On Sunday 5 November, Wiltshire Army Cadet Force Corps of Drums and Bugles had a once in a lifetime experience playing with the Scots Guards at Wellington Barracks in London.
On Sunday morning 14 Cadets and 4 adult instructors arrived at Wellington Barracks, the home of the Queen's Guard.
The itinerary was laid out for the Cadets to practice with the Band of the Scots Guard in one of their rehearsal rooms. However upon hearing of the arrival of the Cadets, the Coldstream Guard Corp of Drums insisted on performing alongside them before the Scots Guards joined them.
Having observed the changing of the guards and the Band of Scots perform in the Wellington Barracks Parade Square, the Cadets were then given the opportunity to be led by Lance Sargent Peter Noble from the Band of the Scots Guard for a Bungle lesson.
Further to their unplanned practice session, the Cadets were then invited to march and perform alongside the Band of the Scots Guard and the Coldstream Guards Corps during a Sunday Parade in London.
The parade was led by Drum Major Jon Coombs from the Cadet Corps of Drums and Bugles, in company with Drum Major Liam Rowley of the Coldstream Guards and Battalions Drum Sargent Anthony Oliver.
Special thanks were extended to Sargent Mike Coombs and Staff Sargent, Glen Wonfor for arranging accommodation and meals for the weekend, as well as Sargent Holly Gordon and PI Courtney Giles-Buchanan for their contributions.
On reflection of the parade, Sargent Mike Coombs commented: "As the IC (In Command) of the Army Cadet Force Corps of Drums and Bugles, I am extremely proud of their professionalism and they have come along way since the start of the Corps of Drums some 3 years ago.
"The event made me extremely emotional and a tear or two was shed at the fact we played so well with the Cold Stream Guards and Band of the Scots Guard (Queens Guard)."
Sunday ended for the Cadets with a tour of the Guard's and the Horseguard’s Museums, before returning to the Wiltshire Army Cadet Corps of Drums and Bugles' base at the Territorial Army Centre in Swindon.
Sargent Mike Coombs added: "We are always looking for more cadets with or without music experience to join this fantastic organisation.
"Anyone interested in what we have to offer can contact our HQ in Devizes on 01380 724114 for more information."
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