Winchester Cathedral May 27th

Having been in Gosport this morning, we then travelled to Winchester for a Service of Thanksgiving to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth.

The Service included music played by the Band and Bugles of The Rifles. The Rifles were formed by the amalgamation of several Regiments, including the Royal Green Jackets, and the playing was to a very high standard.

Several dignitaries from around the County, including the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff, were in attendance, and one of the lessons was read by HRH the Earl of Wessex, as the representative of the Queen.

The Service concluded with a rendition of the National Anthem and there was then a reception in the Inner Close for all those who were at the service. Music at the reception was provided by the Hampshire County Youth Band Brass Ensemble.

Falklands Gardens, Gosport May 27th

This morning we were in Gosport for a Commemoration Service to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Falklands conflict.

Many Falkland veterans and their families assembled in the Falklands Gardens. The Mayoral procession was preceded by the band of the Royal Marines School of Music as they made their way from the Town Hall to the Gardens. There was a fly-past and salute by a Sea King helicopter followed by an introduction from the Mayor of Gosport, Councillor Richard Dickson. The Commemorative Service then followed.

After the Service the names of all of the British servicemen, and the three Falkland Islanders, who lost their lives were read out by students from St. Vincent College.

The Mayoral party then returned along the High Street where the Mayor took the salute as the veterans marched past.

This was then followed by a reception for the veterans and their families at Walpole Park.

Maskerade May 26th

Today we went to the Station Theatre on Hayling Island to see the HIADS (Hayling Island Amateur Dramatic Society) production of Terry Pratchett’s “Maskerade”.

This play is loosely based on “Phantom of the Opera” and featured some excellent work by all of the large cast.

It seems rather unfair to pick out individual performances but Lesley Marshall and Maggie Lewis were great as the two witches and Kerry Holland, as a well built singer, Jordan Newman, as the dim-witted handyman and Daren Cooper, as the director of music all played their parts to perfection. The death scene had to be seen to be believed!!

HIADS next performances are “Wind in the Willows” in June, and an Agatha Christie thriller in August. Well worth going to.