Saint Patrick's Weekend, London, March 2008

On Saturday 15^th March 2008, Bob Young flew to London to take part in the St Patrick’s Weekend activities as the guest of the Metropolitan Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums.  Upon arrival he met the band at the Dorchester Hotel, where they were providing the music for the Lord Mayor’s Annual Ball.  With the evening being sponsored by Caffery’s Brewery there was ample opportunity to sample their product!

This year the St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival took place on Sunday 16th March 2008. The Parade started at Hyde Park Corner at 12:00 (noon) and finished in Whitehall.The MPS Emerald Society & Society Pipes and Drums met the Essex Caledonian Pipe Band and other uniformed officers in the Audley Public House. Tea, coffee and an egg and bacon roll were provided prior to us forming up for the parade. Shamrock was also provided to those members taking part in the parade. 

Despite the threat of heavy rain, this soon diminished to no more than a heavy drizzle as the parade passed through the large crowds lining the route. The Emerald Society members were also followed on the parade by two classic cars, one from the Met and an American Prince William County police cruiser.

Once the parade was finished some members headed to Charring Cross police station to change out of their uniforms. The Emerald Society then hosted its post St Patrick’s Day party in the Crooked Surgeon, Leicester Sq from 2pm. Many members of the London Fire Brigade joined us and all had an enjoyable afternoon’s craic.

Monday morning saw an early start at Hendon, travelling to the Barbican Centre for the first of many rehearsals, in preparation for the 62^nd Annual Metropolitan Police AA Concert.  This was going to be the first major concert performance of the Pipes and Drums, alongside the Essex Police Concert Band and Metropolitan Police Male Voice Choir.  Prior to the concert Bob Young officially presented the PUMA bannerette to the Deputy Commissioner, Paul Stephenson, who received it on behalf of the band.

. Tony Darragh (CASPER) also made the trip up from Surrey to attend the event.  Brian Kidd, former Pipe Major of the Royal Irish Regt Band, made a guest appearance with his tuition proving to be invaluable to the newer members.  Playing to a capacity audience of over 1200 people the band performed flawlessly, with the final rendition of “Highland Cathedral” receiving a standing ovation.  Many people in the audience later commented that it had been one of the best police concerts they had ever seen.