Musical treat for Arun U3A

The group were there for an afternoon of music performed by the Royal Marines Association Court Band and special guests, the Portsmouth Military Wives Choir.

These performers support the servicemen, women and families of the Royal Marines, also based in Portsmouth, who have been in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In addition to the array of military marches and classical overtures, there were performances of iconic music from stage and screen, solos from trumpeter Jon Yates and oboist Elaine Coker, and the military wives.

Marilyn Dennis, from Arun U3A, said about the Military Wives: “Their singing lifts our spirits, not to mention their own, with songs like Whatever You Are, Rhythm of Life and, perhaps unexpectedly, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta my Hair. Their conductor, Sam Hairsine, told us there are now more than 60 such choirs all over the country, thanks to the inspirational Gareth Malone, and the Portsmouth choir is one of the largest.”

Band conductor David Johnson peppered their programme with stories and anecdotes, and the concert ended with a nod to the group’s hosts, Sussex by the Sea.