Dear Richard,

I really must write and extol my sheer pleasure at meeting the Plymouth band last night. You will be aware that the band have been in NZ on a Marching and Concert tour, which ended (sadly) last night at the Bruce Mason Theatre in Takapuna. I must commend all players on a really spectacular show from the Corp of Drums (all 5 of them) to the young, very young violinist, who, following in John Perkins' footsteps performed with distinction the Ashokan Farewell, and then B/Sgt Jason Finch excelled playing Gabriel's Oboe.

Major Andy Thornhill, was the centre of the whole show, assisted by, would you believe two imports from the RNZN Band, one, ex RMB B/Sgt Mike Dusty Miller, now C.P.O.. together with a female Flute and Picc, who deserved all the accolades showered upon her by one and all. In the audience were a number of Corp Ties on show, but me, I was wearing my new Band tie recently sent to me by Peter Clark (Clarcus), ex Drum Major Chris Dan Archer and his wife travelled some 250 klms from Kerikeri to be present, and other members closer to home, Garry Brownrigg, Norm Feast, and all of the Navy Band.

It was particularly nostalgic for me as one of the players was in fact the nephew of Geoff Boorer, Pompy Bands 1960/70 Solo Clt, there were other family ties, one name Graham Harvey, and others which do not come to mind at this time. The good news of course at the end of the concert was that the Theatre had arranged for the bar to be open 'til midnight which allowed us all to mix and mingle and, who can forget the Maori Haka performed by the Band, who had learned this from a souvenir performing Teddy bear. Well done fellas you did us proud!

So ended a magic night for all present, after C/Sgt Ingram conducted the Regimental March and Heart of Oak you are all welcome back to NZ any time, and should any of you wish for a holiday in Godzone let me know.

Many blessings Bernard S. (Maxie) Beare and wife Katherine