Army Benevolent Fund Concert Chichester Theatre - 22 November 2009

For 65 years the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) has worked tirelessly to provide support to serving soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need. 

The people they help include those with disabilities or mental illness, those experiencing homelessness or unemployment, and older people.

The band took to the theatre stage and delivered a traditional military band programme of marches, selections, and soloist items to the largest audience ABF have experienced at this annual concert.  The soloists included the band's euphonium section – Lance Sergeant Steve Clarke and Lance Corporal Michael Dawson, who gave a rousing performance of the virtuosic euphonium duet 'Brilliante'. 

Another soloist from the band included Lance Corporal Sarah Marinescu, who created a reflective atmosphere with the haunting violin solo, 'Schindler's List'.  It was then the turn of Lance Sergeantt Clarke Doidge, who took centre stage on soprano saxophone in an energetic performance of 'Riverdance'. 

The final soloist featured was Sergeant John Hooper on violin who delivered a toe tapping performance to the arrangement 'Tossing the Feathers', arranged by the distinguished former Principal Director of Music of The Royal Air Force and current Professor of Conducting at RMSM, Kneller Hall, Wing Commander (Retd) Rob Wiffin.

The concert was brought to a close in the traditional manner with the audience rising from their seats in acknowledgement of the performance, and to equally acknowledge the endless support in which ABF brings to all those members of the Armed Forces in need of help and support through times of need.