author: Kevin Whittingham

The Florida Tour had Clearwater in 1994, the USA/Canada tour had Minneapolis in 1998, and now this tour has a concert to match those epic performances! The 2011 Boscombe Band excelled themselves with a barnstorming concert in Lademoen Church, Trondheim last night. From the opening notes of Rosehill to the final chord of Christ Hymn the Band were on top form. Soloists excelled, Howard directed with expertise and fluency, and the overall playing was on a higher level than achieved since arriving in Scandinavia.

The day however had not started terribly well back at the Stowartz mine, with our Colour Sergeant Eric Frampton taking a nasty fall in the shower. An ambulance had to be called and Eric was whisked to Trondheim with concussion to be checked over. Happily, by the time we arrived for dinner later in the day he was able to rejoin us. Back to good health, if with a little bruising. We will take good care of him for the remaining days of our visit.

Before the Band left the mines we had a group picture in front of the old buildings. The picture was reminiscent of old Yorkshire Mining band photos of the past. In our purple travel gear we now resembled the Ribena Colliery Band !! Thankfully the journey today at only 3 hours was a breeze, and despite the wet weather, the scenery of mountains & rivers winding their way through central Norway was a chance for camera’s to be used to breaking point. Round every turn appeared another awe inspiring view and photo opportunity! Luckily with modern technology, pictures can be checked and uploaded onto the internet in seconds; otherwise certain members of the Band would have paid for thousands of pounds in developing by now!

After arrival at the Trondheim corps, in the shadow of the fantastic city cathedral, we were refreshed with a light meal before marching into the town centre to hold an open air. With our flag carrier out of action, Steve Main (apparently in need of resting his poor lip?!?!) stepped into the breach. He did a good job on the way through the city, avoiding catching the 125 year old flag on any low hanging tree or electric cables! But at the openair he left the flag propped against a bench to take some photos only for it to crash to the floor with a gust of wind …….lest to say we were all glad to see Eric return later to take responsible care of our flag!

The afternoon consisted of an interesting visit to the Ringve historical music museum. We were led around various rooms and shown ancient instruments demonstrated by local music students. One of the artefacts we discovered included an old SP&S Bandmaster Cornet made in St. Albans for the Salvation Army! The age of the instrument, some noted, matching that of our esteemed second cornet section!!

The Furulund Adult Rehabilitation Centre, treated the Band to Lasagne for dinner as we made our way to the church in plenty of time to sound check. The whole day had a more relaxed feel to it without such a long journey or rush to each venue. With a healthy audience in attendance, the Band launched into the evening with aplomb.

Excellent renditions of To the Chief Musician & Ellacombe Chronicles sandwiched the two featured soloists. Barney with another class performance of His Eye is on the Sparrow, and Starsky on sparkling form in Bravura, displaying dazzling technique and panache.

A stylish reading of Barrie Gott’s Lightwalk launched the second half in style with Malc (horn), Kev (flugel), Colin (baritone), Brian (bass), Matt (percussion), Mark & George (cornet) all featured and encouraging the audience back to their seats. All evening the sound and style from the Band matched the requirements and direction of the Bandmaster, with sweet quiet playing in both Ascalon & Coming Home. The final chord of Christ Hymn resounding around the wooden arched roof will live long in the memory, and our audience left with smiles on their faces and hopefully a memory and Christian message in their hearts.