RN Volunteer Band HMS Collingwood

BdCSgt Karl Long BMus(Hons) ARCM(Hons) AMusTCL CTABRSM RM

Following a fairly busy run up to Christmas, which began with a Christmas themed concert at a local church in Bridgemary, Gosport in the middle of November, we all enjoyed a couple of weeks' R&R over the festive period. As we had a few clear weeks the other side of the break, I decided that this would give us a great opportunity to revitalise the repertoire of the Band. This sense of security was short lived, however, when a couple of dinners came in for early January on the last day of term. Decision made, we carried on and I have to congratulate the Band for the speed in which they learnt the new pack, diligently taking music home to practise and cement into the grey matter. I know, practice! I believe flexibility is the key!
A big 'thank you' must go to the Executive Department, headed by Commander Dreelan, here at HMS Collingwood for the many changes that have taken place to the infrastructure within the band room; small individual changes that have made the whole experience of being a Volunteer Band member that little bit better.
Keeping with tradition here at HMS Collingwood Volunteer Band, we had our Christmas Social post-Christmas with a black tie dinner at a local golf course. Being post-Christmas meant that we could run a 'Gratefully Received, But Unwanted Christmas Gift' raffle. Just for fun, the gifts were donated anonymously and re-wrapped so that a winning ticket would choose blindly before opening the parcel for all to see. I won't give any examples through fear of upsetting anyone who may have given these gifts originally; needless to say that you would not believe some of the items that are considered a good idea at the time.
We have also had a change at the top within the Band. Lieutenant Commander Kim Mehta has moved on from her position as Volunteer Band Officer, creating a welcome return for Lieutenant Russ Say who is back in the chair after a couple of years away. A thank you from all the Band to Kim for all her work as VBO.
As ever, the recent massed Volunteer Band trip to Cologne has been an undoubted highlight of the term but I shall leave it for others comment further. Just to say that the contingent from HMS Collingwood (pictured) all had a great time and I would like to pass on my congratulations and thanks to Band Colour Sergeant Tom Crane from HMS Heron Band for organising such a successful trip.
We have had a number of additions to the Band over recent months and I would formally like to welcome all our newcomers to the Band. However, one new addition could not go unmentioned; that of Isabelle, born to Jemma Antell in February. We would all like to wish Jemma and Ben the very best for the future.

Last updated 10 August 2012