Tears flowed, voices sung and smiles filled the lounge at Radius Millstream last week as residents and staff celebrated the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with a special concert.
Members of the New Zealand Army Band School of Music provided Radius with an entertaining array of music mainly connected to remembrance and the music of the 1930’s and 1940’s.
An unexpected solo performance by the band’s gifted musician and singer Staff Sergeant David Fiu delighted the audience with You’ll never walk alone.
Resident Margaret Ross, who sat listening, moved by the performance said she had enjoyed hearing Fiu perform over many years.
‘‘The performance had been wonderful and brought back so many happy memories for me,’’ Margaret said.
Radius activities coordinators Jasmine Richardson and Elyse McFaull said they approached the New Zealand Army Band to perform to mark the 80th anniversary.
’’Many of our residents lived through the war and had family serve so its so important we mark this occasion,’’ McFaull said.
‘‘Initially the army came back saying unfortunately they couldn’t attend but a couple of days later they asked if we would like the school of music bandsmen, of course we said yes,’’ Richardson said.
Fiu said it was a privilege for the band to play at Radius, the only place it played in Ashburton on Friday.
The band is made of 10 members of defence and police bands from around the Pacific Islands. They come for 10 months learning under the tutorship of the New Zealand Army Band.
The current band who came together in February is made up of musicians with an array of playing experiences.
The band consists of three members from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa and one each from Timor-Leste, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.
‘‘It’s a partnership and part of the New Zealand Defence Force Pacific engagement,’’ Fiu said
The performance finished with a last post ceremony, clearly one that touched the hearts of residents, as many stood to attention and reflected.
