After a nice relaxing weekend it was back to work as normal, usual routine 0730
Phys session, in work for 0850 practising away in our own little worlds. But
not for two lucky buglers. Bug Mace and myself had the pleasure of entertaining
over 2000 school children at an annual skills festival held at Cheltenham racecourse
in Gloucester. FOR A WEEK!
We arrived at the hotel about 1230, checked in and got settled. In this time
I decided to get my head down for a couple of hours. The time came to start
setting up our stand. I should really explain here that there wasn't just Bug
Mace and myself on the trip, come on do you really think they'd send two buglers
to try and recruit a load of school kids? The team was made up from the two
of us, Cpl Bug (Pastie) Cornish, BdSgt Miller, BdSgt Bolland and last but not
least BdCpl Annett.
That night we decided to go for a curry and a few drinks.
First day on the job got off to a good start with plenty of people interested
in the stand, lots of questions being fired and us Buglers put on a good show
as ever. I think we scared a few with our bugling at first. I didn't think we
were that bad. After a couple of performances we took a break in our VIP race
box which overlooked Cheltenham Race Course. What a view! It was at this point
where we found out how far an alert could travel across the course.
You're probably not going to believe me now when I say that night the Buglers
went to the gym. Yes the GYM! Followed by a relaxing session in the pool.
Wednesday was pretty much the same routine, VIP box, good performances, plenty
of school kids. By this time some of the kids were getting annoying! Saying
that I think we had the best response to the stand. Cpl Annett was even commented
on how smart her uniform looked!
Can you believe it took us three days to find Wetherspoons? Terrible!
Thursday we arrived at the course to find that there were TV film crew there.
Need I say more; Buglers at other people's stands. We thought it would be a
good idea to have a wander round at other people's stands. We turn our backs
for five minutes and there's Cpl (Pastie) Cornish in the health and beauty stand
having an Indian massage. Next thing we were being taught how to make samosas.
Yet again we went to the gym and then swimming.
Last day at the festival and I think it was definitely a success. All in all
it was a productive week for everyone.