The Old Basing RBL Corps of Drums Page 2.

HISTORY The Old Basing Royal British Legion Corps of Drums The Corps was formed in 1985 by a handful of enthusiasts with a background of ex-service or Army Cadet Force experience and a desire to make music together. Since then they have grown to a compliment that has at times exceeded 30 musicians and has an incredibly wide ability range and ages which span from 10 to 76. As well as representing the Royal British Legion and other service organisations, the Corps provides entertainment at events and carnivals throughout the South of England and abroad. The Corps has made several visits to the continent, specifically to its twin towns in France, Belgium and Germany, and has the honour of having marched over Pegasus Bridge on more than one occasion. The Corps was honoured to be in Normandy for the events in 2004 commemorating the 60th anniversary of the D Day landings and gave performances at Bayeux and Colville-Montgomery and were special guests of Madame Arlette Gondree of the Café Gondree, Pegasus Bridge. We toured Belgium early in April 2006, visiting various venues and raising the profile of the band further. This included performanaces in Ostende, Bruges, Braine L'Alleud, Battlefield of Waterloo, Brussells Grand Place and the Menin Gate at Ypres. In 2008, we went to Brussels and took part in the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate. We also played outside the Cloth Hall in Ypres town square and in Brussels. Our most recent tour was the French Battlefield Tour in 2009. We played at the Theipval Memorial and at the New Zealand Memorial and Wellington Quarry in Arras. We are always on the lookout for new members in the various sections, which include drums, bugles, trumpets, glockenspiel and cymbals. In particular we would like to strengthen the Bugle section. So if you have experience, or are a keen beginner, we would be delighted to hear from you. Don’t be shy, you can be assured of a friendly welcome if want to give it a try. The Band meets at the Royal British Legion Hall in Crown Lane, Old Basing on most Sundays from 10.00 a.m to 12.00 p.m. for practices. Please contact Jill Prendergast on 01264 791668 or jwprendergast@talktalk.net for confirmation of dates/times, or simply if you would like more information on our activities. Whether you would like to BOOK the Band, or JOIN it, we look forward to hearing from you!