A group of enthusiastic young musicians are now looking the part, after a generous donation from a local group enabled them to purchase brand new uniforms.
Marian Prior, from St Newlyn East Band wrote to Newquay Towan Blystra Lions earlier this year, explaining that their training band were in desperate need for some new uniforms.
“I was thrilled when they offered to sponsor uniform waistcoats for the Training Band members. Uniforms are a really expensive item and although we do a lot of fundraising, there´s never been enough to cover the cost of new uniforms for everyone at the same time! Our Training Band members look really smart in their new uniforms and we are all absolutely delighted!” said Marion.
“Last year, St Newlyn East Band held a ´Have – A – Blow Workshop´ in the village hall, as part of the St Newlina Feast celebrations. Our present ´Training Band´ is a direct result from that workshop.”
The band now have around eighteen members, with more waiting to join.
“The majority of members are children from the village or close-by but we do have one or two from Newquay, Summercourt and Redruth area.” added Marion.
Members of Newquay Towan Blystra Lions were invited to see the new uniforms at the Bandroom during one of the band’s practice sessions.
“It was great to meet Lions President Lesley Clarke, Ken and fellow Lions at the St Newlyn East bandroom this week. The Musical Director Barry Skinner was delighted to accept a cheque for £600 on behalf of the Training Band before they all proved how hard they´ve been working by entertaining their visitors with a rendition of ´Stars On Stage´ and an arrangement of ´How Much is that Doggy in the Window’!”
Lesley Clarke, President of Towan Blystra Lions Club said, “It was a great pleasure to be able to assist St Newlyn East Junior Band by sponsoring their new waistcoats.
“They will indeed look very smart when playing at their next function. At the presentation the band gave us several renditions which were played expertly by such young musicians.
“It is good to see so many boys and girls wanting to learn to play brass instruments and indeed be able to play music. Running a brass band is costly, as instruments do not last forever, so our Lions Club helped by purchasing their new waistcoats.”
The band’s Musical Director is Barry Skinner and he is assisted by Marian Prior. Barry is a dedicated brass bandsman and gives tirelessly of his time and extensive musical knowledge teaching – both young and old – to read music and play brass instruments. Marian is the band engagement secretary and plays tenor horn in the senior band. She joined the band around six years ago and brought with her a great deal of musical experience as a past military musician (Womans Royal Army Corps Staff Band – 1965/70)
“Our youngest members are around eight years old. There is, however, no age limit to join the band and we do have one adult who is learning to play – in the form of June Simmons.” continued Marion.
“June is a valued member of the training band and is also the general secretary of the senior band. Junes´ son – J.C. – is a front-line cornet player with the senior band and also helps with the training band. Hannah Emery, who plays 1st horn in the senior band, also shares her musical experience and enthusiasm with the training band members every week. “
“Thank you so much Newquay Towan Blystra Lions. We truly appreciate your generosity and support of our village band. “
St Newlyn East Training Band meet on Monday evenings to practise together from 6.30 – 8.30pm. Group tuition, instruments, uniforms and music are free of charge. Private lessons are available by arrangement. New members are always welcome. Please call Marian on: 01637 879020 or check out our website www.stnewlyneastband.co.uk
Newquay Towan Blystra Lions are always approachable, and on the lookout for future projects and ways in which they can help the local communities in Newquay the surrounding areas. If you would like to find out more, or ask for their help, please visit their website at www.newquaytowanblystralions.org.uk