The calm before the storm! — Wellington Brass Band

Hello loyal readers! This is Patrick Webb, a fellow back row battler speaking now that we've arrived in the UK and settled in.

Things have taken a split as the band have a day and a half to relax, taking a moment on hard ground after some serious air time. The reason for the split is that Luke Spence, Callum Mallett, Toby Pringle, Jack Bewley, Dominic Jaquemard, and myself decided to make a meal out of the time off and we have before rehearsals and travelled to London. We saw a hilarious South Park inspired musical called the Book of Mormon that was all the wrong (right) levels of offensive. Callum and Luke were treated to the stage show of the Lion King. I only imagine the rest of the band back in Birmingham had an early one with a warm cup of milo.

Sunday morning in London: after a stroll through Hyde park we visit the great Royal Albert Hall. Not only did the hall have striking physical majesty I couldn't help think of all the awesome music that has been played there and all those musicians who have been lucky enough to play there! Flash sideways to Birmingham... The main party visit the Birmingham Concert Hall. The buildings here on the other side of the world are more than enough to keep us frothing and fizzing. The anticipation is too real.

At the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace we were treated to the Coldstream Guards playing their own rendition of Wellington March! Wellington Brass are also playing this local march in their Dobcross concert later this week. Resident oracle Luke Spence said that the Coldstream music selection can only be seen as a good omen for the band.

Next on our London adventure we sit in on a somber St. Paul's Cathedral service fit with organ playing and rich choir singing. The spiritual reflection and resonant music was intense to say the least. Equally impressive was the gold lined paintings and mosaics that lined the roof of the the cathedral.

Now as I sit here; cheap pint in hand, in an out of the way authentic British pub I admit to feeling mentally and physically drained. But more so I have a quiet anticipation about tomorrow morning. The work over in Birmingham is about to start! And we finally welcome Phil Johnston and John Mason to the Open Band. This extra trip to London before the main slog has made the whole trip that much more special and memorable.