Thursday 26th March
Falmouth University Parade, Falmouth
Pipers: Nigel, Alex, John C, David C, Tom G, Miranda, Chris, Ian, Allan
Drummers: Snare: Tom W, John R, Tenor: Fred, Vic
Bass: Keith I, Drum Major: Andrew
The Band members assembled in the Quarry Car Park for 09.30 hours for a tune-up and practice march. The dress code for the day was No 1s with glengarries as it was deemed too windy for bonnets. It was a very good turnout of members being 9 Pipers and 5 drummers and Drum Major. The forecast was dry and though cool, there was a promise of sunshine. This was a special day for Falmouth University as it was the Inauguration of their new Chancellor – the position being taken by the actress Dawn French.
Redruth School led the Parade with their vibrant samba band followed by approximately 160 local children handing out bunches of daffodils taken from their wheelbarrows to the public lining the streets. The Kernow Band marched off 15 minutes later followed closely by the Mayoral Party, Dignitaries and Academics of Falmouth University in their colourful robes. At 11.15 the party arrived at the King Charles the Martyr Church and entered the building for the Service. The roads were packed and cameras clicked and people tried to get a view of the well-known celebrity.
The Band retired for refreshments while the Service was going on and at 12 pm a sparkling glass sided carriage drawn by the magnificent Lizard Stallions, George and Ringo, pulled up outside the church. Soon the new Chancellor, now wearing her Coronet, and Dignitaries emerged from the Church and entered their carriage and the Kernow Pipes and Drums led the Parade towards the Yacht Club where they fell out. The remainder of the parade continued to Pendennis Castle where their celebrations continued. The Band got a very special wave from Ms French as she went past!
Tunes played during the day included the following – Green Hills/Battles O’er, Scotland the Brave/Rowan Tree/Wings/Bonny Galloway, Collin’s Cattle/Shoals of Herring, Cockney Jocks/Rainbow Country/Bluebells of Scotland.
It had been an uplifting experience both colourful and exciting and the Kernow Pipes and Drums were at their very best as usual and the sun had shone throughout!
