Global Warming Affects Chester's Last Post!
Tuesday 15th Nov 2005, late evening
When Rob Macdonald, the Principal Cornet of the City of Chester Band, was playing the Last Post outside Chester Cathedral on Remembrance Sunday morning, his delicate playing was brought to an abrupt halt by a wasp that obviously didn't realise what time of year it was! 'I noticed the wasp as I started to play, but managed to maintain my composure and continue playing, despite the beastie proceeding to crawl across my face', said Rob. However, Rob's breaking point was reached when he felt the insect walk across his eye! Understandably concerned about being stung, Rob had to interrupt his playing in order to deal with the offending stripy creature and, having done so, he then completed the Last Post, with the 2-minute silence giving him the time he needed to fully regain his composure for a faultless Reveille. All this drama occurred in front of Chester's dignitaries, including the Lord Mayor who, when he met up with the Band at another ceremony later that same day, made a point of checking on Rob's well-being. Rob has now fully recovered from his close encounter of the six-legged kind, although it's thought he may well spray himself liberally with insect-repellent before his next outdoor appearance! P.S. This article can also be found on the 4barsrest web site...