The bands final show of an eventful 2008 took place at The Corpus Christ Church on Sunday 14th December. This years Christmas concert saw the corps join forces with Marshalls Park School’s music department, in a concert dedicated to raising money for the British Heart Foundation.

The first part of the concert saw the school’s musicians and choir take centre stage, performing a variety of Christmas themed pieces.

After a 20 minute interval it was Romford’s turn to entertain the 300 strong audience. The band opened up with “Christmas Flourishes”, a festive themed fanfare. This was followed by more traditional military band music in the form of two marches “Officer of the Day” and “The New Colonial”.

The Corps of Drums then displayed their new Drum Tattoo before a principal Cornet player Kirsty Evans performed “Marianne”. The old fashioned turned rock piece “Pastime in Good Company” followed before the Trombone section strolled through the audience with their rendition of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”. More audience participation followed with Bandmaster Paul Binder getting the crowd singing “The 12 Days of Christmas”.

“Stop the Calvary” was the penultimate piece in Romford’s programme, before two pipers from Epping Forest Pipe Band joined the corps to resonate “Highland Cathedral” around the church.

A massed finale completed the night, with the band, musicians from the school, the school choir and the audience combining to sing Christmas Carols.

The night also saw a presentation of a new piece of music for the band. “The March of Friendship” which is dedicated to Pam Evans, celebrates the bands friendship between the corps and their twin band from Lunden, Germany.

The concert brought a fitting end to an mixed year of emotions for the band to a fitting end, and raised £1200 for the British Heart Foundation.

Remembrance Sunday
Article by Cpl Charlene Horne

Remembrance Sunday this year had a new look to it from the corps perspective, as unlike in previous years the band provided the music at the service in Hornchurch, Essex.

The corps joined the ex soldiers and under command of the parade marshal they led the veterans through Hornchurch to the war memorial, just outside St Andrews Church, where the service was to take place.

The band provided the music for the Hymn “O God Our Help in Ages Past” before playing “Abide with me” as the wreaths were laid. After a few readings, the corps fanfare team performed “Last Post” and as the sound of bugles ended, it marked the start of the two minute silence. The fanfare team then sounded “Reveille” to mark the end of the silence. The service then continued in church, and once the service had finished, the band once again led the veterans through Hornchurch back to the start point.

The band were number 8 in the parade this year and this left no time for the usual hot cross bun and cup of tea at the meeting point. Without much waiting around the corps were moved into position and began parading through the streets of London sounding out march after march.

The band also had some quite impressive television coverage this year, with newlywed band members Steve and Julie Patterson getting a mention to the watching nation. The corps could be heard playing “The New Colonial March” for quite some time on the coverage.

A special mention goes out to the seven members of the band completing their first Lord Mayor’s Show. Well done!!

To see the video - Visit our Watch Us! page

Romford get The Feeling
Article by Tom Evans & Julie Newman

The Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps were contacted by a music video director to take part in the filming of the new song by The Feeling "Turn it up".

The band met at their usual pick up to make there journey down to 3 Mills Studios in Stratford where the filming was taking place. All members were anxious as no one knew what they would be doing. The corps soon changed into there uniforms waiting for someone to inform what will be happening. The director took 3 members from the drum section to take part in a couple of scenes for the video. The bands youngest Grace Parker took to the studio first. Wearing a strange mask she was required to play the drum whilst “The Feelings” guitarist shared the scene. The rock stars and the director where pleased with her work. Next to be filmed were two drummers Jack Jones and Edmund Knight who were promptly sent to make up and returned in character with faces painted to look like a clown. The boys were needed to play their drums while Kevin the bands guitarist played his solo.

A few of the youngster’s from Romford were chatting, getting photographs and autographs from this award winning band. The Feelings Drummer Paul asked if he could wear a band uniform in the video. We were only to keen and gave him a sergeants uniform which he subsequently wore for his scene.

The director added a bit of a twist to the green machines uniform by having every band members face painted which all the band member found fun. Finally everything was ready for the big shoot. The band and extras had to stand in front of The Feeling who where on podiums. After a lot of play backs and retakes the band had one last job to do. A couple of takes of the band marching up and down took 15 minutes and then the day was over. Everyone grabbed their belongings and jumped on to the coach singing the track "Turn it up" . We think this maybe a new Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps anthem.

To see the video - Visit our Watch Us! page

Twickenham- England V Barbarians
Article by Tom Evans & Julie Newman

The Romford Drum & Trumpet Corps had the huge honour of performing at the recent rugby international at Twickenham’s historic headquarters.  This was one of the biggest performances the band had undertaken for some time. Upon arrival at the vast stadium and with the large numbers of spectators attending, it only added to the nerves of the youngsters. 

The band was required to play some pre-match music, before taking up a position at the centre of the pitch for the important patriotic music.  After performing Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory the band waited for the arrival of the teams. At 2.55pm the 2 teams entered the pitch and lined up for the National Anthem.  The drum roll signalled everyone to rise as the band played the Queen.  The sound of 55,000 singing along was almost deafening and very emotional.  The experience was something the young people of Romford will remember for a long time. 

Fortunately it may not be too long before they get the chance to repeat the performance again.  The organising agent said that the Rugby Football Union were delighted with the band and would be keen to use them again for either a Six Nations match or an Autumn International against Australia or the All Blacks.  As a treat for the band members they were all given tickets to watch the match with England narrowly won.

Bandmaster Paul Binder summed up a the 2 performances saying“Being a member of the band can open up great opportunities and it is pleasing that these kind of performances quite often come along for the band.

This has been a memorable week for the band, with 2 very different but rewarding gigs for the members to enjoy. The video shoot should ensure some high profile coverage of the band members and a chance to mix with celebrities, whilst the instant feedback and overwhelming response of huge crowd singing to the band at Twickenham”

To see the video - Visit our Watch Us! page

Band Receive the Civic Award
Article by Sgt Mark Newman

On May 7th The Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps were recognised by the Mayor at a recent ceremony for their outstanding contribution and achievements during the year in which Councillor Georgina Galpin stood as Mayor of Havering.

In a ceremony at the town hall, the band were recognised along with Civic Award winners, for their contribution to the borough and for representing the Havering nationally and internationally for over 50 years.

To receive the award Sgts Tom Evans, Mark Newman and B/SGt Lisa Saunders represented the band.

London Marathon
Sunday 13th April 2008
Article by Sgt Mark Newman

As in years gone by, the corps was once again up early to go and play for the participants of the London Marathon. The band played a variety of music for the thousands of runners to match the variety of the weather the day was bringing, and enjoyed featuring the Trombones and Cornet sections of the band in a slightly different way to normal, letting the sections take the limelight for the performances of ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You’ and ‘Blaze Away’ respectively. The runners were clearly encouraged by the band’s music, and constant cheering in between numbers. Another long, but enjoyable day for the band, well done!!

Visit of HRH Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip
Wednesday 20th February 2008
Article by Sgt Mark Newman

The band had the honour of being visited by royalty, HRH Prince Philip on his recent visit to the London Borough of Havering.

Upon arrival, His Royal Highness was greeted by the Air Commodore Brian Batt, and introduced to the Mayor of Havering, President of the band James Marshall, and the Chairman of the  band’s executive committee, Steve Evans.

The band’s recruits were the first to meet HRH as he was shown how our members are taught their ‘trade’ by professional instructors.

HRH Prince Philip was then invited to enjoy a short concert performed by the main band. The band opened with the Olympic Fanfare before playing a carefully selected march, By Land and Sea, a piece to reflect the naval background of HRH. The band’s short concert showed their ability to play all types of music including the well done hit ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You’.
The Corps of Drums performed a piece written for our royal guest entitled “The Duke” The band finished with ‘Pastime With Good Company’, which actually has royal links as it was composed by King Henry VIII.

The corps performance was well received by HRH, who was presented with a framed collection of photographs commemorating his visit to the band before personally taking the time to speak to each individual band member before leaving the school.

To add to the occasion the Duke is the subject of a TV documentary therefore much of the evening was filmed and bands members interviewed. This is due to be screened sometime in May on ITV

To see the video - Visit our Watch Us! page

Annual Presentation Evening
Article by Sgt Mark Newman

The Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps Annual Presentation evening took place on Saturday 16th February at Bower Park School. This time looking back and recognising the events and achievements of the band and its members during the Corps 50th year.

The band opened up the evening, performing in front of yet another full house, comprising of parents, supporters and special guests, including Mayor of Havering Cllr Georgina Galpin and Deputy Lieutenant of Havering, Brian Batt.

The Corps musical programme consisted of a varied selection of different styles of music. The highlight of the band’s performance included Tuba Player, Michael Gladwin, playing a blues solo on a trumpet. He put in a terrific performance, and showed how talented the members of the band are. The drummers showed off their new tattoo, and the band also played other pieces from their repertoire ranging from the pop hit ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ to the more traditional marching band piece ‘By Land and Sea’. After another top drawer performance, the audience and members prepared for the awards!!

The first award of the evening was the ‘President’s Award’. This was awarded to the chairman of the bands parents and supporters committee, Peter High. A truly deserved recipient as Peter has puts years into helping the band raise funds.

Jack Petchey Achievement Awards were presented to Edmund Knight, Adam Reed, Amy Rowe and Jack Jones. The Leaders Award was presented to Steve Evans, Band Chairman

Millennium Volunteer Awards were then presented to various members, too many to name, for volunteering up to 600 hours.

Service Awards were presented to the following band members for respective years of service in the band

• 5 Years – Daniel Ridley and Michaela Sweeney
  15 Years – Kirsty Evans

A number of band members received certificates in recognition of their achievements outside of the Corps. Many members passing practical and theory grades with merit and distinction.

Next in the traditional Oscar style fashion were the six main awards for the evening. Every award had nominations of band members who had demonstrated attributes and achievements over the past year to put them in contention of winning the award.

The first award was for the ‘Best Newcomer’. This award was scooped up by 15 year old Drummer, Jack Jones. The attendance award was picked up by Colette Robinson, who was just shy of a 100% attendance.

‘Most Improved Wind’ and ‘Most Improved Percussion’ were picked up by Victoria Hogg and Georgia Cosma respectively. Aaron Uglow was voted‘Band Personality of the Year’. An award voted by the members of the band themselves.

The soloist of the night, Michael Gladwin was awarded ‘Band Member of the Year’. The band members then had a chance to celebrate with a bit of dancing before the night drew to a close.