THANK YOU ALL

It all started for me at Stanford Hall, when I was presented with a Cartoon of myself and the Band. It was presented to me by the Barratt family. Neil was the one who painted it. I would like to thank him and all his family.

I thought that this was the finish of things. You can imagine my surprise at the events that took place at Sheffield. First of all, I was asked to inspect the whole of the ACWS. A salute was fired for me by both muskets and Cannon. Then I was presented with the superb statuette of a Union Drummer. I had no inkling, whatsoever. It was all kept very quiet, I cannot believe that so many people can keep a secret for so long.

Thank you all .

In my past service in the Army, I have seen people being demobbed after 22years service and they are carried out of the Barracks on a chair, led by a Piper, but my send-off was fit for a General and I WILL NEVER FORGET IT.

A special thanks also to our Princess of the 19th, Beth for her gift and to Rev. Ron and his Wife for the card. The sentiments expressed touched me and the card will go in my memory box.

So thanks ALL, but don't think that you have seen the last of me. I will still be playing my bugles and drum and I will sign off with my old army battle cry

'CABAR FEIDH'

John Fairfield, Drum Major Retired.

The above article first appeared in the ACWS Newsletter, Winter 2009