Brian Davis, who served for 9 years with RAF and is a veteran of the Falklands campaign, suffered injuries in an accident a few years ago and all he talks about according to Linda Trainer, one of the team at Covent House, is his life in the RAF.
So by arrangement with the Royal Air Forces Association and their representative our very own Wing Commander Dave Harris, Linda asked if it would be possible for an RAF band to make a surprise visit to Brian on his birthday.
With the Wing
Commander knowing he could make this wish come true, all be it with his
very own ATC Wing Band, which had just returned the night before from
the ATC National Band Competition at RAF Halton (where they came a very
credible 3rd).
The arrangements were made and finalised literally with a couple of hours to spare and 5 members of the band, from 3 different squadrons, under the command of Sgt (ATC) Darren Taylor came together to surprise Brian on this special day.
Cpl Owen McPake
(Clarinet), Cdt Sam Dawson (Trombone) and Cdt William Fletcher (Tenor
Sax) all from 361 (Gateshead) Sqn were joined by Cdt Thomas Wilkinson
(Trumpet) from 1313 (Whickham) Sqn and Sgt Callum Hartwell from 346
(Tynemouth) Sqn.
With the help of some last minute logistical support from Flt Sgt (ATC) Kevin Laws also of 361 Sqn, the band members marched down the corridor to a very surprised Brian.
The band then struck up with a very special arrangement of HAPPY BIRTHDAY, turning Brian to tears. The band finished off with one more piece of music before leaving him to enjoy the rest of his celebrations.
All the members of the Durham/Northumberland Wing Band wish Brian “Many Happy Returns” on his 60th Birthday and thank you to Wing Commander Harris for arranging this surprise and allowing the band to be part of this very special occasion.
The arrangements were made and finalised literally with a couple of hours to spare and 5 members of the band, from 3 different squadrons, under the command of Sgt (ATC) Darren Taylor came together to surprise Brian on this special day.
With the help of some last minute logistical support from Flt Sgt (ATC) Kevin Laws also of 361 Sqn, the band members marched down the corridor to a very surprised Brian.
The band then struck up with a very special arrangement of HAPPY BIRTHDAY, turning Brian to tears. The band finished off with one more piece of music before leaving him to enjoy the rest of his celebrations.
All the members of the Durham/Northumberland Wing Band wish Brian “Many Happy Returns” on his 60th Birthday and thank you to Wing Commander Harris for arranging this surprise and allowing the band to be part of this very special occasion.
