BEFORE the entertainment began at Prestwich and Whitefield Probus Club on October 7, president Albert Molineux announced the death of another respected member.

So soon after losing Peter Goodwin, members were shocked to learn that Jack Hodgson had passed away while on holiday in America. Members stood in silent tribute.

The mood then lightened somewhat when Norman Harrison opened his 27th programme of "My Kind of Music".

Everyone came to attention as the Fairey Aviation Band struck up Sousa's march The Black Horse Troupe. Another brass band number followed with Shostakovich's Waltz No.1. Then came the tinkling sounds of the xylophone as the soloist with Maryanne Oliver's Orchestra played Jovial Jasper.

Next on deck was the Royal Marines Band to play a medley of sea shanties which Norman dedicated to former president, Ray Bomby. Still with a nautical theme came James Galway and flute to charm us with Song of the Sea Shore.

The Salvation Army Band is accustomed to raising spirits so Always Cheerful was their appropriate number, followed by the Glyndebourne Festival Chorus and Dance a Conchita.

Back to brass again with the Black Dyke Band's On Native Soil and Norman was going well with his music, interspersed with anecdotes, and funny and unusual stories.

His own love of the banjo was next with Penny Polka strummed by the Big Ben Banjo Band.

Next, the Yorkshire Building society Band played Silver Threads Among the Gold, and Cole Porter's Kiss Me Kate provided the next piece: Brush Up Your Shakespeare. Another favourite of Norman's is the singing of children. We were not disappointed when the Loreto Junior School choir sang He's My brother.

More brass followed with Grimethorpe Colliery Band performing Mr Lear's Carnival, an arrangement of The Carnival of Venice. The synthesizer sounded delightful as A Perfect Night for Dreaming was played by Paul Brooks' Synergy.

To end the programme, back on deck came the Royal Marines' Band with Monte Carlo or Bust.

What variety Norman had provided! How does he do it time after time? Just by knowing his audience, his fellow club members, I guess. Well applauded for a lovely programme, Norman was urged to conjure up programme 28 for a future meeting.

BERNARD

HOWCROFT