Leyland joined by Veteran Guest
The Leyland Band welcomed special guest euphonium player, 90-year-old Don Bateman, to their ranks at a recent Armed Forces concert held at Chorley Town Hall. The band had arranged for 90-year-old local army veteran Don Bateman to join their euphonium section, following an approach by the concert organisers. The band were delighted to arrange for Don to come and he even had chance for a pre-concert run-through. In the concert he received a standing ovation from the packed audience following the performance of the classic Kenneth Alford march, 'Colonel Bogey'.
Don had spent 25 years in the army playing all over the world and had even played a few times with the band before Richard Evans took over the helm. Following his service, Don's civilian life took an interesting turn when for five years he played in the pit orchestra at Liverpool's Shakespeare Theatre where he often supported comedian, Ken Dodd. More recently he led his own orchestra in Lancashire and still commutes twice a week to Preston and nearby Lytham to perform in two concert bands.
A spokesperson for Leyland said, “It was a delight to have Don with us. He said it was an honour for him, but really it was an honour for us to pay our respects to him all those who have been past and present members of the Armed Forces.”
.gif)
