Every year on the Sunday closest to May 29, The Salvation Army pays tribute to its leaders, bandsmen and soldiers who perished in the sinking of the Empress of Ireland in the St. Lawrence river ninety – eight years ago, May 29, 1914. This tragic event claimed the lives of more than five hundred Canadian Salvationists on their way to a congress in London, England. This included the top leaders and most of the Canadian Staff band of the day. Heritage Brass was given the privilege to provide the music for the service at Mount Pleasant Cemetary in Toronto this year. A large crowd assembled on this warm, over-cast day to pay tribute and remember.

Wednesday evening July 4, 2012 was the commencement of the annual Jacksons Point Camp summer series

of public concerts. As has been the custom for the last several years, Heritage Brass opened the series. This year’s concert took on a slightly more official atmosphere as two candidates from the Ontario Central Division were farewelled by the Divisional Commander.

Prior to the programme, the band held their annual banquet, hosted by the Georgina Corps. This always includes wives as well. Recognition of service was acknowledged with a presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to Bandmaster Ian Watkinson who has relinquished his position due to health. Others who are resinging positions were Lorne Walton, who after many years as Librarian, and Arnold Cooper leaves as Quartermaster. Retiring after tonight’s performance

The audience was very receptive to the numbers played by the Band. The march, Assignment, opened the concert–which included the Bugler’s Holiday, a solo by bandsman Deryck Diffey, Western Overture (always a crowd pleaser because of Bandmaster Brian Burditt’s rapport with the audience). Three special numbers of significance were featured, the band presented Kenneth Downie’s Fugue from Towards the Victory, the march OCRB, written by the above mentioned Keith Ketteringham, the title coming from the time when the Division was known as the Ontario Central Div., and William Himes’ Stars and Leafs Forver, to commemorate Canada Day, July 1 and American Independence Day July 4.

A good night was had by all.