Musn Dawkins 12 - 18 May 2003


Monday

Today started with a session of phys. We went for a run down to the seafront and back and afterwards we all had to be in work for 0850. This morning was just working towards my Grade VI exams on violin and clarinet. After stand easy I had a violin prof lesson and after lunch I had a clarinet prof lesson in preparation for the Mayor making ceremony the next day at the Guildhall in Portsmouth.


Tuesday

We all had to be at the Guildhall at 0815 for the Mayor Making Ceremony. We rehearsed first, then we had the ceremony at 1000 until 1200. On completion we returned to RMSM and had to be in our cells practising from 1400 to 1620. The evening was free due to the rehearsal the previous night.


Wednesday

Started off with Parade Band and Drum Major inspecting our kit. After that it was back in our cells for more practice. After lunch we all took part in RT on Southsea Common for a couple of hours of rounders and soft-ball with CSgt McGough.


Thursday

Today started with a session of phys again. We had practice until lunch and after lunch we had elements classes - then continued practising for the rest of the afternoon. In the evening we had a small orchestra rehearsal for Friday night's Ladies Guest Night in the Wardroom where TV personality Alan Titchmarsh was to be the Guest of Honour.


Friday

Today started with Parade Band. We were rehearsing the march for the return of HMS Ark Royal the next day. In the afternoon the small orchestra people went over to the Wardroom to set up and rehearse for the Ladies Guest Night Dinner that evening.


Saturday

This morning we marched into the Dockyard to where all the family and friends were waiting for the Ark Royal to arrive, playing the march National Emblem. The event went very well.
The rest of the weekend was ours to relax.