Ringwood and Poole Weekend

Derby Central Band (Bandmaster Alan Losh) spent the weekend of 16 – 17 October at Ringwood and Poole, participating in the Ringwood Carnival and presenting a festival concert at Poole.

Following a meal prepared by members of the Salvation Army corps in Ringwood, the band marched around the town as a part of the town Carnival, moving among various characters (Captain Jack Sparrow, characters from Dr. Who, Big Cook and Little Cook, and many others). A selection of about ten marches was used during the event, including classics such as Cairo Red Shield, In the King's Service, Amsterdam Congress and Rosehill. The were many people crowding the paths enjoying the carnival, and it is hoped that the band served as a reminder of the Salvation Army's presence in the Ringwood community.

The band then made the short trip to Poole by coach, with another excellent meal before the evening festival. The compére for the evening was the Principal Director of Music for the British Army, Lt.-Colonel S. J. Smith, whose charming and humourous remarks added to the festivities. Several solo items were included on the program. David Purkiss played the cornet solo So Glad. A soprano cornet feature, Ave Maria, arranged by Derby Central trombonist Graham Eacott, was presented by Alan Fox. The popular inspirational song You Raise Me Up was sung by Andy Ward. Darren Willis showed his range with the euphonium solo There Will Be God.

On Sunday morning, the band participated in the morning worship service, led by Derby Central's corps officer, Major Ted Benneyworth. Before the service, Stuart Pegg led a prayer meeting. Paul Robbins contributed a vocal solo during the main service.

After Sunday lunch at the homes of those who had billeted the band for the evening, the band made its second march of the weekend, this time through Poole, beginning and ending at the Corps hall. Another service was held on Sunday evening, with the first half consisting of a “mini-festival”. Highlights included Sweetest Name performed as a euphonium trio, Andy Ward singing We Are the Reason, and the trombone feature Peter, James and John. Worship was again led by Major Ted Bennyworth.