Ampthill Town Band took part in Captain Tom 100 Challenge to celebrate the Bedford hero's legacy

The Ampthill Town Band celebrated Captain Sir Tom Moore s life by taking part in the Captain Tom 100 Challenge last week.

Friday, April 30, would have been Captain Sir Tom Moore’s 101st birthday and to mark the occasion the public were invited to take part in the Captain Tom 100 challenge to celebrate his life and legacy.

Everyone – of all ages and abilities – was invited to take on a challenge around the number 100 anytime and anywhere over Captain Tom’s birthday weekend, starting on Friday through to Bank Holiday Monday.

The Ampthill Town Band elected to play the hymn tune for All People That On Earth Do Dwell - the "Old Hundredth" - as part of the challenge, and are also raising money for the Captain Tom Foundation.

The recording of the hymn was posted on the Band's Facebook page on Friday, April 30.

Band Chairman Louis Sherry said "Last year the band were honoured to be invited to take part in a special 100th birthday video for Captain Tom and, when the Captain Tom 100 Challenge was announced a month ago, we leapt at the opportunity to take part by recording the hymn "All People That On Earth Do Dwell" - the "Old Hundredth".

"He is a local hero and we were honoured to be able to play our part and acknowledge the legacy he has left behind.

"It was tremendous what he did last year, he raised a phenomenal amount of money for the NHS during in our hour of need. He did it once during the war, and again last year.

"It was nice to be able to acknowledge that with the song.

"The video was kindly recorded by Ampthill.tv and, due to Covid restrictions, meant that four separate groups of five players had to be recorded then merged together to form one video.

"Not an easy task but we're delighted with how well it turned out and we're hoping that viewers will follow the link in the video and make a donation to the Captain Tom Foundation."

The Band is a brass band based in Ampthill, Bedfordshire which was formed in the 1840's. It's purpose is to provide musical opportunities for both young and old brass players in Ampthill and the surrounding area, to learn and perform music in a fun and enjoyable environment.

It is a mainstay of the Ampthill Proms in the Park annual jamboree, having played at every event since it started in 2009.

It also features in most civic events held in the town: the Mayor's Civic Service, Remembrance Sunday parade and service, the Christmas Tree Festival, Carols around the Tree, the Christmas Eve Nine Lessons and Carols service - a true community brass band.

The Ampthill Town Band has raised already £110 for the foundation, through it's fundraising page.

The song was posted online on Friday, April 30.