The West of England Band Festival at Bugle is now fixed for the 3rd Saturday in June, this year being the 90th Festival since its inception in 1913 (except for the war years) the major trophy being the 'Royal Trophy' presented by the Prince of Wales in 1913. This is the only day of the year that Bugle comes to life.
Leaving Penzance on the 07.18 service to Paddington I alighted at St Austell, as on Saturdays no train stops at any intermediate stations between Par and Newquay.
I arrived at Bugle on the 529 Western Greyhound Bodmin bus service at just before 09.00hrs. The 31 bands entered considerably swelling the village population for the day. Then at 09.30 the bands commenced to march down to the contest field which is adjacent to the main Newquay-Par line. The Contest proper started at 10.00. The Festival is a dual event for me as when trains are due, I slip out hoping to get a shot or two as most trains from the road bridge or station as most trains cross at Goonbarrow Junction. Bugle station is almost lost amongst the bushes! Trains used to sound their horns for the adjacent Molinnis crossing confusing the adjudicator! 'Was it the band or the train'? However no trains blew their horns today. Years ago the bands would park their coaches on the old loading banks and walk the track to the contest field, now of course built over. One train which eluded me was the Manchester-Newquay where I waited over 45 mins, it eventually it ran over 70 mins late due to signal problems in Par. Ivor Bowditch a good friend to the Cornwall Railway Society in arranging many visits to the China Clay establishments is the Chairman of the Bugle Band Festival and in his closing remarks, before the results were given out, he thanked everyone for their support.
The fine weather again was the bonus today, long may it last.
Leaving Penzance on the 07.18 service to Paddington I alighted at St Austell, as on Saturdays no train stops at any intermediate stations between Par and Newquay.
I arrived at Bugle on the 529 Western Greyhound Bodmin bus service at just before 09.00hrs. The 31 bands entered considerably swelling the village population for the day. Then at 09.30 the bands commenced to march down to the contest field which is adjacent to the main Newquay-Par line. The Contest proper started at 10.00. The Festival is a dual event for me as when trains are due, I slip out hoping to get a shot or two as most trains from the road bridge or station as most trains cross at Goonbarrow Junction. Bugle station is almost lost amongst the bushes! Trains used to sound their horns for the adjacent Molinnis crossing confusing the adjudicator! 'Was it the band or the train'? However no trains blew their horns today. Years ago the bands would park their coaches on the old loading banks and walk the track to the contest field, now of course built over. One train which eluded me was the Manchester-Newquay where I waited over 45 mins, it eventually it ran over 70 mins late due to signal problems in Par. Ivor Bowditch a good friend to the Cornwall Railway Society in arranging many visits to the China Clay establishments is the Chairman of the Bugle Band Festival and in his closing remarks, before the results were given out, he thanked everyone for their support.
The fine weather again was the bonus today, long may it last.
140621e A lovely detailed picture of the footbridge at St Austell. Time is running out for this classic bridge complete with the luxury of a covered walkway. It seems likely that replacement bridge will be placed in position over the weekend 28th/29th June . Copyright Roger Winnen
140621f The Atlantic Coast express slows as it approaches Molinniss Crossing, just before Bugle station. Copyright Roger Winnen
140621g The 13.19 Newquay-Paddington approaches Bugle photographed from the main Bodmin Road. Copyright Roger Winnen
140621h With new houses built the scene has changed completely at Bugle. No trains stop here on Saturdays. Copyright Roger Winnen.
140621i Camborne Youth Band, looking very smart, marches through Bugle. Copyright Roger Winnen
We couldn't have Camborne Band without Redruth Band as well. Led by these two young ladies. The bandmaster is Sara Munns - no doubt she is on the drum towards the back. From that position she controls the band with a series of taps on the drum, rather like signal box bell codes!!! 21st June 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen
140621j St Austell Band on the stage, in front, the wonderful display of trophies including The Royal Trophy of 1913. Copyright Roger Winnen.
140621l Waiting for the results, Ivor Bowditch Chairman of the Festival in its 90th Year and a good friend to the CRS. Copyright Roger Winnen