Having finally taken down my Christmas decorations, I suddenly realised that we are now more than halfway through 2004, and I have thus started sorting through the numerous boxes in preparation for putting them back up again.

A frightening thought that after this evening, we only have two more major concerts here in St James, (Royal Air Forces Association concert in September, and the Royal British Legion Night of Music in November), prior to starting our rehearsals for our Christmas concert.

Involvement in banding, especially here in Guernsey, makes you think along these lines. Your year is governed to a degree by the concerts you perform at set times.

This evening’s concert includes a massively major work in musical repertoire, not because of it’s complexity, not because of it’s content, not even because of its musical value, but because it is a folk song from my home county – Lincolnshire, the finest county in the United Kingdom as, I am sure, all who have tasted Lincolnshire potatoes, and real Lincolnshire sausages will agree.

Having got my juices flowing with the thought of Christmas and sausage and mash, I shall wipe myself down and hope you enjoy the programme of music selected for you this evening, and hopefully, will have the pleasure of your company at one of our future concerts.

Simon J Applegate

Musical Director