Monday
This week began, as usual, with a PT session at 0730 in the gym taken by the
new Physical Training Instructor CSgt Curry. For the next 45 minutes he took
us through a variety of exercises before ending the period with a series of
tiring grid sprints.
The rest of the day continued with individual lessons, group classes, ensemble
rehearsals and lessons with the various professors.
Our evening was spent preparing for rounds the following day where pipes were
polished, ledges dusted, floors cleaned, baths and showers scrubbed. After all
that there was still time to make sure our ceremonial uniforms were cleaned
ready for the formal inspection by FOTR (the Flag Officer Training and Recruiting)
the following morning.
Tuesday
At 0830 the Instructors, Training Company and New Entry Troop 1/01, waited on
the Parade Ground for the arrival of FOTR. After an inspection of about 30 minutes
and a march-past by the entire parade FOTR was given a tour of the School of
Music by Lt Col Waterer and Major Watson. FOTR said he was impressed by what
takes place at the School and was equally impressed by the parade that had taken
place earlier on.
Wednesday
Bad weather forced the Parade Band undercover so that the M1 candidates could
be assessed while conducting the group in a selection of marches.
Most of Training Company found themselves with a sport afternoon while a small
number of the Parade Band, myself included, made the short journey to the Gunwharf
Quays complex on the harbour front in Portsmouth. We were there to provide some
light entertainment for the crowds who had gathered to see the conclusion of
the 'Times Round the World' Clipper Race.
Thursday
A tough PT session started the day and although we were thoroughly exhausted
afterwards we carried out our normal daily routines of individual lessons and
group classes.
There were no evening rehearsals, so the ranks involved in the North Wales concert
the following day had plenty of time to prepare their concert uniform and get
some rest as there was a very early start the following day.
Friday
Myself and three others were given the task of being security personnel and
found ourselves searching the coach at 0530 when it arrived at HMS Nelson. We
met the coach in the car park of HMS Nelson and searched it from top to bottom,
front to back, inside and out.
The journey to North Wales would take us roughly five hours and on arrival the
band members began to set the stage for the three concerts that would be performed
at the High School in Buckley, Mr Smallwood's old school.
There were two short afternoon concerts for the pupils at the school with the
main feature starting at 1930. All three concerts were extremely successful
and the audience said that they would like the band to return at a later date.
On completion of the concert there were drinks at a local restaurant followed
by the very long journey back to Portsmouth. On arrival back at Portsmouth the
band had been working and travelling for 25 hours and I felt very tired. Being
a member of the security team is a big responsibility as we are on the move
all of the time ensuring that all the areas that the band come into contact
with are kept secure. We also patrol the public areas checking for any security
hazards, working very close with the local police.
Saturday and Sunday
I spent Saturday and Sunday around the barracks preparing my kit for the following
week and due to feeling unwell did quite a lot of Egyptian PT (lying on ones
back, eyes closed, wrapped in a duvet, looking like a mummy!).
Musn McKinnon