RN Volunteer Band HMS Neptune

BdCSgt M Andrew RM

Hello all volunteer bandies and a warm welcome from the beautiful north! Time marches on and here we are with winter just around the corner – where has the year gone? In fact Neptune has enjoyed a very busy and successful year so far with our Bandy securing all the gigs he can lay his hands on. This year saw a first for Neptune when Martin decided it was time to fly the Band down to Southampton complete with groupies (Kym & Katie Andrew), to spare us the long and arduous coach trip from Faslane. Cheers Martin – that went down very well, and yes please for next year!

This year saw the Band enjoying some success at the Volunteer Band Festival in July, securing 2nd place in the solo competition with a beautiful rendition of Phillip Sparke’s Manhattan played by our principal cornet player Claire Leckie – well done Claire! Not only that, the Band secured a creditable 3rd place in the concert and 4th in the marching display. This was all down to the efforts and hard work by all those involved and Martin’s drive and commitment to the Band. A big thank you also goes to Kenny Dalgleish (2nd trombone player and party showman) for stepping in at the last moment to take on the unenviable task of Drum Major. It was just what the Band needed – someone to whip us into shape, and although there were some toys thrown out of the cot, the Band rallied round and were completely transformed!

Martin’s fears were completely put to rest and with his relentless dedication to ensuring that Neptune Band could and would march, it all paid off and we did him proud. After the results were heard, it was off with the uniforms and on with the fancy dress and the theme this year was ‘back to our childhood’. A good time was had by all and in keeping with our reputation of being the Volunteer Band ‘party animals’, most of us ended up back in the Senior Rates Mess to carry on revelling, along with some stragglers from Nelson and other bands. We have the photos to prove it too! Not only was Kenny our Drum Major, he also decided to make a movie of the lead up to the Festival itself and the aftermath. By the time we arrived back in sunny Helensburgh, it had been decided that we would hold a ‘movie premiere’ and ‘Oscar ceremony’ in our local hostelry. A big thank you to Di and Steve for organising the event and to Steve and Kenny for putting the movie together complete with sound tracks etc. A good night was had by all and among the prizes up for grabs were best monkey cymbal player, best hangover and best thighs? For many of you out there who are well acquainted with our merry little Band, I leave it to you to work that one out! Anyway, who was that gay pirate?

If it's one thing Neptune is good at, it’s that we know how to enjoy ourselves! Since the Festival, we have played in many gigs with both the wind and the big band. Our Bandy did have a ‘sweat-on’ though, when an unnamed trumpet and trombonist failed to show before a major Wardroom gig. Trying not to appear to be panicking he called to find them enjoying a leisurely dinner with the family complete with wine, and when asked if they were coming along to the gig, he was even more horrified to hear the reply – “What gig?!” Hats off to the said trumpet player who managed to get changed and arrive in the Wardroom in 20 minutes flat – 10 minutes before the gig, I may add. Sorry Martin – thought it was the next day!

Helensburgh RBL Festival of Remembrance

The past few months have seen a variety of gigs ranging from local galas, church concerts and Wardroom dinners and most recently, the Festival of Remembrance in the Victoria Halls. Again the Big Band took centre stage and wowed the audience with their range of music and flair. This year’s most memorable gig culminated in the wind band playing for HRH Prince William, guest of honour at the Trafalgar Night Dinner in the Wardroom. Ah what a night that was and never to be forgotten, especially for our principal cornet player who after an acute attack of love sickness, had picked her wedding dress and sent out the invitations by the end of the night! Dream on Claire! Oh and before I forget, thanks to Lyndon from Nelson Band for stepping in at the last minute to play keyboard for us at the Wardroom Ladies' Night in September - all in the spirit of the Volunteer Band Association of course. Cheers Lyndon!

Ladies' Night in Neptune Wardroom

Well that’s about it folks, which now leads me to our parish notices. On a very sad note, Johnny Campbell, our clarinet and alto sax player, passed away after a short illness in May. Johnny had given more years to the Volunteer Band Association than I care to remember and was a valued and much loved member of both the wind and Big Band. He will be remembered for his amazing talent and his sunny smile and will be sadly missed.

We also say a fond farewell and extend a big thanks to Dave Mincher, our former Band Officer and drummer who has left the Navy and thanks also to his lovely wife Carol (clarinet). As one chapter closes, a new and exciting chapter has opened for Dave, as he moves to Kent to work for British Nuclear Fuels. Between them both, they have served over 25 years in the Volunteer Band Association and will be sadly missed by all, especially me. We would like to wish them all the best for the future and no doubt we will see them at next year’s Festival.

A big thank you also goes to Ian Russell who sadly has had to retire from the Volunteer Band Association due to ill health. Ian has also given many years of his life to the Band, and has been a stalwart of the Big Band with his amazing keyboard playing. Most recently, we have said our cheerios to our percussionist John McSherry, AKA Mac, who has been drafted to Barrow to work on the new Astute Class submarines. Mac has also made a huge contribution to the Neptune Band and the rattle of his sticks will be missed. On a brighter note, we would like to welcome Neil McKenna, our new alto sax player who has recently joined the Big Band and a big thank you to his dad, Iain, our tuba player for persuading him to come along.

Well folks, this is a first for me so hope you enjoyed the read. I hope I’ve included everything and mentioned everyone I should have, and if not I apologise and promise to catch ya next time! In the meantime, keep tootin’, have a great Christmas a happy New Year and see you all at the Festival, if not sooner.

KD

Last updated May 2008