RN Volunteer Band HMS Collingwood

BdCSgt Paul Johnson BMus(Hons) ARCM(Hons) CTABRSM RM

Hello once again from sunny old Fareham! As usual, the gigs are flowing thick and fast. Since the last issue, Collingwood have undertaken a variety of engagements ranging from mess functions to local parades and numerous processionals as part of traditional bonfire celebrations. Our biggest undertaking, however, took us out of area to Wiltshire and the town of Wootten Basset for the Tri-Service Appreciation Parade.

The Wootten Basset Tri-Service Appreciation Parade proved to be a very high profile event, attracting widespread media attention, both local and national. The Tri-Service element was represented by the service personnel lining the street and the three bands present. HMS Collingwood Band represented The Senior Service alongside The Prince of Wales Division Band for the Army and The Central Band of the RAF.

The Parade was instigated and presided over by CINCAIR in order to give thanks to the townspeople of Wootton Basset for the respect and dignity that they have shown in paying their respects to the funeral corteges of personnel who have been killed in service and who have been repatriated through nearby RAF Lyneham. On such occasions, 2,000 - 3,000 local residents, virtually the whole population of the town, would turn out to line the streets. For the Appreciation Parade, however, the number of those lining the streets swelled to around 9,000 - 10,000. One quote from the thank you letter received by the Band reads: “I have received many emails and phone calls from various townsfolk who were absolutely delighted with the parade and claim not to have seen such a spectacle since VE Day!” The day was therefore one to remember for the 40 Band members taking part. Special thanks go to those from HMS Nelson Band and Northwood HQ Band who so ably augmented the numbers of Collingwood Band and contributed to the overall success of the parade.

Looking forward in the diary, the next big event for us is a trip to the Falkland Islands from 2-10 December 2008 to participate in the annual Battle Day Parade and Service. More of this next time.

With HMS Collingwood being a training establishment we continue to see many short term guest members of the Band come and go. Of those more permanent, we have one new joiner, SLt John Ryde on trombone, whilst on the leaving front, we say farewell to AB (CIS) Laurence “Rocky” Roke who joins his first ship, HMS Sutherland at the end of November. Perhaps the most significant shift in personnel is that of the Bandy. While we say welcome to Paul Johnson, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Graham Vaughan personally for his instrumental tuition and on behalf of all the Band for all his sterling work. Bye Graham and enjoy your time back on the road in Portsmouth Band.

Phil G

Last updated April 2009