RN Volunteer Band HMS Heron

BdCSgt T Crane BA(Hons) BMus(Hons) AMusTCL RM

The highlight of last term’s gigs was the CHF Dinner held in the Wardroom with Prince Charles being the guest of honour, as he was once a CHF pilot based here at Yeovilton. He asked to meet members of the Band after the dinner, and even though it was running late, he still took the time to chat. Well done to all the soloists that evening, especially to Daisy Moffat who has been practising the flute solo in Les Misérables; she played it very well and was chuffed to bits that the opportunity arose to play for Royalty. The Prince commented to Tim Adlington on how well the Band played.

Easter leave saw members of the Band travelling up to the Royal Albert Hall to witness the Mountbatten Festival of Music, with Robin Bailey driving the coach and doing the magic roundabout along the A303. Several Band members also attended the Music Workshop at HMS Raleigh, organised by BdSgt Mick Buxton. It was a fantastic weekend and I believe everyone enjoyed the experience, and hopefully it will be an annual event – and as Tim Watson is leaving us to join Drake - over to you Tim!

Tim’s last concert with us was at Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester. The Band played exceptionally well and were proud to have Tim as our VBI, which made it an emotional evening for him. You will be missed Tim and good luck at Drake.

Welcome to Tom Crane and his family; we hope you enjoy your time here at Heron. Well, Tom’s first gig went well – cancelled during his first week in post, not a good omen! Apparently there was an electrical failure at the venue. So his first gig at the helm was Thornford Village Fair where we met Mrs Crane and their two little girls – welcome to our Band too.

Tom’s first concert was at a local church in Cattistock on the Somerset/Dorset border to raise money for the church fund. It was a tight affair with the Band being seated with no room for movement! I know we like being a close Band but sitting on each other’s laps was a bit excessive! Well done to the Brock family; Catie for being the youngest Band member and performing her first solo in public, Tom who led the cornet section with great enthusiasm, and Ray who kept the percussion section together. Well done also to Steph Lampton who performed I Dreamed a Dream from Les Misérables to thunderous applause. Thanks to Ann and Les Bebee for coming to help us out from Collingwood Band; it was great to see you and hopefully we will see you both again very soon.

CSgt Tom Crane conducts the band and guests at RNAS Yeovilton Air Day

As our annual Christmas Social had to be cancelled due to the Mess ‘running out of fuel’ we have combined it with our Summer Social. We were lucky that the band we booked for the Christmas social honoured the booking and performed for us this time round. No formal dinner this time but lots of BBQ and barn dancing, and a great time was had by all.

Congratulations to AET Ryan McGregor (COD) and Rachel on their wedding over Easter leave. Welcome to Tom as our new VBI – our third in 2 years, how long before we break you?! We have to say goodbye to Tom Brock who passed his audition to join the RMBS, moving from playing the cornet/trumpet to French horn. Congratulations Tom and good luck, don’t forget your roots in the Volunteer Band world!

Have a good summer leave and see you all at the Festival in September and good luck to everyone taking part, but above all enjoy yourselves.

Sonya

Last updated 14 December 2011