AS lifelong residents of
our city we have experienced and witnessed both the positive and
negative things surrounding city life.
However, on Saturday,
September 17, we were privileged to have been invited to the 60th
anniversary concert celebrating VJ Day, the end of World War Two. The
concert was held in West Park Church in Stockton Road.
We had read an article in
the Sunderland Echo featuring Mr Rupert Hanson (the musical director)
and the Music for All project at Holy Trinity Church in the East End. We
knew that there was a Sunderland Symphony Orchestra.
However we were totally
unaware of the immense musical talent that exists locally. Who could
have imagined that from a get‑together at a community coffee morning the
amazing East End Sing‑a‑long Chorus was born?
The musical programme for
the evening moved from drama to sing‑a‑long. It then moved on to the
individual talent of 78‑year‑old Sid Ross, musician and composer, then
finished with great patriotic verve as the church roof lifted to
Jerusalem and the Pomp and Circumstance March.
This musical project seeks
to include all age groups in the community and should be seen as a
beacon in the city and supported every step of the way.
Our thanks to everyone,
including members of the church, who ensured that we had a memorable
evening. The slogan appearing at the bottom of the programme sums up the
whole event ‑ yes indeed, Music Makes Friends!
Councillor George and Mrs
Barbara Blyth,
Katrine Court,
Doxford Park,
Sunderland
