Description

Very little is known as to the exact date of the formation of Redruth Town Band, but records show that as early as 1828 there were mentions of "Bands of Musicians".

In 1832 it is recorded that "the Band paraded the streets playing ' 'the dead march'. Then on the 27th June 1836 the Band led a parade from Redruth to Carn Brea to lay a foundation stone for the monument to Lord Dunstanville.

Between 1820 and 1856 the band were referred to as a volunteer band, a temperance band, Redruth amateur band and even, unofficially, under the name of Redruth Beer and Porter Band. From 1862 it seems the name of Redruth Town Band (Brass) became its official name and it was formed with members of the volunteer band.

It seems the band flourished into the Great War (1914-1918), but there was not an active band in 1918. In 1919 the band reformed. During the Second World War (1939-45) it was a similar story with the band having to cease. At this time the band was formed by members of the home guard. Over the years the Band has had great success with its most prolific period being in the 1980's.

The band has also had its fair share of struggles, but has always come through. Currently the band are enjoying success in the lower sections and is building for the future. There has been a lot of information recorded about Redruth Town Band, and the majority of the above information was taken from a book called 'Still Blawin' by Monty Pearce and Denzil Richards.

We practice Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 7:45 - 9:30pm at the Band Room at Redruth Rugby Ground

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.