July 2020
F J Roberts (Photo: Eric Parsons and used in “Camborne Town Band”)
By Tony Mansell
Born: 1908 in Treherbert, South Wales
Lived: Mainly in Camborne
Married: Winifred
Died: 1978 in Cornwall
Fred Roberts was born in Treherbert, South Wales, in 1908, but the family had strong connections with west Cornwall and settled in Camborne when Fred was just a few years old.
He began his playing career with Camborne Salvation Army where his father was the bandmaster. That was in 1913, when he was just five years old. His first instrument was a bass drum, or a scaled down version, made by his father. The framework was an old cheese tub to which was fitted skins and tensioning cording: it performed just like the real thing.
The Roberts family – Fred, Sam Snr & Sam Jnr with the drum (Photo: courtesy Melba, Fred’s Daughter)
When a little older he moved to play cornet, an instrument on which he was to excel. He joined Camborne Town Band sometime before 1920, when Edwin Williams was conducting, and became principal cornet at the age of 14. He built an impressive reputation before leaving for a short period to play with St Dennis but before long, the lure of playing for his adoptive town brought him back to Camborne.
His love of music took him in many directions including as a member of a small group who accompanied silent movies at a nearby cinema.
In 1930 he was offered a position with Gresford Colliery Band in North Wales and he resigned from Camborne and made the move. This turned out to be a stepping-stone and, after about a year, he joined Brighouse and Rastrick Band. During 1933 and 1934 he played with the famous Munn & Feltons (later the GUS Footwear Band) but sometime during mid-1934 Fred made the trek back up north to play with Brighouse and Rastrick again where he was principal cornet for many years including in 1946, when they became National Champions. He moved to Manchester C W S (the old “Tobacco Band”) in 1947, as principal cornet and bandmaster, and during his time there, the band had considerable success including winning the British Open Championship.
Fred Roberts in his Brighouse & Rastrick uniform (Photo: courtesy Melba, Fred’s Daughter)
Within a few years Fred returned to Camborne. He had worked in his father’s sweet making business prior to moving to Wales and he became involved again. In 1953, however, he began working for Holman’s where he remained until retirement.
Mr A W Parker had conducted Camborne Town Band from 1925 but, in 1950, his health was failing: he asked Fred if he would be prepared to take over. In 1951, Fred Roberts became the band’s new musical director, a position he held for about 20 years. During this time, he had considerable success with what has been described as a softer, more orchestral sound, in line with how brass bands were developing at that time.
Contest success was immediate as in 1951 the band were placed 6th in the Championship section of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain playing “Epic Symphony” by Percy Fletcher.
The band were consistent winners of the South West Regional Championships and Alan Toy, formerly of Camborne Town Band, states that Fred Roberts won there on eight occasions. Fred also led the band to successes at many other national and Cornish contests, most notably at the West of England Bandsman’s Festival where they have won the top award on many occasions.
1950s – Camborne Town Band – Fred Roberts is front row second right (Photo by W J Bennetts & Sons and used in “Camborne Town Band)
Early 1960s – Camborne Town Band – Fred Roberts is front row centre (Photo: “Camborne Town Band”)
Camborne players have described Fred Roberts as a hard trainer, but the general view was that he treated everyone alike: he had no favourites. It is also said that the reason he gave little praise was that he thought that it “may go to their heads”.
In 1971 Fred Roberts began conducting St Austell Town Band as well as Camborne. This caused considerable friction and he resigned his position at Camborne. He remained at St Austell for five years and during that time he led them to considerable success. However, his health was failing and he struggled to meet the demands of being the musical director of a championship section band. He resigned, but his reluctance to be far from the conductor’s position lured him back and he became musical director of Redruth Town Band. By then, he had lost the power of speech and could only give written instructions: he finally acknowledged that he could not continue and reluctantly stood down.
Cornwall Youth Brass Band
Fred Roberts’ involvement with the Cornwall Youth Brass Band began at its formation, in 1955. There were two bands at that time: the senior group led mainly by him and the training section under Frank Moore. These two men were significant in getting the organisation off the ground. Without doubt, Fred’s musical ability and his vast experience gained by playing in some of the top bands in the country made him a considerable asset for the embryonic band.
In 1959, however, there was concern at the direction in which the band was heading and the then Cornwall Music Advisor, Mr W Pearson, invited the famous conductor, Dr Denis Wright, to a meeting to discuss its future. As the band moved into the second phase of its life, additional tutors were brought on board and Fred’s involvement ceased.
Cornwall Youth Brass Band with Fred Roberts conducting (Photo: CYBB Archive)
Fred Roberts died in October 1978, of motor neurone disease, a progressive, muscle wasting illness.
A huge funeral procession marched solemnly down Trelowarren Street led by a massed band of 40 players drawn from the eight Cornish bands with which he had been associated. Many other former players were in the procession. He had written down exactly what he wanted: the music to be played, the cortege route and the choice of bands to be represented. At the funeral, Salvation Army Captain Pam Saunders read a eulogy by Eric Ball. It was a fitting tribute for this Cambornian who became famous as a brass bandsman, teacher, conductor and adjudicator.
Fred Roberts was a perfectionist and you get the feeling that all his efforts were channelled towards his goal of making perfect music. Many players have said he was not the easiest man to play under but he had his standards and, as one former player has said, “His imposing presence engendered teamwork and made us the formidable force that we were”.
Further Reading:
Pages on this website:
Cornish Brass Bands – Camborne
Cornwall Youth Brass Band – the early tutors
Cornish Brass Bands – Cornwall Youth Brass Band
Cornish Brass Bands – St Austell
The book “Camborne Town Band” by Tony Mansell
Acknowledgements:
Past and present members of Camborne Town Band for information provided for the book “Camborne Town Band”.
Alan Toy (former member of Camborne Town Band) for information provided.
All organisations and individuals, whether named or not, who have provided information and photographs for this brief biography. If you own the copyright to any of the photographs included, then please let us know and you will be credited, or the photographs removed.
