The Datebook datebook_winter_spring2019_digital_ARTWORK | Page 22

By M.K.Eyerman
The Surrey Police Band
The amazing Surrey Police Band …
first came across The
Surrey Police Band a
couple of years ago when
they sent me an event to list
in The DatebooK. I did
wonder about them being a
charity as I had never heard
of a Police Band let alone a
Police Band being a charity.
I
Then last year I received several
of the band’s events to list and I
learned, through their events,
that not only are they a charity,
they often step up to assist
other charities with fundraising
functions.
Since its establishment in
2007, by a small group of
Surrey Police personnel, the
Band has grown from strength
to strength. It is a self-supporting
organisation that is funded by
member subscription fees and
selected performances.
to fundraise for their chosen
charity and assist in spreading
awareness of the work they do.
This year’s chosen charity is
SERV Surrey and South London
Blood Runners. ServSSL is a
volunteer after- hour’s blood-
bike/runner service which is
used by all hospitals in Surrey
and South London. Previous
charities supported by the
Police Band include the UK
Police Memorial, The Children’s
Trust, The Royal British Legion
and the Army Widows
Association just to name a few.
The Band performs in a number
of engagements each year,
including a tri-annual concert
series at Normandy Village Hall
in Guildford, Surrey. These
concerts have accumulated a
significant following over the
years and the Band now enjoys
performing to sell out
audiences. Their varied musical
repertoire includes military
marches, selections from films
and musical, classical
transcriptions and original
works for concert bands. The
Band also provide music
support for a number of Surrey
Police events as well as other
charity, private and open air
concerts.
The concert series Normandy
has become famous for its
captivating musical
programmes, homemade
interval treats and impressive
fundraising raffles. This year
they will be performing at
Emmanuel Church in Guildford
for a concert on 23rd March.
What a wonderful way to chase
away those boring winter blues!
If you would like to know more about The Surrey Police Band
and their concerts Visit: www.surreypoliceband.org.uk
The Band’s flexible ethos, which
understands that work and
home life may not always allow
for attendance at rehearsals,
has attracted people from all
walks of life including the
police, the military and the
wider civilian community.
Surrey Police Band supports the
Chief’s Constable’s charity,
which is nominated each year
by members of the Surrey
Police. The Band’s yearly
concert series at Normandy
Village Hall in Guildford, along
with other performances, help
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THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK
… and in concert with their Conductor and Musical Director, Graham Atterbury BA(Hons) DipABRSM.