army cadet band

posted by Brian Ward,

Army Cadet Band

I was in the Peter Symonds’ army cadets. Then for some unknown reason as I had no musical ability whatsoever I joined the cadet band as a bugler .I think I must have fancied myself as a bandsman and thought that even I could learn to play a simple instrument like the bugle, how wrong I was.

We were encouraged to take our instruments home ,keep polished and practise. The polishing was no problem my bugle was a rather old & battered thing,some of the boys had brand new ones which I always envied ,but I could certainly get mine to shine. Practising was another thing, I can’t imagine why but the neighbours, all the local dogs and even my mother appeared to strongly dislike it, so very little if any practise was accomplished.

I think realisation that I was never going to master the thing came one day when it was raining & we were practising as a band in what was then called the ‘Fives ‘courts. Due to the confined space and echo effect I thought we sounded great(a bit like singing the bath)and that I was at last playing well, it was only when we stopped for a break that the boy in front of me turned round and said could I play something other than just one note or words to that effect. I was quite deflated for a bit but quickly enjoyed a roll of making up numbers and just going through the motions of playing.

A lot of the boys unlike myself had a lot of talent and in fact do not think we were a bad band, unable to remember any names or even faces which is a shame. I am sure there is a photo somewhere but if I will ever find it is doubtful.

If anyone has any memories of this band would be very interested to hear.

Brian Ward

1945-1949