STAR PAYS TRIBUTE TO REAL UNSUNG HEROES
Ian Lavender, who played Private Frank Pike in the long-running sitcom, paid tribute to the Home Guard - Britain's secondary defence force during World War Two – ahead of a concert entitled Unsung Heroes, which he will be compering at the Ipswich Regent on Saturday (November 26).
Ian said: "Although the Home Guard was parodied in the comedy series, the role of the 1.5 million real members of what affectionately became known as Dad's Army performed a variety of guarding roles during the Second World War.
"Whilst many were ineligible for military service, often because of age, they wanted to make a contribution to the war effort. Though important, their roles were often unglamorous which in my eyes makes them very worthy 'unsung heroes'."
Saturday's concert, featuring the Central Band of the Royal Air Force and the big band sound of the Squadronaires, charts the history of the RAF, saluting not only the professionalism of those working behind the scenes to achieve great things but also the historic aircraft that made – and continue to make – many of the missions possible.
Musical highlights include an RAF Marches Tribute, celebrating some of the best known military marches; Shining Sword, recognising the valuable contribution made by the personnel of Bomber Command during the Second World War and The Prayer, a moving tribute to the servicemen and women of yesterday and today.
Also included is a new piece, The Mighty Hercules, commissioned to mark the closure of RAF Lyneham earlier this year. The programme will be conducted by Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs, the RAF's Principal Director of Music, and will feature soloists Flight Lieutenant Matthew Little and Joanne Pullen.
The performance starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available at £15.50, £18.50 and £21.50. For further details, call the Ipswich Regent box office on 01473 433100 or click here.
November 21, 2011
