CHRISTMAS ON HAYLING ISLAND and other places too!

On Saturday 12th December 2009, The Solent Fellowship Band joined with the Hayling Island Choir to present a concert of Christmas Music at the Hayling Island Community Centre.

Following three Christmas numbers from the choir, “Star Carol” (John Rutter), “Child in a Manger” (arranged John Rutter) and “A Maiden most Gentle” (arranged Andrew Carter), the congregation, choir and band joined in the carol, “O Come all ye Faithful”.

The band’s first items were “Yuletide Rag” (Richard Phillips) and “Christmas Praise” (Noel Jones) before the choir presented, “Shepherds’ Farewell” (Hector Berlioz), “Sussex Carol” (arranged David Willcocks) and “And the Glory of the Lord” (George F. Handel).

The opportunity for the congregation, choir and band to join in a further carol came between two contrasting band items, firstly “Troika” (arr. Alan Fernie) and Robert Redhead’s Suite, “The Joy of Christmas” and three further choir contributions, “See Amid the Winter’s Snow”, “Gabriel’s Message” and “Jingle Bells” – all arranged by David Willcocks.

After a short break, the second half of the concert started with three songs presented by the local Mill Rythe Junior School Choir (Bernie Marshall / Lisa Rae). The songs were, “The Christmas Song”, “In the Bleak Midwinter” and “Sing a Song of Christmas Cheer”.

An item with a difference then followed from The Hayling Island U3A Handbell Group. The group contributed three items, “Good King Wenceslas”, “O Come all ye Faithful” and “Jingle Bells” all arranged by their conductor, Derek Dunn, who is a member of the Solent Fellowship Band. Further details of U3A appear below this report.

The congregation, choir and band joined in a further carol before the choir sang, “Twelve Days of Christmas” (arranged John Rutter) and “Hallelujah” (George F. Handel).

The evening concluded with Arthur Warrell’s arrangement, sung by the choir of, “A Merry Christmas” before the band sent everyone home with a foot tapping rendition of “Jingle Bells”.

During the Christmas Season, The Solent Fellowship Band also participated in Carol Concerts at Southampton Eastpoint Centre and Petersfield Welsh Society. (TU).

BELL CANTO

Derek Dunn, who has been a member of the Solent Fellowship Band for over six years, and who's early years were spent in the band at Southsea Citadel Salvation Army Corps, started the hand-bell team three years ago soon after the "University of the Third Age" came into being on Hayling Island.

There are some 24 players in the team, all of whom are retired. The oldest member has passed 90; 5 are in their eighties; and the majority well into their seventies. Not only have they all had to learn the techniques of hand-bell ringing, but many have had to learn to read music and at least a half had never played in a music group before. The team has developed slowly, but surely and is reaching a good standard: and, not surprisingly with older people, the commitment to the group is enormous.

The team, which on formal occasions calls itself "Bell Canto", has, so far played only for U3A members at monthly meetings and at the annual Hayling Island Choir Concert. But it has recently produced a programme of Christmas carols and readings to be broadcast on local, and worldwide internet Angel Radio and has plans for a modest concert programme in 2010.

Derek's aims have always been to take the "novelty" element out of the activity and to make music on the bells, whilst everyone has fun; and to demonstrate that advancing age is no barrier to learning something new and
producing and presenting music to a good standard.

BANDSMAN DONALD ATKINS, PROMOTED TO GLORY

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the loss to us all of Bandsman Don Atkins. Don was a well respected member of the band and a valuable part of the cornet section. In the early hours of the 10th December 2009 Don lost his long battle against cancer.

This probably is not quite the right sentiment because Don had expressed to family that he was very tired, he was at peace with the Lord and he was ready and quite happy to go. It wasn't so much a lost battle as an agreement to go home!

Don was a life long Salvationist and Bandsman all spent, save a brief period of national service, at Alton Corps. In his early days he was an active member of the 'Torchbearers' where he courted and married Doreen. He was a member of some premier bands at Alton Corps during that time, playing under such distinguished bandmasters as John Knight senior and John Knight junior to name his early influences and for more than twenty years under Chris Kennett who he later linked up with of course as our present fellowship bandmaster . He was an active bandsman in the corps almost until the last, being a great asset and help to the band and Bandmaster Julian Poore.

Don played several instruments including cornet and tenor horn but he will be remembered mostly for his work on flugel horn. Several critics over the years had been heard to mention the wonderful tonal quality of his playing on flugel and he was truly a great asset to the bands overall sound.

Don was a real Christian 'gentle man'. He rarely had a critical word about anyone and it may well be an impossible task to find anyone left in this world who had ever fallen out with him! He was quiet and unassuming and a friend to anyone who took the time to engage with him.

We send our deepest sympathies to Doreen and to Angela and Aki his children.

There is no doubt that the Army terminology of being 'Promoted to Glory' is the most apt, if old fashioned term for Don. He is today surely in the presence of our Lord and in possession of a new and perfect body. God bless you Don, we shall miss you.

The funeral was held at Basingstoke Crematorium on the day that Basingstoke made the national news for being marooned in a snow blizzard! Conditions were so diffciult that the decision had to be made that the service of thanksgiving would be postponed until January 2010. The service will be held at Alton Salvation Army, Market Square, Alton. Details will be posted on this site as soon as they are known.