THE Church of St Mary Magdalene, Taunton, provided an inspirational setting for the First World War Commemorative Concert promoted by Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir for the benefit of the Army Benevolent Fund - The Soldiers Charity.

Uniformed Army Air Corps soldiers and members of Somerset Army Cadet Force provided excellent front of house and ushering. The scene was enhanced when bugler Major Johnny Webber, of 675 Sqn AAC, sounded The Last Post, followed by two minutes’ silence and Reveille with choir member Rev Steven Reed reading the exhortation “They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old”.

The choir opened in fine voice with the stirring 'Anthem' from Chess with words that might well have been written a century ago. Then three further songs followed from current popular male voice choir repertoire Do You Hear the People Sing? - "Bring Him Home" and "Comrades in Arms" sung with utmost expression and interestingly conveying sentiments many First World War soldiers and their families must have felt throughout that campaign.

The choir's popular guest soloist Hilary Glenny, who travelled from her new home in Norway especially to sing at this event, included songs that are reminiscent of the feelings of people at the time of war, "Long Ago and Far Away", "We'll Gather Lilacs" and "Sing Joyous Bird".

She captured the emotions by relating the romantic story of her own grandparents who were separated by the conflict.

The two co-presenters, one representing youth, Joe Robinson, the other manhood, Alan Coles, role-played in " Letters from a Soldier", those written between 17-year-old Stephen Brown and his mother between 1915 to 1916 until he eventually lost his life.

There was a medley of First World War songs arranged by Gwyn Arch - Mademoiselle from Armentieres, Oh, it's a Lovely War, There’s a Long, Long Trail A’winding, They Didn't Believe Me and Let the Great Big World Keep Turning, led by Joe Robinson; the audience were encouraged to add their voices to these popular songs.

Col Robert Jordan MBE spoke briefly about the ABF charity, its formation, aims and successes.

Presenter Alan Coles, playing guitar, and accompanied on ukulele by Nick Thomas, sang the Australian-attributed First World War folk song “And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda" which held the audience spellbound with its storytelling.

The choir’s final set was a medley of the First World War’s most popular soldier songs, arranged by Alwyn Humphreys: It’s a Long Way to Tipperary, Roses of Picardy, Over There, Keep the Home Fires Burning and Pack Up Your Troubles.

Encouraged by MD Nick Thomas, the audience joined in the choruses and enthusiastically applauded the choir's capture of the 'feel good' factor the men in uniform must have gained from singing the songs a century ago.

Alan Coles read the First World War poem by Rupert Brooks, "The Soldier", with choir musical director Nick Thomas skilfully backing on flute the last verse of the entry into his own special arrangement of "Requiem to a Soldier" sung by all the performers and the choir.

This was a magical moment that epitomised the meaning of the whole evening. It is expected that in excess of £2,500 will have been raised for the Army Benevolent Fund.