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Where are they now?Steve Castle
I joined Deal in September 1978 with 36 other young hopefuls, to play Cornet and Violin. Amongst those still serving are Steve Savage, Stu Bilvertone and Bob Gibbs, while others who have moved on to pastures new include Pete 'Tiny' Taylor, the Hart twins, Martin Bamford, Steve Kent and Andy Hodge. I seem to have fallen into the Band Service as a result of a conversation with a friend in my local orchestra. After his audition he got me thinking. I had always gone to the Tournament with my father but was by no means a military enthusiast. I declared my desire to join and the irony is I was accepted but my friend was not. I remember being amazed by the standard at auditions and genuinely delighted when I read the acceptance letter after returning from seeing Spurs win - a rare occurrence these days I know! I recall Basic Training as unbelievably hectic and bewilderingly diverse. In hindsight I feel lucky to have had Tony Martin as our Drill Instructor - Tony being such a fan of the Band Service and a very passable vocalist too. But like most New Entries it didn't feel lucky at the time! Despite having to learn the violin I really appreciated the support given by Lew Becker, one of the nicest men one could wish to meet and came to really love the instrument. I was also lucky to have Sid Rose as a Prof later in training who, having been a really good Bandmaster in the Band Service, gave the young lads a wonderfully encouraging view of reality. Those days of training rolled by lost in a round of routine and practice. Trying to master military and music skills was nearly as tough as learning to drink with the older trainees in residence in K Block. However, much attendance at the 53 Club helped a great deal. The instructors were an interesting bunch too and included Dickie Dawkins who, for trivial misdemeanours, imposed regular fines including running round East Barracks parade ground with a waste bin on the head - was he really that bored? Mick Bonner replaced him and was particularly good at preparing you for life in a working band which proved really valuable. In April 1981 I spent a few months with CTCRM and then in September 81 began 18 months on FOF 3 in HMS's Intrepid and Fearless. When I look back I do feel fortunate with my drafts. Being able to go to sea as a single 20 year old was great personal development! Musically, a ship's band has to be the best apprenticeship available. No hiding place, gain experience quickly and become very versatile. And of course sussing out what is genuine and what is a sea-dog's wind up is fantastic experience for life. I spent 3 months not trusting a soul only to get caught out on money changing for Gibraltar - doh!!! I mean, would Dick Grainger stitch anyone up? During a West Indies deployment I recall Fearless took part in a multi national beach landing operation. The Squadron OC thought it would be great for the band to march out of a landing craft onto the beach to mark Endex. However, the landing craft didn't quite make the beach. Undeterred the order 'Quick March' was given… and the band stepped off into 4 feet of oggin. Very embarrassing and probably expensive! Was that a smile on the driver's face - I wonder? This period also included the Falklands conflict which showed the Band Service in a very positive light. Both bands down South proved their versatility and willingness to adapt to very difficult circumstances. To no-one's surprise, the value of music shone through. To see bootnecks singing their hearts out with passion, or marching the Paras through Stanley, or hearing about Buglers attending burials, and to be part of the return of the Governor all proved the vital morale boosting and ceremonial importance of the Band Service. Ironic though, that I survived the Falklands War only to get knocked over in Italy on our next deployment, breaking my leg. Who said 'See Naples and die'? I almost did! 1983 - 1989 and I was with FOSNI at Rosyth under Keith Sivyer, Mick Goss and latterly Peter Rutterford. This was undoubtedly my happiest time in the Band Service. A good band, good lads and away from the microscope that was Deal. The set-up was good. A small band, with good musicians and an even better spirit. We were a sociable bunch with regular functions and on one occasion we even hired a launch to have our own banyan, though Addy Harper may not wish to be reminded of this episode! Sorry Addy, but I understand the wreck has become a terrific natural environment for sea life. Many considered FOSNI a draft to avoid but once there they fought to stay. The work was hard, including the 37,000 miles on the road recorded one year but the variety of work in a small band suited me. I remember marching through Belfast without guards at the peak of the troubles as a PR stunt! Whose idea was that? - cheers. Having enjoyed 6 wonderful years in FOSNI I made the mistake of buying a house, getting promoted and supporting Dunfermline Athletic (cheers John Bushell) so of course a draft to Deal followed. With the move to Deal came one of those tragic experiences life throws at you and as a result of debilitating injuries sustained in the IRA bombing, I was medically discharged in 1991. I didn't want to go at all - but you play the cards life deals you. Upon discharge I took up the Duty Manager's position at Dover Leisure centre which I held for two and a half years. It was a culture shock and like many resettling I found it very different. However, the freedom of managing a business was fantastic. Certainly my Service experience came into good effect. I transferred to a sports centre in Rochester with the same company. I took a more managerial role here, responsible for budgets and marketing. By this time, the fitness industry was booming so, as I had always been interested in that side of the business, I was given the job of overseeing fitness Development and Policy for 6 centres. I was also on the advisory panel with the local health authority who were looking to pioneer exercise on a prescription scheme aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle. I loved the idea of empowering people to have an active life, despite physical limitations. Having worked hard to establish the scheme and attain the relevant qualifications, the leisure centre contract was awarded to another less dynamic company so after 6 months sticking it out I resigned my post and set about exploring other avenues to satisfy my passionate belief that exercise can be of benefit whatever the circumstances. I took a year out to train as an Exercise Therapist and to put together a business. That was July 1999. Since then I have helped many people address health and lifestyle issues, from stressed businessmen with high blood pressure and obese clients right down to an 80 year old man who, following a car accident 3 yrs ago, found himself in a wheelchair but steadfastly refuses to accept his lot and now walks on sticks! Marvellous, encouraging, rewarding stuff. Those who know me will see the obvious link here but it is the most satisfying job. My business has done well due to a gap in the market between physiotherapy/medical prescription and any Sports centre's limited potential to accommodate customers with special needs. Also, to be frank, I am able to offer a truly unique level of empathy having quite literally 'been there-done that'. I visit clients at their homes and also offer dietary advice. (Anytime Tiny - just give me a bell). The success of my business is undoubtedly due to a number of factors most of which were nurtured and developed in the Band Service. Professionalism, an ability to analyse working practice and establish a workable solution, detailed preparation ensuring smooth delivery of service, discipline - to do the less attractive things diligently, self motivation, versatility, a solid work ethic, problem solving skills, calmness/ authority under pressure, personal pride, an ability to relate to people at all levels and a really good command of banter - it makes dealing with people so much easier. As for those who are about to leave, well, I have probably forgotten how gloomy Earls Court and Warwick Hall were but trust me, once outside you will feel massive pride when you see the Band Service on television. I occasionally pop up at band gigs and sit there itching to get involved again, especially as I notice how much the standard has improved over recent years. I also know that the Band Service is better equipped at equating skills with civilian equivalents which is a good thing. When all is said and done it's the music that matters
and the Band Service is a pretty good place to do it. Without being
overly simplistic, a steady wage, travel opportunities and good
mates - just like the advert says!
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