St Mary’s Church, Thirsk, hosted the heartwarming concert by the multi-generational RBL Band, and the soaring notes of assembled brass instruments, (and drums, of course) almost lifted the roof. Naturally, just before things got going there had been the blowing of instruments, a chat from Tim Alderson, the conductor, the chats of the audience who had recognised friends.
Then we were off, beginning with 1914 and slipping into High on a Hill with Norman Hare on cornet which really stirred the memories.
Norman Hare: image credit Maureen Worley
On with Aces High then another Cornet solo from a lovely young man, Jonathan Williams whose Shepherd’s Song had me on the verge of tears, (and who later, I had the temerity to grab, not just to congratulate him but to see if he could hunt me down a programme, which he could, and did).
Then to Benedictus from The Armed Man, a Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins which I always find heartbreaking, but no time to sob, with such a well chosen programme, because we were swept into a compilation of nursery rhymes which had us humming along. The first half ended with the Training Band who really ‘smashed’ it. Then onto the refreshments, of course, and more chat.
During the break I learned more about our band, because Thirsk is such a community, frankly, it is ours and has been blowing and drumming away since 1985. Since then it has grown in both size and stature, giving many brass and percussion players the opportunity to perform music. But don’t think for a moment that the Band is just for Thirsk. They have made several trips to Austria and also a trip to the Menin Gate, where they played, and also toured the war cemetaries, which brought home to them the tragedy, endurance and sacrifice of all those involved in war.
Menin Gate: image credit Maureen Worley.
There are of course, several generations in the band, and often the children, even grandchildren join. Awards are given annually, Brianna Cawood is pictured with John Worley, President being presented with the Improved Player Award.
On we galloped into the second half, welcomed by a rendition of 633 Squadron, then Bring him Home, with the solo euphonium played by Charles, and the evocative We’ll Meet Again and White Cliffs of Dover, then the heartrending Hymn to the Fallen. They Shall Grow Not Old was read beautifully by Leti Hawthorn and I had another lump in the throat until a foot tapping Dambusters drew this triumph of a concert to a close.
What a memorable afternoon. Everyone loved every minute and felt enormously proud of the work and achievement of Thirsk Royal British Legion Band.
Thirsk Royal British Legion Band includes players of all ages, and welcomes newcomers, as you will have already seen from the Training Band’s offering. Do go to https://thirskrblband.weebly.com/ to learn more about them and heavens, do consider joining them. They are enthusiastic, accomplished and frankly, the band is like one big family.
On 1st June they will be playing at Holy Rood House, Thirsk to raise funds for this welcoming and inclusive Retreat.