BdCSgt M Flintoft RM

A warm welcome from a hot and sunny Faslane, home to the only Volunteer Band north of the Watford Gap! As we bask in the summer heat, Neptune band has been busy in preparation for the Volunteer Band Festival in July. Yes it’s that time again and we have been out perfecting our marching routine in all weather. Our numbers have been swelled yet again by the local midge population who have come out in their millions to support us as they do every year - bless the little blighters! You can see from the enclosed picture that the Band members have been so dedicated this year in attending rehearsals and Bandy has yet so far kept his sanity and his hair!

Gigs

The Band has enjoyed another very busy period between gigs and social gatherings since the New Year. We were warmly received by St Augustine’s Church in Dumbarton in April where we played for the local congregation. This was followed shortly by a concert in the local Victoria Halls in Helensburgh for the Alzheimer’s Society, aptly titled the ‘Forget-me-not’ concert’. It was a particularly good night for the Band as many of us won raffle prizes on the night including a meal for two in the local Italian restaurant. The trombone section in particular were in good form as every one of them won a prize to add to the booty.

Socials

Kathryn and Len played host to the band members for a Mediterranean ‘come dine with me’ night that was enjoyed by all including Steve, who particularly enjoyed the rice dish. A big thank you to both Len and Kathryn for a fantastic evening with good food and good company. In trying to keep the team spirit intact in the run-up to the festival, Bandy decided to have an Abba night in one of our local hostelries with everyone wearing suitable attire. This was another fun night with everyone getting into the Abba spirit - Helensburgh’s charity shops were ransacked in an effort to outdo one another.

Our next social gathering saw the Band in Garelochhead at Kenny & Karen’s for ‘Eurovision’ night. This was another fun evening with lots of laughs cheering on the country that we had been assigned by Zoe, who also made the fantastic T-shirts worn by all. Thanks Zoe!

Festival preparations

As mentioned earlier, the Band has been busy with the festival preparations and rehearsals, not to mention the dreaded marching routine. A big thank you goes to all who have made the effort, in particular those members who have had to travel long distances to get here. This is a very intense period for all volunteer bands, who give up so much of their time to put in their best efforts for the biggest event in our annual calendar. Not only is it a festival of music, it is also a social gathering and an opportunity to meet up with friends old and new.

The Band have been fortunate this year to receive a new staff and sash – the drum major is so excited and can’t wait to show them off! It will make a change from the painted broomstick and ball cock that he’s been using for the past few years at the festival. Has anyone noticed per chance? Now he’ll be able to return the ball cock to trap three in the male Guildhall toilets!

Joiners

We would like to welcome Hazel (tenor drum) and Craig Wilson (side drum) who coincidentally are mother and son. Hazel and Craig are locals and have made a significant contribution to the drum corps and are both looking forward to their first festival.

We are also looking forward to seeing Mac McSherry (side drum) and Richie Perkins (cymbals) back to the fold in the near future from their duties in Barrow. A warm welcome home awaits them.

On that note, I would like to wish all volunteer band members a happy and successful festival and all at Neptune Band look forward to seeing you soon.

Karen

Last updated January 2010