ARMED Forces Day, an annual event to commemorate the service of men and women in the British Armed Forces, was celebrated in Holsworthy last Saturday, June 25, with a magnificent concert in the HATS theatre, writes Christine Williams.

It featured Hols­worthy and Launceston Town Bands and the Torridge Male Voice Choir with their three conductors, Tony Jones, Colin Gay and Malcolm Pike. who throughout the concert introduced the items and swapped roles, either conducting or playing an instrument.

The first item, a fanfare and the National Anthem, conducted by former military bandsman Tony Jones, who wore a red beret, which was performed by the two bands and the choir, was a foretaste of the feast of music that was to follow.

The programme included stirring numbers such as ‘Sparticus’, ‘When the Saints’ ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’ and ‘Glorious Devon’, more reflective music such as John Rutter’s ‘A Clare Benediction’ and ‘What Would I Do Without My Music?’ and off-beat numbers such as ‘Kernow Kool’ and songs from ‘Grease’.

Young people from both training bands came to the fore, with four pieces conducted by Ann Brown.

Eleven-year-old William Neal, dressed as Granville, in a flat cap and shopkeeper’s overall, stepped forward to play a solo on his cornet, the theme from ‘Open All Hours.’

There were also solos by 14-year-old Walter Tucker on euphonium and Mary Manzi on flugelhorn.

During a pause in the concert 11-year-old sisters, Natalie and Heather Bailey of Clawton, who are in the Holsworthy training band, proudly received a ‘best learner’ trophy and book tokens.

A presentation was also made to Derek Kidby for his many years of service to Holsworthy Town Band.

The concert came to a rousing end with the appreciative audience clapping along to ‘Greatest War Themes’ and, as an encore, ‘True Comrades March’.

Proceeds from the concert amounted to £948, which will be shared between the two bands and the choir, but the lion’s share will go to the charity, Help for Heroes.