Update

HEIDELBERG NEWS - Heidelberg and in particular, the South African Army band, bid farewell to one of its fondest members, Major Chris Nicholls (78) on Saturday. 

About 100 mourners from far-flung areas, including about 30 members of the Cape Town-based band, attended this moving service held at the Langeberg Christian Fellowship Centre to pay their last respects to this musical icon.

Pastor Len Burger officiated and inspired Chris's widow, Sally, to whom he was married for 55 years, his daughter, Riona, and son-in-law Gareth, as well as all the other mourners, with the scripture 1 Cor 15:51-55.

Many of his former colleagues paid tribute to their unsung hero and musical director of many a regimental music rendition. 

Martin Chandler, a former colleague and band member, described Chris as someone who greeted you with an "English handshake", with a very warm personality, but also strict and disciplined. 

"He was more like a father figure to me and many other band members." 

According to Chandler, Chris was honoured with various medals, of which the Military Merit Medal is rated as one of the most esteemed medals any member can earn during their service to the country.

Sgt. Maj. David Stevens also spoke proudly of his former colleague and mentioned that he had learnt a lot from Nicholls and added that he had left a huge gap to fill.

After the moving version of the Last Post and Reveille, played by WO2 Grant Gibbons, the family was presented with a framed picture of Chris's beret and medals by his successor, Major Vernon Michels, the bandmaster.

Nicholls was born in England, served in the army for 21 years until his retirement a few years ago. 

He was also the co-founder and first director of Gateway Radio, Hessequa's first Christian community radio station. 

He and Sally, a well-known opera singer, established Gateway Radio in 2016 and attained the broadcasting license in 2018.

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