22nd May 2010 – Royal Artillery Army barracks
Written by Adam Reed

Today the band made a trip up to the Royal Artillery Army Barracks, Woolwich, totally naive of what they had coming...

It had been arranged that the members of the band, from those serving for 5 months to 15 years, would be put through a day of vigorous training conducted by a highly experienced Drill Sergeant of an Army marching band.

The band began the day by providing a short performance to demonstrate their professionalism, which surprisingly impressed the members of the Artillery Band.

Being a Drill Sergeant he, unfortunately, decided to not lower his standards for us and so as per the Drill manual the standard procedure for warming up just happened to be double-time quick marching. After a few minutes the band were warmed up to say the least and as if they needed any help from the blinding weather of 24 degrees that day.  Once the Drill Sergeant had finished with his fun, four more military officers took to the ranks to stamp down on our standard of drill, including slow marching, mark timing and turning manoeuvres.

After the training session the band were invited into the Naafi for a meal of their choice, followed by a presentation offering experience courses with The TA.  What a day,  it gave the Band the terrific opportunity to experience first hand what Army life is really like.