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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 camborne band

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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the camborne band

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