Description

Helston Town Band has a rich history, which can be traced back to the turn of the century. Indeed, there are members of the current band whose family connections extend back four generations. Inevitably, during the War the band reformed with new members and in 1946 numbers were consolidated when most of its pre-war members returned from active service. The band enjoyed steady progress at this time, which culminated in 1951 when it reached the National 3rd Section Finals at Belle Vue, Manchester.

In 1967, the band came under the direction of Edward Ashton, with whom the band gained much success and a reputation for consistently playing music to a high standard. Edward led the band to numerous successes in both local and regional contests, until his retirement in November 2002 after an incredible 35 years.

Following his retirement, the band appointed John Hitchens as their new Musical Director . The band has continued to flourish under John’s direction: in 2003, they were crowned Cornish First Section Champions, and in 2004 they gained promotion to the National First Section.

In 2006, the band were crowned West of England First Section Champions, and received an invitation to compete in the National First Section Finals in Harrogate, where they achieved a commendable 7th place. The band went on to achieve third place at the West of England First Section Championships in 2007, and were delighted to become West of England First Section Champions once again in 2008.

These excellent results mean that Helston Town Band earned promotion in 2009 to the Championship Section for the first time in its entire history. Now in 2011 the Band are still enjoying the challenge of competing within the Championship Section.

It is for its association with Helston’s world famous Flora Day which Helston Town Band is perhaps best known, when the band leads the dancers through the streets of the town. In addition to Flora Day, the band undertakes many civic functions and performs regularly at concerts throughout the county. The Band has also made international appearances in Italy and Holland.

Throughout its history, the band has remained an integral part of the local community, and has been the means whereby generations of Helstonians have been able to enjoy making music together. The band is very fortunate to have a thriving, 'B' Band, Youth Band and Beginners’ Band, ensuring a sustainable future to come.

Visitors are always welcome to listen to our rehearsals, which are held most Tuesday and Friday evenings from 7.45 – 9.45pm in the Bandroom, 37 Church Street, Helston, TR13 8NJ

Description

Victoria Gardens is laid out on a steep south facing slope. It is typical of late 19th century style of trees and shrubs interrelated with paths and flower beds.

Originally created to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee it is filled with exotic trees, shrubs & flowers. Truro City Council parks dept regularly win Britain in Bloom competitions. Before this particular garden was established there used to be the small Waterfall Gardens which was created in 1893. The Waterfall Gardens are still in existence, by St Georges Church.

There is also a water feature that is powered by hydraulic water ram situated in the Leats next to the River Kenwyn which supplies the water for the fish pond and runs back down through the gardens through the old water fountain which used to be situated in Boscawen street, then feeds small cascade of waterfalls and it then returns back into the Leats.

There is also a bandstand and during the summer, concerts are held every Sunday from 2.30pm - 4pm . A different band from around the county bring their own sound to the gardens. There is plenty of seating and entry is free.

You would not think you were in the middle of a city, the calm broken only occassionally by a train passing over the majestic viaduct nearby. The original viaduct was built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1859, but was replaced with the present stucture in 1904 and now carries the main line Paddington - Penzance trains.

Victoria Gardens, St. George St.,

Truro,

Cornwall,

England,

TR1 3JE.