Guards bands and the Grenadier Guards Band

One Sunday Paula and I checked out the changing of the Guards at at Buckingham Palace.

the Coldstream guards and the Band of the Royal Artillery doing the honours. Here is a few photos of that.

Then we happened upon the Guards museum and decided to have a look. All very interesting with 200 year old drums and various bits from the likes of the Crimean and Napoleonic wars, Including the boy drummer (aged nine) pictures of his uniform below.

All this isn't so unusual, However on the 16th I had the opportunity to visit the Grenadier Guards (which formed in 1660, no fear of an "originals" comeback tour then!) at there place of residence in Wellington Barracks.

So after a brief worry of how do I get in here, I was escorted in with barely a look from the armed Guard. I was then escorted across the internal court yard filled with ageing army vehicles. Down a set of narrow stairs towards the basement that wouldn't look out of place at lombard carpark. Eventually I was shown to the bands "staff" room if you like that included well worn furniture.
From there it was on into the centre courtyard with the vehicles with last minute instrument checks along the way. There was some debate here about weather the guard change would happen at all due to the rain. But they decided to go ahead and the rain cleared up anyway.

They then walked out and stood in a great circle for a warm up out on the parade ground.

I was watching from the edge next to the barracks.
During this period they bring the new horses in to get them used to the noise.

They then get the order to form up which is quite an effort coming from a circle.

The Officer of the new set of guards going on will then request the music the band is to play. Quite often this is not what the band actually plays on the march.

then the gates are opened and the band marches out.

The changing of the guard happens and they march back.

When the band is dismissed from the parade and changed back to civilian clothes this is quite often the end of there working day at 12.30.

I only got a couple of pictures of this because I felt a wee bit silly with my camera out...

The next week I was invited to play with the band during one of there morning rehersals and warm ups. I played three pieces with them, two on cymbals and one on snare. Unfortunately I didn't recognise the tunes so I had to sight read them. I also listened to them practice a swing tune and the Saudi national anthem which was for the Saudi kings visit just a week later.

I had a good time playing with them and I am glad I did something altogether different here.

Paula is happy again!

Yah! Reports have been written and handed in... phew... long story, lets just say that I am glad that it is (almost) over!


Anyways, feel very bad that we haven't updated this in a while, so I have decided to put up a few random photos, mainly of the Lord Mayors parade. VERY COOL!!!! probably the only time I will ever see a tractor going down through some of the main streets in London! And soooooooo many bands!!!!! I will try and put a few pics in...

These are just a few of the 24 bands or so that played on down the street. The next photo is for my wonderful blister... can you imagine marching with this many basses down the street??? :)

The last ones were odd, but very cool... I really cannot imagine trying to ride a horse, AND play an instrument... how hard can you get????

And the last photo from Paula, is a spot the odd one out... We went to the Borough Markets and had fun (well, I had fun, but there were a few too many people for Alex... )

Love to all!!!!!

I am sure ALex will add to this... he has some better photos... :)

P.