HMS Middleton comes home to a rousing musical welcome

HMS Middleton

HMS Middleton (M34), the Royal Navy’s Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel came home to Portsmouth after a gruelling three years service in the Persian Gulf last Friday to a splendid musical welcome provided by members of the Middleton Musical Society under the direction of its Musical Director Graham Marshall. The Society was founded in 1772.

The ship, commanded by Capt Steve Higham, rounded the forts off Spithead to bright August sunshine and, after sounding its whistle twice, entered the famous naval base to cheering crowds of friends and family and moored within sight of Admiral Lord Nelson’s famous flagship, HMS Victory.

It is believed to be the first time that an invitation to participate in a naval homecoming in this way has been issued.

For the captain, it was to be the first time he could hold his nine-week old daughter in his arms. For another crew member it was an occasion to kneel down on the quayside and propose to his girl friend (she accepted!). For the rest of the crew and their families gathered in great numbers on the jetty it proved a very moving reunion with Rule Britannia sounding loud and clear. Soloist Keith Lloyd lead the singers as the ship came alongside.

By way of a contrast, Anne Butterworth, a noted local soprano performed the more tranquil O Peaceful England as soloist.

This was followed by Wherever You Are and I Vow to Thee My Country whilst the youthful 8-piece Middleton Fanfare Ensemble and Judith Mitchell at the keyboard gave splendid accompaniment backing. The Brass players also contributed A Portsmouth Tribute, music specially arranged for them by Graham Marshall.

Speaking exclusively to Rochdale Online, Mrs Butterworth said: “It was an excellent and brilliant experience and we were made to feel so welcome. On the Thursday evening, a Royal Navy chaplain gave us a guided tour of the base. We saw HMS Warrior, HMS Victory and various other more up to date naval craft.

“When the ship entered harbour, all the crew manned the sides stood at attention in their Number 1 uniforms. It was very moving and touching especially for one member of the choir who is an ex-Wren and 86 years of age.

“After the concert, the Second Sea Lord congratulated us and thanked us and said that in 35 years of naval service, it was the best homecoming he had ever witnessed. I feel so proud to have taken part.”

HMS Middleton is one of 8 Hunt Class ships and its mission in the Gulf was in support of wider British efforts in the region. Mine-hunters are providing the capability to conduct route survey, sea-bed clearance, and mine clearance operations all over the Gulf. The operation also aimed to provide a visible naval presence in a region where stability and good relations with local nations is vital. Much of the UK’s oil and gas, as well as other products, come from the Gulf region and as such these efforts are of vital importance to our economy and lifestyle.

The ship weighs 750 tonnes, has a crew of 45 and a speed of 17 knots. She was built by Yarrow Shipbuilders on the Clyde and launched in 1983.

Middleton Musical Society begins weekly rehearsals for its 2012-13 concert season on Wednesday, September 5 at 7.30pm in St. Stephen’s Church Hall, Cheapside, Middleton. New singers will be most welcome.

On Saturday, November 24 the Society will be performing extracts from Merrie England by Edward German and the whole of Trial by Jury’ by Gilbert & Sullivan.

Meanwhile in October the choir will be leading a Choral Evensong on the 7 and a Songs of Praise on the 14 in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Parkfield, which is celebrating its 150th Anniversary of consecration.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/71162/middleton-musical-society-invited-to-make-it-a-choral-welcome