Neighbourhood Proms at Lewisham

A small but enthusiastic audience greeted the South London Fellowship Band (Bandmaster Major George Whittingham) on 10 October 2009 for “Neighbourhood Proms”, an initiative undertaken by Captain Martin Cordner, officer in charge of the Salvation Army’s work in Lewisham.

The guest for the evening, Major Malcolm Walters, proved himself to be a very able compère, guiding the audience effortlessly through the program and also providing an effective “Pause for Thought.” The Fellowship Band included one of their favorite arrangements, Melodies of Dvorak. Soloists Alan Moyse (cornet) and Bram Chestney (euphonium) presented Glory to His Name and My Unchanging Friend, respectively. Visiting vocal soloist Mark Norwood, from the Bromley Temple Corps, pleased everyone with his professional performances of Spirituals and The Touch of God.

After a short interval, the evening went into “Proms” mode with audience participation in The Radetzky March, Fantasia on British Sea Songs and a selection of wartime favorites. Mark Norwood sang Oh, What a Beautiful Morning and What a Friend.

The evening concluded with the Fellowship Band and the audience joining together in Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem.