A Celebration Of Remembrance Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

CELEBRATION Of Remembrance was an appropriate title for this exhilarating and enjoyable evening at the Stafford Gatehouse.

The opening fanfare set a lively tone. The Army Cadet Force Band, conducted by Captain Anthony Evans, showed its versatility in an imaginative programme. It was good to see so many young musicians having the opportunity to perform to such a professional standard.

Sgt Adrian Beckett MBE, of the Welsh Guards, was compere for the evening. Young vocalist Sgt Hywell Dowsell received warm applause for his performance of This Is The Moment.

The pieces following the interval had more obvious military and wartime connections. The audience joined in a selection of favourites including Pack Up Your Troubles and We'll Meet Again. The display by the members of the Stafford ACF Corps of Drums was most impressive in its precision and included a theatrical touch as the house lights dimmed to reveal the drummers using gloves and sticks which glowed in the ultra-violet light as if suspended in the darkness.

The Branch President of Stafford Royal British Legion, Bill Sylvester, Major Collins, Sgt Townsend and the Mayor of Stafford took part in a presentation of affiliation certificates for the cadet groups. The evening closed with Standards being marched in for The Last Post and National Anthem.

Gillian Meller