Farewell David Hough. I knew Dave very well as he was in and around the Deal Staff Band when I was the B/M. We appeared on a TV radio quiz program with Rod Farell and I'm sure there is a picture of that somewhere on this site. Dave and I also did lots of gigs together around the Deal area, I actually taught him to drive on some awful mini motorcycle along Deal seafront all those years ago. After the RM Band service we did keep in contact for a while as he was involved with a Band Service somewhere in the Middle East, I think it was the Oman Navy Band !!! hope that's right? if not I'm sure someone will recall the correct outfit. Anyway if there are any of you out there who have more info about him then get your finger out and put it in print. We will all meet in the countermarch. Michael.

So sad to read of the passing of Dave Hough, like Barry I was also in Eagle House at the same time then time moved on and we were all sent to different places. Dave and I met up again in 1961 at Deal in the Staff Band, he was a good football player. Once again time moved on and we went our separate ways. I have many happy memories of him, also he was my son's Godfather / RIP Dave you will be missed by many, my most sincere condolences to his family and all who had the pleasure to know and serve with him.

DAVID HOUGH RIP

Dear Richard

Sad news to read of David Hough crossing the bar. We were both in the same room as boys in Eagle House I also served with Dave at CTCRM prior to my medical discharge .
Regards and condolences to The family. RIP Dave . Thanks for many memories

Barry Radford

Dave Hough Funeral details.

Dave was from the Whale Island Band era from memory.

Retired as LtCdr RNO (Rtd)

Funeral 31 July 2024 at 1215hrs, The Oaks, Havant Crem, Bartons Rd, Havant, Hants.

Hi Dickie

Would like to say Thank-you for a really great website keeping us all up to date with the RMBS today.So sad to note how many of our comrades are no longer with us including some of my pupils when I was an instructor at Deal. Would like to hear from any buglers who served with me in my time from Feb57 to Feb79 using my e-mail if possible.

Thank-you

Sorry to get you all excited, but can't make the Deal Bandstand concert this coming weekend. My wife Maureen has had a hip operation just a few days ago, so as the saying goes 'Home is where the Heart Is' only this time its the Hip ! Those of you going if you see Graham Hoskins give him the Hip News.....Many thanks.... Michael {hope it doesnt rain]

Well guys, no comment from anyone about the new venue for the Band Reunion ! Anyway hope to see some of you there, this will probably be my last effort as at 90 I aint too keen on driving too far these days. Will be off to Deal in a few weeks as I get to see my daughter Victoria who lives in Walmer and together we enjoy the Bandstand Memorial Concert on the Green. It's now many many years since I and many friends joined up in Burford January 1949, and then had a great time in our wonderful Band Service, many of those friends are no longer with us...I can't remember all the names but hopfully Bob Rawson will be at this years reunion and church service so we can reminisce. See you at the Bandstand Walmer. Michael.

Richard,

I would like to reply to Merv’s question and Adrian’s mention in his ‘memoirs’ of Les Evans being in his 3/59 New Entry squad.

Merv’s question about Tom Stannard being the last person to return a ‘simple system clarinet’ to the Music Store is true, but the date is a little later and must have been between 1967 -70. I was drafted back to Deal from Singapore in 1967 and Tom was already well established as M Coy sweeper along with other concerns!! I served with Tom in HMS Ganges but I never actually saw him play this ancient instrument, although I believe he did take it out of its case for Lt.Col Dunn’s inspection.

In his ‘memoirs’ Adrian mentions Les Evans (euph/cello) as being a member of his New Entry Squad yet Les is not on the Squad Photo! Was there a reason for this? I heard somewhere that Les was the first, and probably the only Junior Musician to live in married quarters. How true is this? I know that Les was still having cello tuition after he was rated coming over from M Coy.

David

Re Noel Crook having to change his simple system Clarinet when he moved to Deal. Tom Stannard kept his until he went outside to pension 1962/3/4? I think he was the last one.

Spoke to a very helpful guy at the School of Music by phone today and it seems that the cost of having the CPOs mess for our reunion gathering has got too high ! so this different venue is the best option. (note the reduction in price to £15) I suppose it is quite convenient just to walk through that dockyard gate down by the Portsmouth Station, so let's give it a try .... Will probably be my last effort anyway as at 90 I'm not too keen on driving great distances. It's OK getting to the Albert Hall as my son and I travel there by coach. Look forward to seeing many of you there and in church on Sunday. Best wishes to all Michael.