The new Central Band of the Royal Air Force ‘Ensemble a la Mode’ group is putting together the final touches of its preparation before its debut appearance at St Clement Danes (on the Strand opposite the Royal Courts of Justice) today at 1.10pm.

Worldwide

The venue was seen worldwide this week as it was used for part of the funeral service of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, whilst the players themselves were called to provide for various military duties due to the massive organisation required for the event.

However, as SAC Jonathan Pippen told 4BR, it has meant that some intense rehearsals have been fitted in for what promises to be an exciting debut.

Very busy

"As you can imagine it has been a been a very busy week or so, but we have managed to fit in rehearsals and we are now looking forward to helping support the RAF Church, which looks after the spiritual needs of the men and women within the service."

The lunchtime programme will feature works by Pete Meechan, Adrian Clifford and Bill Connor amongst others, whilst Jonathan also revealed that following the announcement on 4BR, there has also been a great deal of interest in the ensemble’s community plans.

We have enjoyed a great deal of interest from the local community which uses St Clemant Danes to commemorate the anniversary of its near destruction in the London BlitzSAC Jonathan Pippen

Wonderful project

"We have enjoyed a great deal of interest from the local community which uses St Clemant Danes to commemorate the anniversary of its near destruction in the London Blitz.

After today’s event we will be starting detailed work on what promises to be a wonderful project."