D Day Title

D Day 75

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The band was honoured and privileged to sail with the 300 D Day veterans on the Fred Olsen cruise liner Boudicca; the veterans were entertained on board by the concert and dance bands as well as after the incredibly moving service at Bayeux where the French Police even  closed the motorway from Le Harve to Bayeux to allow smooth passage for these wonderful old gentlemen. What an event and congratulations to the Royal British Legion for their vision and organisation.

Central Band presents cheque for £6,300 to RBL National Chairman

Central Band Presents Cheque for £6,300 to National Chairman

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The Central Band of the Royal British Legion presented the Legion with a cheque for £6,300 at the recent concerts at Windsor Castle at the beginning of June. The sum was presented by The Central Band’s Director of Music, David Cole MVO, to the Legion’s National Chairman, Terry Whittles.

The sum was collected at the various concerts and appearances from donations to the Royal British Legion by audience members and the general public.

 

Windsor Castle Concerts

Central Band Windsor Castle Concerts raise £30,000 for Legion

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Two nights of uplifting summer concerts by The Legion’s own Central Band, in the spectacular and historic surroundings of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, have raised over £30,000 for the Royal British Legion.

The concerts on the evenings of 1 and 2 June, were kindly sponsored by Sir Donald Gosling and featured a wide range of popular music from marches, to The Beatles, John Williams, Sea Songs, Richard Rogers and two opera arias, beautifully sung by guest bass/baritone Tristan Hambleton.

The Central Band continues its busy summer with concerts at Nye Hall Dover on Saturday 18 June, followed by appearances at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships finals at Wimbledon in July, before heading down to Sussex for a week of concerts playing to the summer crowds at the famous Eastbourne Bandstand.

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Lots of new pieces recorded April 2019

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The band played 3 marathon recording sessions in St John’s Church Crystal Palace.  The band want to give big thank yous to Ken – Sound Engineer and Tom our Producer as well as everyone else involved with the organisation.  The produced music will be available in due course …

Central Band at Southwark Cathedral 2014

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The Central Band of The Royal British Legion appeared before a packed and appreciative crowd at Southwark Cathedral on Friday 3 October. The concert was entitled ‘Magnificent Musicals’ and featured arrangements from Oklahoma, Cole Porter, Gershwin and concluded with David Cole’s own arrangement of Phantom of The Opera.

Here’s Jack Foley with the Central Band singing Anthem from Chess.

Cadogan Hall Concert – 12th October 2013

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The Central Band of the Royal British Legion is delighted to announce that TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will join us for our special ‘Cinematic Greats’ concert at Cadogan Hall on Saturday 12 October 2013.

Lights… Camera… Action! Take your seats for a musical journey through the best of British film.

From the heroics of the Dambusters to the magic of Harry Potter, you’ll experience some of the finest soundtracks of the silver screen as The Royal British Legion’s flagship band celebrates the launch of the 2013 Poppy Appeal.

All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to The Royal British Legion.

Buy your tickets now from the Cadogan Hall website

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Christmas Celebration 2013

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A festive spirit was in the air at London’s Guildhall on Tuesday and Wednesday night as the Central Band’s brass group joined a glittering lineup for The Royal British Legion’s Christmas Celebration. The two nights of seasonal music and readings in mid-December have fast become an unmissable part of The Legion’s yearly events programme.

Leading the singing were the scintillating Bach Choir who performed a number of carols including the enchanting ‘Balulalow’ and lively ‘Holly and the Ivy’. Also taking to the stage were classical girl group All Angels with their take on ‘Infant Holy’ and ‘Ding, dong! merrily on high’.
The music was interspersed by readings and lessons. These were performed over the two evenings by Frank Gardner, Tamsin Grieg, Susan Jameson, Michael Jayston, Sir Timothy Ackroyd, Sarah Badel, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Alastair Stewart.

The Central Band brass group added a touch of the upbeat and modern. ‘Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer’, ‘I’ll be home for Christmas’ and ‘Frosty the snowman’ all featured in Captain David Cole’s two arrangements … and, to the delight of the audience, Captain Cole himself featured on percussion!

The Bach Choir, the Central Band and Organ combined to lead the audience in a number of carols before a rousing rendition of ‘We wish you a merry Christmas’ reminded all present that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…