Continuing their busy summer season of normal Sunday worship meetings, open-air ministry and visits to hospitals and homes, the Band, under the leadership of Bandmaster Howard Evans, presented a concert of contrasting music to the enjoyment of a large congregation in the beautiful setting of the 11^th century Christchurch Priory,

Roger Trigg’s Battle Ready was followed by a reminder of the recent Congress celebrations with the singing of O Boundless Salvation and the playing of the meditative Make me a Channel of thy Peace (arr. William Himes).  Two sensitively played solos by Craig Snell (cornet) with Don’t doubt Him now (Leonard Ballantine) and the Bandmaster’s own arrangement of When He Cometh by John Starkes (Euphonium) contrasted with the Trombone ensemble reminding their listeners of the first Gowans and Larsson musical, Take Over Bid, as they played the rousing Wonders begin when the Lord comes in’, and the popular Keep me Praising (Andrew Mackereth).  A Scripture reading by Lieut-Colonel David Phillips and the March from Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 6 - ‘Pathetique’ (arr. Bramwell Coles) concluded the first half of an entertaining evening.

 The band launched the second half of the evening with Happy by Pharrell Williams (arr. Richard Rock) before Barney Lawrence (Horn) gave a brilliant performance of Csardas (Monti arr. Steve York) which was followed by Phillip Harper’s lovely setting of The Water of Tyne.

 The evening concluded with a Proms Singalong arranged by the Bandmaster which commenced with Philip Sparke’s arrangement of Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance No.1 and continued with Men of Harlech, Annie Laurie and Mountains of Mourne before Hilary Bromage (soprano) led the flag waving congregation in Rule Britannia.  Finally this thoroughly enjoyable evening ended with Hubert Parry’s Jerusalem (arr. Jakeway) after which the benediction was pronounced by Corps Officer, Major Ray Begley.

contributed by Lieut-Colonel Ramsay Caffull