Colour sergeant ready to strike up trombone in town - The Redditch Standard

Colour sergeant ready to strike up trombone in town

Redditch Editorial 26th Jun, 2014 Updated: 18th Oct, 2016   0

AN ARMY musician will be returning to his roots by performing in Redditch for the first time since joining the service.

Colour sergeant Scott Parkinson, a trombonist for the Rifles Band, will be leading the town’s Armed Forces Day procession tomorrow (Saturday).

The 42-year-old grew up in Headless Cross attending Ridgeway Middle School and St Augustine’s Catholic High School before leaving to join the Army Juniors in Bovington Dorset for two years training as a musician.

He has been based at Catterick, the Scottish Lowlands Band in Edinburgh and is now in Winchester, as well as playing tattoos and concerts across the world, including Buckingham Palace and Edinburgh Military Tattoo.




But this will be the first time he will play in Redditch since leaving Arrow Valley Brass.

Sgt Parkinson’s parents Christine and Brian, who organise the poppy appeal in Astwood Bank, said the day would be special for all the family.


“It’s the first time he has ever played here so it will mean a lot to see him. The nearest he has played before is Hereford and Lichfield, so it will be a great day for the family.”

The 37th Royal Signals Army Reserve Unit will be marching through the town after being awarded the Freedom of the Borough in March.

The parade will be begin at 2pm and last for one hour, with a ceremony at Civic Square and an official salute outside the Town Hall.

The Ridgeway School Choir, the Air Cadets and Sea Cadets will be playing at the bandstand from 11am.

The 37th Signal Regiment will also have a recruitment trailer in front of St Stephen’s Church and hand-held flags will be available for a donation from the Parachute Regimental Association with the proceeds going to the Army Benevolent Fund.

The unit is only the third group or individual to be given the honour of the Freedom of the Borough.

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