trevenna)
1912/13: St Ives Town Band contesting under Edwin J Williams. (Contest archive)
1913: Annual tea treat on Thursday at Carbis Bay. St Ives Town Band won two first prizes the band contest at St Dennis last Saturday. (28 August 1913 – The Cornish Telegraph)
St Ives Band but date unknown (Courtesy: Val Thomas)
St Ives 5th Bat Artillery Band – William Rowe middle Row 2nd from right (Photo Malc McCarthy)
1914: The obsequies were conducted throughout by the Rev. W A Chettle, of the St Ives church. St Ives Brass Band were present, and under the direction of Bandmaster C E Wills, played the Dead March from Saul from the residence. (16 April 1914 – Cornishman)
1914: Open-air services were conducted by the salvation Army Corps on Saturday. The St Ives Salvation Army Band was in attendance, and added greatly to the success of the meetings. (18 June 1914 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1914: Battles by land and sea may be forthcoming. Germans in West Cornwall, including a number of hotel waiters, have been summoned to Germany. Headed by the St Ives Town Band, some 80 members the Royal Naval Reserve, marched to the railway station at St Ives on Sunday, to proceed to Devonport. (6 August 1914 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1914: Enthusiastic Send Off. Cigarettes, matches, boxes of chocolate, and last, but no means the least, substantial pasties (real Cornish!). The St Ives Town Band was again requisitioned for the occasion, and, in the charge of Sergt. T. Symons, the squad of recruits marched to the railway station. (10 September 1914 – The Cornish Telegraph)
1914: Mr Williams has been appointed bandmaster of Camborne Town Band. Mr Williams, who succeeded Mr Will Layman, was formerly in charge of St Ives and Bugle Bands, and many years ago was a member of the Camborne Band. (3 December 1914 –The Cornish Telegraph / Cornishman)
1919: St Ives Salvation Army Band fulfilled an engagement at Porthleven on Tuesday. (2 July 1919 – Cornishman)
1919 At the football match, St Ives v Falmouth, St Ives Town Band attended and played admirably a selection of music. A collection was made on behalf of the Levant Mine Relief. (19 November 1919 – Cornishman)
1919 to 1924: St Ives Town Band contesting under John Tanner. (Contest archive)
1920: St Ives Town Band, under Bandmaster J Tanner, played an attractive programme of music in the open-air on Saturday evening. (31 March 1920 – Cornishman)
St Ives Salvation Army Band 1920s
St Ives Band – date unknown (Photo: unknown)
1920: St Ives Silver Band. This well-known Band, 22 in number, is now open to receive engagements.”(9 June 1920 – Cornishman)
1920s: Name change to St Ives Silver Prize Band. (John Brush)
1921: John Tanner has been re-elected bandmaster of St Ives Town Band, with Messrs. J. James treasurer, and T. Hancock secretary. (12 January 1921 – Cornishman)
1921: St Ives Prize Silver Band will render selections of music on Whit Monday. (4 & 11 May 1921 – Cornishman)
1921: Excellent selections of music were discoursed by the St Ives Silver Band, under Mr Tanner, whilst the St Just Boys’ Brass Band also gave appreciated renderings, under Mr Marks. (13 July 1921 – Cornishman)
1921: Procession. St Ives Prize Silver Band, and St Just Boys’ Brass Band, paraded the principal streets to the north pier. (13 July 1921 – Cornishman – Penzance)
1921: Record Entries followed a Grand Concert by St Ives Silver Prize Band. (10 August 1921 – Cornishman)
1921: Athletic Sports Canonstown. St Ives Prize Silver Band was attendance. (24 August 1921 – Cornishman)
1922: Easter Monday. A Garden Concert will be held in Payee’s Tea Gardens, Carbis bay. St Ives Silver Prize Band will render special selections of music. (29 March & 5 April 1922 – Cornishman)
1922: Methodist Sunday schools, at Bay. The tea was held in the New Institute, and St Ives Silver Band, under Bandmaster Tanner, gave pleasing selections. (5 July 1922 – Cornishman)
1922: Canonstown Athletic Sports. St Ives Silver Prize Band was in attendance and played selections at intervals. (2 August 1922 – Cornishman)
1922: Hellesveor Wesleyan Sunday-school had their annual tea-treat Wednesday, St Ives Silver Prize Band supplying the music. (16 August 1922 – Cornishman)
1922: St Ives Swimming Batches Regatta and Carnival. St Ives Silver Prize Band played pleasing selections during the afternoon. (30 August 1922 – Cornishman)
1922: St Ives Band, under the direction of Mr J Tanner, gave a concert at the Recreation Ground on Sunday. (20 September 1922 – Cornishman)
1923: The procession started from the Island, and, headed by the St Ives Silver Band, marched to a field at Oarthew (the Salvation Army Band was also present). (27 June 1923 – Cornishman)
1923: Keneggey Sports. St Ives Silver Band supplied a delightful programme of music throughout the afternoon and evening. (4 July 1923 – Cornishman)
1923: Headed by St Ives Silver Band, under the leadership of Mr. J. Tanner. (18 July 1923 – Cornishman)
1923: St. Keverne Athletic Sports. St Ives Silver Band, under Mr J Tanner, was in attendance, and the evening gave an open-air concert. (25 July 1923 – Cornishman)
1923: Penventon (lent by Sir Arthur Carkeek), the music being supplied by the St Ives Prize Silver Band, under Mr. J. Tanner. (26 July 1923 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1923: Athletic Sports at St. Ives. St Ives Silver Band played selections of music. (1 August 1923 – Cornishman)
1923: Sports at St. Ives. Excellent music was given by the St Ives Silver Band. (2 August 1923 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1923: Garden Fete at St. Ives. St Ives Silver Prize Band attended until the late evening. (15 August 1923 – Cornishman)
1923: St Ives Prize Silver Band played pleasing selections of music in the Marketplace Saturday evening…”(5 September 1923 – Cornishman)
1923: St Ives. At meeting of the members of the prize Silver Band and committee last week, the resignation of Mr. John Tanner bandmaster, was received and accepted with regret. (14 November 1923 – Cornishman)
1924: St Ives Silver Prize Band gave an appreciative concert the Public Hall on Friday evening. (5 March 1924 – Cornishman)
1924: The young people had a pleasant time at Carthew, the proceedings being enlivened by the St Ives Silver Prize Band. (16 July 1924 – Cornishman)
1924: St Ives for the excellent manner in which the programme had been arranged and carried out, The Mayor responded. St Ives Silver Band, who won the principal trophies at Stenalees the previous day were in attendance. (17 July 1924 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1924: St Ives Prize Silver Band visited Ludgvan on Sunday and gave two concerts aid of the funds of Ludgvan Band. The first concert was held in the afternoon in the Rectory ground, and the second in the evening in the fair field. (30 July 1924 – Cornishman)
1924: The proceedings were enlivened by the strains of the St Ives Silver Prize Band. (30 July 1924 – Cornishman)
1924: St Ives Athletic Sports. The events, held under A.A.A. rules, were run off smoothly and well, and as the St Ives Silver Band was at Marazion, music was supplied by the Hayle Town Band. (6 August 1924 – Cornishman)
1924: Marazion Regatta. During the progress of the regatta a first-class programme of music was rendered by the St Ives Town Silver Band, conducted by Mr. C. Dowrick. (6 August 1924 – Cornishman)
1924: Hellesveor school children enjoyed their summer outing, the procession being accompanied by St Ives Silver Prize Band. (13 August 1924 – Cornishman)
1924: St. Ives Regatta. St Ives Silver Prize Band was in attendance during the day, and in the evening at 9.30 an excellent display of fireworks was given on Smeaton’s Pier. (20 August 1924 – Cornishman)
1924: St Ives Silver Prize Band contesting under A Lawton. (Contest archive)
1924: St Ives Silver Prize Band contesting under J E Fidler. (Contest archive)
1924 to 1929: St Ives Silver Prize Band contesting under Edwin J Williams. (Contest archive)
1924: An excellent programme of music was given on Saturday evening by the St Ives Silver Prize Band, under the conductorship of Bandmaster Williams. The bill of fare was much enjoyed. (17 December 1924 – Cornishman)
1925: A social and dance was held in the drill hall on behalf of the St Ives Town Silver Band. (14 January 1925 – Cornishman)
1925: There was a crowded attendance at a concert given by St Ives Silver Prize Band. (4 March 1925 – Cornishman)
1925: St Ives. An excellent Band concert was provided at the Public Hall, on Saturday evening in aid of the funds of St Ives Silver Band. (8 April 1925 – Cornishman)
1925: The Corporation, headed by the St Ives Silver Prize Band, starting from the Library 2.45. This company proceeded up the Stennack, where they were joined by the children. (8 April 1925 – Cornishman)
1925: Dance for funds to purchase instruments which the local band was urgently in need of. The music was supplied by St Ives Silver Band and St Ives Jazz Orchestra. (22 April 1925 – Cornishman)
1925: The last of a series of concerts was held last Saturday, given by the St Ives Silver Prize Band, when a varied programme was rendered to large audience. (27 May 1925 – Cornishman)
1925: Goldsithney. After roll call the procession formed up and headed by the St Ives Silver Band, Mr E J Williams conducting, the village was perambulated east, west, north and south. (17 June 1925 – Cornishman)
1925: The music by the St Ives Prize Silver Band, and the Salvation Army Band. (1 July 1925 – Cornishman)
1925: Mousehole. Mousehole and St Ives Salvation Army Silver Bands paraded the principal parts of the town, on to the North Pier, where three hearty cheers were given for the King. (8 July 1925 – Cornishman)
1925: St Ives. Rechabites attended service accompanied by the St Ives Silver Band. (15 July 1925 – Cornishman)
1925: Breage. The children paraded the village, headed by the St Ives Silver Band, then proceeded to the vicarage grounds. (15 July 1925 – Cornishman)
1925: St. Agnes Wesleyan Sunday School held a tea treat on Saturday in field at Penwinnick lent by Mr Stephens. The St Ives Silver Band played. (23 July 1925 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)
1925: Mousehole. Ensign Mullett and Lieut Hopkins heartily thanked the Bandmaster and members of the St Ives Silver Band, for their visit and valuable help. (29 July 1925 – Cornishman)
1925: Sennen Sports. St Ives Silver Prize Band, under Bandmaster E. J. Williams, rendered music throughout. (19 August 1925 – Cornishman)
1925: St Ives Regatta and Swimming Matches. St Ives Silver Prize Band was in attendance throughout, under Bandmaster E. J. Williams. (26 August 1925 – Cornishman)
1926: Music being supplied by the St Ives Silver and Jazz Bands. Mr. W. H. Lanyon, president of the band, in an optimistic speech, appealed for support from one and all. Mr. E. J. Williams, bandmaster of St Ives Silver Band. (20 January 1926 – Cornishman)
1926: The band practising at the bungalow lent by Mr Garfield Daniel. (Echo 10th April 1926)
1926: With a view to augmenting the funds the St Ives Silver Band, two successful concerts and a whist drive were held during Easter week. (14 April 1926 – Cornishman)
1926: The music was supplied by St Ives Jazz Band and the Town Band. (9 June 1926 – Cornishman)
1926: Those who have experienced the stress of the contest stage will recognise the mixed emotions expressed by an unknown member of St Ives Band. He had the initials R S and his highly descriptive piece appeared in the Echo newspaper on the 4th of September 1926. It relates to the Band’s attendance at the West of England Bandsmen’s Festival in 1926 and was entitled:
With the Band at Bugle
“To those interested, and especially to those participating, a band contest is a most exciting affair. The sensations, however, vary from the most interesting and exciting to the most uninteresting and monotonous and at times it becomes painfully dull. This may seem something of a paradox, but who can describe the pent-up feeling of excitement experienced when standing on the stage waiting for the adjudicator’s signal to start, surrounded by a sea of upturned critical faces? And who, on the other hand, can rightly interpret the monotony of the long wait for the contest to end and the awards to be announced; or the painful feeling of anxiety where the judge makes his preliminary remarks? Again, there is the feeling of disappointment when you find that your hopes are defeated, but for the fortunate, the hilarity which attends success.
We left St Ives at 7:15 on Saturday morning last en-route for Bugle, accompanied by the good wishes of our many supporters. The first few miles passed uneventfully with most of the members singing and the occasional cheers of passers-by, to which we lustily replied. I could not help wondering whether we would be as happy when we returned.
The first incident of note occurred just before we arrived at the little village of Zelah. Here we witnessed a scene that cast over the whole party a depressing gloom, which with was with difficulty dispelled.
Pulled up on one side of the road was an ambulance and opposite, a little group of people looking sadly at some object lying at their feet. We realised at once that an accident had happened and then a gentleman came running up asking us to stop and giving us particulars. Two motorcycles had collided and one of the riders was dead, the other seriously injured and a lady who had been riding pillion also badly hurt. Whilst we waited, they lifted the injured man into the van and then, raising our hats, we drove slowly past the scene. The dead body lay covered with straw by the wayside, the two cycles, frames bent and wheels smashed, gave evidence of the force of the impact, and an ominous red stain on the surface of the road cast a morbid impression on even the most hardened mind.
There was no more singing and very little speaking until we arrived at Mitchell where we drew up for lunch and the final practise. The landlord of the only inn did not in the least resemble Ye Goode Olde Host usually associated with English country hostels. He was neither fat nor hearty, cheerful nor free. In fact he provided a striking contrast as he moved slowly about serving his customers with the most dejected appearance. And then, from hidden folds and bags were brought pasties of every size and length and shape. There is always keen competition for the honour of being the owner of the biggest pasty, and this year that distinction as usual went to Tom. There is nothing that induces good humour better than good grub and we were in much better spirits when we entered the car, after a final rub-up, and proceeded to Bugle.
Now we were in a district where the very atmosphere was argillaceous. Around the houses hung the musty dust of clay; our boots were soon covered with a layer of white, and we were hemmed in on every side by huge clay dumps.
Being the first band to March from the town to the contest field, we selected the most shaded and secluded corner and ensconced ourselves as comfortably as possible. We were to play fifth and as we listened to the preceding bands it became obvious that the standard of playing was even higher than usual. I mingled amongst the large crowd of listeners. The opinions expressed were many and various. Everybody criticised and each was equally dogmatic in his or her assertion.
When our turn came, we were in readiness, and marching up in orderly array we endeavoured to impress upon the connoisseur of dress and deportment that this was the band he was looking for. He appeared indifferent, however, to our best efforts and did not mention us in his prize list. Anyway that was only a sideline and we now settle down to serious business.
The wait for the sound of the commencing whistle was fraught with anxiety that almost amounted to mental torture for the younger members of the band and one in particular looked as if each gust of wind would carry him off the stage. To those who have had no such experience, this stage fright may seem absurd, but when we think that this was the moment for which they had been preparing for many weeks and that a slip would nullify, not only their own but the work of their 23 colleagues, it sounds more feasible. Under such circumstances I could not but admire the sang froid of the bandmaster who moved around, apparently indifferent to the surroundings, cracking a joke with one and helping another with his music. This, more than anything, helped to restore my composure, and concentrating on the music I contrived to forget the crowd and almost the judge.
The whistle shrills, a slight tap on the stand and the band masters stick is in the air. We were all energetically blowing the water from our instruments, which had already been done a dozen times. Glancing round, the bandmaster swings his arms, and with a crash we are off.
We produced our best form and from the cheers of the crowd as we trailed off, we knew that even if beaten, we were certainly not disgraced, and this thought kept us in buoyant spirits.
After tea we found the time hung very heavily and though we favoured the town with a cursory inspection we saw nothing of interest, and we all wished for the contest to end. We had to play again but this was nothing like the ordeal of the first attempt and we filed to the platform quite at ease. During the wait to start an incident occurred which caused amusement both to the audience and their selves. A bottle, left on the stage by a previous competitor, was eagerly picked up by a certain bandsman, to be just as quickly replaced as, with a preliminary sniff, he discovered it contained nothing stronger than water. It was the expression of mixed disappointment and disdain on his face which caused the amusement.
When we had finished and given another performance we packed up in readiness for our return. It was nine o’clock before the last band had finished and in the crepuscular light, we crowded around the stage, waiting with what patience we could muster for the adjudicator to announce his decisions. After an epitome of their opinions we were announced as fifth out of nine, it was naturally disappointing but we still had reason to consult ourselves with the thought of a praiseworthy achievement. Our disappointment soon evaporated and we left Bugle to the tune of rollicking songs.
It was a wonderful night and a full moon in a cloudless sky revealed all the charms of the Duchy in an unusual manner, which whilst robbing it of none of the beauties of daylight, added the peculiar charm of eeriness which could not fail to impress. Free from depressing thoughts i thoroughly enjoyed that homeward ride. I was lost in the land of reverie. The multitudinous happenings of the day crowded themselves upon my brain and predominant amongst them was a pathetic tragedy of the morning.
To return from this digression, we arrived on the Malakoff in the early hours of the morning to find a number of our most ardent supporters, many of whom had been waiting for hours to give us a rousing reception. For their satisfaction we played through the streets and at the market house the bandmaster made a short speech in which he said, ‘although we are beaten, we are not dismayed’. This expressed most of our sentiments and then with the cheers, good wishes and occasional congratulations, we dispersed. There is little wonder that after such a tiring day I soon found blissfulness in the land of dreams.”
1927: Liberal Fete at Penzance. Music will be supplied by the St Ives Prize Silver Band. (6 July 1927 – Cornishman)
1927: Newlyn Prize Male Choir was conducted by Mr J I Thomas, with Miss J Batten pianist, St Ives Silver Band (Mr E J Williams conductor) played selections. (9 July 1927 – Western Morning News)
1927: Liberal Fete at Penzance. St Ives Prize Silver Band were also present, and their selections were greatly enjoyed. (13 July 1927 – Cornishman)
1927: Carbis Bay Horticultural and Dairy Produce Show. Attractions: St Ives Silver Band. (20 July 1927 – Cornishman)
1927: St. Ives Swimming Matches. St Ives Silver Band played selections of music throughout the afternoon. (17 August 1927 – Cornishman)
1927: As a result of a concert given St Ives Silver Band… (21 September 1927 – Cornishman)
1928: St Ives Silver Prize Band room built at Stennack by members. (Band website)
1928: At the annual meeting of St Ives Town Band, it was reported that … had been spent in erecting the new band room. (21 March 1928 – Cornishman)
1928: In aid of the funds of St Ives Silver Band a concert was held at the Public Hall. In addition to selections by the band (under the direction of Mr. E. J. Williams) … (4 April 1928 – Cornishman)
1928: Goldsithney. … paraded the length and breadth of the village, preceded by St Ives Silver Band. (20 June 1928 – Cornishman)
1928: Carbis Bay Horticultural Society. Music was supplied throughout the afternoon by the St Ives Silver Band. (2 August 1928 – Cornishman)
1928: St. Ives Regatta. St Ives Silver Band were in attendance. (23 August 1928 – Cornishman)
1929: St Ives Town Silver Band also gave a fine performance, under the direction of Mr. E Williams. (25 July 1929 – Cornishman)
1929: St. Ives Swimming. St Ives Town Silver Band were in attendance throughout. (22 August 1929 – Cornishman)
1929: St Ives Silver Band gave a programme of music on Saturday evening on behalf of the local Ambulance Brigade. (29 August 1929 – Cornishman)
1929: St Ives Prize Silver Band, conducted Mr L J Willams, visited St Just and Land’s End on Sunday. (3 September 1929 – Western Morning News)
1929: The visit of the St Ives Silver Band, conducted by Mr. E. J. Williams, to Land’s End and St. Just on Saturday was much appreciated. (5 September 1929 – Cornishman)
1930: Carthew. St Ives Silver Band was in attendance. Anniversary services were held at the local Salvation Army Citadel during the week-end. To date the sum of 9s. Od. has been received towards the funds of the St Ives Silver Band. (17 July 1930 – Cornishman)
1930: Mr. G. Beckerleg, a town workman, and member of St Ives Silver Band, met with an accident whilst working recently. It appears that he put his foot through a pane of glass. (11 September 1930 – Cornishman)
1930: A 1,000 shillings fund has been started in aid of St Ives Town Band. (2 October 1930 – Cornishman)
1931: St. Ives Guise Dancing Parade. St. Ives Town Band, (under the deputy Bandmaster, Joseph Tanner) marched the various sections through the town and also provided much appreciated dance music. (22 January 1931 – Cornishman)
1931: Owing to the resignation of Mr C E Dowrick, St Ives Band Committee have appointed John Tanner bandmaster. (28 May 1931 – Cornishman)
1931: St Ives Silver Band (under John Tanner) gave a much-appreciated programme of music in the streets on Saturday evening. (18 June 1931 – Cornishman)
1931: St Ives Band has entered for the contest at the Crystal Palace. (3 September 1931 – Cornishman)
1931: St Ives Silver Band Uniform and Equipment Fund a sum of £57 7s. 6d. has been received. (10 September 1931 – Cornishman)
1931: Bandmaster W J Lawry, rendered several selections both in the Bank Square and Market Square on Saturday evening. St Ives Salvation Army Band paid a visit to St Just on Thursday evening, and gave a musical service in the Salvation Army Hall. (24 September 1931 – Cornishman)
1931: Such progress has been made that local music critics expressed themselves as satisfied that the St Ives Band, if not being actually awarded a prize, would render the test piece in a manner creditable to the town and county. (28 September 1931 – Western Morning News)
1931: St Ives Silver Prize Band placed 2nd in the Junior Shield B of the National Brass Band Championships of GB at Crystal Palace under John Tanner.
St Ives Town Band outside St Ives Guildhall following its success at the National Championships. The players were presented with silver medals by the Town Council. (Courtesy: Rod Nasnkervis Fb)
1931: St Ives Town Band and their conductor, Mr John Tanner, are to be heartily congratulated on their success at the National Brass Band Festival at the Crystal Palace on Saturday. (1 October 1931 – Cornishman)
1931: Official Welcome: Thursday night, the members of St Ives Town Band were entertained to tea by the Mayor (Coun. W. Craze) to mark the occasion of their winning of the second prize in a contest at the Crystal Palace. (15 October 1931 – Cornishman)
1932: St Ives Silver Band gave an appreciated programme music at the Wharf Road on Easter Monday morning. (31 March 1932 – Cornishman)
1932: St Ives Band (Bandmaster Clark) gave a musical festival. (5 May 1932 – Cornishman)
1932: Headed by St Ives and Lelant Bands, the parade then marched through the streets of the town to the Wesleyan Church. (30 June 1932 – Cornishman)
1932: The Primitive Methodist Sunday-school treat was held on Thursday, the procession headed by St Ives Silver Band. (21 July 1932 – Cornishman)
1933: John Tanner has resigned the position of Bandmaster of St Ives Town Band. At the annual meeting on Tuesday the treasurer reported a debit balance of £8 9s. 0d. (6 April 1933 – Cornishman)
1933: St Ives Band (under bandmaster Ogden). (24 August 1933 – Cornishman)
1934: On Monday night by the St Ives Salvation Army Band, conducted by Major Stoker. (8 February 1934 – Cornishman)
1934: A letter was received from St Ives Silver Band suggesting that a bandstand should be erected on the harbour front, and the communication was referred to the Council. (31 May 1934 – Cornishman)
1934: The usual procession was headed by the superintendent Messrs. Richard H. Searle and Thomas Allen and St Ives Silver Prize Band. (26 July 1934 – Cornishman)
1934: St Ives Silver Band (Conductor, Mr E Ogden) will render selections during the afternoon and evening. (6 September 1934 – Cornishman)
1934: St Ives Silver Prize Band contesting under E Ogden. (Contest archive)
1935: St Ives Town Band (under bandmaster Ogden) headed the procession. (15 August 1935 – Cornishman)
1935: St. Ives Swimming Matches. Selections were rendered by St Ives Silver Band. (22 August 1935 – Cornishman)
1935: St Ives Town Band. Applications are invited for the position of bandmaster to the above. (19 September 1935 – Cornishman)
1936: Annual meeting of St Ives Town Band Committee on Tuesday, when the thanks of the meeting accorded Mr A Spray for his services as honorary bandmaster. (27 February 1936 – Cornishman)
1936: Cornwall County Association for the Blind was held in the Scala Theatre, on Sunday evening, being arranged by St Ives Town Band. In addition to items by the band, vocal solos were rendered by Master Bobbie Tanner (the boy soprano) and Mr J Grose. (9 April 1936 – Cornishman)
1936: After forming into a procession marched to the church, headed by St Ives Town Band, under Mr A Spray. (26 November 1936 – Cornishman)
1937: The Procession leaves sharp at 7.30. St Ives Silver Band in attendance. All Entries must be made to Mr. Clair Knight (Chairman of the Carnival Sub-Committee). (6 May 1937 – Cornishman)
1937: Borough magistrates, and other officials and members of the Corporation attended in the morning, with St Ives Town Band, under Bandmaster A Spray, Ambulance Brigade, the Girl Guides and local Toc H. Group … (10 June 1937 – Cornishman)
1937: The children marched to the Island, where a large procession was formed. Headed by St Ives Salvation Army Band the teachers and scholars then perambulated the town and proceeded to the Recreation Ground. (1 July 1937 – Cornishman)
1937: Mr A Spray, who has been honorary bandmaster of St Ives Town Band, has resigned that position. (23 September 1937 – Cornishman)
1938: Due to poor attendances at practices, the Council decided to constitute itself trustees of St Ives Town Band property: that all instruments be called in, and that endeavour be made to reform the band in September. (26 May 1938 – Cornishman)
St Ives Town Band seemingly re-formed under Mr Tanner.
1939: During the service the singing was led by the newly-formed St Ives Town Band, under the conductorship Mr. John Tanner. (27 April 1939 – Cornishman)
1939: Whilst proceeding to join an oil tanker at Falmouth last week, Mr. Thomas Stevens Hodge (son of Mr. Philip Hodge, of Virgin-street. St. Ives) was taken ill and he passed away at Royal Cornwall Sailors’ Hospital, Falmouth. Aged 26, deceased was for many years a valued member of St. Ives Salvation Army Band, and the band led the singing at the funeral on Sunday afternoon, large number attending. (4 May 1939 – Cornishman)
1939: Sea Scouts. Girl Guides and Brownies, assembled at the Malakoff, where a procession was formed, and headed by St Ives Municipal Band, marched to the Wesley Church. (6 July 1939 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1939: There had been lot of talk about the Salvation Army and Town Bands, and it appeared that he had been accused of trying to turn the Salvation Army Band off the Slip. (27 July 1939 – Cornishman)
1939: Headed by St Ives Municipal Band (under Mr J Tanner), they marched through the crowded streets to the Council Chambers. (10 August 1939 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)
1940s: St Ives Silver Prize Band played at Angarrack Wesleyan tea treat. (Methodist tea-treats in Cornwall by Cedric Appleby)
St Ives Silver Prize Band probably disbanded.
1944: In the morning, parade, headed the St Ives Salvation Army Band, marched from Copperhouse to Mount Pleasant Chapel. (13 July 1944 – Cornishman)
1944: St Ives Town Council has been informed by Col. P J Chellew that there is no hope of the Home Guard Band continuing after the war as St Ives Town Band, as only three members of the band are from St Ives. Mr A Spray (a former bandmaster) is to be approached with a view to pursuing the matter of having a band at St Ives. (2 November 1944 – Cornishman)
1944: A Band Suggested. Mr H C Comley thought an asset to the town would be the formation of a really good band and a bandstand. (7 December 1944 – Cornishman)
1945: St Ives Town Band re-formed.
1945: Mr Beth H David, of Marazion has been appointed bandmaster to St Ives Town Band. (20 March 1945 – WM)
1945: St Ives Salvation Army Band (under Major Jepson). (23 August 1945 – Cornishman)
1945: Continuing the annual festival of Redruth Salvation Army Band, a programme was rendered in the hall on Thursday evening by the band of St Ives Salvation Army Corps. (30 August 1945 – Cornishman)
1946: [St Ives] Town Band. Appointment of Bandmaster. Applications are invited for the appointment (part-time) of a band master. (21 November 1946 – Cornishman)
1946: Borough of St Ives Town Band. Appointment of Bandmaster. Applications are invited for the appointment (part-time) of a band master. (28 November 1946 – Cornishman)
1947: Mr. Stanley Coombes, of St. Erth, has been appointed bandmaster of St Ives Town Band. (2 January 1947 – Cornishman)
1947: Echo of a Tragedy. Practical help following the loss of the Mumbles lifeboat and its crew. St. Ives, through the local life-boat crew and the Town Band, raised over £100 within a week for the fund on behalf of the Mumbles dependants. (11 September 1947 – Cornishman)
1948: St Ives Salvation Army Band gave a concert at Helston Church street Methodist Church on Thursday. (5 February 1948 – Cornishman)
1948: St Ives Salvation Army Band and songsters were welcomed at Redruth Salvation Army hall last week. (25 March 1948 – Cornishman)
1948: A programme of music was given by St Ives Town Band under Bandmaster Coombes. (15 July 1948 – Cornishman)
1949: St Ives Town Band and Salvation Army Band were present. (30 June 1949 – Cornishman)
1950: Danced through the streets the town to the strains of the Furry Dance, played by St Ives Town Band, under the direction Mr S G Coombe. (20 January 1950 – Western Morning News)
1950: A concert was given in St. Ives on Sunday evening by St Ives Town Band, under Bandmaster. (2 March 1950 – Cornishman)
1950: St. Ives Carnival Queen Chosen. During the evening the Town Band, under Mr. S. Coombes played selections. (29 June 1950 – Cornishman)
1950: Led by St Ives Town Band (under Bandmaster S. G. Coombes) the procession proceeded through the streets of the town, and was watched by hundreds. (10 August 1950 – Cornishman)
1950: Hayle Regatta and Carnival … 1st. Batt. D.C.L.I. Army Cadet Band and St Ives Town Band. (24 August 1950 – Cornishman)
1950: War Memorial at St Ives. Headed by St Ives Town Band, the Legions moved in procession to the service marched away. (2 November 1950 – Cornishman)
1951: St Ives Band outside the Guildhall with MD Stanley Coombes
Back row: Dickie Peters, unknown, unknown, Ernie Rowe, Everett Rosewarne, unknown, Jimmy Harry, unknown, unknown
Middle row: unknown, unknown, Everett Rule, Jack Gillis, unknown, Nicky Gillis, unknown, unknown, Jack Tanner, unknown, unknown
Front row: Unknown
St Ives Band – unknown date
St Ives Salvation Army Band date unknown
1952 to 1960: St Ives Silver Prize Band contesting under S Coombes. (Contest archive)
1952: Considering the next item, St Ives Silver Prize Band had a top-three result at the Regional Championships and qualified to compete in the final.
1952: St Ives Silver Prize Band participated in the Third section final of the National Brass Band Championships of GB.
Thought to be St Ives Salvation Army Band leading the Primitive Sunday school procession. (Courtesy of Val Thomas of St Ives OCS)
1969: St Ives Citadel LP (Photo: courtesy Chris Trevenna)
1969/70: St Ives Silver Prize Band contesting under D O’Connell. (Contest archive)
1970s: St Ives Youth Band contesting. (Contest archive)
1970 (we believe) St Ives Salvation Army Band under Cyril Henson (Photo received from Val Thomas of St Ives)
1970 St Ives Town Band near the band room in the quarry car park at the end of Park Avenue, St Ives
1970 (we believe) St Ives Salvation Army String Band under Hilary Blundell (Photo received from Val Thomas of St Ives – it was posted by 90 year-old Sylvia Rule and includes her husband Everett Rule)
1977 to 1996: St Ives Silver Prize Band contesting under Eric Toll. (Contest archive)
1978: St Ives Youth placed 5th in the Youth Section of the Regional Championships under Eric Toll playing Strand on the Green by Kenneth Platts and Round the Clock by Osgood or Two Guitars arr. Frank Bryce.
1978: St Ives Youth Band placed 1st in the Fourth Section at the SWBBA contest under Eric Toll playing Four Little Maids.
1979: St Ives Juniors – unknown results (own choice test piece and hymn) in the Juvenile Section of the SWBBA Spring Festival under F E Toll.
1979: St Ives Juniors – unknown results (own choice test piece and hymn) in the Fourth Section of the SWBBA Spring Festival under F E Toll.
1979: St Ives Juniors – unknown results (own choice test piece and hymn) in the Third Section of the SWBBA Spring Festival under F E Toll.
1980: St Ives Junior – unknown results (own choice test piece and hymn) in the Junior Section at the SWBBA Spring Festival under F E Toll.
1980: St Ives Junior – unknown results (own choice test piece and hymn) in the Fourth Section at the SWBBA Spring Festival under F E Toll.
1980: St Ives Junior – unknown results (own choice test piece and hymn) in the Third Section at the SWBBA Spring Festival under F E Toll.
1980: St Ives Youth Band placed 2nd (Galantia) in the Fourth Section at the SWBBA Championships under Eric Toll.
1980: St Ives Youth Band placed 1st (Roller Coaster) in the Youth Section at the SWBBA Championships under Eric Toll.
1982: St Ives Youth – unknown result (Cotswold Suite) in the Fourth Section at the SWBBA Contest under E Toll.
1983: St Ives Youth – unknown result (1st Suite in E flat) in the Fourth Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under F E Toll.
1988: St Ives Silver Band placed 2nd in the Fourth section of the Pontins Regional Championships at Brean Sands under Eric Toll. (British Bandsman 9th April 1988)
1988: St Ives Youth Band participated in the Fourth Section of the Pontin’s National Brass Band Championships under Eric Toll playing Othello by Drake Rimmer.
1989: St Ives Silver Band placed 2nd in the Fourth section of the Pontin’s Championships at Brean Sands under Eric Toll playing Partita by Gregson. (British Bandsman 1st April 1989)
1992: St Ives Silver Band placed 3rd in the Fourth section of the 46th SWBBA Championships under E Toll.(British Bandsman 14th November 1992)
1993: St Ives Silver Band placed 3rd in the Fourth section at the SWBBA contest under Eric Toll playing Devon Fantasy by Ball.
1995: St Ives Silver Town placed 4th in the Fourth Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under Eric Toll playing Little Suite for Brass No 1 by Arnold.
(Courtesy British Bandsman 29th May 1995)
1996: St Ives Town Town unplaced in the Fourth Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under Eric Toll playing Mexican Fiesta by Ronald Hammer.
1997: St Ives Silver Prize Band contesting under W King. (Contest archive)
2004: St Ives Silver Prize Band disbanded. (John Brush)
2006: Re-formed by the committee of the St Ives Town Band as St Ives Concert Band which included woodwind players, electric instruments and percussion.
2010: Instruments loaned to enable the formation of Mullion Brass. (Sarah Hall)
2015: Instruments loaned to enable the formation of Heyl Training Band. (Sarah Hall)
2016: Sarah Hall St Ives Concert Band MD.
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.
Mr. Edwin John WILLIAMS, of Lannarth Cottages, Lanner, Redruth, Cornwall, founder and first conductor of St. Ives Town Band, and associated with the Bugle, Marazion Town, St. Just Old Town, Truro, Camborne Town, St. Agnes, Stenalees, Redruth Town, and Carharrack and St. Day bands, composer of over 200 hymn tunes, who died on Nov. 21 last, intestate, aged 64 years. The Cornishman 11 JULY 1946
Thanks for this report, Jim, I hadn’t seen it previously. However, the reporter is incorrect in saying that E J Williams was the founder of St Ives Town Band as it had had a long history prior to his involvement.