Helston Town Band to honour former musical director Edward Ashton this Flora Day

Before the Morning Dance proceeds through Helston this Flora Day, Helston Town Band members will remember the life of one of their own with a special tribute.

Helston Town Band and Helston Flora Day Association have revealed a fitting tribute to the band’s former long-serving musical director, the late Edward Ashton on May 8.

Once the clock chimes at 7am, the band will play stationary to reflect on Edwards ‘remarkable contribution’ to Helston and the band throughout his long life before stepping off to begin the Morning Dance.

Edward passed away in September 2023 at the age of 95 (Image: Supplied)

The band is also extending an invitation to the community to join them in this moment of reflection, remembering loved ones who are no longer here on Helston’s very special day.

Edward, who was described as an ‘institution of Helston Town Band’ died in September 2023.

The former musical director was born and raised in Helston, and played trombone in the band, before becoming the lead trombone player for Camborne Town Band.

He 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.

Helston band members with Edward Ashton in December 2022 (Image: Helston Town Band)

In 2002, Edward retired from his role as musical director. However, this did not stop members of the band from keeping in touch. On Christmas Eve 2022, the band went to Edwards and performed some songs for him. Sadly, this was his final engagement with the band.

At the time of his death, the band shared an emotional tribute to Edward on its Facebook page. It read: “We are deeply saddened to learn today (Monday 4) of the passing of a Helston Town Band institution, who was also very much admired across the wider Cornish Brass Band movement as a trombonist, tutor, and musical director.

*In 2022, the band played stationary to remember the lives of those lost during the pandemic, and to Covid

“Edward Ashton who died peacefully this morning, at the grand old age of 95, had a lifelong connection with Helston Town Band, as was reflected in his Bardic Title, Ylewyth Brest Hellys: Brass Musician of Helston.

“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 our 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."

The band last played stationary in 2022 when Flora Day returned after the Covid pandemic. The band honoured those who had lost their lives during the two years when Flora Day didn’t take place, and for those who lost their lives due to Covid.