On Sunday 29th July Hampshire start their Pro40 campaign with an exciting challenge.  The Hawks face last year’s competition winners the Essex Eagles at The Rose Bowl.  It’s sure to be a great day of entertainment! 

The Rose Bowl is honoured to welcome the world renowned Royal Marines Band to perform in the main arena.

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Commando Training Centre under the direction of Major Andy Thornhill will perform before the match, and during the interval. They provide all the ceremonial band duties for the Royal Navy, but many will not realise that these Bandsmen and Bandswomen also have operational medical duties overseas.

On Sunday, they will play the ceremony of Beating Retreat.  The ceremony has its origins in the battles of the Middle Ages when, at dusk, a drummer boy was sent along the ranks of the infantry to beat retreat.  On hearing the drum the soldiers retired to their overnight quarters or garrison.  Sentries and piquets would be posted for the night, on a signal from the drummer boy.  Finally, Last Post would be sounded by a bugler.

The ceremony begins with the band playing traditional tunes as it marches and counter marches leading to the Drum Beatings.  The Band then moves to a central position for the Finale, which includes an evening hymn and the performance of Sunset. 

Hampshire Cricket is pleased to bring the band to The Rose Bowl in partnership with Wessex Medical Research and the Royal Marines Commandos.  The Royal Marines are actually part of the Royal Navy and not the Army as many suppose.  There are many good careers in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and we are delighted that  Chief Petty Officer Graeme Davison from Naval Recruiting and his recruiting team will be at The Rose Bowl on Sunday.  They will let you know all about life in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. 

Children will be particularly interested in the DVDs and the penalty shoot out game they will bring with them.  Come and see if you can beat the goalie and win lots of prizes.  Their vehicles and penalty shoot out game will be located on the East-side of the main arena.

This team will be supported later on in the day, by Members of the Royal Marines Association.  They are made up of former and serving Royal Marines and their families who maintain and foster their renowned esprit de corps and comradeship across the UK and worldwide.  They also raise funds for charitable events.  One example has been the recent shoe box appeal for the Royal Marines who have just returned from a six month tour of Afghanistan.  The Royal Marines Association sent over 5,000 boxes full of creature comforts to the men and women risking their lives overseas.  Last week we learnt that 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines had been awarded over 40 gallantry awards for their efforts.

Now the Royal Marines Association is trying to support those wounded and the bereaved families who suffered whilst serving in Afghanistan.  Their aim is to support those whose lives have been irrevocably changed for the worst.  Their charity collectors will be situated with the Naval Recruiting Team and around the ground and we do hope that you will give generously to this worthy cause. 

Face painting artists will be next to The Hampshire Shop on the west-side of the ground, for children wishing to add a little colour to their day.  Keep an eye out for Harry the Hawk supporting The Hawks against The Eagles!

The match starts at 1:45pm and gates open at 11:45am. 

 The Royal Marines Band

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