Six trumpets summoned the audience for a celebration of the 'Golden Age of Radio'.

Gordon Jacob's setting of the 'National Anthem' was followed by a 'Homage Fanfare from the Coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth 1953', the first occasion such an event had been broadcast.

The band continued with 'Imperial Echoes' (of Radio Newsreel fame), before a selection of the music of Eric Coates which included 'London Again', 'Calling all Workers' and 'In Town Tonight', arranged by former Coldstream Director of Music Trevor Sharpe.

Much loved

WO2 Claire Lawrence took over the baton for the 'Berceuse from the Dolly Suite' which introduced the much loved ‘Listen with Mother’ series. L/Cpl Nick Mott then presented a fine account of Purcell's 'Trumpet Tune & Air'.

'Coronation Scot' was the theme music for Paul Temple, whilst 'On Ilkla Moor Baht'at' typified the English folk songs used for Tommy Handley's ITMA. Of more recent provenance was 'At the Sign of the Swinging Cymbal', used for ‘Pick of the Pops’.

Arnold Steck was the pen name of Lesley Statham, underwhich he wrote 'Sports Special'. Rob Wiffin's 'Sounds of 40', had no links with specific programmes, but much of the music would have been frequently broadcast.

It included music from 'Fantasia' -'Sorcerer's Apprentice' and 'Rite of Spring', together with 'When You Wish Upon a Star', 'Somewhere over the Rainbow' and 'Gone with the Wind'.

Sleepy Lagoon

The trombone quartet 'Spanish Gypsy Dance' was first broadcast by the Munn & Felton Band in 1962, and has probably not been played since. In contrast, 'By the Sleepy Lagoon' has been heard every week as the music for ‘Desert Island Discs’. 

The dashing deeds of Dick Barton  - Special Agent, were recalled by 'Devil's Galop', whilst 'Early One Morning' marked the handover from the World Service to Radio 4 in the early hours.

'John Peel' incorporated hunting calls and woodwind solos before the audience was invited to join in 'Land of Hope and Glory'. The 'Galop from William Tell' preceded the traditional close with 'The Music Makers' and 'Milanollo'.

Peter Bale