Ten Years for South London Fellowship Band

The South London Fellowship Band, under the direction of Major George Whittingham, celebrated its tenth anniversary on September 11, 2004. The occasion was marked by a Festival of Thanksgiving, held at St. George's Church in Beckenham. Special guests for the Festival were Songster Leader Marjory Watson and trumpeter Christopher Deacon of the Regent Hall Corps of the Salvation Army. Chair for the evening was Trevor Austin of Rosehill Instruments, who is a Salvationist from High Wycombe.

The band opened the program with a march that was featured in its very first performance, Pakefield (Ralph Richardson). This was followed by The Joyful Day (Robert Redhead) and Ray Steadman-Allen's cornet and trombone feature Gone My Care. A devotional mood was provided by the selection None Other Name, a masterwork from the pen of Erik Leidzén. The band's own arranging resources were shown by a setting of Elgar's Salut d'Amour, arranged by Brian Walford. Other band items included Southern Australia (Arthur Gullidge) and My Comfort and Strength (Brian Bowen). The Male Chorus also contributed with two selections, The Lord's Prayer and Whosoever Heareth.

The events of the same date three years ago were commemorated with the playing of Sunset as the audience stood in tribute.

The guest vocalist, Marjory Watson, contributed several selections, including Let the Bright Seraphim, which also featured her husband on organ and Christopher Deacon on trumpet. Christopher performed Eric Ball's trumpet solo The Challenge and the second and third movements of Haydn's Trumpet Concerto. Lt.-Col. Maurice Cooper (a former member of the band), provided a medley of classic tunes on the organ as an offertory.

The evening was concluded with remarks by the Rector of the Church, Reverend Malcolm Hancock, MA. A former Salvationist bandsman, he spoke of his continued love for the Army before pronouncing the benediction.

Source:
South London Fellowship Band

Posted by Webmaster 05 October 2004 16:13:39