RN Volunteer Band HMS Heron

BdCSgt D Wright BMus(Hons) Royal Marines

“Alaaf!” from Yeovilton.
So what has been going on? After a well-deserved summer break we were straight back into the swing of music making. September always throws up the usual round of Wardroom Dinners culminating with the Battle of Britain Dinner here at Yeovilton, with the RAF taking over the Officers’ Mess and requesting an aeronautical theme to their musical programme with such classics as Aces High, Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines and 633 Squadron. Sticking with the RAF theme we travelled up to RAF Brize Norton for a Party in the Park Concert in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund, with our good friends from HQ Northwood Volunteer Band. After a quick afternoon rehearsal we were thrust onto the stage with the stage manager crying in our ear, “How many are there of you?” Once we had calmed him down, and found enough seats for all in the Band, we flew into the musical programme. The concert finale was a firework spectacular and with Land of Hope and Glory ringing out over the park, so the co-ordinated fireworks where left ringing in ours. Loud just wasn’t the word to describe it! It was more like trying to play All Through the Night during a bombing raid! Well done the RAF. Despite this, it was a fantastic evening and all enjoyed the concert, audience and band.

“The Last Bang!”

Before the last flash of gunpowder and bang could ring out at RAF Brize Norton, we were into October. For those of you who read our previous articles, you might remember the engagement at Poyntington Fete and the rain that drowned us out? Well, this year didn’t disappoint. After setting up in the marquee and playing our first set, we all sloped off to the bar for a well-earned drink. During our break, a local rock band struck up with some very interesting numbers for a village fete. We took our seats for the next performance and waited for the rock band to finish. On hearing what I thought was their final note, we started to play… all of a sudden it was like battle of the bands (but in the wrong key). To the strains of The Great Escape mixed with The Ace of Spades, the battle commenced! Needless to say the cranked up amplifiers won and we admitted defeat. Who says that Volunteer Band moments are of our own making? Now fully into the swing of musical bliss, the middle of October brought with it Trafalgar Night Dinners, starting at HMS Flying Fox, Bristol and finishing with our very own Wardroom at RNAS Yeovilton. This was a poignant moment for me as it was my last Trafalgar Night Dinner as a Royal Marines Musician. At least the young Naval Steward can let the Chief Steward know that Mandy has left the building!

Albert Who…?

So into November and we found ourselves sharing the stage with Glastonbury Male Voice Choir at the annual Glastonbury Royal British Legion Act of Remembrance Concert. Forget the Royal Albert Hall and Katherine Jenkins; we had Glastonbury Town Hall and Glastonbury Male Voice Choir's very own Stanley Albert, not bad for a 76 year-old tenor. Pavarotti would be proud! Jerusalem, Band of Brothers and I Vow to Thee My Country had the audience on their feet beckoning for more! This led us to Remembrance weekend. After a Sunday morning, which saw no fewer than five Cornet players/Buglers playing at a number of ceremonies around the counties of Somerset and Dorset, we all joined up and headed to nearby Beaminster and a full parade for the local British Legion. November wouldn’t be the same without the annual Taranto Night Dinner in the Wardroom with Naval pilots celebrating in the true traditions of the Navy.

Festive Fun, Hurrah! I Hear You Shout…!

With November drawing to a close, December brings with it our annual Christmas Concert under Concorde 002 at the Fleet Air Arm Museum. This is always an enjoyable concert and once again we have the pleasure of inviting HQ Northwood Volunteer Band to join us and get into the festive spirit.

And Finally…

To all those Colognites, see you at the end of January. The Cologne trip is still under the same management but for the final time. Four Years not out… aye! Les and Anne! This year will be a great celebration as it will be the 20th anniversary of the Volunteer Band taking part in the carnival. So hold onto your hats and don’t forget your long johns as it stands to be a great year.

Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mandy!

Last updated May 2008