Today's Trooping the Colour Ceremony 2013

[Anna]

I specifically looked out for this and couldn't find it. There's certainly no mention of it in the Radio Times. In previous years it's been on channel 301 but they were carrying some sporty deal this morning.

As I said, I didn't know it was on but when I looked at the online schedule before posting it said this:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b02xgbr8

Perhaps it was a question of pressing the red button?

[Serial_Apologist]

As I said, I didn't know it was on but when I looked at the online schedule before posting it said this:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b02xgbr8

Perhaps it was a question of pressing the red button?

Or at least turning your sound down, so that you could gawp at the "wonderful" uniforms on display and not simultaneously have to listen to the awful military marches.

[vinteuil]

Or at least turning your sound down, so that you could gawp at the "wonderful" uniforms on display and not simultaneously have to listen to the awful military marches.

... it has to be said that our 'wonderful uniforms' are not a patch on those of Syldavia or Borduria

[amateur51]

... it has to be said that our 'wonderful uniforms' are not a patch on those of Syldavia or Borduria

[Petrushka]

As I said, I didn't know it was on but when I looked at the online schedule before posting it said this:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b02xgbr8

Perhaps it was a question of pressing the red button?

I tried the red button option this morning and it took me to 301 with some sport. If they are going to offer this service why not say so in Radio Times? Are the Beeb worried that too many people will take up the option?

[Petrushka]

... awful military marches.

Have you any idea just how much of classical music is based on/derived from 'awful military marches'? Mahler is an obvious example, but the march permeates much of classical music as much as the dance.

Sousa and Alford along with many less familiar names wrote music of genius, in my view, much of it instantly recognisable. Don't knock it!

[Mr Pee]

Have you any idea just how much of classical music is based on/derived from 'awful military marches'? Mahler is an obvious example, but the march permeates much of classical music as much as the dance.

Sousa and Alford along with many less familiar names wrote music of genius, in my view, much of it instantly recognisable. Don't knock it!

[teamsaint]

ah yes, another day of duty and self sacrifice , before a short mini break at Balmoral.

[BBMmk2]

I shpoul;d've guesssed that the Republican front would rear their heAads. When you think of it, Mr pee is quite right, the taxpayer would pay a minimum towards this. Great Britian is renowned ofr this kind of thing, where would weer be wiuouth it and the Monarchy is by far the cheaper way than a Presidential thingey. i am an out and out Royalist. Always will be. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and quite rightly so.

[LeMartinPecheur]

Why?

If you acknowledge a need for a standing army for defence purposes - I'm not saying you do - it is inevitable that they will spend a lot of time with little to do. So ceremonials give them something to do that involves discipline, co-ordination, obeying orders, a degree of suffering (eg passing out or not passing out in the heat!), regimental pride, and a chance of public recognition.

It's the paradox of having an army. We want it to cost nothing while there's no need for it, but come the need we want it instantly there at irresistible fighting strength. Sorry chum, it just doesn't work like that - see 1918-39 for details.

[amateur51]

If you acknowledge a need for a standing army for defence purposes - I'm not saying you do - it is inevitable that they will spend a lot of time with little to do. So ceremonials give them something to do that involves discipline, co-ordination, obeying orders, a degree of suffering (eg passing out or not passing out in the heat!), regimental pride, and a chance of public recognition.

It's the paradox of having an army. We want it to cost nothing while there's no need for it, but come the need we want it instantly there at irresistible fighting strength. Sorry chum, it just doesn't work like that - see 1918-39 for details.

Soldiers who faint and fall forwards while on parade also get to have their own chapter in books on facio-maxillary surgery - the guardsman's fracture

[BBMmk2]

Have you any idea just how much of classical music is based on/derived from 'awful military marches'? Mahler is an obvious example, but the march permeates much of classical music as much as the dance.

Sousa and Alford along with many less familiar names wrote music of genius, in my view, much of it instantly recognisable. Don't knock it!

Here here! They played the Grand march from Rienzi(Wagner) today; just to make apoint?

[verismissimo]

Trooping the Colour privately sponsored - interesting, it could work

this year we are grateful to Kiwi Shoe Polish for their support

the Annual Pepsi Trooping

Duraglit and Blanko (as I recall).

[Mr Pee]

If you acknowledge a need for a standing army for defence purposes - I'm not saying you do - it is inevitable that they will spend a lot of time with little to do. So ceremonials give them something to do that involves discipline, co-ordination, obeying orders, a degree of suffering (eg passing out or not passing out in the heat!), regimental pride, and a chance of public recognition.

It's the paradox of having an army. We want it to cost nothing while there's no need for it, but come the need we want it instantly there at irresistible fighting strength. Sorry chum, it just doesn't work like that - see 1918-39 for details.

[Mr Pee]

Duraglit and Blanko (as I recall).

And if you were cheating and taking a shortcut with your boots....Klear floor polish...

In RAF Music Services, we used to have annual competitions, in which the various regional bands, (not the Central Band, who were above such demeaning activities), were judged on musical standards by civilians, such as Edward Gregson and Philip Sparke, and on drill by Bandmasters from the Army and Royal Marines.

On one such occasion, the RAF College Band were being inspected by an Army Bandmaster and the following exchange took place:-

"Is that Klear on your boots, Corporal?"

"Yes it is, Sir", replied the RAF French Horn player.

"You wouldn't get away with that in the Army".

"That's why I joined the RAF."