Band at Tamworth - 19 September 2007

The Mayor and Mayoress of Tamworth, as well as Salvationists from Govan and Ayr, were amongst the audience who gave an enthusiastic welcome to the band in the Assembly Rooms in Tamworth on the occasion of their visit to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Tamworth Anker.

Compered by David Newstead, he indicated in his opening remarks the strong links between the Army and Rotary, and the support that the Club had made to Army projects in Africa and South America.  In introducing the programme he said that the music that would be played by the band would reach those parts that other music fails to reach!  From the opening stirring march Celebrate Rotary the band played music for all tastes, from the exciting Ray Farr arrangement of Toccata in D to the contemplative music of Procession to Covenant by William Himes.

In his 'Thought for the Day' slot in the programme, David using the current Army slogan 'Belief in Action' and the Rotary slogan 'Service above Self', referred to the commitment of Salvationists and Rotarians in helping build a better world.  Salvationists he indicated did this through a strong Christian commitment, Rotarians through humanitarian concern.  He concluded by saying that both of these slogans are interchangeable between the two organisations and that what Salvationists and Rotarians believe has an impact on the work that both of these organisations do in and for the community.

Stephanie Lamplough, accompanied on the grand piano by Trudy Purkiss, was the soprano soloist and she thrilled the audience with her singing of classic arias and songs from the shows.

The programme also included 'Highlights from Last Night of the Proms' to much audience participation and flag waving.

Stephanie brought the evening to a conclusion by singing John Rutter's arrangement of The Lord Bless You and Keep You.

Words: David Newstead
Photos: Gordon McKee