Camborne Town
History
Formed in 1840, Camborne Town Band has been competing in contests since the late 1800s and is unsurpassed by any other band in Cornwall. In 1945, the band was crowned Second Section National Champions, and were consequently promoted to the Championship Section, where they have remained ever since.
The band has had success at many contests, including the West of England Regional Championships, Yeovil Entertainment Contest and the West of England Bandsmen’s Festival, amongst others. The band won the first West of England Bandsmen’s Festival in 1912. They were also victorious the following year, becoming the first recipients of the Royal Trophy, which they have since won a further 38 times. The band’s success at the Championship Section Finals includes six top-6 placings, and this year will be the band’s 42nd appearance, having become the West of England Champions for the 22nd time.
Over the years, the band has enjoyed visits overseas to France and the Netherlands, and has also appeared on national television and radio, including BBC One’s Songs of Praise and BBC Radio Two’s Listen to the Band.
Camborne Town Band is currently under the baton of its new musical director, Gareth Churcher, alongside professional conductor Ian Porthouse.
Principal Players
Principal Cornet - Lee Wylde
Soprano - Les Kneebone
Flugel - Jo Mackenzie
Solo Horn - Jo Scott
Solo Euphonium - John Hitchens
Solo Baritone - Simon Kendall
Solo Trombone - David Retallack
Solo Eb Bass - David Coad
Solo Bb Bass - James Sturges
