News Archives
2002  2003  2004  2005  2006

RAF Swing Band

Band-tastic!
On the 9th of October 2010 the band loving bunch from 195 returned to Central Hall, Duncombe Street, to help out on what was yet another sensational performance. The near sell out concert was attended by young and old alike to raise money in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund; however some of the proceeds were donated to 195 (Grimsby) Squadron.

Grimsby and Cleethorpes Ladies Choir hosted the event and welcomed as their guests The Band of the Royal Air Force College. It was agreed by all that both sets of performances were absolutely brilliant, but the joining of the two was out of this world! The breathtaking performance of “You Raise Me up” even managed to reduce some of the audience members to tears. 

Prior to the evening’s performances the members of 195 were invited by the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Ladies Choir to join the band members and themselves for a bite to eat. The food was fantastic, and it also gave us a great opportunity to promote Air Cadets. Ever the business woman, Ma’am Parry even managed to sell some raffle tickets for the Squadron bears, which are to be raffled off on the Cadet Annual Presentation Night.

The second half of the evening kicked off with a Grimsby Squadron favourite. Swing Wing the eighteen piece ensemble, that we were lucky enough to watch a few months previous to this event, played their traditional jazz and swing hits that had the audience singing along. Director of Music – Flight Lieutenant Matthew Little had the entire hall joining in with their own rendition of “Pack up your troubles” and “It’s a long way to Tipperary”…..”Troubles in Tipperary”. 

The cadets and staff that attended the evening all said that they could listen to the band and choir again and again. Sgt Yull, Cpl Mumby, Cdt Brown, Cdt MacCormack and Cdt Hudson were accompanied by WO Bown and Ma’am Parry. Their duties included programme selling, assisting people to their seats and of course being the loudest singers there! As the night drew to a close the cadets couldn’t resist getting up for one last dance. Unfortunately the dancing skills were not quite up to scratch and mostly involved flag waving and laughing! 

First time band goer Cdt Kirsty Hudson said “It was an incredible experience! There should be one every week.” Cdt Damien Brown and Cpl Lauren Mumby both enthused; “It is such feel good music, you can’t help but smile and want to join in.” Sgt Rob Yull and Cdt Molly MacCormack both said; “We’re so grateful for the opportunity to help out at events like these, they’re always so much fun!” 

Great thanks go to the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Ladies Choir for their gracious invitation to dinner and for allowing us to witness such an amazing show. There’s no stopping the band bunch from attending the next Central Hall event. There is even an agreement that any other events that require assistance, the 195 (Grimsby) squadron cadets will be more than happy to help. It was one band-tastic night!

Posted by Cdt MacCormack - 25th November 2010