RN Volunteer Band JSU Northwood

BdCSgt D Boorer RM

My second term as VBI has come and gone, and it’s as though I’ve always been here! Apparently, I used to be in the Royal Marines Band Service and I played the bassoon… the what? Who plays the bassoon nowadays? That is so last millennium. I’m a baton wielder (although Darth Vader threw his light sabre around with more grace) saxophone holder (and, heaven forbid, I have even given lessons on how to play it!), a flautist (ditto) and have even played trombone on two gigs. Actually, I am now the current incumbent of the second trombone chair at the Watford Workshop Orchestra! I’m the youngest there! The conductor of this group is a wizened, stooped retired headmistress from some private Hertfordshire girls’ school. When I introduced myself to her, omitting to tell her what I actually do for a living, she peered at me,

“David?” she asked, holding my proffered hand in her thin, bird like talons.
“Boorer”, I replied, trying not to crush her ageing bones.
“And?” she demanded, her peach cardigan flapping around her like a colourful grim reaper.
Suddenly I was 10 years old and, shifting uncomfortably on my heels and with my bottom lip quivering, I told her I played the trombone and had been a very naughty boy, (Miss!).

Anyway, I’m digressing, again. The experience was great fun, and I have been back. (Apparently school uniform isn’t compulsory but I feel it helps me get a feel for it!)

What am I writing about? Ah yes, the Northwood Volunteer Band. When I wrote last we were fast approaching Christmas and were about to travel down to RNAS Yeovilton for our annual combined concert, and two-day holiday, with Heron band. What a gig that is! Jon Morrish and his band made us Londoners feel very welcome and, once the rehearsal was over, we all settled down for some volunteer band talk and beer. A very nice combination!

The following day Northwood took off on their shopping trip to Street and Clarks Village. The mind boggles, but it has always been and shall always be. It is set in stone. “We always go to Street” I was reliably, and on more than one occasion, informed. So, a mini bus was brought down from London just for that very tradition. After what felt like a lifetime waiting for the band to do their Christmas shopping, and for the Band Officer, Vicky Guilfoyle, to buy a new coat, we set off back to Yeovilton, and for the second reason of our trip, the concert. And what a concert! Any Royal Marine Band would enjoy this venue; sat beneath the impressive Concorde, both bands combined professionally to perform to a packed house. Heron band is a balanced band of fine musicians, and it was a treat for Northwood to have a full trombone section and basses to play with. Although, I did spot (and hear) a couple of tenor horns? Weird…

Thanks Jon and your band. We look forward to next year!

The trip home deserves a mention, but I can really only write about this once my therapist has discharged me! Needless to say having to explain to my MT department why their mini bus was missing a side door will require more page space than the Blue Band editor allows. On that note I must thank Norman Stephenson for throwing himself in front of juggernauts and for Vicky Guilfoyle for lending her new coat to the driver of a rather mashed up Ford Mondeo. Also, many thanks to the Somerset Fire and Rescue, (no really it was fine to cut off my door and smash my windows), the Police and finally to the Ambulance Service for finding it necessary to call the fire brigade who cut off my lovely door! Intrigued? I bet you are!

Christmas arrived and saw the band play for the first carol service in Northwood HQ’s new church. This is a fine building with a great acoustic and will make a great band room (I wish!). This smaller combination was made up from those members of the Band who live locally, and by those who work in Northwood. They made a nice sound and there were many appreciative comments from the congregation. Steve Heath, Lt Submariner, did a sterling job on tuba, especially as he hasn’t played for years and was out in the daylight! Next step, Steve, is marching!

Rehearsal in the new bandroom/community space at Northwood HQ

Just before Christmas we were asked to help St Andrews’ Church in Uxbridge raise money for Help for Heroes by playing at a Christmas candlelight service. The day of the concert arrived and with it very heavy snow. I canvassed the Band, and in true volunteer band style those who lived locally were all prepared to brave the elements and to play to whoever turned up. Three quarters of the buglers couldn’t make it (tricky when you only have four) and neither could a couple of others who lived in more remote areas, but, the show went on! Steve Taylor, on solo bugle performed brilliantly, as did Michael Crowther on euphonium, and once again the clarinet section played Clarinet Escapade faultlessly. Sam Martin, in the absence of a tuba, held the band together with some impressive bass guitar playing. A special mention must be made for Ewan Wiley, Greg’s 10-year-old son who helped out on French horn. He played with great confidence, and I hope the sight and sound of me singing carols loudly wasn’t too traumatic for him. The concert raised over £500 for the charity, a few more grey hairs for me, and a few more fans of the Band.

This year we have played at a few Burns nights, and have started marching, ready for the summer. Thankfully it is a quiet term so far, so we can concentrate on new music, dressing and recruiting brass players.
On the new joiners side we say hello to Rose on clarinet, Steve on Eb clarinet and Clay on euphonium. We also welcome into the band Colin Rowntree, who has at last progressed far enough through the “Tune-a-Day” to come out of the coffee shop and into the 3rd clarinets. Steve Crowther, dad of Michael, has also joined the Band on trombone. At last we have two trombones! I hope you’ll all enjoy this friendly, social band.
In March we have to say good-bye to Penny Butler who is going home to the West Country, which is good news for her and for Drake Band, but will leave a big gap in our cornet section. Penny is a great musician and will be sorely missed.

We also wish Sue Marshall a speedy recovery, and hopefully she’ll be able to put on her marching boots and nurses uniform and do some “pointing and gliding” with the rest of us in the gym.

Farewell, and a happy Easter to all who read this, and if any of you are passing Northwood please call in for a coffee and a rig up.

Last updated 10 August 2010