A SUCCESSFUL CONCERT!

The band were delighted to put on their first concert since the lockdown, two years ago.

Ironically, despite the slow and careful return to full function there were 9 bandsmen missing on the night due to illness, mainly through covid!

This meant a simplification of the intended programme but nonetheless a well balanced and what appeared to be an enjoyable concert was presented to a large and appreciative congregation at The Church of The Resurrection, Drayton on the 4th March.

There were a couple of unique features to the evening.

Firstly the band presented a memento, of a collage of photographs to young Bandsman Thomas Jones as he was to leave shortly after the concert to join his cruise liner as his first professional contract as a percussionist in the ships band. The band hope to see Tom when he is ashore and between jobs in the future but wish him well as he embarks on his new profession.

Secondly, in recognition of the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine (even as we were listening) and following Russia's invasion of that country, The Band decided to donate all the monies raised from the sale of its CD's on the night to the Salvation Army in Ukraine. We know that the Salvation Army there are fighting a battle of their own against hunger, wounds, homelessness and all the situations associated with a refugee crisis in our continent. The spiritual thought brought by the band also centred on the tragedy and the need to still put God at the forefront of our prayers and to trust in Him.

The concert also raised £387 for the church defibrillators fund. This was in addition to the £240 which was donated to the band through the sale of those CD's for the Salvation Army’s work in Ukraine. The congregation clearly were moved by the bands gesture and thought as many paid more for the CD's than had been asked.

The band give their concerts free of charge in order that the hosts for any concert can raise funds for their chosen cause. Many thousands of pounds having been raised in this way over the years.

Please get in touch with us if you would like to take advantage of this and put on a concert of your own.

SFB IN CONCERT

We are delighted to be giving a concert at Sholing Salvation Army, which has been our home throughout the winter installation of a new heating system in our Portsmouth hall. Friday 1st April at 7.30pm. Southampton Sholing Corps of The Salvation Army. North East Road, Sholing, SO19 8AF. Admission is £5. Tickets in advance from stephengshaw@me.com or in person from Becketts Music Store, 56 Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GD or on the door on the night. We would be delighted to see you if you can make it.

OUR FIRST CONCERT POST COVID

We are delighted to announce our first concert after the various lock downs and measures to combat the pandemic.

This will be on the 4th of March at 7.30pm in The Church of The Resurrection situated in Penrhyn Avenue, Drayton, PO6 2AP. Admission £5. Proceeds are in aid of The Parish of Farlington's building fund. Tickets are available from their parish office (o2392 421849) or on the door on the night. We hope to see you there.

LOOKING FORWARD TO COMING BACK!

It does finally look as though we may be coming out of our country wide restrictions at long long last!

To this end we are currently planning to resume our rehearsal schedule in September. It will be an interesting time as we all learn to play together again after such a long break and there will, no doubt, be some tired lips at first!

However we are very optimistic that the band will soon be able to accept engagements for programmes again. If anyone is interested in booking such an event we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please get in contact with us either directly or though the contact page on this site.

We look forward to meeting old friends again as well as finding new ones.

Coronor Virus Cancellation

Due to the present situation with the spread of this flu virus the decision has been taken to postpone the March 27th scheduled concert in Wimborne. More details will be given later and it is hoped a possible October date might be an alternative. Watch this space for further news and developments.