At St Barbara’s Garrison Church, Brompton, Gillingham, on Friday 9th December 2011

The Christmas season was well and truly launched at the Corps of Royal Engineers’ St Barbara’s Garrison Church, Brompton, Gillingham where, to a nearly full house, the Family Festival, organised under the aegis of the East Kent Provincial Grand Chapter, commenced with a welcome from the Senior Garrison Padre, Companion the Rev Pat Aldred. The full programme of music had been put together by the Musical Director, Companion Tony Eldridge, with musical accompaniment superbly provided by Christian Wilson on organ and piano, supported by the East Kent Festival Choir, drawing on many talents from around the county, all under the expert control of the Conductor, Companion George Vass. Sally Godsell started the Festival by singing the first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’. Other soloists were Leanne Hardy, who sang two carols, Tony Eldridge and Christian Wilson, who performed two pieces of organ music.

The whole event had been well planned and organised by the Stewards’ Chapter No. 5866 under the direction of Derry Clements, the Provincial Chapter Charity Steward, with Neil Johnstone, the Provincial Chapter Director of Ceremonies running his rule over the evening’s proceedings. The comprehensive programmes for the Festival were designed and published by Companion Cecil (Dick) Barton.

A most enjoyable evening concluded after the Provincial Grand Master, Geoffrey Dearing, presented cheques: £1000 to the Deputy Chaplain General, the Rev Dr David Coulter, for BLESMA, and of £250 each to the Garrison Commandant’s representative, Colonel (Retired) Sean Harris, for the Royal Engineers’ Association, the Padre for the Church’s funds and Cllr Ted Baker, the Mayor of Medway, for Parkinsons UK, his nominated charity. After paying all the costs of the evening, it is hoped that there will be a profit of approximately £5,000.00, which will be donated to the 2014 Festival.
Geoffrey followed the cheque presentations by presenting bouquets of flowers to Leanne Hardy, the guest soprano soloist and to the Verger Veronica Lewis. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Roger Odd, presented Liz Dearing with a bouquet, this having been her first outing accompanying Geoffrey on an official occasion.
A blessing was delivered by the Padre before the final carol of ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’, after which all dispersed into the dark crisp night, well pleased with a thoroughly happy evening of true quality, which reflected the greatest credit upon all involved.

23 December 2011

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