Arborfield Old Boys Association

 

AOBA

Arborfield Life

The Massed Bands of the Arborfield Army Apprentices

 

Copyright: Unless specifically stated Intellectual property rights and web design Arborfield Old Boys Association 1999 - 2008

 

Last year our website encouraged ex-apprentices to write in with their memories of life in the Bands. It transpired that lots of people did just that, but unfortunately these memories were never added to the site prior to its crash in January of this year.

 

Recently, I received an email from one ex-apprentice bandsman, asking when he would see his contribution on our website. It was with great regret I had to inform him that this whole chapter in our history was not handed over to me when I re-assumed the mantle of developing our website.

 

From what he told me a large number of stories and photographs were sent in - but I have to apologise to everyone saying - I simply have no idea where they are now.

 

So reluctantly I need to ask all those people who took the time and trouble of sending their stories in, PLEASE do so again - and I promise I will make every effort to see their contribution is made available for us all to freely enjoy on this website.

THE SCHOOL / COLLEGE BANDS

The lilt of music fills the air, the Boys School bands are on the square !

Rythms dancing on the breeze, as marching feet stretch out to sieze

And hold the beat in four-four time, while horns and trumpets, drums and chimes

Breathe life into the weary soul, raising spirits - that's their role,

To give that music added pep, and put spring into weary step.

 

Then, marching paused - inspection time - the skirl of Pipes begins to climb

In slow, such slow close harmony, the plaintive airs and melody

Rise over the assembled throng, soothing sounds that cause the songbirds

To cease their trills, and hesitate to compete with such a thrilling, great

Uplifting sound that evokes in men, visions of a Scottish glen.

 

And, stepping off, they all combine to give a rousing, roaring, fine

Rendition of a well known air, as,playing, marching with great flair,

They pass the dais, straight as a die. Drum Majors, maces held on high

Salute - eyes right - and then proceed along the Square to finally lead

Tem off parade, their task complete. Now all that's heard is tramping feet.

 

But versatility is the norm, and the Military Band is quite at home

Playing dances, jazz, palm court, or tuneful sounds of any sort

At functions grand, or venues small, they'll persevere and give their all

In pursuit of the excellence that marks their sheer accomplishment.

They give the School good value too, their efforts great, achievements true.

 

The Pipe Band also gets around, at village fetes they're often found,

And carnivals at summertide, but on Burns Night they hit their stride

With Haggis Pipings to attend, demand's so great, to avoid offence

They move around at double speed, toasting Rabbie, then they need

To move on to the next venue - another toast, or one, or two !

 

This really tends to slow them down, but not for shirking they're renowned,

They carry on so manfully that even if there's two or three

More places they must go to play before the finish of the day,

They'll valiantly consume the tot, then play until they've done the lot,

Then totter back to their cold beds, and on the morrow, nurse their heads !

 

But both the bands are at their best on ceremonials, that attest

To skills they learned while at the school, of discipline, and keeping cool

At all time under pressure, so, they'll play until it's time to go.

As "Sunset's" last notes die away, remember these boys as they play,

These are not full time careers - it's just their hobby - for three years !

 

© TeeCee

 

The Bands through the decades

Maurice (Mo) Hope 59B remembers ............

The Drum Major

Copyright: Unless specifically stated Intellectual property rights and web design Arborfield Old Boys Association 1999 - 2008

 

John Sharp 49A sent this GREAT photo in and says .........I am 2nd from the left in the front row, Chalky White is 1st on the right in the front row, Bill Callan is 2nd from the right in the back row and Jock Stewart is 3rd from the left in the back row.