DIGGERS PAGE
Being an ex Army Musician both in the British and Australian Armies, I have first hand knowledge of service requirements which include Air force and Naval Funerals. To me, those who have served their country, should get that little bit extra and we do this in several ways. It is important that they be recognized during the service. The coffin will be draped with the service flag and medals, if any, will be displayed in a special cabinet.
The Last Post, Reveille or Taps for US service Men and Women will be played and Guards of honour will be encouraged. The placing of the traditional poppy, and the Ode will be read. The service can be conducted in any form to suit you and our extensive Library of Military Music is available for your use.
I have been told that I first held a cornet when I was less than a year old. It was my Fathers and he like me started at an early age. I first played in a Salvation Army Band then when I joined the Army in 1965 it was as a Musician, much like our ex Premier, Sir Charles Court who also played cornet in the Salvation Army and the Military.
I have served in Miltary Bands both here in Australia and the UK. I attended the Royal Military School Of Music, Kneller Hall and have played in many Civilian bands including Perth Champions, Midland Brick Brass. My Wife Barbara also plays Cornet.
I served in the famous Blues and Royals , Household Cavalry Band having trained in riding School to a proficient standard which is a requirement for all musicians as we often had to take part in State occasions as a mounted band. As part of my banding I was a State Trumpeter and played at State occasions in the presence of HM, the Queen and various members of the Royal Family. I have also led the Queens Life Guard on ceremonial Duties at Horse Guards parade.
Other well known members of the Blues and Royals are Princess Anne ( Colnel in Chief) Prince William, Prince Harry and Brig ( ret) Andrew Parker Bowles who is the current President of our Association. Singer, James Blunt was also an officer in the Household Cavalry.
Diggers from all nations should be recognized for their service commitment and we in turn feel that we should give something back in recognition of their willingness to lay down their lives for others. We do this by not charging you the GST component of the funeral, instead we will willingly sacrifice our profit and pay the GST for you. As an example if the GST on $6000.00 is $600.00 then we will reduce the price by $600.00.