A narrow escape weatherwise at Godalming!

Our 2026 concert season started with the ever-popular Godalming Bandstand event.  Despite a somewhat ‘iffy’ weather forecast, it was decided to stick with the bandstand rather than move the concert into the nearby church, a decision which proved correct – just!  The varied programme, devised by new MD Captain Andrew Porter but conducted in his absence by Gareth Trott, included favourites such as Breezin’ Down Broadway, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, Let’s Face the Music, Malagueña and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Featured soloists were Richard, Lauren and Chris Straker, respectively playing What a Wonderful World, ‘Orange Juice’ (Concierto de Aranjuez) and Pure Imagination. As usual, there was a highly appreciative audience of several hundred, all ages, with family picnics as well as those enjoying a Sunday afternoon ice cream along with the music. An enthusiastic band of students from nearby King Edward’s School, one of the concert sponsors, provided some lively interval entertainment.  The concert was also the final engagement for one of our longest-standing players, trombonist Ian Stewart who was presented with a card and gift by Secretary Lauren.  A feature about Ian appears here.  Ominous black clouds rolled in with the encore, and those quickest off the  mark to head for home just about missed a heavy shower.  All in all, it was a classic British Sunday afternoon in the park, and we hope to return before too long.