2RCR PIPES AND DRUMS RETURNS TO VIRGINIA

Article by Cpl. Steve McGuire (Sept 97)

 2RCR Pipes and Drums has recently returned from Fort Monroe, Virginia where we performed at The Salute to the Spirit of Victory Tattoo. The trip began on 04 Sept with the traditional bus ride, this one lasting a mere 24 hours. Arriving on 05 Sept, we checked into the Strawberry Banks Inn on the picturesque Chesapeake Bay. We were met by the members of CFB Borden Pipes and Drums who, once again, joined us to strengthen the size and sound of our band. The members of CFB Borden P&D who attended include; CWO Sandy Dewar, CWO Mike Steel, MWO Ian Ferguson, Sgt. Iain Lang, Sgt. Brian Morrison, MCpl Chris Reesor, and Cpl. Duane Johnson.  After practicing for an hour we were dismissed for the day to recover from the long trip. Many of us took the opportunity to go fishing off the nearby pier where we were startled to catch "Croakers" (a somewhat bizarre fish that croaks as you try to unhook it)

 [ Members of the band relax in Virginia]    

That night we were invited to a BBQ at LCol Sweetnam's house (former CO of 2RCR presently serving as liaison officer to SACLANT in Norfolk, VA). LCol Pat Sweetnam, his wife Judy, and daughters Hope and Olivia made us feel very welcome in their home, preparing a massive amount of food, which the members of P&D attempted to (and failed to) put a dent in. LCol Sweetnam made the fatal mistake of buying the band beer but he is expected to recover his financial losses by selling one of his cars. We played the pipes for the Sweetnam family and their guests well into the night and everyone had a great time !! Many of their neighbours came out to watch as well so we expect the Col. to either be considered well liked and influential or evicted and lynched. A point of envy of some band members was the Col's. back yard, which is attached to a beautiful 18 hole golf course. The band would like to sincerely thank LCol Sweetnam, Judy, Hope and Olivia for a wonderful evening! (Same time next year, sir ?)

[Members of the band visit LCol Sweetnam & Family]

The morning and afternoon of the 6th we went to Fort Monroe to rehearse our set in the Tattoo and the finale. We then returned after supper in full dress for the actual Tattoo. The Tattoo included such acts as; The Fifes and Drums of Colonial Williamsburg, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, The United States Atlantic Fleet Band, The United States Continental Army Band, U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band "Rhythm in Blue", Armed Forces School of Music Tri-Service Band, The United States Army Drill Team, and ourselves.

 The 2RCR P&D Corps performed it's drum salute during the Tattoo Preshow then rejoined the rest of our band for it's own set, which included the Highland Dancers. We were very well received by the audience and received many compliments after the show. On the evening of the 7th we repeated the performances to the same results.

   Massed bands on the finale of Salute to the Spirit of Victory Tattoo

 On the morning of 08 Sept we boarded the bus once again for yet another 24 hour trip and arrived on the morning of the 9th. Except for the insane amount of time spent on a non-air conditioned bus, it was a very enjoyable and eventful trip.

 The remainder of 2 RCR P&D's jobs for the year have been cancelled due to lack of budget so the band will concentrate on it's Warrior training then carry on practicing it's music to keep up it's present high standard.

UP YOUR KILT !  

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