Northwood Headquarters Volunteer Band

Blue Band Article Winter 2005

We left Northwood for the Annual Band Festival with trepidation, two boxes of wine and three crates of beer. We arrived safe and well and immediately became intimate with our room mates. After evening meal the band met up for a marching rehearsal in HMS Nelson’s Gymnasium which was a bit like home from home as all of our marching rehearsals had taken place in the Gymnasium at Northwood. It had been hoped that this would be our first rehearsal with every member of the band present but due to work commitments this was not the case. After a night of sampling the delights of Portsmouth the band fell in at 0830 a little bleary eyed but raring to go. The inspection and marching display went off without incident and the band was dismissed with strict instructions to be back at the Guildhall for 1445. At 1450 everyone had arrived except Lt Tom Hooper RN, our kit player, who was last seen crawling into his cabin for his customary siesta. After numerous phone calls a search party was despatched and two minutes later Tom walked in oblivious to the panic he had caused. Problem over except that the search party was now missing and included Chris Heyes, our one and only bass player. Eventually with everyone accounted for we headed for the stage and the rest as they say is history.

With the performances over the only thing left to do was change into fancy dress and ‘mosey on down’ to the saloon. Unfortunately the watering hole soon ran dry and so we headed back to Nelson picking up vital rations on route where we managed to persuade even the most conservative members of the band to partake in various silly games (it’s amazing how much fun you can have with six paper cups, an empty box and a broomstick!). Congratulations to everyone who took part in the festival, we all enjoyed the experience and are looking forward to next year.

The following week Bandy thought our aural skills were lacking and so organised a summer barbeque and karaoke party to round off the term. His suspicions were proved correct and the local dog community have only just recovered.

The Autumn Term started in earnest with various mess functions including Battle of Britain Dinners and Guest Night Dinners. Of course like all Naval Bands we were busy around the anniversary of Trafalgar and it is at this point that Mr Lionel Elton takes up story…..

 A gig with a difference

Trafalgar Day this year 2005 was special in so many ways.  So much has been said by so many erudite admirals et al at the various functions up and down the country that there is no point in reiterating this subject.  However there was an occasion which deserves special consideration which you might find of some interest.  It concerns a gig, which turned out to be quite surreal.

Northwood Headquarters Volunteer Band, in which I have the honour to play clarinet, was heavily involved in the Nelson celebrations with no less than three gigs; the middle watch was to be at an illustrious location which boded well.  Word had spread, about our band’s prowess and we were not surprised when the request to play at Exeter College, Oxford was made.  Needless to say we agreed to play with alacrity: It was hinted that we would be fed royally and this is as you know a great inducement to musicians – especially those who blow or bang when they make music…..

It was a little like entering a Tardis and being transported back in time to another more gracious age.  Our arrival in the pouring rain at the massive oak doors guarding the college was in itself daunting as theses portals had a mind of their own…..Electronically controlled, they never seemed quite sure how far to open and when to close.  Perhaps like navigating in an uncertain channel with too many hidden rocks and a contrary wind.

Needless to say our flotilla of two seaworthy transports nobly and ably manned by our conductor Steve Brinkworth and our tuba virtuoso Chris successfully negotiated this hazard and we moored with great aplomb.  There was still light to marvel at the wondrous views all about us, as whatever one looked at was of another age and time.  If one looked skywards one saw the battlements and decorated rooflines of many centuries ago.  The chapel windows were a glorious sight and we all wished that we might visit that hallowed place.  High over the college the ensign flew at half mast in memory of that sad occasion when Horatio was laid low forevermore at that most significant moment in naval history.

The band room allocated to us was sumptuous and warm and we all felt mightily at home.  The bar next door made us all so welcome and the beer was good and went down well.  The venue was of course in the great hall and, surprise surprise, we were to occupy the minstrels gallery high up at one end of the hall.  Normally Steve our bandmaster would have been just a little distressed at having no trombones on this special gig.  Tonight however he was in reality pleased as we shoehorned into the narrow chamber and settled down – all fourteen of us snugly in very close proximity.

There was no need to worry about getting the tuba and a full drum kit up the narrow stairs….this was again accomplished with relative ease.  The concert began with us playing the guests in to the strains of Roast beef of England with style and panache.  During those moments of repose between pieces we looked about the great hall in wonder.  So much history so much dignity and such a wonderful acoustic.  It would have enabled a much lesser band than ours to play well

Came the interval when we were to be fed and watered.  One of our number, a genuine foodie who has eaten in the best West End of London establishments, was heard to murmur contentedly that it was the finest Tournedos Rossini he had ever eaten and the pudding was equally fine. (Value at least £30 per head! But who’s counting?).  Such a feast the band has never before or probably will never again experience. Our dining room was worthy of this rare situation being utterly in keeping with the best that Oxford can offer. Seated at superb old chairs and tables of fine patina we were watched from the walls by ancient ornate 16^th and 17^th century portraits of long forgotten masters of the College.  It all added to the ambience of the evening which was truly memorable.

Our return to the playing arena was short but triumphant. When, just before we about to play our all time favourite “Swing’s the thing”, the toast to Her Majesty was announced and we quickly played our glorious national anthem in roaring style. Thus ended a truly memorable concert.  The best news of all is that they want us back next year - the highest compliment a band can be paid, apart from the fee.

Hi’s and Goodbye’s

Unfortunately on completion of the festival we had to say goodbye to our Drum Major/Tenor Horn player Ty Monks who has gone off to join C/Sgt Adge Cutler on board (No excuse for not marching at the festival now Adge!). We have also welcomed some new members to the band this term: Michelle Bond (flute), Maria Payne (Alto Sax) and Clare Swannick (Bassoon).

That’s about it from Northwood except that yesterday the band played at the local remembrance ceremony in the town centre, not unusual I’m sure you will agree except that five days earlier RMSM had phoned to say that due to illness they were unable to supply the two buglers promised for Last Post and Reveille. After lots of frantic phone calls it became apparent that all buglers were busy and as the band does not have a cornet player a volunteer was needed. Step forward Bandy, with only five days practice he managed to pull off both calls in the cold and damp but was heard to mutter “I won’t give the buglers quite as much grief if they miss a top G in future!”

Have a Happy and Peaceful Christmas from all at Northwood Headquarters.

Adam, George, Jodi & Sally