Saturday 30th May
The Para Regt Assoc Military Parade – Trebah Gardens Falmouth
COMMEMORATING 70TH Anniversary of The End of the War
Pipers: Nigel, Rob, Tom G, Chris, David C, John C, David T, Felicity with Matt and James (guest pipers)
Drummers: Snare – Tom W, John R, Eleanor, Tennor – Vic, Fred, Sue (guest drummer)
Bass – Keith I
Drum Major – Andrew
Trebah Gardens was the stunning venue and the weather was forecast to be at least dry for most of the day. There was an excellent turnout of 10 pipers and 7 drummers and drum major and the dress code was No 1s with Glengarries as it was very windy. The members had parked near the Winery by 10.30 hours and an hour later after a brief warm-up were ready to lead the rest of the parade of standard bearers in the main car park along the descending road to the top lawn of the house. World War ll vehicles and appropriately dressed drivers of the era were formed up on the front drive.
On entering the lawn the standard bearers were dismissed and the Band formed a semi-circle and played for half an hour to the seated veterans, guests and numerous visitors to the grounds. There was enthusiastic applause as the Band finished and retired for refreshments ready to enjoy the 40s/50s entertainment provided by the Ritzy Belles.
After a lunch kindly provided by the Organisers there were vehicles taking the veterans down to the beach in readiness for the Drum Head Service at the war Memorial Stones. The Service was brought forward slightly as it was thought the weather was closing in. Hymns were sung, Prayers were said, the Last Post was played, Exhortation, Reveille, and Wreath Laying followed closely and the Lament was emotively played by the Pipe Major to the listening crowd. Soon it was announced over the loudspeaker that the Service was over. But a few minutes later there came an apology as the Vicar declared the Blessing had been omitted. There were muffled sounds of good natured laughter in the audience. The Blessing then given, the Standards marched to the front of the beach and the congregation followed to await the helicopter’s arrival. This came right on time and as it hovered very close to the shore, the rotor blades whipped up the shallow sea into a frenzy, spraying near and far a light mist of dampness which caused some amusement!
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The Band then played for half an hour to an appreciative audience and by 15.30 hours were on their way back up to the parking area. Some accepted a ride back up the hill in jeeps and some wended their weary way back on foot but thoroughly enjoyed the views and wonderful vegetation. It had been a very enjoyable day, in beautiful surroundings, with good weather and good feeling and the presence of the guest piper and drummer had been very much appreciated.
Tunes played during the day included the following – Amazing Grace, Highland Cathedral, Green Hills/Battles O’er, Scotland the Brave/Rowan Tree/Wings/Bonny Galloway, Scotland the Brave/Mairi’s Wedding, Collin’s Cattle/Shoals of Herring, Waters of Kylesku/Skye Boat/Morag of Dunvegan, Cockney Jocks/Rainbow Country/Bluebells of Scotland, The High Road to Gairloch, Murdo’s Wedding, and The Bonnie Lass of Fyvie.
