On The Road 2007 Tour Closes With Sunsets, Smiles And Tears Of Joy
The tour culminated with a fantastic evening in Perranporth on the North coast of Cornwall on Saturday night.
Picture the following scene:
Golden sands with surf rolling in with the incoming tide. Each wave seeming to be more powerful than the last one. The sun gradually setting, a warm evening breeze.
The arena was on grass right next to this beach and as the Bands warmed up the crowd started to build.
PA system in place with Mark Nicholson giving information about what the performances lay ahead from the Corps.
Warwick then arriving from their coach (which was parked some 400yds away) in full uniform marching to a single drum beat and in single file through the streets of Perranporth.
Poynton Commodores getting changed in a Shelterbox Tent on site.
Both Bands having warmed up, the evening commenced with Warwick parading from a promenade nearby and entering the arena to great applause followed shortly by Poynton entering to a drum cadence and likewise receiving the applause from the crowd who seemed eager for more.
Both Bands then went on to give both their respective arena performances then Warwick played some other tunes in a static formation.
The finale involved both Bands entering the arena as one massed band were they played to a crowd who had warmed as the evening progressed and were wanting more.
The final piece of music played was aptly entitled “A Perfect Day” and summed up the whole day for ALL concerned.
Both Bands then left the arena for the last time and the emotions run high in amongst the various members. Tears of sadness and happiness rolled into one with laughter and banter thrown in for good measure.
Earlier in the day both Bands had spent some time on music rehearsal before hitting the beach for a splash as well as serious surfing. The weather throughout the afternoon was an absolute scorcher and some members needed to apply yet more sun cream before and after their activities.
Throughout the week collections had been taken from the spectators in aid of BYBA and the Shelterbox Trust. In total just short of £500 has been collected.
After a late night in the Methodist Church Hall in Truro both Bands were up and about early and by 9.45am the accommodation was left spotless; the coaches were filled and the equipment packed.
One final get together was held with thanks being shared from the Bands to both Mark Nicholson and Bob Girvan.
Both Bands finally returned to their home towns at 3.15pm for Warwick and 6.30pm for Poynton. (Both Band Masters then started their packing for a trip to USA to see DCI Finals.)
The members made it very clear they want to come back again next year and are hoping the support will be even greater from other Bands getting ON THE ROAD.
