RBL Remembrance Festival of Music, 2014
RBL REMEMBRANCE FESTIVAL OF MUSIC, 2014
The City of Armagh Branch held its Annual Concert on Friday 7th November, 2014 in The Market Place Theatre, Armagh. This Concert is organised each year as a fund-raiser for our Annual Poppy Appeal, and I can tell you that it is the largest single source of income to our Appeal each year. Every performer, group, choir or band who has taken part over the years has done so willingly as a volunteer, freely and enthusiastically; and have never once claimed any expenses. I am always humbled by their unselfish generosity and support. It is a few years now since we have had a “sell-out” concert, but it appeared to be very close to being one this year. I would like to thank everyone in the City and District who supports our Appeal each year by faithfully attending this concert.
Taking part on stage this year was Portadown Male Voice Choir directed by Gordon Speers BEM. They gave a polished, enchanting performance which was evidence of the many hours of practise they have gone through, and evidence of why they are so successful in Competitions. The Choir stepped in at very short notice to cover after another Choir announced in October that they were unable to perform. We cannot thank them enough for doing so, and the fact that they made three appearances during the Concert is more than worthy of special mention. We thank them for their professionalism, talent and commitment.
The Combined Cadet Force Attachment of The Royal School, Armagh entertained the audience with song and verse this year. A small group of Cadets sang a selection of WWI tunes and modern songs to delight all who were present, and there were two individual poetry readings which were very poignant as well. Our thanks go to Lt. Col. Willie McCahon, OC for giving his permission to allow the Cadets to perform for us. We thank the Cadets for sharing their talents with us.
Killeen Pipe Band, under Pipe Major David Livingstone, gave a solid performance of suitable tunes as a back-drop of the story of the outbreak of The Great War unfolded on screen whilst they played. Killeen showed the versatility of their talents as they delivered their musical items in a flawless performance.
The audience were also treated to the recitation of two poems, one entitled “Life in a Trench”, and the other entitled “A Horse at War” read by their young authors, who had been successful in a local poetry competition earlier this year.
The second “theme” for this year’s Concert was the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings, 1944. Hamiltonsbawn Silver Band under the baton of conductor Alan Graham provided a memorable performance as the story and tragic cost of these landings unfolded on screen for the audience. Hamiltonsbawn’s arrangements melded superbly into the telling of this story. They were eventually joined on stage by members of Killeen Pipe Band for a haunting rendition of “Highland Cathedral” which led us in to the Acts of Remembrance. After the Service, Hamiltonsbawn Silver and Killeen Pipe Bands played the audience out to a rousing rendition of “Killaloe”.
The Co. Armagh Phoenix Group, which is representative of the Regimental Associations of the UDR and Royal Irish Regiment, together with the Associations and Welfare Groups representing the Police and Prison Service locally, had very generously donated two floral displays to decorate the front of the stage throughout the Concert. They also provided a bouquet of flowers which I was privileged to present during the Concert to the Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City and District Council, Councillor Joy Rollston. These floral arrangements had been prepared during a Flower Arranging Course ran by Co. Armagh Phoenix for the benefit of its Members. We are very grateful for their generosity.
Our Branch Padre, Rev. Hector Wanliss conducted the Service and Acts of Remembrance. The hymn this year was “O Valiant Hearts”. I would like to acknowledge the contribution that the Padre has made to these Concerts over the years.
My acknowledgements also go to our Compere, Malcolm Dawson who works from the wings, and gels the whole Concert together in a seemingly effortless and calm manner. Malcolm always comes ‘armed’ with a few war poems, and if there is a curtain break or gap between acts going on stage, he entertains the audience by reading this poetry. His calm and professional demeanour is always a solid rock on which we rely.
Ever since I have been involved in organising this Concert, I have been supported and assisted by Stanley Burrows BEM, and Brian Todd, who put in countless hours of research and computer time to annually provide the screen work that the audience have come love, as the bravery, sacrifice, glory and horrors of each selected theme is related to them. They are also responsible for the production of the Theatre Programmes handed out at the Concert. I cannot thank them enough for their dedication and steadfast support, and of course for their computer skills!
David Hammerton President
