146. Beating Retreat, 06 June 2019

As members of the City Livery Club, the Mistress and I were pleased to be able to attend Beating Retreat at Horse Guards Parade preceded by a small drinks Reception at the Framers Club just around the corner. It was a fine early summers evening as we made our way to Whitehall Court to commence the occasion.

Kindly hosted by the CLC President Dr Trevor Brignall, we joined several other guests from the wider Livery world in the Farmers Suite to enjoy company and fellowship. It was good to see some of our old friends there and to make some new ones. But soon it was time to set off for Horse Guards and join the inevitable queue for Security.

Once we had taken out seats in the SE corner of the packed stands, we awaited the Royal party and were graced by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge (pictured with Major General Benjamin Bathurst, Commander the Household Division). This year’s events were led by the Household Division and a number of bands were on parade. After a brief introduction to the meaning of ‘Beating Retreat’ by compere Alasdair Hutton OBE, the music commenced. The theme this year was ‘Icons of a Nation’ and a number of bands from across the armed services were present. These included the Massed Bands of the Foot Guards, National Cadet Force Pipe and Drums, the Band and Pipes of the Royal Regiment Scotland and the Band of the Royal Household Cavalry. We were also joined by the Royal British Legion Band and by the Band, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Guard of Oman. All very impressive.

A series of popular pieces were played together with some specially commissioned works to celebrate the Icons of a Nation. The playing and the marching was superb and at one point we were joined by the Kings Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery in all their finery; the horsemanship was exemplary!

Building into a crescendo for the Muster and Finale, the evening was completed by the singing of the Nation Anthem as Her Royal Highness took her leave. Thus ended a very enjoyable – and immensely proud – evening of music performed in the way only the Armed Services can. A privilege to be there and to share this with such a wide cross-section of people. And the rain held off (just!).