WHILE Britain continues adding to its crop of gold medals at the Olympics, the Brass Band Movement's own Olympic Squad are back home and telling the tale of their three weeks in Australia preparing to play for the Parade of Athletes in the Opening Ceremony for the games.

Pictured above in their drizabones which they wore for the Opening Ceremony the ten brass players, led by Leighton Rich, had to memorize and rehearse 22 items, as well as to learn how to march. Said Leighton: "After an extremely heavy two-week rehearsal schedule the Opening Ceremony arrived. The sight of 100,000 people in the stadium clapping and cheering was overpowering."

Above Quote from British Bandsman (Issue no.5111)

Philip Ferguson traveled all the way to Sydney Australia, with Leighton's group to also represent The 1^st Old Boys Band and The NIBA (North of Ireland Bands Association). Phil said it was a fantastic experience though the rehearsals were very hard work but the end result made it all worthwhile.

Phil plays in the solo cornet section of the 1^st Old Boys after a few years on Flugel and has also conducted the band.