RAF Cosford, near Wolverhampton
Friday 4th to Monday 6th May 2001
(by kind permission of Gp Capt L J Burrell, BEng, CEng, MRAeS, RAF
Many arrived on Friday evening, 4th May at their host churches in the area and travelled to RAF Cosford, bright and early, on the Saturday morning for breakfast where they joined all those travelling direct.
Two music training bands were formed, according to players’ abilities, along with a small group of beginners. There was also a percussionist's group.
Brass instructors, Iain McIntyre, Nick Dunn and Wesley Nicklin put the two bands through their paces throughout the weekend whilst Doncaster bandmaster, Ted Needham, worked hard with the beginners. The percussionists received training from Mark Day and Andy Upton and, on Sunday, were under the watchful eye of Cpl Bugler Andy Cornish, an instructor from the Royal Marines School of Music. Additionally, during the weekend, David Carter and Ian Caldwell ran sessions on arranging music for brass bands. David also took a session on conducting, after which, a few participants were let loose conducting the bands!
On Saturday evening the entire group took over RAF Cosford's ten-pin bowling alley and on Sunday evening, RAF PTI, Sgt Taff Davis, kept swimmers entertained in the base's full size pool. Other sporting activities were available.
On Sunday evening, a 30-strong marching staff band performed some rather 'rusty' formation manoeuvres to the annoyance of those trying to have a game of football in the same gymnasium!!
The weekend culminated in a mini-concert at which each band and the beginner's group performed to each other, followed by the massed bands 'lifting the roof' with Anchors Aweigh!
We are most grateful to Gp Capt L J Burrell, BEng, CEng, MRAeS, RAF, for giving us permission to use the extensive facilities at RAF Cosford, and we were delighted that he and his wife were able to spend time with us on the Saturday. Our thanks also go to Fg Off Chris Skaife for making all the arrangements for our visit.The weekend was organised and coordinated by David Carter and John McIntyre.
The event was an excellent training opportunity as well as a great weekend of fellowship.
Where is RAF Cosford? Click here
If you would like to know more about this event, please contact the Association Secretary.