Christmas Band Concert

On Sunday 5th December, cadets from 249 Squadron attended a Christmas Band Concert, given by Wealden Brass, in aid of the Hailsham branch of the Royal Air Forces Association. This concert is an annual event and cadets have been helping the organiser, Mr. Fred Fowler, for the last 10 years. Mr. Fowler said that, without the cadets’ help, he would struggle to get everything ready on time. The money raised from the concert and the raffle will go to the RAFA Wings Appeal.

This year Wealden Brass, led by musical director David Paget, had a guest player. They had invited Cpl. Alex Seviour to join them and to play a solo. David chose a piece by Roy Newsome called Bass in the Ballroom for him to play. David  said he was very impressed with Cpl. Seviour’s musical ability and his willing and friendly nature. He had been attending practices with the band for the last few months and had made new friends with them. Cpl Seviour’s solo was a treat to listen to and he was rewarded with enthusiastic applause at the end.

Cpl. Houghton and Cpl. Hutchison presented flowers to the Lady Mayoress, Clr. Carolyn Kempe and to Joyce Knight, who was a co-founder of Hailsham RAFA when it was re-formed 25 years ago. We have since learned that, sadly, Joyce passed away 3 days layer. RAFA president Sqn. Ldr. Reg Holdstock also presented the Mayor, Clr. Robin Kempe with a RAFA tie as he and his wife are now Associate members. Sqn. Ldr. Holdstock also thanked I/CFS Collison, I/CSgt. Bluck, Cpl. Houghton, Cpl. Hutchison, Cpl. Sevoiur and FS Tina Calvert for their continued help at these events.

This was I/CFS Collision’s last concert; we believe that he has attended very one in the seven years that he has been a cadet. He said “I have thoroughly enjoyed helping at these events and Christmas will not seem the same without  coming to help, so I may attend next year as a guest”.