Bridport Big Band Jubilee Concert at the United Church.

On a beautiful sunny spring evening in the Bridport United Church a packed audience enjoyed a musical evening in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee; seventy years of unblemished service and duty to our Country and the Commonwealth.

The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Bridport with music by the talented Bridport Big Band led by Musical Director Matt Barge and vocalists Julie Harris and Cameron Shaw. The Mayor and Mayoress of Bridport, Ian and Anne Bark and the Assistant District Governor (ADG) for Rotary District 1200, Cate Whitewood were guests of Honour.  

The programme included music and songs heard and enjoyed by the Queen from her childhood and during her 70-year reign. At the request of the Rotary Club, the band played several patriotic tunes for the audience to join in and sing.

Club President, Bernard Paull welcomed those present and thanked all who helped in any way with the evening including, the Sponsors and Advertisers, Lavender Blue for the lovely floral display, President Elect Colin Bowditch and Rotarian Elizabeth Gale, the chief organisers for the event, Elizabeth for financing additional music scores for the performance, President Nominee Chrissie Bailey and her helpers, including ladies from the Inner Wheel of Bridport, for organising the refreshments and Past President David Weston for negotiating the sponsorships

At the end of the programme and after the encore, presentations were made to the polished and entertaining Musical Director Matt Barge, the vocalists Julie and Cameron and the pianist Mike Stainer, who played for the audience’s singing

The Mayor of Bridport, Ian Bark, gave a vote of thanks praising this very talented local band. He also thanked the Rotary Club of Bridport for organising this event in tribute to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and those attending for their support.

Presentations were made to the Mayoress, Anne Bark and ADG Cate Whitewood by Elizabeth Gale. The evening ended with an enthusiastic rendering of the National Anthem by the band and the audience.

Profits from the ticket sales, advertising and sponsorship will be divided equally between the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and other worthy causes. The donations given for the programmes and refreshments will go to the Rotary Ukraine Appeal. Local representatives for the Air Ambulance, Harry and Rosemary Hendry attended the event with promotional material.  

Club President, Bernard Paull said it was a pleasure and a privilege to be part of a very special and enjoyable evening celebrating a very Royal and a once in a lifetime occasion.