There were plenty of wonderful memories recalled at the recent Welsh Guards Band Centenary reunion dinner.

The event attracted over 180 current and ex-members to enjoy a wonderful occasion, with the dinner also providing a significant moment in the band's proud history with some of the oldest members whose service reaches back as far as the 1950s in attendance.

Trip

One of those was David Read MBE, who made the trip down from his home in Cambridgeshire. He sat next to the current Principal cornet Mick Walkley.

David joined in 1953, and thoroughly enjoyed his time with the band, as he told 4BR: "I had a wonderful time in that first band, playing between two outstanding musicians in Roland Cobb and Paul Piumarta, two super Salvationist cornet players. Roland was a remarkable player — and I was in awe of him somewhat, and Paul was also such a lovely player too.

I was so proud and privileged to have played with them and to have been part of such a fine band."

I had a wonderful time in that first band, playing between two outstanding musicians in Roland Cobb and Paul PiumartaDavid Read

Festivities

The festivities saw the current band marching across the parade square at Wellington Barracks in London playing stirring Welsh music and the Regimental March 'The Rising of the Lark' before the formal dinner and the chance to recall happy memories.

In recognition of their 100 years of outstanding service the Welsh Guards Band marched through Brecon and Newport this week — playing on front of hundreds of well wishers and supporters.