Page 126 - The Bugle 2018

The Waterloo Band & Bugles escort Nijmegen Company of The Grenadier Guards out of Windsor Castle after they handed over their duties
to 2 RIFLES, putting Her Majesty in altogether safer hands
The Waterloo Band & Bugles of The Rifles
“IT WAS ALWAYS A DREAM OF MINE TO BE ABLE TO COMPETE FOR THE ARMY AT A SPORT – IT WOULD BE AN IMMENSELY PROUD HONOUR”
The Waterloo Band & Bugles has been successful this year in recruiting some accomplished young musicians. Indeed, in our ceremonial role of music making, we are fortunate to have some high-profile engagements in unusual surroundings that will always attract professional interest.
In May this year, on a hot and sunny Saturday, the Band & Bugles were the musical support to Changing the Guard at Windsor Castle, only the third time a Reserve band has been privileged to carry out this traditional honour and public duty. With a band and bugles 48 strong, we led the guard from 2 RIFLES up the steep Castle Hill from Victoria Barracks, round the Queen Victoria statue before turning into Lower Ward, at around 150 beats per minute. Within the Courtyard, no puffing was allowed as we played some light entertaining pieces during the ceremony of handover from Nijmegen Company, The Grenadier Guards before leading them at an altogether slower pace back down to Victoria Barracks. As the Royal Standard was flying we assumed Her Majesty was in residence, maybe watching us, or maybe having a final fitting on her dress for the Royal Wedding...
Some of our musicians are taking advantage of other benefits the Army Reserve has to offer. Musn Louise Gould, for example, has always had an interest in fitness and since joining the Waterloo Band as a flautist, has started competing in triathlons, representing both The Rifles and the Army in events. “It was always a dream of mine to be able to compete for the Army at a sport – it would be an immensely proud honour” she says. “I now have new motivation and enthusiasm to train, and knowing you have “Army” on your back makes you dig just that bit harder and push yourself that bit extra.” Musn Stephanie Hicks is similarly doing her sailing Day Skipper course.
The second part of our Annual Training Period, in June this year will be spent exercising the Freedom of Paderborn in support of 20 Armoured Infantry Brigade, in order to showcase the brigade and to celebrate its close ties with the city and people of Paderborn. The Waterloo Band & Bugles is honoured to represent the 7 RIFLES contingent, and is looking forward to introducing some of the newer members to German beer!
Sjt Jackie Mann
Waterloo Band & Bugles
132 SEVENTH BATTALION
THE RIFLES
Musician Gould shows how membership of the band
is not all hard work as
she heads off to her next triathlon