South London Fellowship Band
26-Oct-2006Gala Concert in aid of The London City Mission
South London Fellowship Brass Band
Conductor: Major George Whitingham
Friday 20th October
St. Johns, Eden Park, Beckenham has long been supporting the work of the London City Mission especially the Ministry of the Waterloo Christian Centre in its Ministry to the homeless.
The concert given by the South London Fellowship Band conducted by Major George Whittingham was in support of refurbishment work being carried out at a cost of £86,000 plus fees. The large audience consisted of both those familiar with the Brass Band and for others it was a totally new experience.
The programme took this into account and judging by the reaction of so many it was thoroughly enjoyed. For the Brass enthusiast there was the Classic piece by Eric Ball-"Resurgam". During the week the band received the news of the sad death of John Archibald one of the band's trombone players.
The long complete silence at the end its performance expressed the feelings and emotions of all. The programme included an instrumental showcase featuring the cornet section in "The Flower Duet" played by Eric Rapp and Alan Moyse followed by Norman Bearcroft's "Joyous Proclamation". The Trombones played "None but the Weary Heart" and "Frolic for Trombones". Daniel Burrows a missionary with the London City Mission was featured on the Euphonium playing Philip Sparks' "A Song for Ina".
Other items played by the band were the march "Champions", "Les Toreadors" from the Carmen Suite, the first performance of new march specially written for the band by Terry Camsey to mark the band's 10th Anniversary, "SLFB-X". The programme ended with "Treasures from Tchaikovsky" and was received with great enthusiasm, a fitting climax. The band was also featured in the singing of a setting of the Lords Prayer, The Old Rugged Cross and Joy Webb's There Will be God with Leslie Swift as soloist. Many expressed appreciation of hearing a male chorus again.
Roger Gadsden a Director of Ministries for the Mission (and band member) interviewed the team co-ordinator of the Waterloo Centre, Adam Gage and gave a brief word.
The band once again played to the high standard that is now expected of it and has in the presentation of its programme enhanced the appreciation of the Brass Band to a wider audience. At the close of the concert it was announced that the event had raised £682.26 a truly wonderful evening.
