Today was the last day of the section competition. In the morning I meet up with Sgt. Kirby who shared with me the music for the Hellbound Train, which is a very challenging tune that involves three or more pipers playing harmony. The tune is to be played at an event on 11 June, where P/M Bradley, Sgt. Kirby and myself will perform. So most of the day was spent working on the new tune.
In the afternoon, I went up to cheer on the lads as they came to the end of there competition which was a 2 mile run with full bergan. After the run the entire company was treated to a BBQ.
The rest of the evening was spent in camp, where I was able to make a very welcomed phone call back home.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wedesday 27 May 2009
Today was much the same as yesterday with the section competition continuing in its second day. I was given a hand on lesson on the operation of the heavy machine gun the regiment uses.
That evening I was invited to Sgt. Allan Kirbys home, where I enjoyed a home cooked meal, and watched the big football game of Manchester United vs Barcelona. Unfortunately to the English, Barcelona won.
That evening I was invited to Sgt. Allan Kirbys home, where I enjoyed a home cooked meal, and watched the big football game of Manchester United vs Barcelona. Unfortunately to the English, Barcelona won.
Tuesday 26 May 2009
Today began the first day of section competitions that will be held all week. The competition involves a variety on events that test the solders competence and fitness. Although I wasn't able to activity take part in the competition ( thank God), I was able to watch some of it.
That evening was spent in camp watching Britain's Got Talent with the lads.
That evening was spent in camp watching Britain's Got Talent with the lads.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday 25 May 2009
I woke up this morning to find the swelling in my ankle had nearly disappeared, and I was able to put weight on my foot which made getting around so much easier.
In the afternoon I joined a mini band of the Royal Irish in the town of Market Drayton, where we played for a benefit for "Helping Heroes". It was well attended, and our playing was well appreciated.
On the way back to camp we stopped at a local chip shop, and I was told to order what I can only describe as mystery meet in a pita. I suffer for that for the entire night, LOL.
In the afternoon I joined a mini band of the Royal Irish in the town of Market Drayton, where we played for a benefit for "Helping Heroes". It was well attended, and our playing was well appreciated.
On the way back to camp we stopped at a local chip shop, and I was told to order what I can only describe as mystery meet in a pita. I suffer for that for the entire night, LOL.
Sunday 24 May 2009
This morning I came to terms with the effects of my injury from the previous night. With a twisted ankle I hobbled around the camp and spend most of the day with a bag of frozen corn wrapped around my ankle. It seems ice packs are not handy to find over here.
Saturday 23 May 2009
Today started quiet enough, with a very welcomed phone call back home.
That evening was another adventour into Market Drayton with some more lads from the BP&D. It was a great night of meeting more members of the Regiment as well as some locals. The only down side of the night came at the very end, when I sustained a small injury while in defence of of some of Her Majesties Crown Forces.
That evening was another adventour into Market Drayton with some more lads from the BP&D. It was a great night of meeting more members of the Regiment as well as some locals. The only down side of the night came at the very end, when I sustained a small injury while in defence of of some of Her Majesties Crown Forces.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday 22 May 2009
Today began a long weekend for the Regiment, who will be off until Tuesday. Many of the lads have gone home to see there friends and family. However a good number of the BP&D have stayed around and I ended up hanging out with a few of the lads having a few pints and laughs. That night I went out to the local town of Market Drayton and experienced a bit of the night life out side of the Depot.
Thursday 21 May 2009
This morning began very early, especially after the night I had at the Sgt's Mess. At 0900 I was to meet the CO "Commanding Officer", however those plans were changed at the last minute since the CO was called away to N.Ireland. In his place I meet with the Adjutant and the RSM. We had a great meeting, and discussed how everything was going with my stay, and what my future plans were when I left the Regiment.
The rest of the evening was spent resting and recovering.
The rest of the evening was spent resting and recovering.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wendesday 20 May 2009
This morning was a late start with me not having to report to the Band Block until 1030. Once at the Band Block I practiced the breaks in the sets that we will be playing tonight at the Mess.
Around 14oo hrs it was back to the Band Block with the two other pipers that will be playing this evening. We spent about 2hrs setting chanters and reeds, running threw the tunes on pipes and having a look at the set up of the Sgt's. Mess. We were then free to have dinner and rest up until meeting at 2000hrs in the Band Block to get dressed and do a final tuning.
At 2100hrs we arrived at the Sgt's. Mess were we didn't have long to wait until we were on. We played two sets and as tradition after the 2nd set we were handed a dram of whiskey, and after the P/M toasted the President of the Mess we all drank, and to prove we had taken the entire dram we turned our cups upside down. As tradition also dictates we marched off to the Regimental quick march.
After the mess was over we meet all the SNCO's who were only to happy to make sure we always had a pint in either hand. We finally left the Sgt's. Mess at 0230.
Around 14oo hrs it was back to the Band Block with the two other pipers that will be playing this evening. We spent about 2hrs setting chanters and reeds, running threw the tunes on pipes and having a look at the set up of the Sgt's. Mess. We were then free to have dinner and rest up until meeting at 2000hrs in the Band Block to get dressed and do a final tuning.
At 2100hrs we arrived at the Sgt's. Mess were we didn't have long to wait until we were on. We played two sets and as tradition after the 2nd set we were handed a dram of whiskey, and after the P/M toasted the President of the Mess we all drank, and to prove we had taken the entire dram we turned our cups upside down. As tradition also dictates we marched off to the Regimental quick march.
After the mess was over we meet all the SNCO's who were only to happy to make sure we always had a pint in either hand. We finally left the Sgt's. Mess at 0230.
Tuesday 19 May 2009
I woke up at about 0700hrs and after getting dressed, I headed down to the Naffie for a bite of breakfast.
I reported to the Band Block at 0800hrs and continued to work on some tunes while the lads went on PT.
Around 1130 I meet with the PTI and was given a show around of the gym. Once I returned back to the Band Block I followed the P/M to the QM's office and received some working kit, as well as a NO.1 uniform for the mess I will be playing at on Weds. Lucky enough I was able to get a No.1 uniform that fits, except for the kilt which is so long I will have to wear it up to my chest.
After ironing my new working dress ( like a good drummie), I headed back to the band block where Drummie escorted me to meet Capt. Herbert. I had a great conversation with the Captain as he explained how the regiment works and what it would be like to join.
That evening was spent with Pipe Major Bradley having a few pints in the Sgt's. Mess.
I reported to the Band Block at 0800hrs and continued to work on some tunes while the lads went on PT.
Around 1130 I meet with the PTI and was given a show around of the gym. Once I returned back to the Band Block I followed the P/M to the QM's office and received some working kit, as well as a NO.1 uniform for the mess I will be playing at on Weds. Lucky enough I was able to get a No.1 uniform that fits, except for the kilt which is so long I will have to wear it up to my chest.
After ironing my new working dress ( like a good drummie), I headed back to the band block where Drummie escorted me to meet Capt. Herbert. I had a great conversation with the Captain as he explained how the regiment works and what it would be like to join.
That evening was spent with Pipe Major Bradley having a few pints in the Sgt's. Mess.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Monday 18 May 2009
This morning began my first full day with the RIR. Mondays are a late start for the regiment with parade beginning at 1000hrs.
At 1000hrs I reported to the band block and had a meeting with Pipe Major Bradley, while the rest of the lads went on PT, which included an 8 mile run. With the P/M I received the tunes that will be played at an upcoming sgts mess on Wednesday.
For the better part of the morning I practiced the tunes in the band room. Around noon one of the pipers gave me a more in depth tour of the Depot, especially where to eat, which came in handy since I had not eaten since leaving Dublin. The rest of the day was spent getting to know the guys in BP&D, who all think im nuts for coming here on unpaid leave. I spent the rest of the afternoon hammering away at the tunes in the band block with the rest of the pipers.
The evening was spent in the barracks with the lads and then headed of for an early night.
At 1000hrs I reported to the band block and had a meeting with Pipe Major Bradley, while the rest of the lads went on PT, which included an 8 mile run. With the P/M I received the tunes that will be played at an upcoming sgts mess on Wednesday.
For the better part of the morning I practiced the tunes in the band room. Around noon one of the pipers gave me a more in depth tour of the Depot, especially where to eat, which came in handy since I had not eaten since leaving Dublin. The rest of the day was spent getting to know the guys in BP&D, who all think im nuts for coming here on unpaid leave. I spent the rest of the afternoon hammering away at the tunes in the band block with the rest of the pipers.
The evening was spent in the barracks with the lads and then headed of for an early night.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sunday 17 May 2009
Today we left the county of Rosscomen at 0600 and made our way to Dublin. Just after 0800 we arrived at the port for Irish Ferries. It was at that point that I was informed that my ferry to Holyhead was canceled, and the next ferry wasn't until 1500hrs.
Extermely upset, but realizing there was nothing I could do about it, we decided to head into Dublin City and grab some breakfast and try and kill time before the next ferry. My greatest worry was that I had no way to contact those who were expecting to meet me in Hollyhead.
I arrived back at the port at 1330hrs and was relieved to find that at least this ferry was still on schedule. Leaving Dublin at 1500hrs I began the journey across the Irish Sea to the United Kingdom and the town of Hollyhead. The ferry lasted 2hrs, and I arrived in Hollyhead at 1700hrs. Fearing the worst, I was relieved to hear my name being called out as I reached the main terminal at Hollyhead.
I was meet by the Pipe Major of the Royal Irish Regiment, who I found out had been waiting for me since I was first due to arrive. From Hollyhead we headed to the RIR Depot. Once arriving at the Depot I was given a very quick tour and was shown my room, which will be my home for the next month.
I also meet many members of the Bugles, Pipes and Drums, who all have rooms on the same floor as myself. I was very well received by the young pipers and drummers and I look forward to all the events to come.
Extermely upset, but realizing there was nothing I could do about it, we decided to head into Dublin City and grab some breakfast and try and kill time before the next ferry. My greatest worry was that I had no way to contact those who were expecting to meet me in Hollyhead.
I arrived back at the port at 1330hrs and was relieved to find that at least this ferry was still on schedule. Leaving Dublin at 1500hrs I began the journey across the Irish Sea to the United Kingdom and the town of Hollyhead. The ferry lasted 2hrs, and I arrived in Hollyhead at 1700hrs. Fearing the worst, I was relieved to hear my name being called out as I reached the main terminal at Hollyhead.
I was meet by the Pipe Major of the Royal Irish Regiment, who I found out had been waiting for me since I was first due to arrive. From Hollyhead we headed to the RIR Depot. Once arriving at the Depot I was given a very quick tour and was shown my room, which will be my home for the next month.
I also meet many members of the Bugles, Pipes and Drums, who all have rooms on the same floor as myself. I was very well received by the young pipers and drummers and I look forward to all the events to come.
Saturday 16 May 2009
Today was spent again in Rosscomen, where we celebrated the Chrism Liturgy and the elevation of Father Ryan to the status of Monsignor.
That evening we had a lovely dinner in the local Indian restaurant, with plenty of curry for all of us. Later that night we returned to the local pub and enjoyed traditional music as well as a few more pints.
That evening we had a lovely dinner in the local Indian restaurant, with plenty of curry for all of us. Later that night we returned to the local pub and enjoyed traditional music as well as a few more pints.
Friday 15 May 2009
I arrived in Dublin International Airport at 0508, and was greeted by Archbishop Neil Sheridan and Father Joseph Ryan. After enjoying a well needed Irish breakfast, we headed to Co. Rosscomen. After having a much needed sleep, we enjoyed a lovely dinner in the village and sampled a few of the local waterholes.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
May 14th 2009, Leaving for Ireland
Today begins the Journey! I will be flying out of John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, on Aer Lingus flight EI 104 at 1745hrs EDT and shall arrive in Dublin International Airport, Dublin Ireland 15 May at 0515hrs IST.
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