Page 77 - MERCIAN Eagle 2022

The Band of the Mercian Regiment
Sgt Jennie Wood
This year the band has been involved in several large-scale events. In April, they delivered an ABF charity concert to a full Stoke Minister. The evening was one to remember with bunting flying from the balconies, Cadets lining the aisles and moving music from all eras, with something for everyone to engage with. In October, joined by musicians from The Band of the Prince of Wales, the band raised the roof
of the Festival Drayton Centre in Market Drayton. We performed a traditional military band concert to another capacity audience. As well as a programme of music that showcased the band’s capability, the moving finale was the majestic March ‘Crown Imperial’ in honour of Her Late Majesty The Queen. The piece, originally commissioned for the coronation of King George VI, was also performed at
Combined Band of Mercian and Yorkshire Regiments at Sonderborg Ringriderfesten July 2022
accompanied by colleagues from The Band of The Yorkshire Regiment, we signalled the start of the festival with a rather hot (and suitably shortened) march through
the town. Throughout the day the bands in attendance performed on the bandstand and entertained attendees as they found whatever shade they could. It was so hot that the Director of Music moved the band
Mercian Musicians with Lt Col Spalton, Commanding Officer 4 MERCIAN – Sonderborg July 2022
presentation ceremonies in Worcestershire, or the solemnity of the Last Post and Reveille for Services of Remembrance
on Armistice and Remembrance Day in Birmingham.
This year, members of the band
have managed to take up non-musical opportunities that became available. Musicians Cooper and Appleby took part
in the Regimental skiing trip, developing their technical skills, teamwork and sportsmanship in an unfamiliar environment. CSgt Wheeler was also able to utilise his logistical prowess as part of the network of personnel supporting the delivery of the Op LONDON BRIDGE State Funeral. He was able to combine his previous experience of ceremonial duties in London to help support the movement of troops into and around the capital. A proud moment for him to be involved in such a momentous occasion.
Personal Achievements
In spring, the CO 4 MERCIAN, Lt Col Spalton, was able to promote the Band Sergeant Major to Warrant Officer Class 1. Our congratulations go to WO1 (BSM) Andy Prescott. In February, The Director of Music presented Sgt Fears with her 3rd clasp
for her VRSM. This, in conjunction with
her previous long service medal, signifies
a total of 37 years’ service in the Army Reserves. A truly outstanding commitment. Our congratulations also go to the following band members who were awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal:
Capt Johnson and WO1 Prescott. CSgt Lees and SSgt Evans.
Sgt Endean, Sgt Fears and Sgt Wood. Cpl W Robert and Cpl B Robert.
LCpl Bailey, LCpl Bannister, LCpl Hardgrave, LCpl Postans, and LCpl Snood.
Musician Cripps, Musician Green and Musician Wykes.
These commemorative medals are
awarded for the completion of 5yrs service, directly prior to 2022. Some of the medals were presented by Lt Col Spalton, Commanding Officer 4 MERCIAN who took the opportunity to thank and publicly recognise the commitment the recipients had made to balance a full-time civilian job with Reserve Service.
Her Late Majesty’s coronation in 1953, a fitting and moving finale.
In July, combined
with The Band of The
Yorkshire Regiment, we
travelled to the town of
Sonderborg in Denmark
to participate in their
annual ‘Ringriderfesten’.
This festival, the largest of its kind in Denmark, showcases hundreds of horses and marching bands from Norway, Holland and of course Denmark. Each day started with the procession from the quay to the showground and was followed by a variety of engagements throughout the day ranging from small concerts for local sponsors and associations to large scale massed bands events which culminated in the Gentlemen’s Lunch attended by 2950 diners. For
several band members, this was their first experience performing within a massed bands setting and, as the lead musical organisation for the event, it proved a huge success for the band.
Much closer to home, the August heatwave saw us undertake the second part of our Annual Training Event, leading the military music elements of the iconic Shrewsbury Flower Show which is Shropshire’s largest outdoor event. Again,
Mercian Band backstage at Shrewsbury Flower Show 13 Aug 22
off the bandstand into the shade in front! Each evening culminated
in the massed bands finale featuring popular military and classical music, a marching display and local choirs. Unfortunately (but understandably), due to the very dry
conditions, the customary fireworks display was cancelled, however the show cleverly compensated with an excellent laser
light show to the delight of the audience. This year’s training really has delivered in terms of providing musicians ‘live firing’ opportunities and an invaluable military music experience.
The band have also provided specialist elements in support of wider engagements. The saxophone ensemble had another busy year, providing bespoke musical support to Regimental dinners and other events throughout the region. This flexible line up means they can adapt to the
needs of the sponsor, be that a traditional mess dinner night or background music
to support community engagement
events. Additionally, Cpl Wendy Robert, has continued to remain stoic and
focused when providing either the pomp and ceremony for the Lord Lieutenant’s
Market Drayton Concert 15 Oct 22
This year’s training really has delivered in terms of providing musicians ‘live firing’ opportunities
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