Monday
Monday morning began with the usual PT session. Sgt Griffin had us dragging
heavy green mats up and down the gym for stretcher bearing practice. After that
strenuous session we all went to work to start the week with aching arms and
legs! The rest of the day went on as usual and in the evening it was time to
clean up the accommodation for rounds the next morning. This involved ironing
our sheets and making sure everything was perfect.
Tuesday
Tuesday morning was an early start. We had to be in immaculate rig for our first
OC's (Officer Commanding) parade. It was only a practice for the big inspection
next month but it went well and the unit Drill Instructor, Sgt Henderson, finished
the parade off with 20 minutes of interval drill. Suddenly Training Company
found themselves swinging their arms back up to shoulder height, rather than
march holding instruments as we usually would in the band. Needless to say 20
minutes was enough! The rest of Tuesday was spent sound checking the concert
hall. This involved playing the same piece of music 40 times! This was followed
by orchestra in the evening.
Wednesday
Wednesday morning and we were all out on parade again but this time for parade
band and thankfully not interval drill.
In the afternoon Musns Singleton, Naylor and Janes represented HMS Nelson at
squash whilst the remainder of Training Company played football.
Thursday
Thursday morning began with a 4 mile run to the Royal Marines Corps Museum.
The rest of the day comprised of individual practice and professorial lessons.
On Thursday evening a group from training company were asked to act as ushers
for Portsmouth Band during Winter Concert 2. There was also a small orchestral
gig and the few who weren't on either got the evening off!
Friday
At 0800 on Friday Training Company fell in on the parade ground. This was followed
by a march around the camp. Unfortunately things did not start well but after
a quick word from the Bandmaster, WO1 Smallwood, things picked up and the band
sounded its usual splendid self. After a morning of individual practice, the
clarinet section decided to put together a saxophone quartet, whilst others
had a mid-term harmony exam! The bugle call sounded to signal the end of the
day and for those who have passed their T3's it signalled the end of the week.
The end of the week for those that have yet to pass their T3's will be after
morning practice on Saturday. There are now only four working days left until
training company long weekend when we will take a well deserved break.
Musn Thompson