A POIGNANT performance by Barnard Castle Band helped residents remember loved ones lost during the Covid-19 outbreak.
The open air concert was organised by the family of Joyce and Ray Heads to celebrate their lives on what would have been Mrs Heads’ 90th birthday.
But as conductor Andrew Nicholson told the large audience, it was a chance to remember others too.
“This is a prestigious day for us here for all sorts of reasons,” he said.
“Primarily, it’s the 90th birthday of Joyce Heads – who is the mother of several members of the band and audience. It is quite a family occasion.
“It is also a chance to remember everybody else.”
Mr Nicholson added that from the band’s point of view, there had been 18 months of inactivity.
“This is the first chance the players have had to express themselves. There are 35 of them here.”
Mr Nicholson had put together what he described as a “light, enjoyable and entertaining” programme featuring a mix of classical and more mainstream tunes from the likes of Neil Diamond and John Denver.
The performance included Mrs Heads’ son Philip Hartley, son-in-law Robert Childs and grandson David Childs playing Softly as I Leave You on the euphonium.
Among the audience were Mrs Heads’ daughters Lorraine and Angela along with many other relatives, some of who had travelled a long distance for the event.
Other highlights included teenager Heather Brown, who was joined by her mum Debbie, for a solo performance during the 90-minute show.
At the conclusion of the event, Mr Nicholson thanked all for coming and promised: “We will be back.”
