Great Missenden honours Armed Forces at packed commemorative Proms Concert

The Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul was packed on Saturday 28June for a rousing commemorative Proms Concert.

The concert, organised by Musical Director Fiona Firth of Singers4all (www.singers4all.com),was the centrepiece of a weekend of Great Missenden events held to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

Fiona’s own choirs were joined by pupils from the Misbourne School Harmony Choir and the Great Missenden CofE Combined School singers for some stirring WW1 and WW2 medleys. The Wick Trimmers, local popular folk band, provided some stirring tributes with “100 Years” and the audience, which included armed services veterans, needed no encouragement, joining in for rousing renditions of “It’s a long way to Tipperary”, “Pack up your troubles”, “My old man said follow the van” and, loudest of all, with flags waving, “Jerusalem”.

Fiona said, “So many people put so much effort into this concert that it was wonderful to see such a massive audience in the church. I was very moved by all the lovely comments we received. It was great to be able to make our own contribution to the country’s week long events to honour our fantastic armed forces.”

To add to the magic and music of the night, Ian Lynch, professional trumpeter accompanied Martin Robson, the well-known Bass singer in a heartening performance of “The Trumpeter” by J Airlie Dix. He also played the haunting melody of “The Last Post” from the back of the church. Two local theatre and TV actors, David Riccardo-Pearce and Marianne Oldham, read pieces from Noel Coward, Wilfred Owen, Rupert Brook and Robert W Service.

Photos of loved ones who had served in the armed forces were projected on a big screen, bringing back poignant memories for many of the singers and congregation.A moving tribute to end a wonderful evening’s entertainment.