Helston Town Band tribute to Edward Ashton, Helston

Helston Town Band members have shared an emotional tribute on social media to Edward Ashton, who died peacefully on Monday morning (September 4). 

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

He has been described as "band royalty" at Helston Town Band. 

Edward (front centre) with members of Helston Town Band at the SWBBA Junior Championships (Image: Helston 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.

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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. 

Helston Town Band at Edwards home on December 24, 2022 (Image: Helston Town Band)

Helston Town Band shared a tribute to its lifelong member and fried on Facebook. It reads: “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.

“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.

Edward and another member playing the trombone (Image: Helston Town Band)

“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."

Kevin Johns, Helston Town Band’s current musical director said: “He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

“A great friend and mentor to so many people."

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.