Godalming Senior and Youth Bands presented their seasonal Christmas concert on 15 December, at the United Reformed Church, Godalming. The programme was a mix of Christmas favourites, novelty pieces, symphonic blockbusters featuring both bands, and a nod to the Olympics via Chariots of Fire. Four much loved carols gave the audience ample opportunity to take part in the spirit of Christmas as well.
This year the Youth Band featured more prominently, evenly dividing the programme with the Senior Band. The Youth Band has just recorded a CD under the direction of David Loftus, and his work with them was evident in the quality of the Band’s playing. David was unable to attend due to illness, but the Youth Band did him proud.
At the interval a special award was made to Ron and Ivy Gray, who between them have served the Bands in many capacities for 98 years. Ron and Ivy met as a result of their musical interests, and out of this grew their years of service to our bands. The Grays have agreed to continue as band librarians and are very active in scaba.