Christchurch and District Band at their last rehearsal sporting headgear to support member, Anneyce Knight (kneeling front right), Steff Emmett (Director of Music, kneeling front left)
The Christchurch and District Concert Band, arranged for a show of solidarity when they heard that a member, flautist Anneyce Knight, had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Shortly after starting chemotherapy, Anneyce’s hair began to fall out and she decided to have it all shaved off. Steff Emmett, Director of Music said, “Anneyce told me her hair had started to come out in clumps and had made the decision to have the rest of it shaved off. She was obviously feeling a bit nervous about sporting her new look so I asked the whole band if they would turn up to her first rehearsal all wearing some kind of headgear. The band members are a fantastic bunch of people and all thought it was a wonderful idea.
Anneyce commented that, “This show of solidarity made me both laugh and cry. I am so pleased to be a member of this band and it is like being part of a big family and I thank them all very much. If you play a wind or brass instrument this is the band to be in – I’ve never come across one like it.
I would also like to thank the Royal Bournemouth Hospital staff in the new Jigsaw building for the excellent care and treatment I am currently receiving.”
Steff Emmett said, “Anneyce is a very brave lady and she has decided that she will not let this thing stop her enjoyment of music or beat her. We will be there for her and help her through.
“Indeed our motto is; Music Triumphs Adversity – nothing could be more appropriate”
