Page 33 - 103RA 2018-20

Regimental Journal 2018-20
nied by a small ensemble from 19 Regt RA P&Ds, who are very keen to foster links with the unit. We frequently provide musical support to 4 RA and Christmas carol services in Crosby, Bolton and Thirsk. As a North West based band we have worked closely with the Band of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, combining forces for a variety of pass off parades and concerts. Soldiers from our band have also frequently provided support to other Regular Army Bands as Individual Augmentees, most frequently, the Royal Artillery Band and the Band of the King’s Division prior to the recent regular Army restructure. A high-profile example of this was SSgt Moore who was invited to be part of the flagship British Army Brass Band in 2019.
In recent years the P&Ds have worked ever more closely with the Band, under the direction of Captain Booth, to perform as a combined unit and alongside each other at key events. The majority of concerts, concert marching displays and Beating Retreat ceremonies now incorpo- rate repertoire performed jointly. ‘Highland Cathedral’ is a perennial favourite, but a number of new arrangements have been made, frequently by WO2 Speight, and performed to much acclaim, including the ‘Game of Thrones’ theme tune, ‘Amazing Grace,’ and ‘Roses of Picardy.’ The P&Ds are also very busy as an independent unit. Attendees at 6MI’s Burn’s Night in January
The combined Band and P&Ds at the RA Reserves Conference 2020, Larkhill, pictured with The Master Gunner St James’s Park, Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory KBE CB, who presided over the dinner, Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Reade and Adjutant Captain Malachy Shellard
Performing at Haydock Park Racecourse – one of our annual commitments in support of ABF The Soldier’s Charity
2020 were entertained by a particularly versatile P&D ensemble: Mr Barry piped in the Colonel, who was that evening being dined out; PMaj and Mr Barry enter- tained pre dinner; DMaj performed dinner calls; top table were piped in; and Musn McClone piped in the haggis. A good set was then performed post dinner. In March 2020 they provided musical support at short notice to Operation Heartland,
performing on HMS Prince of Wales in severe weather conditions together with the ship’s bagpiper.
In addition to a full Concert Band, Marching Band and Pipes & Drums, we are presently able to offer small ensembles including Fanfare Teams, two Brass Quintets, a Wind Quintet, a Dance Band, a Jazz Ensemble, a Dixie Band, Ceremonial Buglers, and several
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