The Salvation Army has had a presence in Leigh-on-Sea since 1902, and this weekend celebrated their 121st anniversary. This was marked with a concert at Leigh Wesley Methodist Church and the Leigh Orpheus Male Voice Choir were invited to take part along with the combined Leigh-on-Sea and Southend Citadel Bands.
The choir, prior to performing, together with musical director Janet Walker and accompanist Kay Duell:
The bands had chosen to showcase music composed by the late Norwegian Eiliv Herikstad including a piece specially composed for the Leigh-on-Sea Salvation Army entitled "March - JubeLeighonSea". To mark the occasion Eiliv's daughter had travelled from Norway to be present.
The evening comprised performances by band and choir, solo tuba playing, and hymns where band, choir and audience combined.
The Choir sang "Praise my Soul", "You Raise me Up", Love is All Around", "Fly me to the Moon", "Alexander's Ragtime Band", "The Wellerman", "Wade in the Water", "Siyahambe" and "Gwahoddiad".
Bandsman Martin Blessett demonstrated his considerable skill and the tuba's versatility in playing 3 solo pieces.
The concert concluded with some expressions of faith, a final hymn and a march from the band.