Slinfold Concert Band hits right notes for charity

The band, under the baton of musicaldirector Christopher Newport, entertained the audience with a selection of items from across the musical spectrum, and as a bonus they were joined in the second half by members of the choir of St Mary’s Church, Horsham, who performed the Military Wives’ Prayer ‘Wherever you Are’ by Paul Mealor and joined in with the grand finale, ‘Moment for Morricone’ by Ennio Morricone, a rousing end to an afternoon of memorable music.

Two local charities, The League of Friends of Horsham Hospital, and Age UK Horsham District were invited to help in promoting the concert.

The League of Friends ran a raffle in the foyer, and the Band also provided the music for their annual fete in the hospital grounds.

As a thank you to Age UK Horsham District for their hard work in promoting the concert, the Band was delighted to be able donate the sum of £500 to the charity.

The Band’s publicity officer, Chris Youngman, is shown here handing over the cheque to Janice Leeming, chief executive officer of Age UK Horsham District, who said “We are very grateful to Slinfold Concert Band for their generous donation and for choosing to support our Charity. Their support really will make a difference.”

Janice added: “The money raised will go towards our vital services supporting older people across Horsham District including our popular home visiting service and our benefits outreach service both of which make a huge difference to people’s lives. Our benefits outreach service, for example, raises over a £1 million pounds in unclaimed benefits for local older people every year.”

“We like to regard ourselves as a community band,” added Chris, “and we have been lending our support to events in the local community whenever possible for many years now. We were also delighted that ERV Travel Insurance in Horsham came on board to help with our expenses at the Capitol, and we hope they will decide to continue with this relationship.”

Full details about this busy and popular local band may be found on their website, www.slinfoldconcertband.org

The Band is back on the Carfax bandstand at 11am on July 18.

Report and picture contribute by Chris Youngman.