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

 

“The name Town, City and Independent seems to vary at the whim of reporters/contest programme compilers.” (John Brush)

 

1801 – 5^th October: A little before ten o’clock, the whole of the people employed at the carpet manufactory of Messrs Martyn and Turner, walked in regular procession through the town, accompanied by a band of music. Did the firm therefore have its own band? (Music in the Westcountry by Stephen Banfield)

1818: Truro Philharmonic Band having kindly offered their assistance on that occasion. (7 March 1818 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1833: At a very early hour on the morning last, by some tasteful airs, well executed by Truro Amateur Band under the arrangement of Mr Thomas Bedella, their leader. (RCG 7^th December 1833)

1838: Truro Band turned out to greet the honourable Member with its music. (RCG 17^th August 1838)

1840: Enhanced by a succession of inspiriting airs performed very creditably by the Truro Band stationed in the gallery. (RCG 22^nd May 1840)

1845: Truro Band have just received a neat uniform dress, through the aid, as we understand, of a few gentlemen of the town, who have also originated a subscription towards providing for the performance of music. Two or three times a week in the summer months, in the Green. It can hardly be doubted that many of the inhabitants will readily contribute towards these periodical concerts and we hope that the encouragement thus afforded will induce corresponding improvement on the part of the performers. (RCG 16^th May 1845)

1846: Truro Institution, Choral Performances. At the end of the first act of the performances, the Truro Amateur Brass Band played the beautiful and graceful Minuet in ‘ Sampson,’ as arranged for them by Mr Hempel. (RCG 6^th February 1846)

1849 (or earlier) to 1871: Thomas Hutchings Emidy Truro Brass Band MD.

1849: The children seemed to enjoy with great delight the treat afforded them by their worthy rector, the Rev. C. W. Carlyon. Mr Emidy’s Brass Band heightened the pleasures of the day by playing suitable music on the occasion. (27 July 1849 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1849: Truro Regatta. The Truro Amateur Brass Band was on the water, and another band on shore. (RCG 24^th August 1849)

1850: Truro Amateur Brass Band has determined on giving at the Assembly Room, Truro. (RCG 8^th February 1850)

1850: The parties who proposed and carried into execution this well bestowed act of charity, were the Truro Amateur Brass Band, and the Truro Amateur (Ethiopian) Serenaders – both parties being led by Mr. White. (15 February 1850 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1850: Dispensary begs to acknowledge the receipt of £10, being the net proceeds of the concert lately given by the Truro Amateur Brass Band and the Truro Amateur Serenaders. (22 February 1850 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1850: Truro Friendly Society. … the afternoon, were followed by suitable music very correctly and spiritedly played by Mr White’s Brass Band (possibly 11 Company Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles Band). (24 May 1850 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1852: Sunday school, 205 in number, were regaled with cake and tea. The children assembled at the school room and with Mr Emidy’s Brass Band with flags and banners, perambulated the different villages in the neighbourhood. (25 June 1852 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1852: Truro Saxhorn Band, with other bands, at the opening of the West Cornwall Railway at Penzance. (Penzance Gazette 1st September 1852)

1853: Truro Saxhorn Band played at a concert in the assembly rooms in High cross. (Band website)

1853: On Friday last, the Truro Sax-Tuba Band gave a concert on their instruments, which was highly satisfactory to those few who were present. (RCG 15th April 1853)

1854: Assisted by the Truro Band. (RCG 22nd December 1854)

1855: West Cornwall Railway. … walked through Lemon-street and Fairmantle-street to the temporary station under Newham: Marshal. Emidy’s Brass Band, Police, Town Serjeants, The Mayor (E. J. Spry, Esq.) Town Clerk and Town Treasurer. G. N. Simmons, Esq., E. T. Carlyon. (20 April 1855 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1855: Church of St George, Truro. Mr Emidy’s Brass Band of eight, with drums, performed occasionally with skill and taste. Their services, we understand, were partially gratuitous. (8th June 1855 – Royal Cornwall Gazette – Truro)

1856: The dinner was provided by Mrs. Daniell, of the Blue Anchor Inn and Mr Emidy’s Brass Band was in attendance, in their new uniform, playing appropriate music to the toasts, and other enlivening airs. (16 May 1856 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1856: Tregothnan and Malpas Regatta. From houses and other suitable sites on shore, and from vessels of various sorts and sizes on the river; and Emidy’s Brass Band was in attendance, playing enlivening music, including airs appropriate to the circumstances of the sport. (25 July 1856 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

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

1857 to 1875: Between these dates there seems to have been a name change from Truro Band (Emidy’s) to Truro Town Band.

1857: The boats on the river were very numerous; and the proceedings were enlivened by music from Messrs. G. White & Co.’s Brass Band (possibly 11 Company Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles Band). At an early hour the spectators separated, highly gratified by the amusement which had been provided for them. (25 September 1857 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1857: To the burial-ground at the top of Pydar street, his coffin was borne by veteran pensioners and was preceded by the Militia and Truro Bands united, playing funeral music (not the Dead March). (RCG 27^th November 1857)

1858: Truro Friendly Society. Dinner was provided by Mrs. Daniell of King-street; the market-place being suitably decorated, and Emidy’s Brass Band being in attendance. Dr. Carlyon, the esteemed founder and President of the Society, presided. (28 May 1858 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

In the 1860 military set-up, Truro was given two companies – 11 Company and 12 Company. Each, from a very early date, had a band and from the very beginning they often joined forces for some engagements whilst still maintaining their independence.  (John Brush)

11 Company Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles. “This band had GT White as their conductor who took them to at least two contests, their first, in Redruth, netted the 1st prize in a one section only contest.” (John Brush)

11 Company Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles Band often referred to as G White and Co.’s Brass Band. (BBHD)

12 Company Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles’s bandmaster, for most of the time, was R Pascoe, who entered the band in two local contests, the results of which were not as good as 11 Company. (John Brush)

1859: Feats! Novel Scenes?? New Jokes! New Music! New Horsemanship! To add to the attractions of the evening, the celebrated Town Band, under the direction of Mr. Thomas Emidy, will attend and play a grand selection of Music. (14 January 1859 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1859: Opening of the Cornwall Railway. After them came the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, sashed and bannered, and headed by Mr Emidy’ s Brass Band. Immediately following the Odd Fellows, and bringing up the rear, was a densely-crowded band-carriage, drawn by six beautiful. (6 May 1859 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

(Royal Cornwall Gazette, Friday September 7^th 1860)

1861: Two contributions by the Truro Volunteer Brass Band [assumed the 11^th] a march composed expressly for the band by their leader, Mr G T White. (RCG 1^st March 1861)

1861: First mention of Truro Town Band found. (Royal Cornwall Gazette 17 May 1861)

1861: The Bath & West Show Agricultural Show at Truro from Monday 3^rd June. “The Truro Town Band will perform throughout the day.” (Bath & West Show programme – Tuesday)

1861: Illogan Cottage Garden Society. Among the latter, as if indicating or reflecting the patriotism of the day, was the Riflemen’s Saloon. Mr Emidy’s Brass Band, from Truro, was on the ground, and during the dinner near the dining hall, and acquitted themselves very creditably. (9 August 1861 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1861: Volunteer Corps. Headed by their excellent Brass Band, the corps marched through the town by way of River-street up Ferris-town, to Chapel-hill, and round to Lemon-street. (6 December 1861 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1862: … preceded by the bands, (those of the Royal Cornwall Miners Artillery Militia, Truro, the Redruth Rifles, and the Chacewater Brass Band) marched to Tregullow. On arriving there the brethren drew up in front of the mansion. (18 July 1862 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1863: Truro Friendly Society assembled, in great force at St. Mary’s school-room, and thence walked to St Mary’s Church, preceded by Emidy’s Brass Band. (29 May 1863 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1863: Under the superintendence of Mr John Rowe, builder and undertaker, of Truro, and the funeral cortege was headed by the Brass Band of the 11th Truro Rifle Volunteers, playing the Dead March in Sau. (5 June 1863 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1863 to 1867: 11 Company Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles Band contesting under G T White. (Contest archive)

1864: Truro Friendly Society paraded the town headed by Emidy’s Brass Band. (20 May 1864 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1864: The last public practice for the season of the Brass Band of the 11th (Truro) D.C.V. Rifles, will take place to-day (Friday), at 7.45 p.m., in front of the Market-house. (26 August 1864 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1864: Review of the Western Battalion D.C.L.I. at Carclew Park. The pleasures of the morning were in no small degree enhanced by the performances of the Brass Band of the 11th (Truro), which played, in an admirable manner, various pieces of first-class music in front of the mansion. (30 September 1864 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1865: Gerrans, on Monday, when about 160 members assembled. At 10 o’clock a procession was formed, headed by the Brass Band of the 12th (Truro) Rifle Volunteers, and proceeded to Trevince, the residence of Pendarves Johns, Esq. (9 June 1865 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1865 to 1867: 12 Company Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles Band contesting under R Pascoe. (Contest archive)

R Pascoe was MD of 12 Company Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles Band for most of the time. He entered the band in two local contests, the results of which were not as good as 11 Company. (John Brush)

1867: In the morning they formed in order of procession at the Town Hall, and marched to St Mary’s Church, headed by Emidy’s Brass Band. (13 June 1867 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1869: The proceedings were enlivened by some excellent music by the Perran Brass Band and Emidy’s Band, of Truro, and a very agreeable afternoon was spent. (17 June 1869 – RCG)

1869: The Band of the Truro Volunteers, by the kind permission of Capt. Parkyn and Capt. Willyams, and the Grampound Town Band will attend. Admission to the Grounds, 6d; Tea, ls; Children, half-price. (3 July 1869 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1870: Long procession to St Mary’s Church. Two bands those of the Truro and Falmouth Volunteers played the ancient march music of the Freemasons. (21 July 1870 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1870: Lifeboat Launch at Porth, Lady Joliffe, performed the christening ceremony. The boat was launched amid loud cheers, and the strains of Emidy’s Brass Band. The boat was then tested and gave every satisfaction. A large number of people arrived in the steamer Pendennis, from Falmouth. (8 October 1870 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1871: At Truro, March 2, Mr Thomas Emidy, aged 66; well-known throughout Cornwall as the leader of a Brass and Quadrille Band. (11 March 1871 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1871: Funeral of Thomas Hutchins Emidy, MD of Truro Brass Band. (11 March 1871 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1873: It was marked by some good play and is hoped that such amicable contests between the two battalions may continue annually. The Liskeard and Truro Bands were in attendance during the day. (4 June 1873 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1874: Gerrans Friendly Society. This society had their annual club procession on Whit-Monday headed by Mr Phillips’s Brass Band from Truro. The Rev. Dr. Scrivener kindly loaned the National Schoolroom for their accommodation. (28 May 1874 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1874: Truro Brass Band. The performance of this band in Boscawen-street, advertised for Saturday evening last, did not take place, in consequence of the death of a relative of one of the performers. (25 June 1874 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1874: Lodge, Devoran, held their eleventh annual demonstration on Midsummer day, when they formed procession, headed by an excellent Brass Band from Truro, and proceeded to Perranwell, where they had kind permission to visit the beautiful gardens of Sir F. Williams. (9 July 1874 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1874: Christmas. There were three bands – the Truro Volunteer Band, under the leadership of Sergeant Pascoe, the Truro Brass Band, and Mr Juleff’s band will also perform next Monday morning, and the morning of Christmas Eve. (17 December 1874 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1875: … Valley Band of Hope, Truro, celebrated their anniversary on Tuesday. They paraded the town, headed by the Independent Brass Band, and afterwards marched to a field at Comprigney, near Kenwyn Hill, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. N. Gill. (10 July 1875 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1875: The Louise and Charles, however, kept well up and came in second and third respectively. Mr Phillipps’ Brass Band, from Truro, was in attendance, and rendered some capital music. (21 August 1875 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1875: Truro Town Band contesting. (Contest archive)

1876: … which was enlivened by the strains of the Truro Town Band; while in the evening there was not only a torchlight procession, headed by the Truro band. (24 June 1876 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1876: J F Mark, Truro Town Band MD. (BBHD / John Brush)

1876: Truro Town Band. We are pleased to hear that this excellent band, which is under the conductorship of Mr. J. F. Mark, intends performing. (1 July 1876 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1876: Band of Hope held their annual festival on Thursday afternoon, when they formed a procession, and, headed by the Truro Brass Band, went through the town to Comprigney, where they had tea and cake in a field kindly lent by Mr Gill. (RCG 22^nd July 1876)

1876: 11 Company and 12 Company amalgamated officially and adopted one title – Truro 1st Volunteer Battalion or whatever wording the local reporters favoured. (John Brush)

1876: Truro Volunteer Battalion Band (1st Volunteer Battalion Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry) / 4th Battalion Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry (Territorial Force). “1876 is the official date of this amalgamation and from that moment on they were a force to be reckoned with, considered by most to be, for a long time, the leading band in Cornwall. It is mainly because of this band that the civilian entrants complained about this superior competition and managed to persuade most promoters to ban volunteer bands. Well, I suppose that is one way of dealing with the opposition! Conductors were Samuel Traise (1876-1902), W Mollard (1904) and Harry Phillips from 1909. (John Brush)

“The Truro Volunteer Battalion Band were a force to be reckoned with, considered by most to be, for a long time, the leading band in Cornwall. It is mainly because of this band that the civilian entrants complained about this superior competition and managed to persuade most promoters to ban volunteer bands. Well, I suppose that is one way of dealing with the opposition.” (John Brush)

1876: Festival. Truro Town Band, under Mr. J. F. Mark, played some capital music in the schoolroom ground during the afternoon. (16 September 1876 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1876: This time-honoured custom has been carried out this year by the Truro Town Band, under the direction of Mr. Jos. F. Mark. (23 December 1876 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1876 to 1902: Samuel Traise, Volunteer Band MD. (Contest archive)

1877: The children and their officers, teachers, and friends assembled on the Gow near the chapel, with a Brass Band from Truro, and, after perambulating the village, attended the chapel, which was tastefully decorated with evergreens. (25 May 1877 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1877: A supply of tea and cake, and other good things suited to make the occasion one of comfort and pleasure. The Truro and Penryn Independent Bands were in attendance. (6 July 1877 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1877: Contesting as Truro Independent. (Contest archive)

1877 to 1881: Contesting, strangely, as the 12 Company Duke of Cornwall’s Rifles Band under Samuel Traise. (Contest archive) Perhaps the amalgamation was later than stated. (John Brush)

1878 to 1890: Truro Brass Band contesting under Harry Phillips. (Contest archive / John Brush)

1878: On the first day the Truro City Band gave a selection of music, under the leadership of Mr. Phillips. (14 September 1878 – Lake’s Falmouth Packet)

1880: The children met at the Chacewater Primitive school-room and, headed by the Truro and Hick’s Brass Bands. (Cornishman 24^th June 1880)

1880 – 20^th May: The Band of Truro Volunteers played in High Cross for the laying of the foundation stone. (The Creation of a Cathedral by Fisher Barham)

1881: On Tuesday the school had their annual treat in a field kindly lent for the occasion by Mr Thomas, of the Seven Stars Inn. The Truro City Band was in attendance. (Cornubian and Redruth Times 15^th July 1881)

1881: A street parade was given at one o’clock, and attracted large crowds. The splendid horses and retinue were much admired. The City Band with the band of the circus accompanied through the streets, and much amusement was caused by the stilt performances of Bimbo. (16 June 1881 – Cornishman)

1881: Arches were erected in the field where the tea was taken, and flags displayed. The Truro City Band were engaged. All the teachers and male scholars as they passed on lifted their hats, when they saw the youthful heir. (5 August 1881 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1881:  The aquatic sports closed with a gig-and-punt and swimming matches. The City of Truro Brass Band, under the able leadership of Mr H Phillips, was attendance aboard the committee vessel.(Cornishman 1^st September 1881)

1881: The arrangements were admirably carried out by Messrs E. A. Heard, James Julian, and Richard Whitworth, of the committee. The City Quadrille Band, under the direction of Mr J. Newton, was in attendance. (16 December 1881 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1883: Monday afternoon the school children had tea in a field kindly lent by Mr Ham. The Truro City Brass Band attended. (Cornubian and Redruth Times 8^thJune 1883)

1884 to 1902: Contesting as Truro DCR under Samuel Traise. (Contest archive)

1884: … adjudicated with the greatest care and impartiality, and every decision met the hearty approval of the public. The Truro City Band, under the leadership of Mr. Henry Phillips, was in attendance, and contributed to the enjoyment of the sport by their performance. (23 May 1884 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1884: Members of the Truro Salvation Army on Monday evening paraded the city with a Band in defiance of the by-law upheld by the Queen’s, Bench, prohibiting street-music. (21 June 1884 – Cornish & Devon Post)

1884: Grand County Wrestling Matches at Truro. The first day the Truro City Band, under the conductorship of Mr H Phillips, played selections of music, whilst the St Agnes (Redcoats) Band, under Capt. J Roberts, were present on the second day. (18 July 1884 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1885: People are under the erroneous impression that we, the Truro Volunteer Band, took the initiative in challenging the Camborne Band for a certain sum of money. I emphatically deny this to be the case. Having received first prize at the various band contests… (17 July 1885 – Royal Cornwall Gazette / 23 July 1885 – Cornishman)

1885: The merits of Truro and Camborne Bands …use of drums discussed… the kindness you have shewn in the insertion of my letters in The Cornishman, I am, sir, yours, E Dunn Bandmaster, Camborne Volunteer Band. I may add that the reason objected to the use of drums was because they are not used at … (20 August 1885 – Cornishman)

1885: Truro and Camborne Band Contest. The question of using drums was then discussed, and as the Truro Band intended to play without them, and the Camborne band to play with them, the negotiations for a Contest came to an end. Centenary-street, Camborne, August 10th, 1885. (21 August 1885 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1885: Appreciative Presentation. Mr. Harry Phillips, of the Truro City Band, has been presented, at the town-hall, with a beautiful cornet and a purse of money – the balance from the cornet-fund. (27 August 1885 – Cornishman)

1887: ruro City Band gave their second concert of the season on Monday last, in the Market-ball, under the leadership of Mr. Harry Phillips. (21 January 1887 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1887: Truro Independent Brass Band was in attendance, and gave much satisfaction. (Cornubian and Redruth Times 15 July 1887)

1887: Mr Traise and the late Mr Dunn, of the Camborne Volunteer Band, with reference to the use of drums in a contest. Then Mr Traise [Truro Band] would not hear of a contest without drums, and refused to play against the Camborne Band because the latter objected to their use. (11 August 1887 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1888: Bible Christian led by the Brea Band, followed by the New Connexion led by the Camborne Volunteer band; United Methodist led by the Truro City Band; Primitives led by the Helston Volunteer Band. (24 May 1888 – The Cornish Telegraph)

1888: Brea Bible Christian Sunday Scholars had their annual treat on Saturday last. Brea and the City of Truro Bands were in attendance. (6 July 1888 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1889: Truro Volunteer Band. The following attractive programme has been arranged for the Truro Volunteer Band concert, in the Market-hall… (28 March 1889 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1890: The children met in the school-room, formed a procession headed by the Truro Independent Brass Band, and walked as far as Chacewater, returning to a field kindly lent by Mr T Hore, where they had tea. (RCG 31 July 1890)

1890: Band Contest at Tregullow. The St Georges Chapel, Truro, Fife and Drum Band, under Mr J Bath; the Helston Volunteers, under Mr A Blight; the Stenalees Brass Band, under Mr J Richards; the Illogan Reed and Brass Band, under the Rev Harry Oxland; the Black Rock Band, under Mr John… (7 August 1890 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1891 July 27: The procession, leaving Walsingham-place at 2.30, paraded the principal streets, headed by the Salvation Army Brass Band. The Temple Committee gave the Union children a most hearty invitation to join them in their treat, which was accepted. (6 August 1891 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1891: The Truro Volunteer Band, under Mr. Traise, and the Trencrom Brass Band was also in attendance. There was a grand pyrotechnic display in the park in the evening, and included a lot of set pieces. (20 August 1891 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1893: We might mention that Mr. Harry Phillips (the leader) was, previous to his departure for America, bandmaster of the Truro City Band. (25 May 1893 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1893: Cornwall Fisheries Exhibition. The committee have now engaged Truro Rifle Volunteers for today and tomorrow, and the Illogan Reed and Brass Band for Saturday. (17 August 1893 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1893: Truro Volunteer Band was present during the afternoon, and played selections of music, which delighted all who attended the show ground. (28 September 1893 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

Edwin James Paddy is seated in middle row extreme right – he was my Gt grandfather (Tony Mansell)

Edwin James Paddy was my Gt grandfather (Tony Mansell)

 

1890s: Truro Band disbanded.

1890s: Truro Band re-formed.

1898 circa: Truro Band referred to as “this newly-formed band”. (RCG 23rd March 1899)

1899: Truro Town Band. This band made its first appearance on Monday evening last at a promenade concert in the capacious Market-hall. The … of the critic and the anticipations of the partisan were both realised in congratulations to the conductor. (23 February 1899 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1899: Truro Town Band. … no desire on the part of one instrument to predominate over the others a fault which is so often noticeable in bands, brass bands especially. The accompaniments were nicely subdued, but a little more precise … and attack would have enhanced the performance. (23 February 1899 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1899: Truro Town Band. This newly-formed band gave another successful concert in the Market-hall on Thursday, before a large and appreciative audience, which testifies the growing popularity of the band.  (23 March 1899 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1899: Truro Town Band (Mr. Harry Phillips, bandmaster) will perform the following programme in Victoria Gardens this (Thursday) evening, …” (20 July 1899 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1900: Harry Phillips, Truro Band MD. (BBHD / John Brush)

An early photograph of Truro Salvation Army Band – date unknown

The photograph was posted on Facebook by Bryher Hall and identified by Alan Johns of Perranporth

Below is the rear of the photograph with the name Phillip Bailey written on it.

Truro Town Band at Malpas – early 1900s (Photo unknown)

Truro City Brass Band

1900: Four Lanes. On Saturday Four Lanes U.M.F.C. tea treat will be held. Truro Volunteer Band will be in attendance. (6 July 1900 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1900: Truro Volunteer Band, under the conductorship of Mr Trezise, was in attendance, and played selections during the afternoon. (Cornubian and Redruth Times 13^th July 1900)

1900: Truro Town Band. The following paragraph is taken from the August number of the British Bandsman. “The Truro Town Band, under Bandmaster H. Phillips, are rendering some fine programmes.” (30 August 1900 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1901: Truro Salvation Army Brass Band and soldiers paid a visit to Tregony last Friday. The Congregational Chapel was kindly lent for a special meeting. (RCG 20^th June 1901)

1901: We should also like it to be known that the St Allen Fife and Drum Band did good service by assisting the Town Band during the carnival. Thanking you for the report and corrections. Yours, etc.. J. T. … J. H. Williams Hon … Truro. (1 August 1901 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1902: Truro Salvation Army Brass Band visited Camborne Corps last weekend. A large number of people assembled at the out-door meeting on Saturday night. (1 May 1902 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1902:  Truro Salvation Army Brass Band visited Redruth Corps Coronation week end. A musical entertainment was given in the barracks on Saturday night. (RCG 14^th August 1902)

1902: Sunday afternoon the band K Co., assisted by members of Truro City Band, under the conductorship of Mr Beard, played in the Green, and £3 12s. was collected. (26 September 1902 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1902: Truro Salvation Army Brass Band visited St Blazey last weekend, and on Saturday night an outdoor meeting was held near its Market House. (RCG 23^rd October 1902)

1902: Truro Salvation Army Brass Band visited … The Wesleyan schoolroom was hired for the evening. (30 October 1902 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1903: Comrades from Redruth and St Ives were present. Major Gill, of Plymouth, was in command. Truro Brass Band was present during the week-end meetings. (16 April 1903 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1903: W Mollard, Truro DCR MD. (John Brush)

1904 Circa: 10 Company, 1st Duke of Cornwall’s Royal Garrison Artillery Volunteers / 12 Company, 1st Duke of Cornwall’s Royal

Garrison Artillery Volunteers. “The first engagement found for this band was taking part in what today would be called a military tattoo, the main difference being that there was no band marching display, massed or otherwise. Just house-band duties. The band, in 1904, was under R Rogers, and as a musical unit continued until 1914. It has been noted that all of these Truro bands were well served with the amount of concerts they were asked to undertake at the many and various venues in the city.” (John Brush)

1904: Truro City Brass Band will render the following programme of music In Victoria Square on Saturday evening. (RCG 23^rd June 1904)

1905: Truro Salvation Army brass band visited St Austell last week-end and conducted outdoor revival services on Saturday night, led by Staff-Captain Green. (RCG 23^rd February 1905)

1907: During the week music has been supplied by the City Quadrille Band (conductor, Mr. Matthews), who will continue to render selections until the exhibition closes. (16 May 1907 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser_

1907: On Monday the Band of Hope held its annual demonstration. Led by the Truro Temperance Band, it paraded as far as, Chacewater, returning to a field kindly lent for the occasion Mr. R. Pearce, where tea and sports … (23 May 1907 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1907: Truro Artillery Band, … Falmouth R.0.A., £8 10s.; Hayle Rifle Volunteers, £5 15s. The Falmouth and Truro Bands were engaged. Mr John Paull reported that it would necessary to hire a large marquee. (6 June 1907 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1907: The new company paraded headed by the 2nd Company Truro Band and the Perranporth Company’s Fife Band. Owing to the rain the march out was a short one. (8 August 1907 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1907: A donation of 10s. has been received from Mr C Hay Morgan, M.P., towards the Truro Temperance Brass Band. (West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser 23^rd & 26^th September 1907)

1907:  A donation has been received from Sir E. Durning-Lawrence towards the Truro Temperance Brass Band. (West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser 21^st & 24^th October 1907)

1907: Given by the Truro Temperance Brass Band, evening. (31 October 1907 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1907: An offer by Truro Temperance Brass Band to give a concert to the inmates in November was accepted. (7 November 1907 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1907: Temperance Sunday was observed at Truro on Sunday, when the members of the Independent Order of Rechabites, headed by the Truro Temperance Band, marched the St Clement Street United Methodist Church. (28 November 1907 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1908: Truro City Quadrille Band. Highest references. Up-to-date Music. For terms, apply Geo. Matthews. Secretary. (9 January 1908 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1908: Truro Temperance Band and friends gave entertainment the Shortlanes-end Wesleyan Schoolroom. Monday evening, to a fairly large gathering. (6 February 1908 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1908: Truro Temperance Brass Band attended morning service at the Baptist Chapel. (RCG 20^th February 1908)

1908: Truro Temperance Band paid a visit on Sunday, and played hymn tunes at various points of the district. (12 March 1908 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1908: Tresillian Band of Hope. An entertainment was given in the School by the Truro Temperance Band. (19 March 1908 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1908: Wesleyan Schoolroom, Tresillian, on Friday evening by friends from Truro, assisted by the Truro Temperance Band. Mr. H. Treloar presided over a crowded house. (9 April 1908 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1908: Truro City Brass Band has received a donation of £1.1s. from Sir E. Durning Lawrence, Bart., towards the band fund. (RCG 16^th April 1908)

1908: Annual tea treat of the U.M. Sunday school took place on Saturday. A procession of about 200 children headed by the Truro Temperance Brass Band paraded the village, and thence through the beautiful gardens of Mr C Pengelly. (Cornubian and Redruth Times 16^th July 1908)

1908: Previous to the meeting a review was held, which the Band of the Truro Boys Brigade and Bugle Brass Band assisted. (19 November 1908 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1908: Market House on Monday evening on the occasion of the first public performance of the new Truro City Brass Band. The band, under the conductorship of Mr. Harry Phillips, consists of about twenty-two performers. (3 December 1908 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1909: Truro Temperance Band visited Shortlanesend and on Sunday afternoon, played selections. (25 March 1909 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1909: The newly-formed Truro Town Band will in future be under the conductorship of Mr. T. H. Biddick, and it is hoped that performances will shortly be given. (29 April 1909 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1909: At St. Newlyn East, on Sunday afternoon and evening Truro Temperance Brass Band rendered selections of sacred music.” (RCG 27^th May 1909)

1909: At the Workhouse on Thursday evening the Truro Temperance Band, under the conductorship of Mr. T. Williams, played varied selections, which were greatly appreciated by the inmates. (3 June 1909 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1909: Scholars were each presented with a medal which was specially struck for the occasion. Truro Territorial Band and St Agnes Town Band rendered choice selections of instrumental music during the afternoon and evening. (22 July 1909 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1909: Harry Phillips, Truro DCR MD. (John Brush)

Truro City Brass Band

Truro City Brass Band

1910: Truro Hospital Bazaar. The procession, which started from the Town Hall, and, headed by the Truro City Band, under Bandmaster Rogers, paraded the principal streets of the city. Collections being made en route. (14 July 1910 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1912: Lady Mary distributed the prizes. The proceedings concluded with cheers for Mr. Charles Williams. Truro Town Band, under Bandmaster Rogers, rendered a pleasing programme during the afternoon and evening. (30 May 1912 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1914: Truro Brass Band contesting under L Abram. (Contest archive)

1915: Members of the Societies, who assembled and met the officers at the Town Hall at 2.15 p.m. A procession, headed by Truro Town Band, under Mr. Trewhela, was formed, and paraded many of the principal streets. Collectors were busy on route in gathering contributions. (22 July 1915 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1920: Concert held in aid of St. Mary s Hall. The Truro Town Band rendered excellent selections of music under their conductor. Mr. L. Abram. (26 January 1920 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1920: The bandmaster of the Territorial Band has left Truro … an appointment at Newquay [Territorial Band] where he will also conduct the Newquay Town Band. Mr V J Champion will be the conductor of the Truro [Territorial] Band pro tem. (19 April 1920 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1920: Does England Care For The Returned of the Great War? … marched to the scene of the unveiling headed by Truro Town Band. Mr. Polwhele, unveiling the memorial, spoke of the duty all owed those who gave their lives for King and country. (23 December 1920 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

Truro Temperance Brass Band

Truro Cadet Bugle band circa 1920

Carolling perhaps

 

1920: Truro Brass Band contesting under F Benett. (Contest archive)

1921: Truro Brass Band contesting under Edwin J Williams. (Contest archive)

1922 circa: B Company 4/5/Battalion Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry (TA). “This Company was serving Cornwall between the wars and the only reason that it is known there was a band is that in 1922, Territorial Orders were published in the West Briton, in which it is stated that band practices were on Mondays and Fridays. The local press did seem to ignore this band – if it ever did anything.” (John Brush)

1922: Tom Hubbard, Truro Brass Band MD. (Band website)

1923

1923: Truro Town Band … two concerts in aid their new instrument fund at Truro Concert Hall, yesterday. The afternoon concert was given by the band, under its able conductor, Ur. T. Hubbard. (5 February 1923 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

1923: On Sunday, August 26, the Truro Silver Band, under Bandmaster Hubbard, paid a visit to Hayle and gave two concerts: the afternoon at Penmare Park. (29 August 1923 – Cornishman)

1924: Truro Brass Band placed 3^rd in the Junior B section of the National Brass Band Championships of GB at Crystal Palace under Tom Hubbard. The first Cornish band to win a prize at this contest. (Band website)

Truro Town Band circa 1924 (Photo: Paul Caruana of Truro)

1924: Crystal Palace Band Festival. There is no doubt that with another year’s training under Mr. Davison they will take their place in the first rank. The Truro Town Band did even better in their contest for the junior shield, taking third place and a cash prize. (1 October 1924 – Cornishman)

1924: The National Brass Band Festival at the Crystal Palace on Saturday was taken part in by one hundred and fifty of Britain premier bands (and, for the first time, one from Australia). There were six contests. Three [Cornish] bands took part – Truro, St Dennis, and Newquay. The St Dennis Silver Band, which competed in the Grand Shield contest secured fourth place, and the Truro Town Band did even better in their contest taking third place and cash prize [in the Junior Shield B 6^th section]. Newquay Town Band, who were also in the junior section, although they did not figure high the lists, played very well indeed. … The Grand Championship of Great Britain was won for the fourth time by the famous St. Hilda Colliery Band, and the New South Wales Band won the third prize in the premier division. This was the first time a Colonial band had ever entered for the trophy. The test piece for the championship was a Rhapsody on the Cornish Coast specially composed for the brass bands H. Geehl. It is interesting to note that Mr. R. Davison, who conducted the Dennis Band, was solo cornet player in the St. Hilda Band when they won the championship in 1912, 1920 and 1921. In the evening the St. Dennis Band were the guests of the London Cornish Association at a Bohemian concert at the Cannon-street Hotel. A large gathering of Cornish exiles turned up and enjoyed an excellent musical programme The St. Dennis Band included in the programme the test piece. “Oliver Cromwell.” and the beautiful “Military Church Services.” On its return on Sunday the Truro Band were given a rousing reception. The bandsmen had gone to London at their own expense, accompanied by about 100 supporters. In the absence of the Mayor (Mr E. J. Lodge) who was attending a civic service at the Cathedral – the bandsmen were welcomed outside the station by Mr. J. Cleave. He said the success of the hand was one of the greatest achieved in the history of the city or of Cornwall; in fact, was the first occasion on which a Cornish band had won a prize at the Crystal Palace, He heartily congratulated Bandmaster Hubbard on the success attained. (2 October 1924 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1925: With regard to the refusal of Truro Town Band to play when the Mayor and Corporation joined the procession to Cathedral last Sunday – Hospital-day – Maj. A. W. Gill, president of the band, has written to the secretary that he is very sorry to read the action. (5 August 1925 – Cornishman)

1925: Blackwater and District Hospital Sunday demonstration was held Sunday. A procession, headed by Truro Silver Prize Band toured the village. (20 August 1925 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1925: Chacewater procession of the Sunday-school, accompanied by the Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, assembled in the Square, and, headed by Truro Silver Prize Band, perambulated the neighbourhood, a collection being taken en route. (24 September 1925 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1926 – 25th September: Truro Brass Band withdrew from Fifth section / Junior Shield A of the National Brass Band Championships of GB at Crystal Palace.

1928: Truro Brass Band contesting under W E Cuttance. (Contest archive)

Truro Brass Band 1928 (Photo: Opie Ltd, Truro)

Truro City Band at Baldhu Wesleyan celebrations (Photo: unknown)

1929 to 1935: George Cave Truro Brass Band MD. Well-known cornet player, adjudicator and arranger. (Band website / Contest archive)

Truro Brass Band with George Cave MD 1930

27th September 1930: Truro City participated in the Junior Shield B (sixth tier) of the 25th Great National Band Contest at Crystal Palace under G W Cave playing In Old Vienna by Schubert.

1932: Mr. G. W. Cave, Bandmaster of Truro City Band, a former bandmaster of the Penzance Silver Band, was one of the adjudicators at the great Crystal Palace Band Contest. This was the fourth time that he has officiated there. (6 October 1932 – Cornishman)

1934: Mr. Geo. William Cave, bandmaster of Truro City Band, and formerly bandmaster of Penzance Silver Band, was the adjudicator of twenty-five bands in Class B at the 43th annual July Belle Vue Band Contest, Manchester, on Saturday. (19 July 1934 – Cornishman)

Truro Salvation Army circa 1935 (Photo: courtesy Alan Johns)

The Bandmaster is thought to be Eddie Tremain

Back row: Stanley Chapman second from left, Bill Johns second from right

Middle row: Jack Bedding extreme left, Harold Johns second from right

1936: Truro Brass Band contesting under F C Thomas. (Contest archive)

1936: Mr. W. G. Cave, who for some years was bandmaster of Penzance Silver Band, and more recently bandmaster of Truro City Band, and Mr. A. W. Parker, bandmaster of Camborne Town Band, were adjudicators. (14 May 1936 – Cornishman)

Truro Town Silver Prize Band (Photo: Gay, Truro)

Not a brass band but included anyway – Truro Accordions in 1938 (Photo: courtesy Bert Biscoe)

1938: Truro Brass Band contesting under W E Cuttance. (Contest archive)

This programme has been lodged at Kresen Kernow

1939: Combined music of Truro City Band (under Mr. W. E Cuttance), and St Agnes Town Band (under Mr. C J. Langford). (31 July 1939 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

WWII: Truro Brass Band members joined the 10^th Battalion Home Guard Band. (Band website)

Truro Home Guard Band (Photo: unknown)

1945: VE Day celebrations almost certainly involving Truro City Band.

1946/47: Truro Brass Band contesting under W E Cuttance. (Contest archive)

1947: Carnival Week a Triumph. Music was supplied by Redruth and Truro Silver Bands and the Bugle Band of Redruth Ambulance Divisions. At the Recreation Ground the prizes were distributed by Cmdr. Agnew. (21 August 1947 – Cornishman)

1947: Truro City placed 4th in the Second Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under W E Cuttance playing Sinfonietta Pastorale by Henry Geehl.

1948 to 1951: Truro Brass Band contesting under W A Parker. (Contest archive)

This programme has been lodged at Kresen Kernow

1950: Truro City placed 1st in the Second Section of the Regional Championships under A W Parker playing Three Brass Band Studies.

1950: Truro win leading honours in West Brass Band Contest, Second section. … thus carrying these teams forward to the National Finals at Manchester in September. Mount Charles Silver Band, which won second place in the third section, also go to Manchester. (1 May 1950 – Western Morning News)

1950: Mr Cuttance was interested in the Manaccan Band, being one the earliest members. Nearly 30 years ago, with his brother, Mr E W Cuttance (now bandmaster of Truro City. (14 August 1950 – Western Morning News)

Truro Band under A W Parker 1950s

1950: Truro Brass Band contesting in the Second Section final of the Brass Band Championships of GB under A W Parker.

Inspiration of Camborne Band. A lot of people were wondering what was going to happen next year in that he was now training Truro City Band as well as Camborne. (30 November 1950 – Cornishman)

1950: Truro Brass Band placed 1^st in the Open section of the SWBBA Contest.

1950: “I was a young cornet player with the old Truro City Band but too inexperienced to actually play in the contest band. If I remember correctly, in those days Stenalees Contest followed Bugle a few weeks later and had the same test pieces. There was no top section at Stenalees. Looking up the Bugle website, I see it was 1950 when the set pieces were Comrades in Arms and Songs of Wales. At that time there was, I believe, great rivalry between Truro and Mount Charles as the conductor of Mount Charles was Mr Tom Hubbard, a former conductor of Truro, and the legendary A W Parker who had taken over the helm at Truro. At Bugle, Truro won the test piece with Mount Charles 4th and in Comrades in Arms, Mount Charles prevailed with Truro second.  At Stenalees I think the adjudicator was J A Greenwood and Truro this time made no mistake winning on both pieces, playing band number five.” (Arthur Allen via Phillp Hunt)

1950s: Stanley Chapman Truro Band MD (Alan Johns)

Truro School Band (Photo: Courtesy Robert Johnson)

1950s: Truro School Brass Band active.

Programme lodged with Kresen Kernow

1955 circa: Alwyn Teasdale Truro Band MD – ex cornet player of St Hilda Colliery Band.

1955: Truro Brass Band contesting under J G Clift. (Contest archive)

Truro Band 1955 in the grounds of Malabar Home, a week after Bugle Contest where they were placed 1st in Class B (Photo: unknown)

Alwyn Teasdale MD (not in photo)

Back row: Rex Little, Fritz Braund, Louis Piper, Stanley Parsons, H Eddy, Howard Blee, Harry Newberry, Arthur Allen, Frank Allen, Ken Moyle

Middle row: Jack Bedding, F Rider, Douglas Piper, Bill Clift, Frank Harding, Peter Richards, Ken Heayn, Eric Pooley

Front row: Albert Lamerton, Les Little, Arthur Verran, Jack Clift, Billy Tremaine, Cecil Harding, Eddie Tremaine

 

Truro School Band 1956 Frank Moore MD (Photo: Courtesy Robert Johnson)

Playing for the Queen’s visit in May 1956

Truro School Band with MD Frank Moore behind shield on the right

1957: Truro City unplaced in the Championship Section at the Regional Championships under Alan Teasdale playing Themes from Symphony No. 9 (Beethoven).

1959: Truro City withdrew from the Championship Section of the Regional Championships.

1961: Truro City unplaced in the Second Section at the Regional Championships under Alan Teasdale playing Symphonic Suite for Brass Band by Leighton Lucas.

1963: Clifton Allen Truro Band MD. (Contest archive)

1969: Truro Band disbanded. (Band website)

1975: Truro Band re-formed when Rex Little, soprano player of the old Truro Band and current MD of Gwennap Band, approached the City Council regarding the possibility of using the Cemetery Chapel as a band room. This was agreed providing it was re-named the City of Truro Band. (Band website)

1994: The City of Truro – unknown result (The Journeyman) in the Fourth Section of the National Brass Band Regional Championships under B Stansmore.

1988 to 1996: Brian Stansmore City of Truro Band MD. (John Brush)

1990: Rex Little, who restarted the City Band, died on the 17th October 1990. (Ian Little)

David Coad wrote on Facebook: “Early 1990’s, Brian Stanmore conducting – I think. It’s me playing the E flat bass [on the right]”. Additionally, I think it’s Martin True on soprano (extreme left) and someone else commented that the photo was taken at Jamaica Inn, Bolventor.

1996 to 2010 Roger Polmear, well-known percussionist and ex-military musician City of Truro Band MD. (Band website)

(Courtesy British Bandsman 11^th October 1997)

(British Bandsman 11^th July 1998)

Truro City Band 2001

2010 to 2014: Four City of Truro Band MDs covered this period. (Band website)

2014: Jake Barlow City of City of Truro Band MD. (Band website)

2015: Band room is in St Clement Chapel by Truro Cemetery, it was built in 1883. Over the years much work has been done to improve the interior. The plaster on the lower walls was taken off and wood panelling put up. All the work was carried out by band members, who got covered in dust, but had a real laugh. Carpet was laid and new lighting and heating installed. Previous band rooms include the top floor of a jam factory, Harvey’s timber yard and a builder’s workshop in Carclew Street. (Stephen Smith)

2016: Francis Shepherd City of Truro Band MD. (Band website)

 April 2023: “Truro Band are looking for players of any ability to join and strengthen their band. Under the direction of Philip Matthews the band is looking forward to great things in 2023. We would like to hear from both local and further afield players.”

 

 

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.