20th Anniversary

Celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary in 2009 of one of the Island's leading performing arts groups began in stellar style when one of Britain's greatest living composers, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, made an impromptu visit to Gale Force Theatre School's concert at the Erin Arts Centre on Friday November 14.

Sir Peter, Master of the Queen's Music since 2004, had travelled from his home in the Orkney Islands a day in advance of presenting An Evening with Sir Peter Maxwell Davies at the Erin Arts Centre in order to join Gale Force founder and director Barbara Gale, ADB (Associate of the Drama Board), celebrating not only her school's 20th anniversary but also her own birthday that same day.

The evening, attended by the Lieutenant Governor Vice Admiral Sir Paul Haddacks and his wife, together with Gale Force president Lady New and her husband Sir Laurence New, was a musical celebration with a selection of songs performed in Manx, as well as performances by the choir Sheean Millish, David Holland and former students Jude Clague-Walsh and Neil Callin, Gale Force's first pupil in 1979.

The occasion also marked the launch of Gale Force's third CD – You Light Up My Life - featuring Barbara Gale, the newly formed choir Sheean Millish and Gale Force students including Emily Mylchreest and Lauren Whitfield, both 11, Merri Davenport, 15 and Caleb Bester, 12.

The first night, 20 years ago, saw 11 children attend the Gale Force Theatre School. 20 years on the school, despite - or possibly because of - its founder's reputation for being 'red hot' on discipline, has 45 students attending weekly and achieving most often not merely passes but recommendations and distinctions. Unsurprisingly there is always a waiting list, as there is for the Gale Force summer school, launched as an experiment in 2007, fully subscribed in 2008 and already full for 2009.

Bringing the celebrations to a close Gale Force president Lady New praised Mrs Gale for her tireless devotion to the school. She said not only did Barbara Gale nurture the students' musical talents, but also taught them discipline, self-assurance and poise. Lady New closed the evening saying: 'God bless Gale Force'.

Recorded by Charles Guard at the Erin Arts Centre and sponsored by Trident Trust the Gale Force CD You Light Up My Life is priced £10. To purchase a copy contact Barbara Gale 496556, barbs@galeforce-online.net

Back to About Galeforce