Page 100 - Chronicle Vol 17

THE BAND AND BUGLES OF THE RIFLES INTRODUCTION
The Band and Bugles of The Rifles returned to Worthy Down Barracks after a restful Christmas leave, enthusiastic and ready for a busy year ahead. This is the fourth year the unit have resided at Worthy Down, becoming fully immersed and embraced into its thriving community.
The Band and Bugles were privileged to take on the new year with a strong sen- ior command; Bandmaster WO1 Alexandra Nixon and Rifles Bugle Major Aaron Keely, who are both in their second year with the unit. We were pleased to wel- come a new Band Serjeant Major, W02 BSM Jason T Pickin, who comes from The Band of the Prince of Wales in Brecon. WO2 Pickin has served for 34 years, 20 of those years being assigned to The Band of the Grenadier Guards, where he secured the principal cornet chair – an achievement he is enormously proud of. He has travelled all over the world, gaining a huge amount of experience in a number of ensembles in the Corps. We have also gained an Assistant Bandmaster, CSjt Benjamin Halstead, who has joined us after successfully completing the British Army Bandmaster Course. CSjt Halstead has served for 8 years, 3 of those years at The Band of the Prince of Wales, and another 2 years at British Army Band Tidworth. He has travelled extensively, with his highlight being featured as guest soloist with the Georgian Defence Force Band in Tbilisi, with the Prime Minister in attendance. We lastly (but not least!) welcome our new Assistant Bugle Major, Sjt Colin Streetin, who joins us from The Army School of Ceremonial.
Whilst we had some personnel join the band, we also had to say goodbye to oth- ers, so we will focus on one of our longest serving members. CSjt Nathan Jessup enlisted into the Army in September
1999. On completion of training, as a
percussionist, he was assigned to The Band and Bugles of The Light Division. During his time with the band, he has completed tours across Europe, Ukraine, Bermuda and the Falkland Islands. He has also been deployed in a Defence Engagement Capacity to Jordan, Afghanistan and Uganda. Now retired from the Army, he has moved on to a new career in teaching, and The Band and Bugles wish him the best of luck in his new endeavours.
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Band RIFLES at Chepstow