Last Night of the Proms – Rotary style!

Not having to travel to London or spend a lot of money on tickets in no way detracted from the quality of this performance. Well done Ramsey Rotary Club and your generous sponsor Tony Burton, for a fantastic evening’s entertainment.

The hall was packed - the proms concert is an annual event in Ramsey and the RAF Wyton Voluntary Band always provides a wonderful selection of music. This year’s programme celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain by including film music from `The Battle of Britain’, `The Dam Busters’ and, of course, we ended with the `RAF March Past’. Members of the WI were not forgotten - their 100th anniversary recognised when we all stood to sing `Jerusalem’. Once in good voice we sang `Land of Hope & Glory’, as is the tradition, accompanied by vigorous flag waving and party poppers.

My personal favourites had to be the fantastic music from `Chicago’ and a stirring euphonium solo in the `Blaydon Races’. Also worthy of mention has to be the hugely entertaining performance of `The Elephant’. Members of the bass section, wearing elephant ears, came amongst the audience. Bagpipes also made a welcome return with guest appearance of Callum Campbell and his solo `Highland Cathedral’.

The proms concert raised money for Ramsey Rotarians to use to support local community projects but, above all, they gave service by organising a great evening for local people. In the audience were residents from Manor House and Red House retirement homes. They enjoyed their evening out and thank Ramsey Rotary for the chance to socialise, sing and flag wave.

This year has been very special for members of the band. They took part in a joint concert with The Central Band of the Royal Air Force at Peterborough Cathedral (raising £4,000 for charity), the Battle of Britain anniversary service at St Paul’s Cathedral and played at Duxford air show.

Rotarians are not just fundraisers. We use our skills as facilitators. Come and enjoy Firework Fiesta at the East of England Showground this Saturday evening (7th November). There will be live bands from 5.30 to 9pm with a funfair, food stalls and fantastic fireworks.

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