A PROMISE made on a whim at last year’s concert in Deal by the Royal Marines has been fulfilled in 2007 in spectacular style.

The promise was that the band of HM Royal Marines, Portsmouth, who honour their pledge to play in Deal every year, would perform a Beat Retreat, an ancient military ceremony believed to date back to 1554.

It was spectacularly carried out on the green in front of Deal Memorial Bandstand, with musicians donning their ceremonial white helmets and creating a marching display to music.

The entire event was displayed on a giant screen, set up for those who might have difficulty seeing.

As Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Royal Marine buglers looking down from the bandstand, more and more members of the 5,000-strong crowd began to stand and show their appreciation.

The bandstand was then re-dedicated in the memory of the 11 musicians who died in the IRA bombing of September 22, 1989 – Musician Mick Ball, Band Corporal Andy Cleatheroe, Band Corporal Trevor Davis, Musician Richard Fice, Musician Richard Jones, Band Corporal David McMillan, Musician Chris Nolan, Band Corporal Dean Pavey, Musician Mark Petch, Musician Tim Reeves and Musician Bob Simmonds – and a two-minute silence observed.

Beat Retreat followed the band’s annual concert, with the programme ranging from traditional band music to a medley of Andrew Lloyd Webber songs.

Lt Col Chris Davis, the Royal Marines’ principal director of music, told the audience: “Out of today’s band of 42, 24 members did not come to Deal, but joined in Portsmouth.

“Things are changing, but we must keep the link between the band and Deal going.”

Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust press officer Stephen Misson, a former Royal Marine, and added: “This has been one of the biggest concerts ever.

“It came about because on a whim last year, we asked the audience if they would like to see a Beat Retreat and they went wild.

“The fact so many turned out shows people do not just appreciate a good band, they want to see the Royal Marines back in their rightful home.”

While refraining from making any more promises on a whim, Mr Misson hinted that another Beat Retreat ceremony could be performed in 2009, the 20th anniversary of the bombing.

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