Royal Marines musicians return to Deal this weekend and as the clock ticks down to Sunday’s annual musical extravaganza I have a couple of comments. Firstly, sincere congratulations to former Bandmaster & colleague Derek Lindars for the fine East Kent Mercury item I saw this morning on BBC Kent news regarding the Memorial Garden now being recognised as the RM Band Service National Memorial. I have congratulated him on his excellent input. Secondly, just in case it has been unnoticed this year marks the 75th anniversary of the birth of the modern day RM Band Service. I well remember as a Royal Naval School of Music band boy marching from the Deal train station to East Barracks on our arrival by special train from Burford in January 1950. This anniversary will I am sure be mentioned on Sunday when Derek addresses the Bandstand audience. I am sure it will be a great day with a likely customary 10,000 people attending. We are all so very proud of Derek, his Committee and helpers. Against all the odds and still gleaming like a polished jewel the Memorial Bandstand on Walmer Green has lifted the spirits of our bereaved and visitors alike over the years since it was conceived. A Phoenix rose from the ashes of 1989’s despair and I remain full of admiration for all associated with it. Graham Hoskins.