The Central Band was invited to perform at the Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Dame Vera Lynn (2oth March 1917 - 18th June 2020). The service was held on Monday, 21st March 2022 in Westminster Abbey. The sun shone as the Abbey welcomed family members, stars from stage and screen along with service personnel, the Chelsea Pensioners and legions of her fans. Katherine Jenkins sang We'll Meet Again, Katie Ashby sang The White Cliffs of Dover with the D-Day Darlings. The Times described the Central Bands perfromance as "gloriously vigorous parping and drumming" and "expected a line of Tiller Girls to come high-kicking down the nave" this also provided a fitting tribute to the bands founder and arranger David Lawrence who created "Popular Songs of World War 2" | |||
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For more information, see: | www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dame-vera-lynns-nostalgic-optimism-revived-at-thanksgiving-service-for-wartime-singer-hvbhqsh63 |
The Central Band were honoured to take part in the Queens annual Christmas Broadcast by playing the opening National Anthem; arrranged and conducted by our very own David Cole. | |
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The Central Band spent a happy, if somewhat chilly, December day recording the National Anthem at Windsor Castle. We were looked after so well by the ITN crew, the castle officials and police security teams, it made the honour of recording the Anthem in the Legions centenary year even more special. | |
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Rodney has compeleted his epic bike ride from Lands End to John O'Groats via New Scotland Yard in Central London - the detour was needed to make his total ride 1,800km.![]() The ride finished on Wednesday evening, September 22 and Rodney took the overnight train home. He then played with the trad jazz band for an evening reception, in the Freemasons Hall, hosted by the Royal British Legion- now there's dedication, well done Rodney. You can support Road Peace by making a donation using the attached link. ![]() | |
For more information, see: | www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rodneys-ride-for-roadpeace |
Our own Rodney Kenny is cycling 1,800km from Lands End to John O'Groats via New Scotland Yard in Central London to raise funds for the charity Road Peace. Rodney plays tuba and euphonium in the band.![]() Please use the link to the special Just Giving page. | |
For more information, see: | www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rodneys-ride-for-roadpeace |
Last week the band were delighted to return to Eastbourne Bandstand, 45 years after their first performance there. We all feel very fortunate to be playing again in one of our favourite venues and have loved spending a week together in our "band family". It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces in the audience as well as welcoming some new fans. ![]() The band performed eight concerts in sunshine, showers and the usual gusts from Beachy Head. Unfortunately the Big Band night had to be cancelled due to poor weather, but watch this space for future events. Highlights included solos from many band members, including the debut of Sam Cox on trombone, a bass flute interpretation of The Pink Panther Theme and a tender performance of The Nearness of You by Graham Pinder on tenor sax, not deterred by the driving rain. A touch of class was provided by our oboe section, playing The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba and Tony Lamb, performing the Rondo from Mozart's 4th Horn Concerto. A romantic note was struck by Andy Rowett on trumpet, playing Through the Eyes of Love and Phil Willans' sax solo, What Are You Doing For The Rest of Your Life? And of course, no week at Eastbourne would tbe complete without the legendary Derek Vickers on xylophone! The band got to play many audience favourites including Light Cavalry Overture, Tin Pan Alley and David Cole's James Bond Selection as well as showcasing some new pieces to Eastbourne: Leroy Anderson's Irish Suite and the triumphant Resplendent Glory by Rossano Galante. The week also saw the world premier of Louise Denny's new march, Captain Tom: Man in a Million and it was a great pleasure to welcome the composer to its first performance. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion, David Cole has rearranged Thomas Bidgood's original march with some added favourites to celebrate the ongoing work of the charity in a new piece called Legion 100. ![]() ![]() | |
For more information, see: | //www.facebook.com/debbie.king.79219/videos/543342190245704 |
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For more information, see: | www.britishlegion.org.uk/stories/david-cole |
![]() Despite the sweltering heat, the band were delighted to be performing tpgether in front of an audience again and entertained the crowds with a varied programme. Highlights included the crowd singing along to "Abba Gold" and a very chilled performance of "Trumpet Blues and Cantabile" by our trumpet section. We also premiered a new march, "Legion 100" composed by our very own David Cole to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion. A great event and thanks to the friends of Regents Park for the organisation. Photo: Diana Mitchell |
The Central Band is proud to premiere a march dedicted to Captain Sir Tom Moore who raised over £30 million during lock-down for the NHS and other good causes. Composed by Louise Denny the Central Band will perform this piece during the 3PM Monday afternoon concert at the Eastbourne Bandstand. |
The Band has an active Facebook and YouTube presence so you can keep up to date with waht we are doing in just so many ways! | |
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For more information, see: | www.facebook.com/CentralBandRBL/posts |