FIFTY members and friends of Camelford Town Band met recently at The Wilsey Down, Hallworthy, for their annual meal and awards presentations.

The gathering marked a change in format with a later date and a new venue.

Marny Baker’s chair’s welcome was presented by Tom Woolf, outlining some events in the band’s year, both high and low. Band numbers seem to be fairly stable and younger members are making a large contribution as they progress from the vibrant training band.

Gareth Stubberfield, the band’s musical director, spoke for his second year as baton holder. He explained that having never played or conducted brass — having had a career involving keyboard and choral direction — he had found that selecting pieces was a very fine balance between formal works and lighter popular compositions but felt that between them he and the band were improving that balance.

Gareth also praised the band for its musicianship and dedication to keeping Camelford town band lively and fit for future generations. He thanked several members for their training, help and support of the training band, with all the extra effort involved.

The musical director expressed thanks on behalf of the whole organisation to John and Mary Pearce who founded and administered the Friends of Camelford Town Band for many years. Their role has been taken over by David and Sheila Kenner.

Gareth presented awards as follows: Young Learner of the Year, Ruth Goodenough; Soloist of the Year, Karena Smith; Musical Director’s Player of the Year, Sally Rickard.

There is also an opportunity for band members to vote on who they believe has excelled in the previous 12 months, be it their playing, their commitment or their achievements. This year was a first for the band with the vote for Players’ Player of the Year resulting in a tie between joint winners Sam Coles and Charlotte Goatman. All in all it has been a successful year for Camelford Town Band.

Raffle prize winners were given plenty of choice from the numerous prizes donated. Among the winners were; Sally Rickard, Kay Wonnacott, Sally Moore, Joyce Smith, Karena Smith, Madge Walkey, Kevin Rickard, Maisie Goatman, Nick Stedman, Barbara Richards, Lawrence Eagle, Alana Richardson, Charlie Kestell, Gareth Stubberfield, Sue Baker, Margaret Shillaber, Phoebe Coles, Glenn Richardson and Edward Headon.

Band secretary Megan Woolf said: “It is important for the band to hold such an event, extended to our close supporters, as this gives us the opportunity to say thank you to everyone, to enjoy the company as friends not just co-bandsmen and to celebrate those that have shown incredible progression and dedication for the previous year. To keep any organisation running there will always be a team of piskies (committee team) that run around behind the scenes, striving to keep us relevant, compliant, and improving. To our committee team, thank you all for being amazing at your varied and demanding roles. Thank you to our playing members, who turn up week in, week out for rehearsals and engagements, your dedication is awe inspiring.

“To the Friends of the Band, Mary and John Pearce, thank you for your year’s of support, it has been hugely appreciated. Mary and John have recently stepped down from running the Friends of the Band and entrusted its future into the hands of our band president David Kenner, and his wife Sheila. We very much look forward to what the future holds under your leadership!”

The Friends of Camelford Town Band exists solely to support the band. In recent years the Friends have refurbished instruments, bought music and instruments, the gazebo and contributed £2,000 towards the equipment trailer.

Megan added: “Finally, thank you to our musical director, Gareth Stubberfield. It has been an eclectic year, but one that we have thoroughly enjoyed. It has been brilliant to see the band’s ability tested, flexed and encouraged under your guidance. Being the man in the middle allows Gareth to see and hear every individual player, the improvements they make and the enthusiasm and determination they bring to the band. Gareth is therefore the perfect person to award those that were, for 2019, the most deserving. A massive well done and congratulations to award winners.

“As always, Camelford Town Band are very thankful to all our loyal, new and returning supporters. You enable us to aim higher and achieve more each year. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing you all in the very near future!”

If anyone would like to be kept up to date with Camelford Town Band news, events, fixtures and contribute towards this Camelford treasure, contact Sheila on 01840 770741. Membership starts from as little as £5.

The band’s next concert will be at Lanteglos Church, Camelford, on Friday evening, March 20.