Flora Day Diary

09/05/2008 Flora Day 2008: The Big Day And so we come to the most important day of the year for Helston and Helstonians throughout the world, Flora Day 2008. Under clear blue skies, the majority of the band (except Ben Martin the bass drummer, who was at this stage on his fourteenth media interview) met at 6.30am (yes that’s 6.30 in the morning) in the Red Lion for a swift half to toast the start of Flora Day 2008. As the minute hand approached 7 o’clock, we made our way to the Guildhall, band members looking immaculate with instruments gleaming, shoes shining, lily-of-the-valley resplendent and smiles all round in anticipation of the day ahead. However, there was a slight dampener for the band (Adrian wasn’t involved this time) with the sad news that Clive would not be able to play, having being struck down by the Christophers Family Bug, which had hit the now-recovered rest of the family the day before. This bug literally ran down the genes – enough said. Demelza’s 3rd valve had been hit by a similar strain, having seized up completely and needing Simon’s drum stick to dislodge it, he refused to provide Clive with similar assistance. After an inspiring team-talk from our MD, reminding us this was our last Flora Day as a first-section band (hopefully for a year or two), we formed into our ranks proud to be West of England First Section Champions. As the large crowd hushed and the seconds ticked to 7 o’clock, the bell tolled and Ben’s first strike of the drum got the day underway. There was a huge number of people lining the streets for the morning dance, the weather bringing out the crowds (or was this just the Percussion Fan Club?) As the dance wound through the town, with not a flip flop in sight, our thoughts began to turn to breakfast and the male tradition of a pint of Spingo. The dance made its way up Coinagehall Street to its conclusion, with glorious blue skies hinting at beautiful weather for the rest of the day … or so we thought. We retired to the newly refurbished and managed Angel Hotel for a delicious fried breakfast. We even had Hash Browns this year – moving up in the world. Feeling fat and full (some fatter than others), we wandered up to the Godolphin Club to meet friends of Helston Town Band, Juniors, Beginners and guests who had been invited to play for the Children’s and Midday Dances. With the skies still blue, the Band now split into two groups, and awaited the arrival of the 1000+ schoolchildren from the four schools in Helston ready for the start of the Children’s Dance. This is a true spectacle to see so many children all dressed in white and proud to be involved in such an ancient tradition – how many towns in the country could contemplate their schoolchildren volunteering to take part in something like this? Midway through the dance, we made our customary refreshment break (the second band getting a lot less of a break than the first) at Lismore Gardens, owned by Band President Michael Jay who generously opens his beautiful gardens to the public every year. Mr Jay’s bushes received an equally generous sprinkling from those not able to join the queue for the Portaloos. After the seemingly never ending stream of children passed through the band at the end of the dance, we headed down to the Red Lion for a very quick pint (even quicker for the second band) before the start of the principal dance of the day, the Midday Furry. With a slightly different start to the Midday ahead of us (this year we would not be going through The Beehive and ETS) the bands once again formed in two parts outside the Guildhall ready for the bell to ring to set us off on our way again. The new start to the dance seemed to work very well, with far more room for the band to form up and a greater opportunity for the spectators to see the dancers on their exit from the Guildhall. A second visit to Lismore Gardens provided the huge awaiting crowd the chance to see one of the true ‘sights’ of the day, the dancers spiral on the lower lawn of the gardens. Our president Mr Jay kindly provided all the band refreshments in a private area of his garden, a gesture that is always truly appreciated. Lester, who was dancing this year was rumoured to have shed a little tear at the fact of missing out on a free cider and an egg sandwich. Those marching behind Mark also shed a tear at the fact that he hadn’t missed out on an egg sandwich! After the conclusion of the Midday and with deafening cheers we finished up with the National Anthem. Sadly The Queen once again couldn’t make it this year- maybe next time Liz?! 12 miles down, 4 to go, we have a couple of hours off in the afternoon to freshen up and recharge the batteries. By this time the skies had darkened and the heavens had opened meaning we were forced to take shelter in the Legion for the rest of the afternoon. With the weather showing no signs of clearing up we were informed of some major changes to the route at the start of the evening dance, most notably no stop in the gardens (a real concern for those of us who had been in the Legion all afternoon) Still, well lubricated and refreshed after the rest we were delighted to see the appearance of Clive who was feeling a little better though rumoured to be wearing bicycle clips ‘just in case’. We were also delighted to see Rach, who at 5 months pregnant was about to complete all four dances and hadn't complained once, good effort. And so we set off on the final dance of the day. Despite the weather still not being up to much there was still a huge crowd cheering the band on their final route, as we approached the Guildhall for the last time today, and this year, the cheers got louder. The final dancers headed into the Guildhall, leaving the band alone reluctant to stop playing the tune that drives us around so many miles and makes us so proud to be part of this town. Our MD walked around the band and shook each players hand and we all knew it had to come to an end, as we played the final notes the crowd erupted. What else could we do? We struck up again, bringing to an emotional close another brilliant and memorable Flora Day. Quote of the day - ‘you know you’ve made it in life when you get interviewed by Atlantic FM’ - Ben Martin

08/05/2008 Midday Dance Rehearsal With much of the town folk busily decorating the shops and houses throughout the day, our town was in the midst of its usual transformation into a flora heaven. Kathryn’s house in Penrose Road would have put the Chelsea Flower Show to shame – who would have thought that two bass drummers, all set to belt ten bells of the proverbial out of their drums the next day, would be so artistic with their flower arranging – nice bluebells boys. Whilst the streets were not yet closed, the general buzz around the town was in full flow, as was the demand for goldfish which could last longer than the trip home from the fair. Band members have been busy ironing shirts, pressing trousers and polishing shoes in preparation for the big day tomorrow. A few more sun burned faces appeared amidst the ranks of the band tonight, whilst others were missing altogether, with Cynthia and Demelza struck down by a nasty stomach bug – Clive plans to sleep in the garage tonight to make sure he is fully immunised for tomorrow. Of course tonight, Flora Eve was the rehearsal for the gentry of the town for the Midday Dance (alongside four of our own members – Lester, Ian, Philip and Jeremy). After the usual hubbub, and nervous chatter followed by a quick demonstration from this year’s leading dancers, the order of this most prestigious dance was revealed, including our own four Fred Astaires. Today was a particularly special time for our soprano cornet player Jeremy, who not only was as excited as five year old on Christmas Eve but was also celebrating his birthday. We have been reliably informed by Squibby that in three years time his fortieth birthday will fall on Flora Day, you do the maths. Speaking of fortieth birthdays, the Stewards tonight wished our MD John a Happy Birthday for this milestone birthday which will fall on May 9th. As usual, the rehearsal mixed great competence and pride, with slight incompetence and those that should hide. No solos tonight in the drums only verse (last nights culprit was dancing). There was however a long mobile phone ring solo from a previous female culprit! Tonight was a little busier time for the stewards as opposed to last night, with far more constructive ‘advice’ being handed out to those dancers still not quite sure on the concept of left and right feet. Prior to the rehearsal, a very special presentation was made to the recently retired Chairman of the Flora Day Stewards, Leslie Collins, who has stepped down after 24 years. Mr Collins has always been hugely respected by the band, and he will continue in an active role as a steward . He thanked the hall for the reception he received quoting “I never expected to be a flower girl” in reference to the beautiful bouquet presented to his wife Gerry which he proudly carried on her behalf. Four groups of dancers later, and an hour and a half later, with the Stewards’ voices somewhat jaded, the band retired to the Legion for a few well earned lemonades (we would never drink the night before Flora) and then an early night to bed. Check back tomorrow for an account of the big day. Quote of the day “Are you going to take up Bass Trombone?” – Royston to a heavily pregnant Kathryn, referring to the similarities in shape between her and Adrian

07/05/2008 Rehearsal for Morning and Evening Dances Tonight the professionals dusted off their dancing shoes and strode into the Epworth Hall for the rehearsal for the early morning and evening dances. The Hall is now midway through refurbishment, but to our great delight the stage had yet to be removed and from this elevated vantage point, we could see who was wearing what, who should have been wearing more ‘support’, who could dance and who couldn’t (usually applies tomorrow evening on a ‘larger’ scale as well), and who was looking teasy because they were further back in the line than someone else. We’re not saying it’s political but some of the faces resembled John Prescott’s on May 1st after election results. Cheer up there’s a fry up afterwards! (that’s how they comforted Mr Prescott as well). John Eddy explained the history behind the dance in his second appearance as Chairman of the Flora Day Stewards. However, he faced a battle against the apparent incessant need for some of the dancers to continuously talk, whilst the Beginners in the band, some as young as eight, behaved impeccably – the ‘Youth of Today’ could teach some of them a thing or two. John Hocking – to Clive’s apparent delight - stated that any dancers wearing flip flops would be sent home this year, along with the rest of their four. Based on last year’s footwear, could be a short line then. Meanwhile, the woodlands of Trelowarren and Trevarno were being deprived of their finest foliage in order to make our beautiful town even more appealing. Bamboo seems to have sprouted up on all the town sign posts today so let’s hope there are plenty of dog walkers to keep it looking fresh for Thursday. The band, fully refreshed from a weekend in the sunshine (some evidently more in the sunshine than others) commenced in fine form, and after Jeremy’s lecture during the week on the concept of the ‘drums only’ verse, there were more than one or two smiles around the band when Mr Squibb proceeded, not only to play one note in the drums only verse but a good couple of bars worth, pot and kettle, need we say more? Our newly engaged cornet player Felicity who is once again dancing (but not with her fiancé) is well positioned, being midway in the line. Within no time at all and after a few quick laps of the hall, we are all on our way home. Join us tomorrow for the account of Flora Day Eve, though be aware, we may have had a swift half by the time we get around to writing it! Quote of the day: “I only seem to get sunburnt when the weather is nice” – Simon

02/05/2008 May Day Evening Eleven and a half hours after we last finished, and some having had a day’s rest at work (ok, those of us in the public sector), we gathered again outside the Guildhall for this evening’s May Day rehearsal. According to Lionel, counting without taking his shoes and socks off, a 79 strong band formed, from the tiniest Beginners to the slightly bigger Flora Day veterans in the band. With no repeat performance of last year’s pressure washing of the Guildhall, it was evident that the street cleaners and litter pickers had been out all day, making our town pristine. There was a long line of dancers this evening, and the usual scramble to lead the rehearsal ensued - adults pushing children out of the way, parents pushing those adults out of the way, the cornets pushing them out of the way and so on. Kathryn Pritchard managed to get right to the front of the dancers, her father clearly having passed down some useful tips how to work your way to the front in life, at work, the bar, the pie shop ... With the 8 drummers stationed in the middle of the band, much to the relief of the cornets, we set off on the stroke of 7pm. As the sun shines on the righteous, Helston has of course been basking in sunshine all day. However, a dark cloud appeared over the back left corner of the band, as Squibby sulked about Leeds not regaining their 15 points. Leeds United should look to Helston Town Band for inspiration - in 2006 they too severely needed points to stay in the First Section, but by 2009 they will become a Championship Section Band. But then, unlike Leeds, we have the added benefit of talent. Mingling with the band this year was a professional film crew from a local production company who are making a documentary about Flora Day, and have been filming and interviewing the band for the last few months. A very large microphone on a steel rod was constantly hovering amongst the ranks, which was at times a little off-putting, particularly as the end piece resembled John’s tuner. Rumour had it that the steel rod appeared to bend in certain unnamed sections of the band. There was also a CornetCam strapped to Nikki’s cornet as part of a trial run for the recording on the big day. Nikki will have to go in and out all of the shops and houses, thus almost doubling their route, though hopefully she will remember to switch off the camera for those private moments, such as the toilet stop at Lismore. Big Brother is watching. Following the rendition of Happy Birthday for Keith outside the Guildhall (a Championship Section band, and still only one member of the band can play it), we completed another successful May Day. A relaxing weekend to whisk ourselves up into a frenzy of excitement, and on Tuesday it is the turn of the professionals - the Morning and Evening dancers. 80 couples who have the dance off to a fine art, three times around the Epworth Hall and we should be done. Quote of the evening – bearing in mind you totally had to see the unique ‘image’ to appreciate it, so will be of no comedy value to anybody else whatsoever – “There’s next year’s Helston Carnival Queen”

01/05/2008 May Day Morning After a night off on Wednesday, this morning at 6.30am, we assembled outside the Guildhall as the sound of the big bass drum woke us all from our semi-sleep, and no doubt woke three-quarters of the population of Helston. This of course was the usual May Day celebration, where the band traditionally ‘rehearses’ the Flora Dance at the early hour, awakening the feelings of all those along the route. Not only that, but it is also Keith's 62nd birthday. According to the now official counter-upper Lionel, this morning we had 51 members in the band (Beginners, Juniors and Seniors), with the majority of course living within a drum beat of the town, other than Bondo and Mike Hocking who travelled across from the other side of Carn Brea, whilst John our MD must have been up before he went to bed to travel all the way from Probus. Adrian however had to miss the parade due to a rather feeble excuse of starting work at 6.30, and sadly Vealls of Newquay do not deliver into Helston for that time of the day. (Rumour has it, that he has to start work at 3.30am tomorrow, so we may miss his legendary rendition of Handel's Water Music along Cross Street this evening). Of course the usual football banter between Chelsea and Liverpool supporters in the band ensued after the previous night’s 90 minutes of synchronised diving on the television. The beam on Ben’s face was, well, same as ever. Despite the untimely hour, a healthy number of spectators turned out to enjoy this early morning spectacle. Many people stood and spectated in their pyjamas, evidently just out of bed – now you don’t get that in Trooping the Colour. Although there were minimal dancers this morning (quality not quantity), there is no doubt that by 7pm this evening, the band will swell in ranks (will we pass the magical 100? Will Lionel need a calculator ?) and a trail of ages and sizes (children mixed with adults) will doubtlessly follow behind. This of course is the opportunity for dancers to unleash their enthusiasm out of sight of the Stewards, and for those dancing for the first time, will of course learn that you do not have to leap up trying to touch the flags, and it really is as easy as - out and out, in and in and so on. Don’t forget to log in tomorrow to see how many were in the band, the competency of the dancers, and of course whether Leeds United get their 15 points back off the Football League. Quote of the morning - conversation between Mike and Rachel regarding borrowing gloves : Mike “I used to wear them when I was doing running” Rach “They haven’t been worn for a long time then?”