As the year comes to a close, we thought we would shine a light on a couple of people who are doing great things for the benefit of the community. The individuals put forward for this article have been nominated by people who are involved in a number of local projects and organisations, who get to see what goes on day in, day out.
Mayor Helen Bailey nominates... Ann Brown of Launceston Town Band
Ann has been part of the town band for the last 50 years, and works hard to train band members so the community can enjoy all of the band’s regular events. Married for 37 years to her husband Steve, and mother to daughter Gemma, Ann juggles working for her family delivery service, assisting Gemma with her drum workshop business Rhythm Sticks, and teaching brass privately with her commitment to Launceston Town Band, who she has been playing with since 1979.
Having started her musical career at the tender age of nine, Ann was offered the principle cornet position with Launceston Town Band when she was 14, under the baton of Nick Chadd.
In 2011, Ann achieved an ATCL diploma in cornet playing with Trinity College London, whilst conducting and teaching the learners of the Launceston junior and training bands. She became the musical director of Launceston senior band and learner bands in 2018.
With the arrival of the pandemic in 2020, Ann has worked hard to get the band to a stable position, now boasting 20 senior players and 14 learners. In between practices, Ann puts on a community lunch to raise funds for the band and a new bandroom.
Ann says: “We really enjoy being part of the community in Launceston and surrounding areas, entertaining the public with traditional brassband music, our themed concert nights, and even our
Oompah Band for Octoberfest.”
If anyone wants to book the band for an event in 2024, call Ann 01566 86700/ 07814565944.
Pat Orridge at The Orchard Centre, nominates Chris Theobald, Man Down volunteer
Launceston local and dad of six-year-old daughter Adelaide, Chris Theobald is passionate about bringing the community together - with a smile and a friendly face. Pat Orridge, who runs the Orchard Centre, has nominated Chris for his volunteering work in the community, from helping at the centre, to running the local Man Down group.
Man Down is a free men’s mental health group that is entirely run by volunteers and invites men of all ages to pop in for a chat and some support, if they need it.
Chris facilitates the group, which meets every fortnight at the Orchard Centre between 7pm-9pm.
“It’s their story, in their words as they see life through their eyes,” Chris explained. “Ultimately, we’re doing our best to reduce the number of suicides and pain, as 82 men a week take their lives in the UK, and Cornwall has the second highest rate in the country. I do all I can to get these men into a safe space and back into their community - it can be tough as mental health puts up so many barriers. The power of listening and talking can save an individual, community, family and friends from dealing with the pain of suicide.”
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