Plenty of pomp and circumstance

The Newark Twinning Association’s annual concert at the Palace Theatre never fails to attract large audiences and Saturday night was no exception.

The Last Night of the Proms, featuring the Ransome Reunion Band, provided tip-top entertainment with playing of the highest quality.

The band was conducted by Tom Davoren, who set the tone for the evening with his dry humour. The promenaders responded with enthusiasm and in good voice too.

The band was joined for the occasion by Charlie Pearce, 10, who delighted the audience with a selection of songs from the shows. She sang consistently well with a maturity beyond her years.

Solo items included a Welsh piece, Y Bore Glas, poignantly played on the cornet by Neil Day. Equally spell-binding was euphonium player David Belshaw with the beautiful Empty Chairs And Empty Tables from Les Miserables.

Newark is lucky to have a brass band of such high quality which performs each number with precision and verve.

Their programme, compered by Howard Newport, ended with the traditional favourites: Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Pomp and Circumstance No 1. A great night not to be missed.

The event was sponsored by Chattertons Solicitors, Duncan & Toplis and the NatWest bank who organised a pre-show reception in the Punch and Judy room for their guests — JMP.