Page 26 - October 24

HAMPTON IN ARDEN PROBUS CLUB

Hampton-in-Arden Probus Club meets once a month on the third Monday of the month in the Arden
Room, Fentham Hall. We welcome an a�ernoon speaker to present an hour or so of entertaining and
instruc�ve talk on almost any subject imaginable. The talks can range from slugs to World Wars, and
o�en involve suppor�ng display material or equipment to add to the interest. The Club also arranges
Plods (walks), and occasional visits to places of a general or specific interest. A series of popular and
well-a�ended monthly concerts is organised by a member, and a Christmas Lunch is the highlight of
the year. Probus is open to re�red gentlemen of 60 or over who either live in the village, or have
connec�ons with it. If you are new to the village, why not pop along one Monday for a taster? You
will be made very welcome.

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On Monday August 19 we enjoyed a return visit from Nicolas Ward, who played us a selec�on of
recordings of “The Music of the Bri�sh Army”. He brought along much interes�ng memorabilia
rela�ng to the bands of the various regiments. Over the years, many regimental bands have
disappeared, so that the only ones le� are now part of the Household Division.
The Band of the Grenadier Guards is one of the oldest and most famous, with a vast repertoire. It
was formed, over 300 years ago, in the reign of King Charles II upon his return from exile. Nick played
“A Life on the Ocean Wave” by the band of the Royal Marines. George Frederik Handel wrote a slow
march for the band – the “March from Scorpio”. 72 paces to the minute. During the French
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Revolu�onary Wars at the end of the 18 Century England was at war with France. During one of the
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ba�les, the 14 Foot of the West Yorkshire Regiment had the audacity to play Ca Ira, as they
advanced on the French line. This was the French ba�alions own emblema�c song! In 1881 much
reorganisa�on of infantry regiments took place, with the iden��es more associated with a par�cular
County. We then heard the familiar “Lincolnshire Poacher”. This very popular tune was used by no
fewer than seven regiments.
Up un�l WWII there were mounted bands such as in the Cavalry regiments, who were senior to
infantry. Nick played a stately German march, followed by “The Duchess of Kent”, composed by
Queen Victoria’s mother. It was played by the band of the Royal Ar�llery as a slow march, and used
at the ceremony of Trooping the Colour. King George III’s daughter Augusta composed a tune for the
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29 Foot Mercian Regiment, and it became known as “The Royal Windsor”. It is s�ll played today. We
then heard the “Soldiers Chorus” by Gounod. Opera�c arias were o�en popular choices for army
bands.

From the band of the Scots Guards we were treated to “Highland Laddie” with pipes in abundance.
During WWI pipe bands were ini�ally sent forward first on the ba�lefield in the belief that they
would strike terror in to the enemy. However, it soon became evident that the a�ri�on rate was far
too high, and this prac�ce was abandoned. The band of the Gordon Highlanders then played “The
Gay Gordons”. Irish regiments also had their favourites – we heard a tune called “The Irish
Washerwoman” played at a canter and gallop. Of course, the Welsh regiments could not be ignored,
and so we enjoyed the rousing “Men of Harlech”. Despite being a tune of Austrian origin, “The
Rudezci March” was heard played by the Dragoon Guards. Next, but not last, was a recording of
“Catherine of Braganza” from the band of the Queens Royal Regiment (West Surrey). The bands of
the rifle regiments played to a much quicker pace – typically 120-140 paces per minute. They wore
green camouflage and played bugles. Finally, Nick played two most appropriate tunes – “The
Warwickshire lad” from 1769, and from Leicestershire “A Hun�ng Call”. A terrific a�ernoon of s�rring
and inspira�onal music.

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