A slightly impromptu gig was the unofficial start to the year for HMS Sultan Volunteer Band:
"Would you be available to play some Christmas carols/songs for the residents of a local care home during Christmas leave?"

This was the question posed by our bandy, Ian Naylor.

Of course we would! The older generation make up the majority of the population in this neck of the woods so we were more than happy to go out as a small combination.

What we were expecting was to be sat in a corner while the residents milled around and ate mince pies etc while not paying too much attention to the music. What we got was slightly different.

We were put into a curtained alcove resembling a stage while at least 40 of the residents sat about 10 feet in front of us in 4 rows of seats, arms folded, waiting to be entertained. This atmosphere was not conducive to relaxed playing (especially as we were a quartet) but we got on with the job and were so well appreciated that we were given a very kind donation towards ‘Help for Heroes’.

HMS Sultan Volunteer Band kicked off the official musical year of 2011 with the traditional Burns Night Dinner in the Wardroom. This went down very well and we were able to field a good sized band for the event. Much persuasion was needed though to convince our members hailing from north of the border to come appropriately dressed in Troosers and not the slightly more airy variation of clothing.

New to the band this year was the Fresher’s Fair. This was an opportunity for new arrivals at Sultan to come along and have a look at clubs and societies that they can participate in whilst at the establishment. It is also a chance for us to get out and be seen by the masses in a different location rather than on the parade ground and to advertise for new players. You haven’t seen anything till you’ve seen someone rock climbing to Largo or tinkering with a Locost Racer to Pirates of the Carribbean.

A number of Wardroom dinners have dotted the calendar since and have been well received. It’s always good fun to get out and play as a big band!

More recently we have played as a smaller combination (9 Players) at a Charity Reception linked in to the HMS Sultan Summer Show. This reception helps to raise money for the charities supported by the Summer Show and is a great one to get out and ‘be seen’ by the public. It always surprises me as to how many ex-servicemen approach you at these events and regale you with dits from when they used to play in a Volunteer Band (good on e'm).

At the time of writing this, our most recent event was a fete at Leesland School in Gosport. This gig was great as we actually played in a proper Band Stand and the sun shone brilliantly making it a lovely afternoon.
As well as the blowers getting out, it was a chance for the corps of drums to stretch their legs. They put on a fine display under lead stick Chris Blockley-Webb and it was clear to see that they were relishing the opportunity to get out and be seen.

Looking forward we have Dinners, Mess Beatings, Socials and of course the Volunteer Band Festival in Portsmouth Guildhall in September.

We have been able to welcome some new service players including Lt Andy Stancliffe (Cornet/Post Horn), AET Andy Richman (Alto Sax), Lt Kev Westbrook (Cornet) and LAET Ian Bellehewe (Trombone).
As ever, recruitment of service players is high on the agenda as it is good to have uniform turned out at a gig but we would be nowhere without the constant and unfaltering support of our non service counterparts. Due special mention is Tracey (Clarinet) who takes the lead on most of our small combination gigs and never seems to lose her patience.

HMS Sultan Corps of Drums at Leesland School Fete

Parish Notices

There are also a few announcements to make:
Jim Hadley (Trombone) has been an active and professional member of the Volunteer Band for some time now and his musicianship has been a huge boon for us. Unfortunately, due to ill health he is unable to attend rehearsals for the time being. Jim, we all wish you well and hope that you will be able to rejoin us at some time in the future.

We have a ‘joining in wedlock’ of members of the band too. Ollie (Clarinet) and Kat (Clarinet) have recently announced their engagement to be married.

They are tying the knot in 6 weeks' time. Congratulations to you both!

Finally, on behalf of myself and the rest of the players, I would like to thank Ian Naylor for all his work in and around the band. You can never hear "Please stop playing when I say stop playing" through gritted teeth enough times.

 

Last updated December 2011