Bristol Easton Band (B/M Nathan Cole) has a long standing reputation for excellence and this weekend’s performances were no exception.  Their all round presentation exuded quality.  Peter Graham’s Scottish roots were evident in Cry of the Celts, a major work that featured four soloists.  The band is blessed with outstanding soloists in Anthony Smith (Euphonium) Andrew Newell (trombone) Daniel Sharpe (flugel horn), David Leak(cornet) and James Bryant (tenor horn).  Each one displayed great artistry in their featured solos. Another particularly welcome but not often heard set of variations, was Dean Goffin’s Lift up your Hearts.

 

The Pentecost theme marked the Sunday morning meeting all reflected in the band’s choice of music based on the Holy Spirit.  During the Sunday night meeting Birmingham Citadel’s Bandmaster Graham Lamplough was presented with his Retirement Certificate. This had been preceded by a 24 hour prayer vigil for Graham by Birmingham Citadel Corps fully supported by our friends from Bristol Easton. Graham who has been seriously ill was able to to testify, poignantly quoting from the song Great Is Thy Faithfulness- ‘Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.’ He was accorded a spontaneous and prolonged standing ovation from the whole gathering – an unforgettable moment.

 

FRED CROWHURST

(Ret. Songster Leader - Birmingham Citadel)