Brass band at 'heart of village' marks 170 years

A brass band that has been at the "heart" of life in a Cornish village for generations is celebrating a major milestone of 170 years since being formed.

Indian Queens Band was formed in 1856 with just five players and is one of a handful of brass bands in the South West to have such a long unbroken record.

They have competed in numerous national contests, including one at the iconic Crystal Palace in 1930, and took part in a national radio broadcast in 1937.

Current musical director, George Barnes-Collier, said: "Many say the band is the heart of the village."

He added: "We have members of the public visiting our rehearsals to listen, and it's hugely important tradition to keep alive for generations to come."

Barnes-Collier now leads the band at the age of just 19, making him younger than nearly all the players.

He said: "It's a huge honour and a huge passion of mine.

"Being younger than most of the players in the band can pose its challenges, but we are united in our love of music in our band family.

"In the brass banding world we help grow and develop each other as both players, and as people".

When the band started, its five members undertook their first public engagement knowing only three tunes.

Barnes-Collier said: "They played the pieces on loop... you'll note our repertoire has grown considerably since then."

As part of the celebrations for the 170th anniversary, former members and those with family connections have been invited back to be part of a special gala concert.

Clive Kessell is returning as the fifth generation of his family to perform in the band.

He said: "My great great great grandfather Martin Strongman Kessell formed the band in 1856.

"It's a real achievement and I think as I perform with the band, it's going to be very emotional".

As well as reflecting on the past, the future also looks bright with a healthy membership for the training band, aged between four and 45.

Conductor Bec Eddy said: "We take absolute beginners - we've had people who have never played a brass instrument before.

"A four-year-old who joined us three weeks ago and can already play a whole scale."

Local councillor Dick Cole has been helping with arrangements for the event and is a great great great nephew of the band's founder Martin Strongman Kessell.

"It is remarkable that Indian Queens Band has a proud and unbroken record of bringing 170 years of enjoyment to local residents," he said.

While many brass bands paused during both World Wars, Indian Queens managed to continue.

Cole said: "They provided players to support the final parade of the local Battalion of the Home Guard in Newquay, when it was stood down in 1944."

He added: "The band has been a steadfast supporter of the community - but most importantly, the generations of local people who have received musical tuition, thanks to the dedication of band members."

"Brass band music is such a wonderful tradition throughout Cornwall and I look forward to there being many more highlights for the Queens Band in the years to come," Cole said.

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