City Of Coventry Corps Of Drums

Here is an account of events by Alan Palmer:

The Seed is Sown
The year 2003 proved to be very special in that it was then that a seed was sown to take the corps to the USA. At that time there was no inclination as to where or when, all I knew was, "It would eventually happen."

The Invitation
It wasn't until September 2004 that we received an invitation via the website, that we could consider the possibility. Naturally there was an air of apprehension as to being able to raise a minimum of £35,000 to fund the visit. To put it bluntly the offer was too good to miss and we took up the challenge. With the efforts of all concerned we set about raising the cost, which took us 10 months to satisfy the overall financial commitments and together with our own fundraising events and the generous help given to us by the citizens of Coventry, we finally achieved our targets.

Arrival at Washington
On Thursday 30th June 2005 we left Coventry in our own coach at 06.30hrs and arrived at Heathrow at 08.50hrs. We had to be there 3 hours before take off, which was just as well as we had a party of 55 persons to get through check in and security before take off. At 12.50hrs we took off on United Airlines UA921 and landed at Washington at 15.10hrs(US time). On clearing immigration we were met by our host Bob Merrill and escorted to our "Jor-Lin" coach waiting outside the airport.
After loading we left for Annapolis, Maryland, where we stopped on route at "Old Country Buffet" restaurant and enjoyed an excellent meal, as much as we wanted from an assorted number of international cuisines. On leaving the manager was very

impressed with our members and looked forward to our next visit. We left fully fed and watered, to make our way to the hotel, arriving at 20.00hrs approx. After settling in we all relaxed for the rest of the evening before retiring after a tiring but enjoyable day.

A New Day
Friday 1st July was a new day and after breakfast we boarded the coach and took off to visit the "Legislative Hall" (i.e. Delaware State Capital Building), where we had a look round the hall and the Governors Office.
Next we went to the Dover Mall Shopping Arcade, followed by the U.S.A.F Museum, viewing the various aircrafts and in some cases being allowed to enter. At 15.30hrs we returned to our hotel to relax before leaving for the "Smyrna Fire House", to attend the "Welcome Party". During the evening we all enjoyed dinner, which was followed by various presentations made by The Town Mayor, Levy Court Commissioner, State Representative and State Senator, who presented the Corps with Citations, State and National Standards and Lapel Pins. We reciprocated by presenting engraved presentation trays, Corps T-Shirts, Baseball Caps. Antony Haines, Les Glover and 8yr old Harvey Millerchip helped with the presentations, as I seemed to be there forever.

The Fire Trucks
After the presentations, we all relaxed to enjoy the evening and "what a night of fun we had". The Smyrna/Clayton Firemen brought out the fire trucks and took the lads (and adults) round the streets with siren's sounding, holding up traffic and the look on the faces of the younger lads as they pulled up at the fire house, was something to see. I was no exception; I found the ride most exhilarating, pressing the siren pedals, tearing through the streets, "memories of my youth" on a Coventry Corporation Bus (not the sirens of course). Everyone had a "wail" of a time.

Next both bands played in the street outside the fire house, our band played first followed by the Smyrna band, after which both bands marched together up and down the street, until it got dark, then we retired back inside.
It was a night of fun and we thank Bob, Art and the Firemen for a brilliant night, and for a wonderful welcome. The party ended late evening, after which we returned to our hotel. The adults relaxed in the bar, the youngsters raided McDonalds, which was situated adjacent to the hotel. That was a lucky bonus for me personally as it proved easier to keep track of them.

Washington D.C.
Saturday 2nd July took us to Washington DC, where we visited the White House, US Capital Building, Air and Space Museum and Arlington National Cemetery. We had a very interesting day at all these places, looking at famous buildings, space capsules, rockets etc. and at Arlington we saw the changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and J F Kennedy's family grave.En-route we saw the Lincoln memorial, Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument. Leaving at 17.oohrs we made our way to the "Old Country Buffet", where we had dinner again, much to the delight of our party members. We left at 20.45hrs to make our way back to the hotel.

Opera House
Sunday 3rd July, took us to the Rehoboth Beach, the most popular resort in the area. Everyone enjoyed themselves doing their own thing, although, it was extremely hot (88 degrees) and we left there at 13.30hrs to return to our hotel, where the members took to the swimming pool before changing into part uniform for the "Opera House Concert". We performed a 11/2 hr concert to a full house and a very appreciative audience.
The highlight being the introduction of our Latin American Group, namely the "Coventry Chicks", complete with sombreros.
The ladies really got the audience involved to the sounds of 'El-Cumbanchero and La-Bamba' as did our finale, which brought a standing ovation. Many thanks to the citizens who attended the concert, we applaud you too. After the concert we held our own party night at the hotel.

THE BIG DAY - CELEBRATIONS. Early morning we travelled a short distance to Clayton, where at 08.45hrs we took part in a street parade. At 11.00hrs we played a short concert in the park, after which we relaxed, before returning to the hotel to change, have a swim and eat dinner. At 19.00hrs we returned to the park for the festivities and the firework display, after which we returned to the hotel.

The Baseball Stadium
Tuesday 5th July, we left for Baltimore Inner Harbour and the National Aquarium, after which we left for "Frawley Baseball Stadium". On arrival we were served with an excellent dinner in the Sky Box, before performing the opening ceremony. At 17.55hrs we marched on to the field escorting the "Star Spangled Banner" and our own Union Jack. At 18.00hrs we played the American National Anthem, the first time for a British Band, I understand.
It was a proud and emotional moment for us all seeing the crowd on their feet, in respect of their anthem and ourselves, and as we marched off the "Blue Rocks Baseball Team" lined our route in acknowledgement, we

thank them all most sincerely. We all returned to the Sky Box and enjoyed a wonderful night, with the lads supporting the Blue Rocks in their own way. We were well looked after by the stadium staff and we left with a stack of memories. "Very best wishes to the Blue Rocks from us all".

The Farewell
Wednesday 6th July, we returned to the Rehoboth Beach for relaxation and last minute shopping, after which we returned to the hotel to prepare for the farewell party at the Smyrna Fire House. At the dinner we were presented with a trophy for The Band who travelled the longest distance to take part in the parade and another trophy for the best appearing band.
Andy Beaufoy presented a Coventry City Football Shirt to Bob's son Chris, which had his name printed on the back and another Coventry City Shirt to the Smyrna Fire Company signed by all playing members and staff of the Corps. The fire trucks again took to the streets and I was dressed as the Fire Chief, complete with fire hose. I was tempted, but on consideration I was sure I would have to accept retaliation, so I opted out.
The night ended with a touch of sadness in that we had

to say our farewells.
All through the trip we had a wonderful time, made possible by our friends Bob Merrill and Art Ricker, who with their knowledge and enthusiasm gave us a trip of a lifetime. We never wanted for anything, they were always there to see we were OK and the arrangements they made for our visit over a period of 10 months were first class and most enjoyable to us all.
We all send you our very best wishes, along with everyone we met during the visit.
We thank you most sincerely.
Finally, to my own people, who not only attended the trip but made it possible, supporting the many fundraising events and helping with the various administration tasks, I pass on to you my personal thanks in bringing my thoughts of 2003 into fruition.

Alan Palmer
Commanding Officer