 Wootton Bassett 
Friday 29th January 2010 saw the Band and Drums travel to Wootton Bassett to perform for the unveiling of the new flag pole and flag donated to the Town. The town was presented with this, in recognition of all they do for the servicemen and women and their families who have lost their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. The Band arrived in Wootton Bassett around 1.15pm and was directed to the Civic Centre, which is where the Band would be based for the day.
The Band promptly changed and made their way to the repatriation ceremony of two soldiers Lance Corporal Daniel Cooper, 21, from 3rd Battalion The Rifles and Rifleman Peter Aldridge, 19, from 4th Battalion The Rifles. After this, the Band returned to collect their instruments and prepare for the ceremony. The Band made their way to the High Street and performed for the crowds awaiting the arrival of His Royal Highness Prince of Wales and Her Highness Duchess of Cornwall. On arrival of their Royal Highnesses the Fanfare Team performed a fanfare called “Chichester”.
His Royal Highness then spoke to various dignitaries before the service began.After a short speech and prayers, His Royal Highness Prince of Wales and Her Highness Duchess of Cornwall each laid a wreath each before the National Anthem was played by the Band and the Fanfare Team for the raising of the Union flag. During this the weather took a turn for the worse and turned into a blizzard with the wind chill temperature dropped to -6. Whilst His Royal Highness Prince of Wales and Her Highness Duchess of Cornwall greeted the waiting the crowds, the Band performed for approximately an hour and a half.
During this time it continued to snow, and the Band had a few casualties due to the cold. Luckily, a local Estate Agents, Samuel Miles on the High Street took them in to warm them up, and provided tea and chocolate which went down a treat. After a once over by the Paramedics, all but one was given the all clear.One of the Band’s new members Jonathan Sheppard, who was on his first band show was referred to Swindon Hospital. Once the Band had finished their performance, they were welcomed into the Cross Keys public house for refreshments.
This is the pub which provide the reception following each repatriation for their families and loved ones. While the Band was in the Cross Keys, the Band Director, Colin Redpath, the father of Kirk Redpath a member of the band and the Irish Guards, who was repatriated in 2007 after losing his life in Iraq, and his grandparents attended a separate reception where they met and spoke with His Royal Highness and the Duchess of Cornwall who commended the Band on a first class performance and said that they very much enjoyed the music and how smart the youngsters were in their uniforms.
The Band returned to the Civic Centre to change and board the coach for their return journey home.This will go down as one of the proudest days in the Band’s history. A ceremony that was an honour to be a part of and in the Band’s own way a “Thank you” to the people of Wootton Bassett for all they do and the comfort they bring to the grieving families of our Armed Services.
Comments: 0 | posted by Iain in Band Shows on Friday 19 February 2010 - 09:59:59 
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