Seahawk band play on despite storms

A concert by HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band and The ‘CuldRoses’ Military Wives Choir overcame the elements to raise money for the Cornwall Air Ambulance at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose.

The Music Extravaganza held at the Fleet Air Arm’s Cornish Air Bases Theatre, was the first joint performance of Seahawk Volunteer Band, supplemented by musicians from HMS Drake near Plymouth and the ‘CuldRoses’ Choir, which is made up of wives of servicemen, female civilian staff and other women connected to Culdrose. Band Colour Sergeant Jules Cook, the Royal Marines Band Master at Culdrose conceived the ‘A Night at the Movies’ concert to showcase the talent of the Band and the growing military wives choir, the ‘CuldRoses’ led by Georgina Davies. 

Despite the Concert taking place in the same week that Cornwall was experienced some of the worst storms in decades the musical spirit remained high and even when the Seahawk Theatre developed a leaky roof, the Show went on!

Performing amidst buckets along the front of the stage to catch the drips, Band CSgt Cook even directed one number sporting a rain poncho to great amusement from the audience. 

“The idea was to bring together the Band and the Choir and put on a great show,” said Band Master Jules. “It’s been a fantastic night the audience were magnificent; we plan to do all again, but even bigger next time.” 

With a stage full to bursting with over 80 Musicians and Singers, Jules directed a full programme that included some classic favourites from the Movies that included; The Great Escape, Sister Act, James Bond’s Skyfall, The Avengers and Mamma Mia.  Unique arrangements also composed especially for the Gala concert were medleys from Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast and a finale that including the Naval Hymn with the theme from Crimson Tide, Eternal Father. 

Other highlights from the well supported event came from solo performances by Jeremy Squibb on the Cornet and Louise Corderoy with her Sax and ten vocalists who took solo parts in these arrangements. 

The Guest of Honour at the Concert was Captain Mark Garratt, Commanding Officer of RNAS Culdrose. “It’s important to remember that these are all volunteers and are full of talent both as singers and musicians.  Each time I hear them play and sing it is both impressive and moving”. 

But the real winner of the evening was Cornwall Air Ambulance who benefitted by over £513 from the evening.