The recent visit of the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army to perform at the Heritage High School in Clowne was an overwhelming success.

The band performed a wide variety of repertoire — including an emotive performance of Paul Lovatt Cooper's 'The Final Journey', which recalls the First World War sinking of HMS Hampshire, which was lost 100 years ago with many people from the local area on board.

Celebration

In addition there was a wonderful celebration of the musical contribution made by the legendary euphonium player Derick Kane who has given 40 years of dedicated service to the band.

However, a surprise presentation was also made to Carole Crompton, the Arts Development Officer of Bolsover District Council in recognition of her support of the ISB's musical activities over the past 5 years.

This has included the commissioning through the Bolsover Brass Band Summer of three substantial works which have been subsequently gifted to the International Staff Band.

Trio of works

'Simple Gifts' by Kenneth Downie, 'Inclusion' by Paul Sharman and 'Cross Rhythms' by Stephen Ponsford are now available to be performed all over the banding world in concerts and contests, with proceeds from their sales helping with the Salvation Army's ongoing work.

Dedicated work

ISB Bandmaster Dr Stephen Cobb told 4BR: "We were delighted to be able to show our gratitude to Carole for her dedicated work and support.

To gift important music to the Salvation Army so that it can be performed all over the banding world has been a wonderful gesture from a very kind and wonderful person who has become a great friend of us all at the International Staff Band."

I was completely overwhelmed with the ISB's wonderful gesture on Saturday. I am a great supporter of the band, the Salvation Army and their workCarole Crompton

Overwhelmed

In reply Carole told 4BR: "I was completely overwhelmed with the ISB's wonderful gesture on Saturday. I am a great supporter of the band, the Salvation Army and their work.

The link with Stephen and the band has enabled us to work together with composers on compositions that are both enjoyable and accessible — from initial performances at the Bolsover Summer School to their subsequent use by the ISB and now in concerts and contests by bands at all levels all over the world."

Lasting impact

She added: "The gifting of the works enables them to have a lasting impact. The Salvation Army is a charity that I hold dear to my heart and I am very proud of the work they do. This is my way of helping to support their work using my own expertise".