Page 54 - Bugle Spring 2023

BAND & BUGLES
THE BAND AND BUGLES
In July we were part of the British Military contingent for the annual Four Days Marches in Nijmegen, Holland providing musical support to the start of the marches to send each countries contingents’ off. This culminated in leading the British contingent on the final five kilometres to the finish line for the final day of marching.
During September, the world was shocked to learn of the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Band were immediately stood up for Operation LONDON BRIDGE, joining forces with The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas. We were tasked with marching the Commonwealth contingent, right at the front of the main procession in London. The week was extremely arduous, with an early morning rehearsal on the Thursday beforehand. Despite the sombre and solemn nature of the engagement, it was and absolute honour and privilege to be involved. This was a once in a lifetime experience and it is something that all members of the band will never forget.
We welcomed two new members to our senior management; Major Sean O’Neill has taken over as Director of Music and needless to say he has taken the role in his stride
with his first major engagement being the Massed Band Sounding the Retreat on Horse
54 RIFLES The Bugle
Guards Parade. We also welcome our new Bandmaster WO2 Alexandra Nixon. WO2 Nixon takes over from WO1 Troy Taylor-Smith who is now enjoying retirement. WO2 Nixon joined us in the middle of a remarkably busy summer season with her first major engagement was as part of representing the British Military contingent at the annual Four Day’s March held at Nijmegen in the Netherlands. Both
the Director of Music and Bandmaster are welcomed by all and are both extremely keen to drive the Unit forward together to the future.
The Band and Bugles are in a good position to complete every task to the highest standard. The bandmaster offers all ranks plenty of opportunities for CPD and is incredibly supportive of those who wish to pursue those opportunities. One very noticeable change that the Director of Music has brought in, is that he is incredibly keen for the band to be kept up to date with current affairs, routinely quizzing the unit on how government decisions affect the wider army and subsequently the unit, not just in a professional capacity but also how these issues affect our personal lives.
We now have a Change Committee in
the unit. Their job is to assess the working conditions and practises across all ranks and produce action plans to improve them and