It was 71 years ago in 1955 that the GUS Band, under its original name Munn and Feltons last competed and won the West of England Bandsmen’s Festival but last Saturday, (20th June) we proudly lifted the famous Royal Trophy as champion band once again. The Bugle Band Contest, as it’s better known, is held in the Cornish village of the same name and was celebrating its 100th year this year and the band was keen to take part once more.
What was a truly memorable day began at 8:30 in the morning when GUS joined the other competing bands to march down through the village to Molinnis Park, where the contest was to be held. It wasn’t until early evening however that it was the band’s turn take to the outdoor stage and perform the contest march Molinnis Park, (written for the contest by Paul Saggers) and the test piece English Heritage, (George Lloyd).
The band did extremely well, being awarded the deportment third prize together with best soprano, (Jack Wilson) best solo horn, (Ailsa Russell) best baritone, (Andrew Rigby) and best trombone and Bass Sections and first place to win the championship section. After the prize giving, the bands marched back up through the village with GUS, as the champion band at the rear along with their impressive haul of trophies.
Once at the top, the band gave a short concert under the street lights to a large and very appreciative crowd. The Cornish people were so welcoming and closing the performance an hour before midnight playing Deep Harmony was a very moving experience that the band will never forget.