Buddy Holly and Vera Lynn joined Gene Kelly and picknicking teddy bears for high tea at the Neville Hall, Waltham St. Lawrence, on Saturday 9th June at the Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band’s annual party for pensioners of the village.
John Lawes, a former musical director of the band, stood in as conductor for the day, presenting a programme that included a medley of Buddy Holly hits, The Teddy Bears’ Picnic and Singin’ in the Rain.
The band showed off its varied talents with solo Can’t Take my Eyes Off You, played by trombonist Ben Bingham, and an arrangement of the Bee Gees’ How Deep is Your Love, composed by regular conductor Steve Block. Meanwhile the audience were plied with sandwiches, cakes, tea and stronger drinks by a dedicated team of helpers.
The band’s set rounded off with Keep Smiling Through, a selection of Vera Lynn songs, ending appropriately enough with We’ll Meet Again. Then it was time for the band to sit for its own sandwiches while the entertainment continued with an hour of songs from Lea Lyle and her combo on keyboard, bass and drum.
The band has been staging this event, funded by collections from Christmas carolling, for over 50 years. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all concerned, and we look forward to keeping up the tradition in future.