Name: Brian Short
Homepage: http://www.alleycatz.net
City: Deal
Sent: Wed October 26 2005 03:25

It is with deep sadness that I must inform you of the sudden passing of my dear friend Clive 'sproz' Sproston, former Bandmaster & percussionist. Clive died suddenly of a heart attack on the morning of Tuesday 25th October whilst working. I spoke to him only last week and we were both looking forward to meeting up at Lympestone next week for a top table lunch and to catch up. Dee Lindars came to see me last night and in shock we recounted our endless Clive stories; we then had a beer and raised our glasses to Sproz, which is what he would have wanted. Clive leaves behind his wife Sharon, daughters Sarah & Laura and two grandchildren which I know he dearly loved. Anyone who is not in contact with the family but would like details of funeral arrangements etc, then please feel free to email me and I will pass on details when they are known. Brian Short

Name: Ray Edwards
City: South Carolina USA
Sent: Mon October 24 2005 16:14

Screwed that last one up - what's new!

Name: Ray Edwards
Homepage: http://BRITRM@AOL.COM
City: South Carolina USA
Sent: Mon October 24 2005 16:11

Dickie, Been trying to access your web site for some time. Thought you had gone underground, in a witness protection programme or some covert operation for United Airlines!!! Take care, mate Hope to see you soon, Bev says Hi Lofty.

Name: Roy Hallin
City: Fareham
Sent: Mon October 17 2005 05:35

Dickie Great to see you after 40 odd years, you haven’t changed a bit!!!! Nice to see Charlie Laws, and Me buddies Dave Seed and Rab Thompson (Yes I did buy a drink!) Can you now please place my name on the buddy list, after all I did hand over £1000 subs! Look after yourself Dickie, see you in 2006. Maybe there will be some ex DOM's there next year???

Name: Richard [Dickie] Valentine
Homepage: http://www.exroyalmarinesbandsmen.net
City: USA
Sent: Sat October 08 2005 10:28

Dear friends, what a superb weekend reunion with great friends old AND new. We were very lucky to have the great company of one of our elder statesmen Mr. Sam Dyer from Southport. Dave and Joan Seed brought Sam to his first EVER reunion and his wonderful sense of humor along with many interesting anecdotes from many decades past, were a joy. It's a fact that it can never be too late. Sam is not in good health and I want to pay tribute to him for making such a trip. Once again our gratitude goes to WOII "Tommy" Lawton and his team for a truly well organized and memorable occasion. To close, if anyone besides those whom I know, has any memorabilia i.e. photo's from the past weekend and/or if you wish to give your own account, then please forward them to me. My very best to everyone and it was a joy to see you. Dickie Valentine.

Name: Mark Snell
Homepage: http://www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk
City: Pompey
Sent: Fri October 07 2005 12:54

Greetings to one and all, we have just introduced an online chat forum that everyone is invited to join in. Please register and join in the banter, pull up a sandbag, dust off your dits book and swing the lamp. The link is here: http://royalmarinesbands.myfreeforum.org/ A few of you have already found your way there so the bar is open. Your input will make the forum a success. Yours aye Mark Snell

Name: Paul (Chalky) Castledine
City: Fife
Sent: Fri October 07 2005 02:57

Just like to add to the comments below re the reunion. WOW ! Met faces old and new, relived the good old days and now pounding the beat in Glenrothes with a smile on my face which says 'I WAS THERE' Need more faces next year chaps and chapesses ! Chalky

Name: Barry Radford.email - barry.radford@virgin.net
Homepage: http://Meols. Wirral
Sent: Thu October 06 2005 12:18

Great to see some old friends at the 'Reunion'. After talking to several of my era, I have decided to try and celebrate '50 Years' since joining out 'terrific Band Service'. So anyone still around from the 1/56,2/56,3/56 Squads, interested in having an evening get together in Deal, on March 11th 2006, please contact me a.s.a.p. Although the numbers were somewhat small in 'Pompey'we all had a great weekend. Thanks to Tommy Lawton and his helpers. Cheers Barry Radford

Name: RAB(Jock) Thomson
City: Perthshire
Sent: Wed October 05 2005 12:49

Thanks to all for a great time in Pompey. Those who didn't come dipped out I can assure you. Thanks to all who helped an old "Jock" retrace his rather ancient steps in Englandshire and I am happy to report our Band Service is in very very capable hands. Food in the SNCO's mess was superb and plentiful. If any of you are lucky enough to stumble over Paddy Semple at any time, ask him to tell you his "October" story. I EVEN SAW ROY HALLIN BUY A ROUND! See you all soon

Name: Erick Parker
Sent: Tue October 04 2005 17:17

I wonder what has happened to Hedley Lock, we were chums many years ago. He lived in Seaford East Sussex and I live in Eastbourne in the same county. Does anyone know anything? Thanks EEK

Name: Sid Sheard
City: Deal Kent
Sent: Tue October 04 2005 12:02

Hello Everyone. Back from yet another wonderful week-end in dear old Pompey having attended the Royal Marines band Reunion in Nelson barracks. And what a great week-end it was. As usual everything went off without a hitch. My thanks go out to Tommy Lawton and his team for yet another well run Reunion. On the Saturday evening I met up with old and new friends, which once again made for a great evening. One person in Particular who I had the pleasure to meet was a wonderful Old Soldier,(If I may call him that)named Sam. My thanks go to Dave and Joan Seed for introducing Sam to me. Meeting up with Ken and Joan White after 40 years was also another highlight for me.(thanks guys).Also I must mention Albert(good to see you again mate after many years).To Eddy and Barbara Pescud. I thank you both for listening to me rabbiting on for most of the evening.We shall carry on from where we left off next year hopefully.To my old mate Mick Hickman safe journey back to Spain,and look forward to seeing you again next year.Also my sincere thanks go to Richard Valentine,Tony Oliver,Ollie Holligsworth,Barry Pettitt,John(Bubs)Burble,Barry Radford,Mick(Lofty)for making it a Memorable evening.Any names I have left off please forgive me,as everything is still a blur.But to all of you Many Many thanks for making it a really great Week-End.Anyone who missed it I suggest you get yourselves down to Pompey next year,as you don't know what you are missing.I realise that some of you cannot make it what with commitments and other such things.And to you I wish you well for the future.I myself was reminded this Week-End that I never attended a Reunion for many years(much to my loss).So if there are any ex RMBs out there that have never attended a reunion do what I did and give it a go.You just might enjoy it.I know I did.Last but not least I must also thank my friend Charlie Laws for accompanying and looking after me.(I am still looking for the Pussers Rum).As for the Beating the Retreat by the Portsmouth Band.Another wonderful show peformed to there usual excellent standard(I dont think there was a dry eye in the house).And Sunday morning it was good to see a full house for the church service. Well thats about it for now,so I will sign off.Once again.Thank you all for Supporting what turned out to be a GREAT WEEK-END. See you all again next year. SID

Name: Charlie Laws
City: Deal
Sent: Tue October 04 2005 12:01

I would like to thank everybody for a wonderful weekend at both the Saturday evening and also the church service, only the second time I've been with my great friend Sid and a wonderful time was had by both of us, I'm now waiting for the next one.Richard please take care of yourself.

Name: Rod Williamson
City: Whitstable
Sent: Thu September 29 2005 14:27

I live in Whitstable and work in Folkestone, so see a lot of the local rags. There have been a number of adverts in recently for properties for in the redundant Barracks, and just looking at them can bring back a lot of memories. I instantly recognised the old Junior Wing company office which used to be opposite the tailors just inside East Barracks, but perhaps the most spectacular ones are the conversions of the Church. I have lots of memories of this, sitting through interminable sermons (but enjoying the one by Padre Leonard when he accused the front row of officers of sleeping with their neighbours wives), and both playing and conducting in concerts there. Perhaps what I remember most of all are the wonderful Reunion services with the Fanfare Trumpets sending shivers down the spine. Best wishes to everyone attending this year's Reunion (and indeed to anyone who may remember me). I hope you have a great time - yet again I am working so unfortunately can't attend. If you'd like to look at some of the property conversions try the website of Bright & Bright Eastate Agents. It's amazing what has been done, especially with the church! Best wishes to all Rod Williamson

Name: Richard Wright.
City: Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire.
Sent: Wed September 28 2005 15:32

Sadly regret that, due to my wife coming out of hospital on 29 Sept., I shall not be able to attend the 2005 reunion. I do wish you all a super time, sing lustily on Sunday, & it will be my round in 2006! Best wishes to all. Shiner Wright.

Name: PAUL (CHALKY) CASTLEDINE/MARTIN (BAMMY) BAMFORD
City: FIFE
Sent: Thu September 22 2005 03:45

Just a note of Remembrance for those who were murdered by the IRA. 22/09/89. Having a few drinks with FOSNI band this afternoon. Don't let the ba****ds grind ye down. Paul and Martin

Name: Bill Hartland
Homepage: http://www.hmsgambia.com
City: Congresbury, North Somerset.
Sent: Wed September 14 2005 15:40

As another anniversary looms, Trafalgar Day, may I ask anyone who joined up with me to contact me especially if they would be minded to hold a get together in the not too distant future. From those who I recall, sadly many have passed on, but I am sure there must be many of us left from that vast squad of bodies which filled 'L' Block in East Barracks on a wet and windy Tuesday in 1952!

Name: Barry Radford
City: Meols. Wirral
Sent: Wed September 14 2005 02:26

Back on line after our move which went very well, only a couple of minor breakages. Now enjoying some sea air and relaxation. See you at the reunion. Cheers Barry Radford

Name: Robin Phillips
City: Kenilworth, Warwickshire
Sent: Wed September 07 2005 07:52

I apologise if my requests are a little earlier than mot of the content, but I am desparately tring to find some information about my wife's grandfather and greatgrandfather. Albert William Bartlett was b.abt.1887 and in 1909 when he got married, we know he was a Lance Corporal in the RMLI. We think he was a bandsman. I also believe that when he died in 1952, there was an obituary in the Globe and Laurel magazine. His son was Richard Albert William Bartlett, known as Bert and he was definitely a RM bandsman. He died in about 1960 in Plymouth, where his widow Vera and Daughters Deanna and Jane still live. If anyone could email me with any advice on how to find out some more information, we would be extremely grateful. Many thanks Robin Phillips, Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

Name: Sid Sheard.
City: Deal Kent
Sent: Sun September 04 2005 10:55

Hello One and All. If there are any old Neptune House Lads out there from 1954-1958 who have any old Photo's from those years I would appreciate any news or info.i will be going to Pompey again this October for the Reunion with Charlie Laws.Charlie is well on the mend after his Heart Bypass.We are both looking forward to meeting up with old friends and Comrades once more.I Promise that I will do a lot more Listening this year.A message To my old Mate Mick (Hickman).Get your Football Boots out.To all Serving and ex Serving RMBs I wish you all the best for the Future.Cheers one and all. SID

Name: Mike Hickman
City: Roquetas De Mar Spain.
Sent: Sat September 03 2005 06:05

Just add to the list of condolences for the passing of John(TaffMilliken) to that the great Staff Band in the sky. John was one of the instructors whilst I was under training along with another who is no longer with us the late Fred Mathias. My fond regards to you all. Lokking forward to seeing many of you again and maybe some new old faces in a few weeks time at Portsmouth. Till that ady you all take care . Mik H.

 

Name: Noel Crook
City: Clifton. Bedfordshire
Sent: Sat September 03 2005 03:14

So sad to read of the passing of John Milliken.Served with him on TIGER in 1961. God Bless.. Noel

Name: Barry Radford
City: WELLINGBOROUGH. Northants. NN8 3RA (until 5th Sept)
Sent: Fri September 02 2005 15:35

Passed on the sad news of John Milliken to John Hargreaves and he was saddened to hear of another'Old Soldier' leaving us. John of course is in hospital himself but he asked me to pass on his condolences to John's Family. Regards to All Barry Radford

Name: phil [SPUD ]taylor
City: stratford on avon
Sent: Fri September 02 2005 14:57

sorry to hear of so many bandmates leaving us i hope to make the reunion in october if i can get a ticket it would be nice to meet up with the likes of paddy semple jem tugwood ollie oliver and mick hickman hope to see you all soon all the best spud

Name: John Buberle
City: Gosport
Sent: Thu September 01 2005 13:45

Was so sad to see the passing away of John(Taff) Milliken. I had the Privilege of serving with Taff, as he was our Band/Sergeant, and we were both the Trombone Players on HMS Tiger in 1961, if I remember, he left after about a Year, and went on to be the Welfare Sergeant in Deal if I am right. He was kind, great fun, and always had a joke up his sleeve and always smiling, one of lifes really nice People. Sincere Condolences to his Family. John(Bubs)Buberle

Name: Michael Hutton
City: Newbury
Sent: Tue August 30 2005 14:34

Hi Dickie. Another of our good friends has gone to the great band in the sky. John (Taff) Milliken, Trombone player who joined the RNSM in 1949 at Burford 110/111 squad has died. His funeral wiil be next Monday 5th Sept at 2pm in the Capel-Le Ferne church Nr Folkestone. For further details contact me on 07831 705589 or Bob Rawson on 01329 832037 or just get there to say goodbye. Many thanks. Mick Hutton.

Name: Mike Jones
City: Bridgend,Mid Glamorgan
Sent: Sun August 28 2005 08:59

Hullo Rich! Just read the amazing report,with an amazing photo attached,of the "Old Comrades Concert" recently held on the Bandstand at Deal.Well,pardon the expression,but this 60 years old had the 'lump in the throat'after reading through Steve Misson's script.I just wish I could've been there,as a spectator;my playing days are over regrettably,as arthritis in the wrists have forced me to sell the clarinets I'd played for many many years. Anyway it was good to see on the photograph so many 'older'faces -ah,such memories! My good wishes to all. Mike Jones.

Name: RAB(Jock) Thomson
City: Perthshire Scotland
Sent: Sat August 27 2005 13:30

Sorry Geordie. That was the wrong address. Click on my name for correction.

Name: RAB (Jock) THOMSON
City: Perthshire Scotland
Sent: Wed August 24 2005 05:58

On line at long last. Great to see some old reprebates still kicking about like Tom Gallacher Paul Hedditch Dan Archer Phil Carrigan Roy Hallin "Ackers Boswell" Len Lewry & Co..Love to here from anyone who remembers me..Slange

Name: Craig Tampin
City: Maple Ridge,BC Canada
Sent: Tue August 23 2005 23:04

Hello from overseas. I have in my hands a copy (In Vinyl) of The Band Of H.R.M. (Plymouth) Capitol recording The Music of Beat Retreat and Tattoo Finale , Director Of Music Captain William Lang, M.B.E., L.R.A.M., R.M. I just wanted to tell you that the sound of pride and loyalty is overwhemling and I'm sure was even greater live. A simple note was all I wish to leave you . "Well Done"!!

Name: Stuart Henderson
City: Chassenon, France.
Sent: Mon August 22 2005 15:05

Greetings, Sixty years ago August 20th 1945 twenty six young lads joined the Royal Naval School of Music at Clifton Hotel, Scarborough. Service numbers and uniforms were issued. RMBX2269 to RMBX2294 and for many it was the start of a fine career and long service. My number was RMBX2280 and I was at Howstrake Camp and Burford but my service was short. Nevertheless, a period of many memories which are remembered in e mails to and by Maxie Beare and John Masters. Maxie was in the squad before but John was on of squad 95. To all members of 95 squad who are still with us, greetings and best wishes on this 60th anniversary. Sincere best wishes, Stuart Henderson, Chassenon, France.

Name: Ken Rollings R.M.B./X3324
City: Deal,Kent
Sent: Mon August 22 2005 13:50

Hi to all the ex-bandies out there I am currantly working as steward of the R.M.A. in Deal so when ever your in the area please call in we will be pleased to see you.should have retired last year aged 65 but still going strong.We held a concert on the Memorial Bandstand yesterday 21/8/2005 performed by all ex-bandies completely unrehearsed {Marvellous }

Name: Steve Jenkins
City: Walmer
Sent: Sun August 21 2005 11:48

Hi to all that may remember me! I am back in Deal/Walmer area and have managed to find a horn. (All i need now is how to remember to use it!) Please email if you can. steve.jenkins1@tesco.net

Name: Steve Jenkins
City: Walmer
Sent: Sun August 21 2005 11:44

Hi to all that may remember me! I am back in Deal/Walmer area and have managed to find a horn. (All i need now is how to remember to use it!) Please email if you can. Steve Jenkins

Name: pete pendlebury
City: exmouth
Sent: Sun August 14 2005 14:00

hi rich, just a quick "e" to let you know that john dunn had a triple bypass on august 5th. i spoke to him today & apart from a few niggles and boredom as he is unable to have visitors he is well on the mend. i will keep you informed on his progress. cheers pete.

Name: Keith Hangar
Sent: Sat August 06 2005 07:08

I am hoping you can help me out through your website regarding pictures or news clips of Ken Hargreaves (cornet/violin) Dartmouth band late 60s early 70s. To cut a long story short I met his son and daughter at the weekend and they have no photos or memorabilia of his time in the band service. I have a couple that I can pass on to them but would like to get as many as I can. I would be grateful if any of your viewers have photos of Ken during his time in the band service wether it be solo or group photos to send them on to me at the above e-mail. Hope you can be of some assistance and look forward to hearing from you. The website just keeps getting better and thanks for all the hard work you put in to keep it going. Keith Hanger

Name: Wesley C. Burns
Homepage: http://29 DeKalb Ave.
City: Plainfield, New Jersey U.S.A.
Sent: Tue August 02 2005 15:32

I found your web site while just surfing. I am a veteran of the Korean war, 3rd Batallion 7th Marine Regiment, 1st. Marine divison. I also was engaged in the walk out from the Frozen Chosin. The Baroque and Roll march byBCSgt.Ken Peers is an inspiring and memory provoking piece of music. Thanks for the memories and God Bless you all. W.C.Burns GySgt. United States Marine Corps Retired.

Name: Mrs Gwyneth Penny
City: Bangor Nth wales
Sent: Sun July 31 2005 03:42

My father in law Mr Ross Penny was stationed at phonecia in 1949-1952, he married my mother in law there and my husband Charles was born at the military hospital in 1952. Not long after I believe it was April 1952 the whole family left Malta and returned to England and settled in Liverpool. Does anyone remember him and his wife and any anecdotes would be gratefully recieved. He is now 78 and would love to hear from anyone that remembers him. Thank you

Name: Brian Starr
Homepage: http://www.holbrookjudo.co.uk
City: Alverstoke
Sent: Fri July 29 2005 17:00

Can the Band Service please arrange to have a reunion that fit's in around my holidays!!! For the last three years I have been in sunnier climes when the reunion has been arranged. Is this a conspiracy or is there only so much Guinness on sale? Nice to see my old "Run Ashore Oppo" Gilly (Phil) Gilbert being dragged into the 21st Century with this computer. I got your message Gill, and also thanks to Bob Graham emailing me from work. Cheers Bob. (The Probation Service has it's uses after all!!!) Sorry for the lack of correspondence of late, but I have been rather busy with work and holidays, well, holidays mainly, but work does get in the way. Hello to all that remember me. TTFN. Brian.

Name: Brian "eggy" Hobbs
City: Truro
Sent: Tue July 26 2005 13:56

A big thanks too Bart for arranging such a great reunion/60th birthday for Taff Ruffle. I was lucky enough to make it. Bart did a great job in bring together some of Taff's old ships (Derek Robert, Keith Boswell, Mick Davies, John Lushers, Me and two others) and the evening was full of reminisences and a lot of good fun. We all agreed that the fellowship we had in the RMB was still with us all. A great night Bart .. and see you all at the west country reunion Egg

Name: bart bartholomew
City: dartmouth
Sent: Sun July 24 2005 11:36

thanks to all for making taff ruffles 60th birthday a great success in dartmouth.

 

Name: Phil Carrigan
Homepage: http://Lostwithiel Cornwall
Sent: Sat July 23 2005 16:13

An amazing websight, well done. Palm Court Trio !

Name: Louise Tolley (Sykes)
City: Swindon
Sent: Wed July 20 2005 20:49

Does anyone know the where abouts of "Polly" Perritt served with my dad (Lewis Sykes) Any info would you please contact me NOT dad (its meant to be a surprise)!Many thanks Also thanks to Bob Cummins for message above and to Godfrey Barnett, Ray Grant and Mick Tellick for phoning Dad at this time.He really appreciates it.

Name: Ray Lloyd
City: Exeter
Sent: Mon July 18 2005 12:21

Nice to hear from you Charlie, glad you are on the mend, sorry I can't make the reunion this year, hope it all goes well, tell Sid to try to drink a little less and talk a little more... OR is it talk a little less and drink a little more.. oh sod it he'll probably do lots of both anyway. Cheers, Ray

Name: Charlie Laws
City: Deal
Sent: Sun July 17 2005 04:27

Just to let you know I'm on a full recovery from my triple heart bye pass, being kept active in the channel swimming world , my first lady did a swim last week in 10hrs58mins, I've a team a six ladies going at the end of the month swimming in aid of Breast Cancer Care, after that I start training myself for the oldies swimming championships, will be at the reunion with Sid again this year looking foreward to it.

Name: Phil (Gilly) Gilbert
City: Worthing
Sent: Fri July 15 2005 05:28

Hiya Chums, Just getting to grips with this computer mullarky! I'll be down to Deal next Friday 22nd if anyone fancy's a few `wets' in the `Stag' about 7ish! Regards Gilly.

Name: Bob Cummins
City: Portsmouth
Sent: Thu July 14 2005 13:25

Lewis Sykes Ex solo cornet player and now works with me is unwell and in some considerable pain. Would anybody that remembers Lewis please send me an e mail so that I may print it off and take to him, I'm sure that it will cheer him up and help him through this period. Anybody that remembers him will know what real Gent Lewis is and your support at this time, I'm sure, will be most grateful.

Name: John Buberle
City: Gosport
Sent: Wed July 13 2005 04:59

The Service for John Kingston will be held on Friday July 15th, at 10.15am at Portchester Crematorium.

Name: John Buberle
City: Gosport
Sent: Tue July 12 2005 02:50

I am sorry to pass on the sad news that John Kingston Clarinet & Violin passed away Sunday 10th July. John was in the Portsmouth/Royal Yacht Band when I first met him in 1960, and over the years we became friends and did many gigs together. He, I am sure will be rememered by many who served with him as a fine Musician. Jill and I send our Love and Condolences to his Wife Diane and Family. As yet have not heard about Funeral arrangements. John

Name: Mike Jones
City: Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan
Sent: Sun July 10 2005 08:23

This is a message to all those in Fleet Band who were fortunate to do the Gibraltar Mini Fleet Review in April 1983! As this trip still holds a lot of very pleasant memories for many, it has been suggested that maybe some sort of re-union could be held in Gibraltar next year. The idea comes from a certain Kenneth Schooley who will be celebrating his 60th birthday in 2006! Best wishes to all. Mike Jones.

Name: PAUL (CHALKY) CASTLEDINE
City: FIFE
Sent: Sun July 03 2005 06:02

After a very successful 2/81 Troop reunion celebrating 20 years in 2001, it is only right to celebrate 25 years next year. The planned date is the weekend of 8th,9th and 10th September 2006 and will be held in Deal. All interested parties please email either myself paul.castledine@homecall.co.uk or Richard.Austin@visitbritain.org with suggestions, numbers, amount of strippers etc. Hope to hear from members of 2/81 soon and if not at the forth coming 2005 Band Service Reunion in Pompey on 1st October. SEE YOU ALL AGAIN SOON... Chalky

Name: Phill Rose
City: Waterlooville
Sent: Wed June 29 2005 14:11

Was there a Drum Major in Malta 57/58 ish. by the name of McNally? I believe I went to the Naval School with his son Ian.

Name: taff higgins
City: ammanford
Sent: Wed June 29 2005 00:54

congratulations to sam goldsworthy on becoming a bachelor of music (b.u.m.s. for short i believe) well done sam,i'm still trying to get over the trauma of my m2's but not as much as jan dale who coached me! don't worry jan i've put my fiddle to rest togrther with my orchestral collar.

Name: HQBSRM
Homepage: http://www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk/pages/reunion.htm
Sent: Fri June 24 2005 05:53

Band Service Reunion Saturday 1st October 2005 Dear All, The RM Band Service Reunion will take place at 2000 hours on Saturday 1 October 2005 in the Warrant Officers, Senior Rates and Senior NCO's Mess HMS Nelson. An outline of the evening is as follows: · 1900 Guests arrive · 2000 Ceremonial Marching Display (gymnasium) · O/C Return to WO's, SR's & SNCO's Mess for drinks and hot/cold buffet The bar will remain open until 2359 hours and every guest must be clear of the Mess by 0030 hours. The cost for the reunion is £15.00. Please make cheques payable to: 'Band Service Amenities Fund', completing the attached form and enclosing a stamped addressed envelope and sending to: Warrant Officer 2 Bugler C Lawton RM Headquarters Band Service Royal Marines Eastney Block HMS Nelson Portsmouth Hampshire PO1 3HH. The dress for the evening is Lounge Suit/female equivalent. Any up dated information will be found on http://www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk/pages/reunion.htm and will be forwarded to this site as well. I very much look forward to seeing you at the reunion and hope you will enjoy the evening. For further details contact myself on 023 92725107 or WO Hill on 023 92725256

Name: Barry Radford
City: WELLINGBOROUGH. Northants. NN8 3RA
Sent: Sat June 18 2005 12:43

Just been to chatting to Wendy Hargreaves wife of John (Gunner)Hargreaves. John is still in hospital and in very very low spirits.(Which for those of us that really know him, know that is not 'Gunner')I really think that John would appreciate a few cards or a few words to brighten his long days. If any one has time and the inclination please contact me and I will pass on his address and other details.'Gunner' has always been a great supporter of past Reuinions and All Stars Concerts and I think he really does nee our support. Regards to all. See you in October Cheers Barry Radford

Name: M.A.G.Hadley
Sent: Fri June 03 2005 13:39

A piece of news concerning Gunner Hargreaves (88 squad), He is out of hospital for a week after enduring some six weeks of bed rest. He had a couple of falls and when admitted they found his diabetes treatment was all to pot. The patient is ecovering and I am sure he wishes you all to drink his pint(s) aafter you have paid for them.

Name: Michael Harte
City: Wadhurst
Sent: Fri June 03 2005 01:03

'From the halls of Montezeuma' is being claimed as a Royal Marines march, with the last line ' ...the Fighting Royal Marines', by the organisers of our 'End of WW 2 Music Hall'. As an ex-national service Royal Marine, I have argued against! Is there any evidence of the Corps ever adopting teh US Marines Hymn?

Name: Andrew Robertson
City: Oxford
Sent: Sun May 29 2005 07:15

Firstly congratulations on an excellent website. I am looking to hear from anyone who may have known my father James Arthur Robertson (RMBX2087, I think). Any photos or stories about him and his service would be gratefully received as I know very little about his career. Sadly he has passed away. Many thanks.

Name: gordon perkins
City: Perth, Western Australia
Sent: Fri May 27 2005 21:51

Congratulations to the organisers , photographers and editors of the "all stars concert" and the Westcountry reunion, and this includes Dickie of course. It's great to see and put names to faces once again, although its difficult to recognise some of those silver haired 'gents' in the 70= group (but must admit they probably would not recognise me either from the Burford and beyond era). Thanks again guys, and I would be pleased to hear from anyone who remembers me from those Med years and the 3rd Cde Bde band in the 60's .. Thanks again and good luck, Gordon (polly) perkins

Name: Bob Graham
City: Deal
Sent: Sat May 21 2005 02:48

I'm trying to contact Alan " Jock " Lyall, but the Email address on a previous page of the guest book is no longer working. If anyone knows where the "big man"is,or has a phone number/email address, please get in touch. Regards to all. Bob

Name: Paula Egan
City: plymouth
Sent: Thu May 19 2005 13:16

I wonder if anyone reading can help. I'm trying to trace details of my grandfather who was Bandmaster in the Plymouth (Stonehouse) Royal Marines between 1923-28. His name was Samuel Taylore. I have previously tried to trace information without success, although I hadn't been clear on his serving dates. Could anybody suggest how I can find further information? Thank you.

 

Name: Mike Jones
City: Bridgend,Mid Glamorgan
Sent: Sat May 14 2005 01:32

Hullo to all.This is just to let you know that the latest blood test for my Chronic Leukaemia,has proved that again I have no need for chemo therapy.The last one I had was in August 2001!Next test will be in October. Best wishes to you all. Mike Jones.

Name: Billy Walker
City: Deal Kent
Sent: Sun May 08 2005 04:23

Happy Birthday to Irfon(Taff)Higgins! 50 on May 7th. (Another member for Saga!)

Name: Olatunde Carew
Homepage: http://www.my yahoo.com
City: Lagos Nigeria
Sent: Wed May 04 2005 05:27

Pls always send me your Blue band news

Name: Brian Short
Homepage: http://www.alleycatz.net
City: Deal
Sent: Wed May 04 2005 04:37

Had a great trip to the westcountry reunuion last week in Plymouth, held at the Royal Fleet Club in Devonport. Doubly a good trip for me as I am a 'plymuff boy'. Saw plenty of the old and bold and a few people who have not changed at all [George & Eve Latham actually looking younger!] Pip Shell, Gary Pumford , Bill Sabine, Brian Fisher and Taff Thomas were there, bringing back some great memories of the 80's stonehouse crew. Regards to all who know me or still owe me money !