Description

We are a non contesting band based in St Breward village.

Records show that the St Breward band was formed in 1899, after hearing another brass band perform at a village event, local people were so concerned about the playing that they decided to form a band of their own – to see if they could do a better job. Except for the war years, the band has been in continuous existence.

The first instruments purchased were all made of brass which tarnished very quickly, had to be cleaned frequently which in turn meant the brass metal got thinner and thinner and was easily damaged.

During the 1920s silver plating was introduced and the band eventually purchased a set of all silver instruments and at the same time changed their name to the St Breward Silver Band.

We have over the years made many CD recordings, attended many contests and often came away with another first prize, made many banding friends, who when called upon, are only too willing to help us out on the odd occasion.



Our highlights so far !! We have been lucky enough to qualify for the National Finals on 3 occasions and in 2009 we became National Champions of Great Britain of the fourth section. The following year the band came 3rd in the third section but only the first two bands qualified to attend the National Finals !!!

Soon afterwards our then MD moved on , took many players with him and reformed the Bodmin Town Band, which are our closest neighbours. Since then we have been rebuilding our own band starting with the introduction of a junior band, some of which are already coming through and joining the senior band. This is something that we must strive to keep going as this is where this band's future lies.

In late 2016, Tom Howard, a talented player and musician, was approached to take on the Musical Director position, and since his appointment, the band has started to improve and move from strength to strength.

The future's Bright!

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.