Despite it all.....

... Despite the early morning alarm call (six o clock for me, rendevouzed at the HQ just after seven, in Brighton just after half eight)...
... Despite the immense and oppressive heat (somewhere in the high 80's, even first thing in the morning)...
... Despite the hectic schedule (finished the march past just after twelve, back in the arena for our Regional Band display at half twelve, finally getting some lunch just before two)...
... Despite some quite frankly shoddy organisation regarding the main ceremony...
... and despite me completely forgetting how to play Men of Harlech half way through the Regional Band Display...

... Despite all of the above, Founders Day 2006 for TS Sturdy (and indeed the whole of our region) was a great success. Sturdy had 18 in the band, with another five marching behind with the Ships Company. That's the biggest number of cadets we've had at Founders Day for many a year. The Dress and Turnout was excellent, the drill and deportment was good (despite some rather unfriendly bumps and holes in the field) and the music sounded superb.

Finally, just want to add my personal thanks and congratulations to everyone involved in TS Sturdy, and a particular congratulations to the cadets. They've endured a lot of hard work and shouting from all angles over the past few weeks, and they deserve a lot of credit for a great performance at the end of it! Well done!