We’d had a couple of practices for the day in weekends prior to the event, but there would also be dress rehearsals on the day just as a reminder to people, so we’d be kept busy for most of the day!
After a quick trip down to the Barracks with members of the 1st Enfield, there was a bit of waiting around while both Colours competitions took place. This was an opportunity for a bit of exploring (namely the way to get from the Barracks to the Hospital) and also was an opportunity to have a bit of lunch, and following that there were two frantic practices of the London Band’s routine for the evening in the grounds of the Barracks, firstly not including uniform and then in uniform. Before all this, a busy day was made busier as some of the senior buglers in the Band were told that we had to make up the fanfare team which would also play Sunset Retreat at the end of the display! Despite the short notice we also had a couple of practices, and also had a chance to practice the special fanfare for Richard Davies, who was retiring as London District Secretary.
The plan during the display seemed well set out on paper, but of course things never seem to run that smoothly in practice! As the display began, the first thing I was in was the fanfare team, which was announced as being from the 1st Cranham (that Company being the Bugle Team Champions) - in reality one person in the team was from there, and we were told that if anyone asked, we were honourary members of the Company!
After that there were a few other items, including a performance by the Pacemakers band, as well as a gymnastics display, tent pitching and drill displays, as well as the presentation of the trophies for both Colours competitions, as well as the Daily Telegraph Shield, which were won by the 1st Enfield. The London Band was on soon afterwards, giving the routine which we had been practicing and went fairly well. After that was the chaotic part, as immediately after the parading of the District Colours was the presentation to the Queen’s Men, which involved us having our names read out and collecting a certificate from Peter Nicol, who is the Deputy Chief Scout. Not long after that I was in action again, as it was time to play Sunset Retreat at the end of the display!
After the Colours were marched off, that was the end of the display and there was a big rush over to the table where the refreshments were being served! As is customary there was a lot of chatting between everyone, and after talking to people and saying goodbyes we made our way back to the Barracks to our transport back to Enfield, and the feeling was that a good show was put on for the parents, friends and Brigade members that were watching, as well as the Pensioners who reside at the Hospital.
Written by Tom Boorman