CONCERT TOUR A RESOUNDING SUCCESS
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Audiences across the UK have given a resounding thumbs' up to the recent Unsung Heroes' concert tour by the Bands of the Royal Air Force.
Staged in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, the tour visited 13 venues across the country, turning the spotlight on the Unsung Heroes of the Royal Air Force and paying a musical tribute to their bravery and commitment.
At each concert, audiences were encouraged to record the names of their own personal RAF unsung heroes in a special Book of Remembrance. Following the end of the tour, RAF Central Band member Warrant Officer Richard Skelton presented the book to Reverend David Osborn, resident chaplain at St Clement Danes Church in London where it will be displayed in the crypt.
Among the organisations who attended the concert tour as special guests were representatives from the RAF Bomber Command Association, the RAF Widows' Association and the Royal Air Forces Ex-PoW Association.
At the London concert, Cadet Flight Sergeant Harry Brooks, from Swansea, received the 2011 Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Trophy for Flying Excellence from Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire, Chairman of the Charitable Trust.
Sir John said: "The tour was a great success and will help support the charity's valuable work. Though we are the youngest of the three major RAF charities, we have donated more than £1.7 million in grants to support a wide range of projects and initiatives that benefit RAF serving personnel. veterans and young people since our start in 2005.
"On behalf of all my fellow Trustees, I'd like to thank all those who attended the concerts and hope we'll see you all again in 2012 when we'll be staging a Diamond Jubilee musical celebration in honour of Her Majesty The Queen."
Feedback received from the audiences includes:
"It was a fabulous concert, toe-tapping from the start to finish. Our first ever RAF concert, can't wait for next year."
Mrs S – Alfreton, Derbyshire
"A pristine performance from excellent musicians, extremely well directed and conducted culminating in a wonderful evening of national harmony."
Mr H – Stanley, County Durham
"Another excellent night. The enthusiasm for the music shoiwn by Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs radiates off him and the Band respond by being outstanding!"
Mr W – Rugeley, Staffordshire
"The concert was a resounding success and we enjoyed every moment. Wonderful music, excellent musicians, marvellous singers and amusing compere. Brilliant!"
Mr H – Basingstoke, Hampshire
"What a wonderful evening. The best concert so far (we try to come annually). The programme was a perfect mix of serious and lighter music, played with a real sensitivity, and where appropriate, showing a splendid sense of humour."
Mrs G - Almondsbury, Bristol
"Brilliant, wonderful, fantastic, uplifting! Talented musicians, singers, compere and of course conductor! All in all a great evenings' entertainment."
Mrs K – Shotley Bridge, County Durham
"Touching, stimulating, evoking many memories of unsung heroes. A great evening – entertainment par excellence."
Mrs F – Upholland, Lancashire
"Once again a thoroughly enjoyable concert – well chosen music, perfect musicianship and first class solos."
Mr B – Farnborough, Hampshire
