2trom

2nd Trombone:
Roy Craig

Started playing the trombone at the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook in 1961. Started learning on a valve trombone (this was to enable me to change instruments if required) by a Mr. Buckingham, and ex-Royal marine bandsman. During this time I was only taught treble clef.

The school is a Royal naval boarding school where at that time Naval univofrm was worn on Sundays and the "Band" played for the Sunday morning Church Parade. We played at the local fetes during the summer months around the Suffolk area and once we played during the interval at the Royal Tournament.

After I left shool I stopped playing until I joined the Royal Navy in 1968 and played in various "Blue Jacket" bands at HMS Collingwood, HMS Vernon, HMS Sultan and HMS Neptune; the bandmasters at theses establishments were all serving Royal Marines and band Colour Sergeants. I only played whilst I was shore based as:

1. I did not have my own instrument initially, and
2. It is not practical to ake a trombone away on a submarine.

During my naval career I played in the usual Naval Parades, and at ertain events around the local area, including a ship launch for the Saudi Arabian Navy at Vosper Thorneycroft in Southampton. HMS Collingwood became affiliated to Stone in Stafford when HMS St. Vincent closed. HMS St. Vincent was affiliated because the Earl of St. Vincent (Scene of a naval victory) is buried in the local church yard. I have also played in a band for Princess Anne when she opened the WRNS Quarters in HMS Neptune (Helensburgh) and again at the Royal Tournament between the first and second halves when the Royal Navy Association paraded their banners.

Whilst serving at the MoD site (Abbey Wood) on the outskirts of Bristol I played briefly with the RAF Association Band based in Weston super Mare. Unfortunately they rehearesed on a Monday evening in Weston and having travelled from Cheshire to Bristol early on a Monday morning I did not play with them for long.

Since leaving the Royal Navy in 2000 I have joined Barnton Silver Band. This is the first time that I have played with a non-military band.

I am an enthusiastic but un-accomplished player and have never studied for any musical examinations. I enjoy played and am prepared to sacrifice my home time for band performances.