Sunday 10th November – morning
Falmouth Armistice Day Parade
Pipers: Nigel, Alex, Rob, Miranda, Keith G, Ian, Chris, David C, David T, Tom G, Keith L.N.
Drummers: Snare – Tom W, James, Tenor – Andrew, Fred, Bass – Keith I
The day dawned bright and sunny and it was hoped would continue so for the two Armistice Parades in Falmouth and Truro. The Band was to meet in the Quarry car park at 9.30 to practise and finalise dressing and assemble on the Moor to lead off the Parade. No 1 dress was worn with Bonnets with the option of Glengarries and capes in case of rain.
There was a good turnout of 11 Pipers and 5 Drummers and at 10.40 the Band led the long parade of Standard Bearers, Dignitaries, Officials and Representatives of Services and Youth Organisations up the long road to the Memorial Park for the Service.
At 10.55 the Parade was brought to attention and a prayer and the Exhortation was said by the Town Mayor’s Chaplain before the Bugler played the Last Post. 11.00 hours and two minutes silence ensued – a moment to reflect on those lost in recent and past conflicts. The Bugler then played the Reveille and there was the laying of wreaths led by the Town Mayor followed by representatives of various services and public organisations.
The Chaplain said prayers and the Parade were asked to Stand Easy while the Band played Amazing Grace and the congregation sang along.
There was a reading from the New Testament and Sermon and more prayers before the National Anthem was sung, followed by the Blessing and Dismissal. The Dignitaries led the way back to the Moor followed by the Band and rest of the Parade.
Tunes played included the following: Green Hills, Battles O’er, Scotland the Brave, Mairi’s Wedding, Colin’s Cattle, Shoals of Herring, Cockney Jocks, Rainbow Country, Bluebells of Scotland, Waters of Kylesku, Skye Boat Song, Morag of Dunvegan, and Amazing Grace. Also played was the British Legion set comprising Pack up your Troubles, It’s a long way to Tipperary and Keep the Home Fires Burning.
It had been a lovely morning – the weather had stayed sunny, the Band had looked impressive and sounded amazing throughout and the members returned to their cars and headed for Truro.
