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The Camborne Band – West of England Champions 2001
The current West of England Champion Band were originally formed
in 1841, but following that bands demise, they were reformed in
1896 under the musical direction of a certain Mr W. Uren, who conducted
the band for nearly 20 years until he himself sadly demised.
The Camborne Band has continued to survive in one of the countries
most economically deprived areas through a combination of talented
and committed players and an astute and well organised committee.
Occasional sponsorship has been gained and lost, but they remain
a band that has achieved considerable success through the hard work
of the band itself and their commitment to the community they represent.
The band has also been fortunate to secure the services
of many talented imports – especially on the conducting front, from
A.W. Parker in the 1920’s from South Wales to F. Roberts from the
north of England in the early 1970’s and it was one such import,
Derek Greenwood form Yorkshire that really put the band on the map
during his stint with the band in the mid 1970’s onwards.
However, national success has been gained throughout the years
with Camborne making 41 appearances at the National Finals. In 1945,
they won the then 2nd Section title under the baton of A. W. Parker
and won the Spring Belle Vue Contest the following year. In addition
they have an unequalled record of contest success at the West of
England Championships, with hat trick of wins in 1948 – 1950, 1952
– 1954 and 1956 – 1958.
The 1970’s saw perhaps their strongest yet challenge to the very
top prizes when they came fourth at the Nationals in 1977 on “Connotations”
under the baton of Derek Greenwood, following a fifth place on “Freedom”
in 1973. In addition they equalled their best place in 1982 on “Contest
Music” and have been in the prizes with sixth places gained in 1946,
1951 and 1965.
The band also has one of the most impressive records at the famous
Bugle Contest and in 2000 they notched up a hat trick of wins under
the baton of Frank Renton that saw the playing members awarded special
minted medals in recognition – the second time that they have achieved
the feat.
The band has also won the Yeovil Entertainment Contest and has
long been regarded as one of the West of England’s premier bands
in any type of contest.
2001 has seen a possible return to the glory days for the band
from Cornwall with them winning the West of England Regional Championships
for the first time since 1990, under the inspired baton of Frank
Renton. With a performance of “Jazz” that left a strong field in
their wake the Camborne Band will be representing Cornwall at the
National Finals come October with renewed vigour.
With the further appointment of new players and a new Musical Director,
Graham Boag (a further import from Scotland) they will be presenting
a strong challenge at the Albert Hall.
The triumphs may well be returning to Camborne once again.
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