Page 55 - Bugle Issue 19 Spring 2022

BAND & BUGLES
The Unit thoroughly enjoyed AT as it was a welcome break from our normal routine, with fantastic weather and challenging activities
In September, our Principal Euphonium player Serjeant Graham Allen raised a substantial amount of funds for Marie Curie, a charity which provides care and support for the terminally ill. Serjeant Allen completed a 5km swim, 50mile mountain bike ride and a 50km coastal walk, all completed in his home county of Cornwall. Well done Serjeant Allen for your personal commitment to those less fortunate.
In aid of The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, Band RIFLES recently performed at Waterloo Train Station in London at the start of November. It was a long day of multiple performances, but we were all proud to be
part of raising money for such a charitable cause, and it is always appreciated having such an admiring crowd stopping by to watch us perform.
More recently, Band RIFLES was proud to be chosen by The Royal Corps of Army Music Headquarters media team to be showcased in their annual Armistice Day project. Whilst researching for the project, Serjeant Simon Hall, who is the Band’s Engagement Team Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, discovered a poem written by the late Bill Ridley, who during the Second World War, served in The 9th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry (DLI). One
of Bill Ridley’s significant poems mentions many of the battles The DLI fought in, aptly named ‘Never Forget Who You Are,’ was chosen to be the focal point for our Social Media video. After seeking permission from Firefighter Allan Pattinson, the curator of the poetry on behalf of the family, the poem was the perfect backdrop to honour those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The band recorded Charles Harris’ poignant melody, The Supreme Sacrifice to be played in the background to the poem, with footage of the band in front of a memorial and film reel from The Second World War. The video was well received with lots of views, likes and positive comments.
For the Bands annual Christmas concert the we performed at St. Georges Church, London. Although a predominantly Regimental event with Regimental music, the concert programme included many Christmassy performances. Big band Christmas songs such as God Rest Ye merry Gentlemen by Gordan Godwin alongside many other festive classics were performed. This concert was well attended and was a welcome opportunity for The Rifles Band to showcase their musical talents outside of our usual marching band setting.
LCpl May
Media NCO
The Band and Bugles of The Rifles
RIFLES The Bugle 55