Wednesday 3rd June saw the involvement of the Band in the 500th Anniversary of the Gentlemen at Arms ceremony.  The Honourable Corps of the Sovereign's Nearest Guard consists of retired officers of the Army or Royal Marines.  Its officers are promoted from among the Gentlemen and receive Sticks of Office from the hand of the Sovereign on appointment.  An integral part of their uniforms includes the battle-axe, which is still carried by the Gentlemen when carrying out their duties.  Such duties include being in attendance at all State Occasions.  This is made easier by their headquarters being situated within St James' Palace, and it was within this Royal setting that the celebratory ceremony took place.

The Band provided musical support as the Gentlemen made their majestic entrance, and continued to provide incidental music whilst all awaited the arrival of The Queen.  The Director of Music Major Shannon composed a march for the day entitled 'The Nearest Guard' and the Bandmaster WO1 Walters compiled a nine-minute selection of music charting the history of the Gentlemen at Arms, concluding appropriately with 'Congratulations'.

The atmosphere was heightened by the contribution of an eighteenth century wind ensemble, consisting of serving members of the Coldstream Guards Band performing on instruments suitable of the era and dressed in full period regalia, notably wigs and tights!  This proved most appropriate for the occasion and added to the overall flavour of the day, a truly historic occasion.

Musn Rachel Best