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Bravery Award Announced

The press department of the Royal Humane Society has formerly announced that the bands Drum Major Marc Price has been announced a worthy recipient of a bravery award. Articles and photos of Marc appeared in December editions of the Basildon Echo and the Romford Recorder.

At the bands presentation night Marc will be presented with a parchment by Major-General David Pennefather, the former Commanding Officer of the Royal Marines.

In August while the band were preparing for a performance, Marc displayed great courage in his attempt to try stopping a car, with a young child inside, as it was rolling at speed towards a mini bus full of band members. As a result of his actions Marc sustained injuries that kept him in hospital for a week. His quick thinking and bravery ensured no one else was injured and although he was off work for a few months, he has made a full
recovery.

The band offers it's congratulations to Marc.

On Saturday 26th November the Romford Drum & Trumpet Corps honoured its founder & Director of Music on his 80th Birthday with a Celebration. Born in 1925, Dick Bouchard MBE founded his beloved band in 1957, although his association with bands goes back to before the war. His was a member of the local Army Cadets band, he left to join the Royal Navy and saw service in the Far East receiving the Burma Star medal.

Upon leaving the Royal Navy he got back involved with the army Cadets, before co-founding the Romford Royal British Legion Band. He then went on to form his own band and never locked back. As well as his devotion to his band, he also founded the Havering Bands Association, The Traditional Youth Marching Bands Association and was on the founding council for the British Youth Bands Assoication.

In 1999 he was awarded the MBE by Her Majesty the Queen for services to youth music.

The evening celebration attracted ex-members from all over the UK as well as friends from a Dutch band and from the Corps twin band in Germany. During a performance by the band, many tributes were paid to the man and reflected on his life achievements. The tributes were led by the Mayor of Havering, John Mylod, The Deputy Lieutenant of Havering Brian Batt, A former member of the band who has gone on to become current Bandmaster of Her Majesty's Blues and Royals Band, James Marshall, youth band adjudicator Alastair Pether (RAF Halton) and the current bandmaster of the Romford Drum & Trumpet Corps, Paul Binder.

During the performance by the band, a group of former member recreated the infamous Toy Soldier Display designed by Dick during the 1960's. The display included many ex-members who marched with rifle drill before executing the rouge soldier.

The high point of the evening was the finale conducted by Dick Bouchard in his favourite piece, My Way. After a short interval the sounds of My Way were heard again by the cabaret act a Frank Sinatra tribute singer.

Dick was overwhelmed at the evening and was delighted to learn that the band, former members and friends had joined together to pay for a holiday as a present to this remarkable man.

Caption Competiton.

Bandmaster, Paul Binder, invites you all to enter the new Caption Competition: this first photo shows the band's founder Dick Bouchard and the Parents & Supporters Chairman Peter High.

A bottle of wine is this months prize for the funniest caption.

Please email your entry to bm@rdtc.org

Three in a row for Kirsty!

On Saturday 19th November Kirsty Evans travelled to Cannock to defend the National Solo Bugler Competition she had won on two previous occasions. Unfortunately for Kirsty her journey to Cannock was not the ideal preparation for an important competition. Her parent's car basically gave up about three miles away and from the hard shoulder of the motorway, she called the contest organiser stating there was a problem. The motorway maintenance recovery staff were extremely helpful to Kirsty's plight and rushed her to the venue. Kirsty arrived at Cannock on a tow vehicle with minutes to spare. After getting changed quickly and with little chance to warm up. Kirsty entered the arena to perform within 10 minutes of arriving on the pick up truck. The set bugle piece was probably more demanding than the previous two years, with a requirement to hit eight top C's. Kirsty gave a solid performance, despite stiff competition from the other qualifiers Kirsty was marked 98 out of a possible 100 and for third consecutive year was crowned National Champion.

Congratulation to Kirsty from everyone at the band on an incredible hat trick of victories.

Remembrance Day-Romford

Despite a busy day on Saturday, the band was on parade to attend the towns Remembrance Parade. After leading a contingent from the Liberty Shopping centre the band joined representatives from the London Borough of Havering in the service of Remembrance at the Memorial Gardens in Main Road. In addition to the band performing at the service in Romford, Buglers from the band also played the Last Post at other numerous other services through out the borough.

The Lord Mayor's Show, November 2005
The City of London

An unusually warm November day saw the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps up early to take part in the prestigious Lord Mayor's Show in the City of London. The band marched through the streets in front of thousands of people, playing a variety of quick marches to entertain the crowds. The band once again paraded with the bass section at the front, and no fewer than eight band members taking part in this show for the first time. The band also enjoyed a 'play-along' with our friends from the RBL Band and Corps of Drums, Romford.

The band once again also received a good amount of TV coverage, and you could clearly hear 'Slaidburn' resonating throughout the streets of London. Another top drawer performance from the National Champions!!!

Band Spectacular - Thameside Theatre, Grays

Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps, The Aveley and Newham Band, And International Soloist Steve Sykes

On the evening of 29th October 2005, the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps were once again on stage, but this time with a difference. They were to perform with one of the leading Brass bands in the country, the Aveley and Newham band, and international soloist, Steve Sykes.

The Aveley & Newham band took the stage under their Musical Director Mr Nigel Taken and played a impressive selection of music from the Classics,Broadway shows to the modern upbeat swing numbers.

After the Interval it was Romford's turn to perform. They opened their show with 'Conquest of Paradise'. This involved the band humming and two side drums beating away through the audience. The band followed this with the theme from the war film 'A Bridge Too Far'. This piece was started by a Solo cornet with additions of other sections of the band as the piece progressed. This was the first of seven new pieces the band were to play that night. Next on the list was 'Jericho'. This piece has a powerful opening followed by a jazzy swing section. It really showed the variety of music the band can play.

Bandmaster Paul Binder then invited Steve Sykes to join Romford on stage to perform 'Feelings'. Steve Sykes' performed his solo backed well by the band. The band then continued there performance with 'Clarinetango'. As the name suggests, this is a piece that heavily features the clarinet section playing a tango. The section showed that they had strength in depth and performed extremely well. 'Time to Say Goodbye', a slow 1980's hit was next. This was followed by another section feature. The Drummers performed their tattoo, which contained a variety of dynamics, rhythms and tempos. Romford's next piece was a march, 'Our Director', which was dedicated to the founder and Director of Music, Mr Dick Bouchard M.B.E.

Steve Sykes was then invited back on stage to play 'Bass in the Ballroom'. Romford supported the virtuosic playing of Steve Sykes superbly, and the crowd gave a great applause to both soloist and band when the piece finished. The upbeat, 1986 rock classic, 'The Final Countdown' was next, which included another note perfect saxophone solo. Romford's finale piece was 'Hollywood Blockbusters'. This is a collection of film music composed by James Horner, which included themes from Apollo 13, An American Tail, Braveheart and Titanic. It was a great last number to play before the band were joined on stage by the Aveley and Newham Band.

The massed bands begun with Slaidburn, a march traditionally played by brass bands. This was followed by a hymn, 'Irish Blessing', which featured five Romford members playing the opening passage of music. Steve Sykes' finale piece was Czardas, which enabled him to amaze the audience with his circular breathing.

The massed bands then performed the African piece 'Ejala', which once again involved singing in Swahili. The night ended with a terrific finale, American Salute. This is a collection of classic American songs ranging from Neil Diamonds 'America' to Yankee Doodle Dandy. A phenomenal display was met by cheers and a well earned standing ovation from the crowd. Many people complimented the performance of the band on what they believe was the bands greatest performance in its forty eight year history.

Sept 2005
RBL Band Surbiton - 40th Anniversary Spectacular 
By Mark Newman

The Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps were up early once again to perform to perform at the Surbiton Royal British Legion Band's tattoo. The band arrived in Surbiton and rehearsed their display in the arena. Once the routine had been perfected, the band had a drinks break before joining the other participating bands in the massed bands rehearsals. This went surprisingly smoothly considering there were over 200 musicians taking part. Once complete the band watched a few of the other bands rehearse their performances. The band then had a few hours of personal time before putting the green and gold uniform, and preparing to perform.

The band entered the arena playing 'Slaidburn' and performed a new 'spiral' manoeuvre. Next on the agenda was 'Going Home', to which the band fanned out in preparation for the next tune, the African piece Ejala. The band then reformed to a lively march, Our Director, and completed a lap of the arena before marching off. The band then had a short break before returning to the arena playing the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps own march, Green and Gold.

The massed bands performed Rule Britannia, Conquest of Paradise, the National Anthem and the evening hymn sunset, with two Royal Marines playing the bugle fanfare. The band then marched off once again and then clapped the Surbiton band off the arena. The band members swiftly got changed and enjoyed the disco put on by the hosts where Kelly Langley showed the younger folk how to breakdance before travelling back to Romford. Definitely a 'spectacular' day.

Our thanks go to our old friends from Surbiton for the invite and the kind hospitality.

Sept 2005
Parade of the Giants - Antwerp, Belgium  
By Mark Newman

An extremely early start saw the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps travelling to Europe once more. After hours of travelling the band arrived at the starting point of the parade and it was not long before they had to put their distinctive uniforms on and start the parade. The band led the parade through Antwerp escorted by 25ft high 'giants'. This was a parade with a difference, as the band had to perform short arena displays at several points en route to the finish. The end of the parade arrived and the band performed a concert in front of 300 people. The band played Final Countdown, Ejala, and The Police Academy March. The band members were then provided with a light dinner before having a couple of hours rest.

The evening arrived and the band completed an arena display consisting of a variety of manoeuvres to a number of marches. The band left the arena to rapturous applause. A very tired band then retired to their sleeping arrangements.

Sunday provided the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps with an opportunity to explore. The band visited Brugge and spent a few hours sightseeing and trying Belgium chocolate before embarking on that long journey home.

August 2005 
Cromer Carnival Week
By Mark Newman

The third week of August is always a popular show for the band members as they 'invade' Cromer, Norfolk for the week. The week is always full of shows mixed with team games.
The band arrived on Monday at the wonderful '5 star Cromer Junior School Hotel'. Once unpacked the band members had a chance to relax before eating dinner and going down into town for a few hours.

Tuesday morning brings the first band show of the week, a parade around town led by the Town Crier of Cromer, Jason.This parade leads the band up the notorious 'Cromer Hill' to the carnival field. The band then enjoyed a short break before performing in the arena. As Tuesday is known as children's day in Cromer, the band invites children to take part in a manoeuvre. This year, around a hundred children tagged on to the back of the band for the 'single cross manoeuvre'.

On Tuesday afternoon, the band members participated in their first team challenges, the photo challenge - were the teams have to have a picture with a certain object, and the treasure hunt - were a list of objects has to be found.

The band performed a small concert outside the town church on Wednesday morning, before leading the carnival queen up to the carnival field. Wednesday afternoon brought another team challenge, items beginning with the letter S. One team managed to collate an enormous 144 items!!! Wednesday evening is Carnival night, the band lead the parade through Cromer, and then got a chance to watch the procession.

Thursday afternoon saw the band give a 15 minute concert in North Lodge Park. This is also where the band prepared for the evenings Torchlight Parade. A procession led by the band followed by thousands of people. The band also got to 'dress up' by wearing flashing jester hats. The procession weaves its way around the streets of Cromer before ending up in the carnival field to watch a breathtaking fireworks display. Once back at Cromer Junior School, the band held a talent show, won this year by Michael Gladwin who stole the show with his piano playing.

Friday morning saw the band pack away, before spending the last few hours of the week down town. The prizes for the winning team were then awarded before the band
loaded the coach and said goodbye to Cromer for another year.

June 2005 
Beauvais - France 
By Mark Newman 

Another weekend away in France for the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps started with yet another early morning departure. The band arrived at the hotel before performing for a change. However it was not long before the green uniforms were being out on. The band had to perform an arena show in front of crowds outside the town hall. The mayor thanked the band for a wonderful performance, and then the band to watch the other performers from the balcony of the town hall.
Sunday saw the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps get up early to provide entertainment at a local old people's home. Once complete, the band had lunch and prepared for the big parade. The parade led the band around the whole town, with many spectators enjoying the bands British military style. At the end of the parade was another arena show in front of the town hall. The band then had a chance to relax on the way home whilst eating the 'French' sticks given to feed the band.

May 2005 
St Quentin - France 
By Mark Newman 

Early on Saturday 14th May, the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps set off to France for the weekend. The band had to endure 6 hours of travelling on a coach, only to be told that the first initial parade had been cancelled due to poor weather.

The band then had some rehearsal time for the evening's indoor performance. After some 'different' French food, the band changed into the green uniform, and prepared for the show. The band performed a twenty minute arena show, involving a variety of manoeuvres to a vast range of tunes. The band received a huge standing ovation from the fifteen hundred strong crowd. The finale of the show was a massed band involving all the participating bands from across Europe. Once the nights work was complete, the band retired to the hotel for a 'peaceful' nights sleep.

Sunday was carnival day in St Quentin. With thousands of people on the streets to watch the parade, the band had to perform well. The band had confetti thrown all over them as they waded through the crowds on a hot sunny day. After a long enduring parade, it was time to pack up and go home, another successful trip for the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps in Europe.

April 2005
BYBA Concert Contest
By Mark Newman

An early Saturday morning saw the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps travel up north once more to try and achieve their only outstanding feat, a concert contest victory.

The band arrived at the venue in good spirit after a promising final rehearsal at a local hall. The band was drawn first to play by Bandmaster Paul Binder. Once the band had tuned up, they eagerly waited on stage to begin their performance.

The curtains opened and the band started their show with 'Conquest of Paradise' from 1492 Christopher Columbus. The nerves were settled by a solid opening piece. Next was the chance for the first soloist to perform. 'Concerto de Aranjuez' was made famous by the 1995 film 'Brassed Off'. Once again Sergeant Kirsty Evans gave a strong cornet solo, matched equally by the band. Next on the bands repertoire was an African piece called Ejala. This gave the Percussion section their chance to shine, with a variety of percussion instruments being used to create African sounds. Ejala also featured a jazzy, offbeat cornet solo performed with ease by Corporal Sarah Twinn. The band then turned the heads of the audience by singing Swahili words whilst the percussion section kept beating away. To finish off the performance, the band turned to a 1980's rock classic, 'The Final Countdown'. The upbeat piece, with a superb note-perfect saxophone solo by Lydia Stringer gave an excellent finish to the bands amazing performance, setting a high standard for the rest of the competition.

After receiving many compliments from other bands and the spectators, the band awaited the results ceremony. The judges positioned the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps a close second to our local rivals at the Romford Royal British Legion Band. Our congratulations go to them on a fine performance and victory.

On Saturday evening at Bower Park School the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps celebrated their achievements following an exceptional year in 2004, having retained the title National Youth Marching Band Champions and National League winners for the second year.

The evening commenced with videos of the bands contest performances to a full house of parents, supporters and special guests including Cllr Jeff Stafford, Deputy Mayor of Havering.
The band played a selection of music including Conquest of Paradise, Toccata, Slaidburn, Carillon and YMCA to an impromptu performance by Romford's own 'Village People' dad's of the band members.

The band members then changed out of uniform into their party gear to await the presentation ceremony. They cheered to a selection of video clips from various shows and concerts throughout the year including the bands trip to Chicago last March.

Long service awards were presented by Dick Bouchard MBE, the corps founder to: Sammy Fish, Charlene Horne, Reece Harding, Sherilyn Wells, Joanne Buttifant and Jessica Ainsworth for five years service and for ten years service to Lisa Saunders and Julie Wilson. Individual music achievements were recognised to several members and new recruits were welcomed into the band with an award for best newcomer to Michael Gladwin.

Most improved player in the wind section was awarded to Joanne Buttifant and most improved drummer to Jamie Blackwood.

Vicky Hogg won the attendance award for 157 attendances out of a possible 160 shows and practices.

A popular award voted by the band members themselves for band personality of the year was presented to Mark Newman.
Several nominations were acknowledged for the band member of the year, awarded jointly to Kirsty Evans and Marc Price in recognition of winning the titles Solo Bugle National Champion and National Champion Drum Major respectively.

Bandmaster, Paul Binder, acknowledged the band training staff and band committee members who work so hard to support the band and said

"It is this kind of commitment to achieving their goals I admire most in the members of the RDTC. The title they now hold as National Champions is not something they are just given, it has to be earned. They should hold this title with pride and remember all goals are achievable if you are willing to put the work in."

All the band National Finalists were presented with framed photographs of the contest performance by Ernie Wright, the president of TYMBA.

The band are currently recruiting new members and welcome any young people interested in joining to come along to an Open Evening at Broadford School, Faringdon Avenue, Harold Hill on Thursday 10th March, for further details contact the band secretary, Pam Evans on 01708 762125.