Monday
Monday morning started with a rehearsal for the New Entry Pass Out which was
to take place on Friday. This was going to be the start of a very stressful
week and to add more pressure, Bug's Ford and Keeping and myself were sweating
it out for our final B3 exam results.
The rest of the day was just left for us to be getting on with our own personal
practice and admin. Later this evening we met up with CSgt Ridley and Sgt Cornish
in the pub. The pair of them had been up in London for the Rugby victory parade.
I think they managed to make it to Trafalgar Square. Makes you wonder how on
earth you get to the toilet in a big crowd like that!
Tuesday
Again this morning started with another rehearsal for the New Entry's Pass Out.
Looking good guys! Today was also the moment of truth for us buglers, in the
DOM(T)'s office awaiting our results... CONGRATULATIONS... we all passed with
flying colours. I think now is good time to give a big thank you to our instructors
Sgt Bug Boulton and Sgt Bug Cornish for all the hard work they put in.
Wednesday
I think by now you should know what is about to come. Yes, another rehearsal
for the New Entry's Pass Out. This took up most of our morning which left us
with the afternoon free to go and do our own RT. You'd think everything would
be easy after passing your exams but oh no, believe you me the amount of paper
work that we have to do ... aaarrgghh!
Tonight I decided to stay in and clean my kit ready for Friday's Pass Out Parade.
Thursday
You'd think it did but today it didn't. No rehearsal this morning due to an
'It's a knock out' competition being held in the gym. Today was also the day
of our Christmas Concert which was taking place at St Mary's Church, Fratton.
The buglers had been tasked with security for this one. Under the instruction
of the Drum Major and Sgt Cornish we broke down into two teams. I managed to
get on the afternoon slot which meant I was free in the evening. No surprise
there then.
Friday
Day of the race for the New Entry's! We started off with a full dress rehearsal
in the gym at 0900. Once this was completed we then went for scran and started
to get ourselves ready. 1300 we were outside the gym awaiting the March On.
We stepped off to the Regimental March of the Royal Marines Commandos 'Sarie
Marais' halted and were dressed off. Usually it takes a while for the VIP to
arrive. Not in this case, he was so eager to get here Drummy nearly fell over
giving the salute and the Bandmaster's arms were on fire! Into the inspection
with Golden Spurs and By Land and Sea. Next was the New Entrys' drill display.
This was executed to the quick march Gibraltar. Excellent display, well done.
Now we turn to the presentation of awards. Must be the buglers year this year,
picking up all the awards bar two. Congratulations to you all. The Troop was
then marched to the far end of the gym awaiting SOBS' instruction ready for
the March Past, Sarie Marais.
The band then advanced and was into the start of their display with the newly
written bugle march Lions of Trafalgar followed by the slow march Going Home
then back into quick with HM Jollies. The Buglers then stole the show with their
excellent drum feature. The reform was done to the quick march Washington Grays
then our march past to the Regimental March of the Royal Marines A Life on the
Ocean Wave.
I would like to say well done and congratulations to two of my close friends
who have just passed out of New Entry Training. Keep up the good work Buglers
Dave Birt and Nic Cansfield.
CODA
I do have to say farewell now as this is my last week at the Royal Marines School
of Music. I've enjoyed the time spent here and met a load of new friends but
that's one of the great things about the services is that you're meeting new
people all the time. On behalf of myself and Bug Keeping who are off down to
RM Band Plymouth we would like to wish Bug Ford all the best in RM Band Scotland.
It just leaves me to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy N