Royal Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester visit
July 16th saw our Royal Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester visit the Garrison
We were honoured to welcome the Duke of Gloucester to the Garrison Church together with a good number of friends and supporters of the Church and the Commonwealth & Gurkha Garden (of which The Duke is our Royal Patron).
There were 2 groups performing on a lovely summer’s afternoon. First the choir of Sherington Primary School under Megan Armson performed 5 songs. The 30 or so children had learned the words of all the songs as well as the gestures and movements to accompany them. Immaculately drilled by Megan and performing with real enthusiasm they were a credit to the school. It was good that their Head Teacher was in attendance and that both she and Megan were introduced to The Duke.
The children were followed on the steps from the garden to the Chancel by the Reach Group from the Tramshed Theatre in Woolwich. The Group was comprised of 8 performers who had varying degrees of learning difficulties. But expertly directed by Joe Cocklin they put on a great show. This began with a song about Reach being for everyone whatever their background, and involved all the performers reaching with their hands into the air as they sang. Some of the performers were able to address the audience directly with their names and a description of their own difficulties. The “guitarist” had an infectious grin and kept geeing up the audience for greater applause. All of them were given the chance of their moment in the spotlight, and at the end the applause was loud and genuine.
An audience of over 100 enjoyed the event and the Trust laid on tea and cake after the event. The Duke commented how much he had enjoyed the afternoon and I am sure that his appreciation was shared by all those who were there.
It was a happy and successful event.
