Each year the band has to undergo an Inspection by the County Band Adviser, Richard Hackett. This assesses the band’s whole performance – how we play, how we march and how we look. All Scout bands have to go through this annual process, and they are each awarded a grade. This year, I’m delighted to say our band was awarded an ‘A’ grade. This is the highest grade and means the band can now be called on by the Scout Association to take part in national events. This is great achievement by the band, and recognises the hard work put in by everyone – band members and leaders alike.

It’s been another busy term for the band, leading the St George’s Day parade in Oxshott and completing the annual band inspection. Here’s what a couple of the band members said about the St George’s Day Parade:

Adam Winskell: St George's Day Parade was my first parade. It was very tiring - the hill was the main problem. When it started to rain it was harder to march in time because the drops were out of time!!! After a while I started to have a slight strain but the amount of people who turned out made me feel proud to be one of the scout band. Even though it was on a steep hill playing the theme from Rocky was my favourite tune we played.

Georgina Macrae: The march itself took a more challenging route than Disney: up little hills, through dips in the roads and in between various parked cars. There was however a great audience smiling from the sides - I think they were smiling, but I didn't actually take a good look at anyone in particular. It’s always hard to see what people think as you are marching along but it was nice to hear some clapping. I like taking part in parades like this because you feel appreciated and part of a community.