Community engagement
As we are aware, the primary function of the Penrith RSL Pipes and Drums is to provide a professional and competent band for our community in an inclusive environment. As a band, we are committed and focused on the continued professional service we provide to both the Penrith RSL Club, The City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch and our community.
To maintain our level of professionalism and to improve our skills, it was decided that the band conduct an extra training session at Nepean River whilst also incorporating a community engagement component. This practice session was a perfect opportunity to improve band morale, hone our skills and of course an opportunity to attract new members.
On Sunday 23 July 23, six pipers and 10 drummers met at the Nepean River. It obviously wasn’t the entire band but it was an excellent turn out for a Sunday morning. The first hour was spent tuning the tools of our trade before running through some basics. As the morning progressed we took the opportunity to involve members of the public. Of particular note, it was cute to see two small brothers banging on a drum with mum and dad watching on. A big thankyou to David and Sheena for getting involved. The surprise of the morning was a little 5 year old girl who was watching on with her father. She was brought into the drum corp and actally got involved under instruction of Sheena. To our surprise she was also an Irish dancer so China pulled out the pipes whilst she entertained us all with her impressive dancing skills.
The morning training continued on until both the pipes and drums came together and played a few tunes, Rose of Allandale, Waltzing Matilda and Amazing Grace. We are a new band with a lot of beginners both in pipes and drums and for some, it was the first time performing for a crowd.
Overall, we can be very pleased with our overall efforts. It is very exciting to see the team getting better and better.
On completion of the training, the band had a BBQ lunch whilst being entertained by China and Shane on guitars. A massive thanks goes to Terry and Daniel for bringing out and setting up all the gear (tent, BBQ, chairs, flags, banners, tables and drums) to the park from the office.
The intention is to conduct a community engagement every 6 - 8 weeks.
A final thankyou goes out to the Miller and Tate IGA in Werrington County who sponsored this event by donating the sausages, bread rolls, onion and refreshments. Thankyou.