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News and dates to note The Band is missing Gerry, who died recently: "We meet each Friday until Easter. To avoid a session on Good Friday, we're going to have an open coffee and hot cross buns time on Maundy Thursday, from 10.30 - 12.30pm. Then Sarah will be away for the two Fridays after Easter: 26th April and 3rd May - so No Meeting. We're also off to the Albert Hall again: it's Abbaphonic this time - for the Friendship Matinee at £5 per head" You are welcome to any Band rehearsal - especially the one with Buns. Please let Sarah know very soon, if you'd like to join the Albert Hall Concert Party! February 2019 Farewell to Gerald, a friend and fellow musician. MEMBERS of Band for Life headed to the City of London Crematorium for the funeral of Gerald, their friend and fellow musician. Gerry was a great character, always quick off the mark with a witty comment or response and he enjoyed catching people out - especially me, with tales that usually led up the garden path. He was also famous for his hats! We were pleased to share memories with the large crowd that gathered to give thanks for Gerald’s life and we were all touched to hear from his family during the service how much the Band for Life project meant to him. He suffered greatly in recent years with numerous physical health problems, but made enormous efforts to get to the sessions and we stayed in constant contact when he wasn’t well enough to attend. During one period of absence he spent his Fridays making a wooden name sign for the group, which we proudly display at every session and event. Despite spending a lot of his time restricted in what he could do, he remained cheerful and was always interested in others and cared about his friends in the project. Gerald’s loss is immense and we miss his signature songs, notably “Blueberry Hill”; but we remember him with great affection and thank his family sincerely for requesting donations at the funeral be made to the project, in his memory. Sarah Wilson . Running as usual in 2019. Call in any Friday and see us! Saturday 24th November 2018 Thanks for making our Christmas sale such a success. On Saturday 25th August 2018 our musicians were back at Canary Wharf , to take part in the Late Bloom Arts Festival. We are becoming regulars! Plans for the Band to play at Canary Wharf again for the Spring Bloom Festival were fulfilled. Yes, we had a lunch-time slot on 2nd June, performing in a very public, and very warm, arena BAND FOR LIFE marked Mental Health Awareness week in May '18 by taking part in an event organised by the Inspire consortium (the local collective of community mental health organisations). The Band performed two 30 min sets during the afternoon. We got great feedback that everyone had enjoyed our music. Gerry made us a wonderful wooden sign. May 2018 Members, volunteers and carers from Band for Life visited the Royal Albert Hall for the Friendship Matinee, featuring symphonic rock by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. December 2017 We had a Christmas social in West India Quay. Everyone enjoyed a lovely meal, good company, and plenty of festive spirit! See photo The July, October and December Coffee Mornings in 2017 were well-supported and raised much needed funds for us. We were promoting good mental health and ways of improving our wellbeing by socialising, engaging in creative activities: - art and craft, listening to live music and singing. Thanks to all the participants, helpers and customers. We value your contribution to the Band August 2017 We performed at the Late Bloom Festival in the Crossrail Roof Garden at Canary Wharf. Members performed solo, and there were group numbers for people to join in! Watch a clip: https://youtu.be/8s3BSvglTPY Peter played jazz on the keyboard. Sweet Caroline had everyone smiling and dancing along as they passed the stage in the Gardens February 2017 Canary Wharf Group Plc confirmed a generous donation to support Band for Life in working with the local community. Here's a big thank you to Canary Wharf Group Plc from everyone at Band for Life. |
