BABFA Piper Terence McGovern

Saturday 20 June 2009

2009-06-29T07:56:00.002-04:00

Today was an early start with the whole gang heading to Ary for another great day at the Highland Games. The morning started off very wet, and it was feared that it would continue threw out the day. However just before the games got underway, the sun broke threw and it turned into a gorgeous day.

This was my first competition in Scotland, and I soon realised I was in a whole new class of Drum Majors. However, I felt as though I had a good run, and I was very pleased with the constructive comments of one of the hardest Judges in Scotland, John Noble.

At the closing of the games, I was honored to be asked to lead the Massed Bands, and to be awarded a Homecoming Scotland trophy.

One the way home we stopped in for a fish supper, ( although I had chicken), and ate our meal on the scenic shore.

2009-06-29T07:53:00.002-04:00

Today, I took the train into Glasgow. It was a great day to do some sight seeing and get a feel of this well known city. That evening I had the pleasure of meeting Billy's mom, were I quickly learned where Billy gets his great sense of humor and hospitality.

Thursday 18 June 2009

2009-06-29T07:51:00.002-04:00

This evening was a big practice, in preparation for the upcoming competitions over the weekend. I was also able to hear the full grade 2 band of Dumbarton and District Pipe Band.

Wednesday 17 June 2009

2009-06-29T07:48:00.002-04:00

This evening, I meet up with the Simon Family in Helensburgh, were we enjoyed a lovely dinner. Billy, Carol and I also made a visit to a shop in Helensburgh, were a mate of Billys, make hand carved skan dues and flasks.

Tuesday 16 June 2009

2009-06-29T07:44:00.002-04:00

To day was a quiet day, of getting wash done, and taking a walk around Alexandria. That evening was another night of practice. The new mace is starting to feel a bit more comfortable.

Monday 15 June 2009

2009-06-18T10:37:00.002-04:00

This morning was very relaxed as enjoyed a long needed lay in.

In the evening, my very good mate Andy Lyons came over the house for tea. After tea, Billy, Andy and I headed to the Dumbarton and District Band Hall, where I had my first practice in quit a few weeks. The practice went very well, however I did have a tough time getting use to the mace that Billy had for me.

After practice, we enjoyed a cup of coffee and made it an early night.

Sunday 14 June 2009

2009-06-18T10:25:00.002-04:00

Today Billy,Morgan,Glenn and I headed into "The Barras" in Glasgow. The best way to describe the barras is as an open air market, where you can buy just about anything for a very reasonable price. However it was very clear that you had to be careful, not only because of pick pockets, but also because onside of the barras had many Red, White and Blue flags and the other had many Green White and Gold flags.

After our shopping adventure in the Barras, Billy took me over to Glasgow Green, to see where the World Championships are held.

On the way home, we got stuck in a massive storm, that flooded the streets and belted the cars with hail stones. This storm also caused Morgans bus to be 2 1/2 hours late.

That evening my mate Dixi came over the house, and Billy, Dixi and I had dinner at the local Indian Restaurant "Sizzlers".

Saturday 13 June 2009

2009-06-18T10:17:00.002-04:00

Today started off pretty early, with Billy, Carol, Morgan and myself preparing to headed to a Highland Games in Bearsden. Before we left we were meet up by Billy's two star students Iona Burns and Andrew Simon who would also be competing today.

It was a great day for a Highland Games, the weather was beautiful and the games were packed with spectators. It was also probley the first Highland Games that Ive been to in a very long time, that I could actually just watch and enjoy.

The day ended well for the Jordan camp, with Iona taking first in the Juveniles and Billy taking first in the Adult competition.

That night Billy, Carol, Morgan and myself enjoyed a Chinese dinner.

Friday 12 June 2009

2009-06-18T10:06:00.002-04:00

This morning marked the last day with the 1 Battalion Royal Irish Regiment. The morning began with some final last minute packing, and some paper work with HQ. After saying my good byes to the lads who had not left for leave, I headed with L/Cpl. Shaw on the long road to Scotland.

We reached Edinburgh at about 1530, and L/Cpl Shaw left me off at a bus station where I would be able to take a taxi to the train station. After reaching the train station, I booked my ticket to Alexandria and then made a call to my mate Billy Jordan to let him know what time to expect me. However that wouldn't take in to account that I got completely lost in the train station and missed my train.

After the small delay, I headed on the train, first to Glasgow and then on to Alexandria. I was relieved to see Billy's smiling face as I got of the train, and from there we headed to his home in Alexandria.

Billy and Carol had prepared a wonderful BBQ for me, and I was able to meet all the family including Billy's son Morgan, Carols daughter Samantha and son Glenn, as well as Billy's brother.

Thursday 11 June 2009

2009-06-17T08:51:00.002-04:00

This morning, I meet with the OC of the company who wanted to make sure to see me before I left on Friday. It was a very nice meeting with the OC giving me two choices in the future, one was to either join the regiment or two, come back again to visit.

Around midday, the entire regiment formed on parade in the square for the arrival of the Colonial in Chief of the Regiment, His Royal Highness Prince Andrew. As HRH approached, the Regiment to came to a smart attention. HRH addressed the regiment, and bestowed medals to rangers who showed overwhelming courage during their recent tour in Afghanistan.

That afternoon, the BP&D headed over to the community center which would be the venue for the boxing match. There we were able to do a quick rehearsal and we were briefed on the the layout of the evening.

At 1800hrs the band meet at the band block to get dressed in our No.1 uniform and prepare to head over to the community center. Once at the community center the band took its place in the stands to watch the first half of the boxing match. I was however posted with the bugles to await the Commanding Officer and Prince Andrew. As the two dignitaries arrived, the bugles played a fanfare, and I was queued to strike in and play them to their seats.

Once the boxing match had started another piper and myself took turns piping each boxer into the ring.

After the half time intermission, the entire band played its selection. The performance ended with the drummers playing a drum salute with a twist. The drummers had painted their drum sticks with fluorescent paint and installed two black lights on either side, and as the main lights were shut down, it made for a very impressive show.

After the boxing match I returned to my room to finish packing and to say good bye to the lads who would be leaving very early in the morning to go back home for their long weekend. I was just about to head to bed, when a few other lads from the BP&D nearly kidnapped me for one last night at the Stormy.

Wenesday 10 June 2009

2009-06-17T08:43:00.002-04:00

This morning we started right off on pipes, playing the tunes that we would be using for the boxing match and bringing in the drummers to make sure the band sounded good as a whole. The day however was not with out its dramas as two of the drummers were injured in a rugby match, once of which would not be able to play at the boxing match because of a badly twisted ankle.

That evening was the big farewell BBQ, with all the lads from the BP@D in attendance. It was a great night of tons of good food, good drinks, and good friends.

Tuesday 9 June 2009

2009-06-17T08:35:00.002-04:00

Today was another pretty standard day, I worked with the pipers going over the tunes that we will play for the boxing match.

After work that afternoon a few of the lads headed over the pads to set up a huge tent that would be used for my going away BBQ. It was a true miracle that we actually were able to get this tent up, since it consisted of nearly a hundred different poles and no directions. It was also a miracle that it actually fit, with the tent stretching the entire length of the garden, coming less then an inch from the house to the fence.

Monday 8 June 2009

2009-06-17T08:29:00.002-04:00

Today was a pretty quiet day. Most of the lads from the BP&D were on guard duty. However I did have the chance to watch the qualifying boxing matches, which was actually a lot of fun. The boxing matches were between the four companies, and the winners would go on to fight at the main boxing match on Thursday.

Sunday 7 June 2009

2009-06-17T08:25:00.002-04:00

After a very uncomfortable sleep my mate and I made the hour and half trip back up to Market Drayton. We stopped into the town for a bite to eat, and meet up with a few other lads from the BP&D who were enjoying a few pints on there welcomed day off.

That evening after pressing my uniform,I welcomed the chance to have an early night.

Saturday 6 June 2009

2009-06-17T08:22:00.002-04:00

Today one of the lads decided to take me down to Gluchester to visit some friends of his. So around midday we made the hour and half trip down, and meet up with them. We spent most of the afternoon having a few drinks and listening to music. That evening we sampled the local nightlife. I then found myself sleeping on a very uncomfortable couch.

Friday 5 June 2009

2009-06-10T07:54:00.003-04:00

Today we had our final rehearsal for the Job at the Officers Mess, the band is really coming together and everyone is confident that it will be a good show. The Band was allowed to take most of the afternoon off to prepare for the job in the evening.

That evening we all gathered in the Band Block and were we all helped each other get into our NO.1 uniform, especially the cloak, which is nearly impossible to get on by yourself. We then all marched over to the officers mess, where the Officer in command of the BP&D welcomed us with a bottle of port.

At 1815 hours the bugles began the fanfare and we stepped off to The Green Glens of Antrim and the Star of the County Down. The show concisest of the Bugles, Pipes and Drums play the lovely slow air " The Last of the Great Whales", a set of Marches, Reels, Jigs and Hornpipes by the Pipes and Drums, a Drummers Salute and the march off of the Regimental March.

The show went very well and the Officers and guests were very pleased. We ended the evening back at the Stormy before heading back to Camp and our beds.

Thursday 4 June 2009

2009-06-10T07:50:00.002-04:00

Today was another full day of rehearsal's, with the entire band practicing the drill and tunes that will be played for the job. The band doesn't get a chance very often to practice together as a full band, so there was a lot of work these two days to make sure everything runs smoothly.

That evening it was back to Andy's house, where we enjoyed the BBQ last evening. We did our very best to help him get rid of some of the extra cans that he had laid about.

Wednesday 3 June 2009

2009-06-10T07:46:00.002-04:00

Today the BP&D began rehearsals for an upcoming job at the Officers Mess. This was the first time I actually played with the full band. The venue will be playing on the lawn outside the Officers Mess and we practiced the drill and tunes that will be used for the event.

That evening we were all invited to one of the Buglers home to celebrate his daughters birthday. We all enjoyed a great BBQ and of course a few cans. That evening a few lads and myself headed across the street to the local pub called the Stormy.

Tuesday 2 June 2009

2009-06-08T16:54:00.002-04:00

This morning, I once again packed my bags and headed back to Market Drayton. Navigating the rails didnt seem as easy on the return, but I eventually made my way back. I was meet at the train station by Ranger Chapman, and we made our way back to camp.

Monday 1 June 2009

2009-06-08T16:48:00.002-04:00

This morning the Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guards headed back to the center of London to Wellington barracks. Today was a rehearsal for the Beating of Retreat. Once the band had changed into there kit and tuned there pipes, we headed the short distance to Horse Guards. There we were joined by the regimental massed bands, the Pipes and Drums of the Irish Guards and the Military Band from Norway. It was another warm day, and we were all feeling the effects of the heat.

The rehearsal commenced, with the regimental bands playing and the band from Norway, however 2hours into the rehearsal the decided to call it a day, and the poor lads from Pipes and Drums who had been standing in there kit in the heat, never actually performed.

That evening, we returned back to Henslow West and Calvary Barracks, and spent the night in the barracks eating pizza and watching movies.

Sunday 31 May 2009

2009-06-04T07:43:00.002-04:00

Today was quiet enough, with the lads relaxing after a busy few days and nursing a few sore heads.

Saturday 30 May 2009

2009-06-04T07:38:00.002-04:00

Today was an early start, as I headed on a bus with the Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guards to the center of London. We arrived at Wellington Barracks where the pipes and drums got dressed in their number 1 dress and tuned there pipes.

I then made my way to Horse Guards, passing Buckingham Palace and walking down the historical Mall. Once at Horse Guards I took my seat to watch the rehearsal for the Trooping of the Color. It was an amazing event, with all the pomp and circumstance that only the British Army could pull off.

After the Trooping we all headed back to Calvary Barracks where we enjoyed a BBQ and had a few pints.

Friday 29 May 2009

2009-06-02T12:59:00.002-04:00

Today I meet up with Sgt. Kirby who brought be to the train station in Telford. I boarded the train and may my way down to London. I was impressed that after taking 4 different trains and undergrounds I was actually able to make it to Henslow West where I meet with the Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guards. The Pipes and Drums were being put up in Calvary Barracks, home of the 2 Battalion Royal Fusiliers.

After meeting all the lads we headed in to town for a bite to eat and made it an early night.

Thursday 28 May 2009

2009-05-29T04:38:00.002-04:00

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.

Wedesday 27 May 2009

2009-05-28T13:08:00.002-04:00

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.

Tuesday 26 May 2009

2009-05-28T13:03:00.002-04:00

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.

Monday 25 May 2009

2009-05-26T08:58:00.002-04:00

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.

Sunday 24 May 2009

2009-05-26T08:55:00.002-04:00

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

2009-05-26T08:51:00.002-04:00

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.

Friday 22 May 2009

2009-05-23T09:45:00.002-04:00

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

2009-05-23T09:40:00.003-04:00

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.

Wendesday 20 May 2009

2009-05-21T14:18:00.002-04:00

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.

Tuesday 19 May 2009

2009-05-21T14:12:00.002-04:00

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.

Monday 18 May 2009

2009-05-20T08:23:00.003-04:00

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.

Sunday 17 May 2009

2009-05-18T12:56:00.002-04:00

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.

Saturday 16 May 2009

2009-05-18T12:51:00.002-04:00

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.

Friday 15 May 2009

2009-05-18T12:46:00.002-04:00

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.

May 14th 2009, Leaving for Ireland

2009-05-14T01:33:00.000-04:00

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.

BABFA Piper Terence McGovern prepares for his Journey to the United Kingdom

2009-04-15T22:04:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my first blog! This blog is created as a journal to record my visit with the Royal Irish Regiment of the British Army.

It is a great privilege and honor to be invited by the Royal Irish Regiment to spend a month living with them, and having a look at life in the British Army. This opportunity came about due to my work with the British Army Benevolent Fund America, as who I am representing during my journey.