MEMBERS of Helston Town Band will perform one last musical farewell to a former member at his funeral this month.

The funeral of former musical director of Helston Town Band and Cornish Bard Edward Ashton will take place at St Michael’s Church at 1pm on Wednesday, September 20.

Donations in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society and Helston Town Band can be made via a retiring collection. If you are unable to make the service but would like to donate, visit: https://www.pendlefunerals.org.uk/tributes-donations/funeral-details?tribute=edward-ashton.

Helston Town Band will play two pieces of music in the service and will lead the hymns. Some members of the band will also act as pallbearers.

Falmouth Packet: Picture of Helston Town Band on Flora Day 2023 Picture of Helston Town Band on Flora Day 2023 (Image: NQ)

Ben Curnow, player and vice chair of the band, will be one of those pallbearers on the day. Ben said: “I am very honoured to be a bearer and will have to concentrate to hold it together.”

As previously reported in the Packet on Wednesday (September 6) Edward passed away on Monday, September 4.

Edward was born and raised in Helston and played the trombone in Helston Town Band before becoming the lead trombone player for Camborne Town Band.

Edward then spent 32 years as a musical director for Helston whilst overseeing Camborne at the same time for a period. He later set up the junior band and eventually saw them leading the Children’s Dance on Flora Day.

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During his working life, Edward was a dental technician, first for Milne’s in Coinagehall Street and later in a private capacity, with Howard Pascoe, making dentures for practices all over West Cornwall.

Falmouth Packet: Edward and his wife Flo on their diamond wedding anniversary in 2014Edward and his wife Flo on their diamond wedding anniversary in 2014 (Image: NQ)

Following his death, a Helston Town Band spokesperson paid tribute to Edward on its Facebook page. It reads: “He was part of the fabric of our organisation, and his passing brings to a close a remarkable chapter.

“For young players growing up under his musical direction, he simply was ‘the band’.

“We send out condolences to Edward’s family – his son Lester (our long-time band member) and his daughter Karen, to their respective partners Anna and Ian and to his grandchildren, Ben, Luke, Brandon and Natalie and their families.”