Sue backs recruitment drive (From Somerset County Gazette)

Sue backs recruitment drive

8:30pm Friday 8th February 2008 in News By Alex Cameron

A TAUNTON military musician is backing a new recruitment drive for the Territorial Army's famous Salamanca Band and Bugles of The Rifles.

As recruitment officer - as well as flute and piccolo player - Sue Francis, of Taunton, knows how difficult it is to find young and talented new members.

She is backing the launch of a new youth concert band based at Plymouth's Millbay TA Centre.

Sue, a 41-year-old Lance Corporal, already works with young people as a peripatetic music teacher at schools in Taunton, Wellington and Wiveliscombe.

She said: "I think this is one way we can really make a difference.

"There is so much enjoyment in performing as a group. Playing in a wonderful band like the Salamanca was always something I dreamed of as a child but it wasn't until 2003 that a friend of mine persuaded me to come along."

Sue's son Dan, aged 15, a student at Bishop Fox's Community School, Taunton, and a talented percussionist, has already experienced playing with the Salamanca. He plans to join the Regulars at 16 as a junior musician.

The recruitment drive is aimed at finding replacements for experienced members.

Currently, the Band has only three buglers - and needs as many as ten.

One of the most senior musicians is 55-year-old cornet and trumpet player Nigel Hansen, of Wellington, a Lance Corporal who in civilian life works for John Packer, the brass and woodwind specialists in Taunton.

For more information about the project - and membership of the Salamanca Band - contact WO2 Clint Bray on 01392-492458 or e-mail musicians@armymail.mod.uk