2 Apr 2007 - Band makes all the Right Notes

Bandmaster Dean Faulkner explained what an exciting week it has been for the band, especially for two of its members. Maxine Cruise just 17 years old went for an entrance test last week to join the Royal Marines band, (the best band in the world). Maxine joined St John as a Badger at the age of 7, and then continued on as a Cadet. She joined the band at the age of 11, just 6 years ago and could not play an instrument, after basic training Maxine decided to join our brass section, first training on the trumpet and then the Saxophone. Maxine then had extra lessons from her granddad, an ex-servicemen, and gained several levels in playing and reading music, she has been offered a place into the Royal Marines on 9th September, she will then undertake a two and a half year training programme, she is of course very excited and we are also very proud of her success. Not only has the band helped her to choose her career, St John has given Maxine many years of enjoyment and develop her into a very talented and pleasant young lady.

Three years ago Natalie Burgess decided to look for a new challenge within St John and the Sovereigns Award provided just that. The Award consists of two projects, an Active and a Research, both of which should benefit either the Division or St John nationally.

For the research project Natalie chose to look into the history of the Isle of Sheppey Division, how it has developed over the years, and what it means to the Island community. And for the Active project decided to fundraise for new uniform jackets for the Band, and also a new sash for the Drum Major and Bandmaster to commemorate the Band's 60^th Anniversary.

In total she raised a staggering £7,500 towards the cost of the new jackets and sashes, and on the research side we now have a comprehensive history of our Division filled with pictures through the years and stories from past members. Natalie explained that she thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the Award and was thrilled to achieve a pass. Natalie now becomes only the 11^th person in St John Nationally to obtain this award.

Maxine & Natalie in our new uniforms at the Band Headquarters.