Helen Rowe, Treasurer of St. Austell Town Youth Band receiving a cheque to the value of £400 from Philip Snell, representing St Austell Lodge of Mark Masons. The donation came from the Cornwall Mark Foundation, which has, with the support of the Mark Brethren of Lodges in Cornwall, made awards totalling £7600 to deserving causes  and is in addition to £100 generously given to the band from the St Austell Lodge previously.

St Austell Town Youth Band is the only youth brass band in the St Austell area and gives concerts as an independent ensemble whilst being financially supported by the

Senior Band. Many Youth members are also members of the Cornwall Youth Brass Band. Both bands are based at The Band Club, East Hill,

St. Austell and both bands welcome new or returning players and players who may have recently moved to the area. You’ll see them representing St Austell at the West of England Bandsmen’s festival at Bugle on 16^th June; the Youth Band in their own section and the Senior Band in The Championship Section. The bands are also to be seen supporting local events such as Feast Week in Mevagissey 24-30^th June 2018 and lead many of the summer carnivals occurring throughout Cornwall. For further information on rehearsal times and up coming concerts, please refer to the band website www.staustelltownband.co.uk or contact us via our Facebook page.

Pictured (R-L) Most Worshipful Pro Grand
Master Raymond John Smith, Right Worshipful Brother Kevin John Hicks, Provincial Grand Master for Cornwall,(presenting a cheque for £400 on behalf of the Brethren of Cornwall), Mrs Sue Hicks,
Gerald Bianchi (Treasurer of BATS, – Blind at Sea)
and Mrs Ann Smith

Cornwall’s Sailing Club for Visually Impaired People

Blind at Sea (BATS) provides water related activities for visually impaired people.

Many blind and visually impaired people are denied the opportunity to fully participate in all Cornwall has to offer. Blind at Sea, founded 30 years ago by a keen group of visually impaired sailors, now offers sailing, gig rowing and fishing to our members.

BATS is based at Mylor Yacht Harbour at the entrance to the beautiful, tranquil Mylor Creek where, our own yacht, a Sadler 25, is kept on a harbour mooring. This spring we are taking ownership of a new yacht, Lucienne. She is a Westerly Konsort and with more room and speed, she will allow us to sail longer distances and has the potential for some overnight stays!

Blind at Sea‘s activities are made possible by volunteers, some who provide their own boats for sailing and fishing, skipper our own yacht, act as help-buddies and drivers to assist VI (visually impaired) members, or to help crew the boats. Gig rowing takes place under the guidance of the excellent coxes from Nankersey Gig Club.