Newquay

(march for piano)

by George William Cave

 

 

George Cave was a colliery man, steeped in the world of brass bands. He composed the march ‘Our Colliers’ and adjudicated at a number of contests throughout the country. His trademark seems to have been his bowler hat which he wore most of the time. A recent letter to the West Briton from his granddaughter, Glenda Thornton of America, requests help in locating the music of ‘Scillonian’ which, she understands was written by him. She says he conducted a number of Cornish bands in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s in some cases as musical director and in others as a contest guest conductor. Bands include Bude, Gweek, Marazion, Newquay Town (1922 to 1925), Penwithick, Penzance Independent, St Agnes, St Austell, St Erth, St Just Silver, St Newlyn East, Stenalees and Truro. “He had some contesting success at St. Agnes and a number of players remember him as someone who, ‘Really improved the band’.” (Tony Mansell)