Postponed from July, the day for our D-Day Commemoration concert had arrived at last.
Rehearsals had been going well. A couple of pieces which had seemed impossible when we first looked at them in the spring were now at "concert standard" so it was definitely the right decision from a performance point of view to delay the concert.
But what about the point of view of the audience? Had we missed the boat for commemorating D-Day?
Would anyone still be interested three months after the actually 80th anniversary of D-Day?
And even if they were, would they turn out on a rather dismal day? Would the Band outnumber the audience?
But we shouldn't have doubted the commitment of Whaley Bridge!
Of course they came. In droves.
Even the back row benches and stacks of extra chairs were pressed into service.
Rehearsals had been going well. A couple of pieces which had seemed impossible when we first looked at them in the spring were now at "concert standard" so it was definitely the right decision from a performance point of view to delay the concert.
But what about the point of view of the audience? Had we missed the boat for commemorating D-Day?
Would anyone still be interested three months after the actually 80th anniversary of D-Day?
And even if they were, would they turn out on a rather dismal day? Would the Band outnumber the audience?
But we shouldn't have doubted the commitment of Whaley Bridge!
Of course they came. In droves.
Even the back row benches and stacks of extra chairs were pressed into service.
We are indeed fortunate in Whaley Bridge to have the luxury of a huge indoor space which provides shelter for both the Band and the audience in wet weather. Many thanks to Whaley Bridge Canal Group for their hospitality and use of the Transhipment Warehouse which makes a fantastic concert venue.
The programme Sheila had created hit exactly the right note, including patriotic marches, music popular in the WW2 era, reflective pieces for Remembrance and of course lots of opportunity for community singing - just like they did during the war.
And a big thank you to Derbyshire County Council and our County Councillor Ruth George for their support of this event, so that it was free for everyone to attend.
So it's Well Done all round
So it's Well Done all round
- the bandsmen for playing their hearts out
- Sheila, our Musical Director for selecting the programme and coaching us through to performance
- Nev and Whaley Bridge Canal Group for the amazing venue
- Ruth and DCC for supporting the event
- and of course the audience. You did us proud - in numbers, enthusiasm, volume and generosity with over £60 donated to the Royal British Legion.
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