Armed Forces Day Parade

An early start  ...  but still time to get in a full English at Billy's on the road.

We gathered at the top of the North side of County Mall, then wandered down to tune up quickly. A good turn out from the band.

Then we lead the parade around the gardens ...  followed by a short tune at the end.

Off to the side to give the brass band a chance to shine, and also the luck was with us as we could shelter from the rain shower that came across at the time.

Then  another set in the circle as a finale for us.

A quick bite to eat in the Mall then drive over to Copthorne.

Colchester competition

With the Gatwick Caledonian pipe band .. at the RSPBA london branch competition at Colchester.

 A long two hour drive up there .. I went on the bike due to the hot weather, and the expected queues getting back.. lots of hanging around .. we had to be there at 9am for registration, tuning , etc ...
then lots more fiddling around with reeds and drones, then more tuning followed by some practice.

Finally on after 11pm, to do our 4 mins, then waiting for the massed bands at the end.
The massed bands was a real shambles, but not sure the public spotted it, which was followed by standing around in the field waiting for the speeches, raffle draw, and finally the results .. unfortunately we made too many errors to please the judges and came 6th out of  9. disappointing after last time out.

Horley Carnival

Playing in the Horley carnival with the Gatwick Caledonian Pipe band. It was exceedingly hot ...

we started in the main precinct

 Then in the parade

 And finally on the parade ground