Events 2010 - 2011
Sparks Fly at Bisterne Manor
Pulling into the elegant tree lined drive of Bisterne Manor, the 450 year old house stood proudly in the sun blushed gardens surrounding it. Colourful Nepalese prayer flags completed the scene as they fluttered in the gentle breeze.
As guests waited outside wrought iron gates, smiling children were poised with wheelbarrows waiting to ferry picnic hampers and put up chairs. Subtle sounds of steel drums floated across the lawns as picnic spots were selected beside grand cedar trees and rosebushes.
Blankets were laid, programmes browsed and bubbly poured as the Band of Brigade of Gurkhas took to their positions. Conducted by Major V L Yates the band brought the garden to life as they took us through their repertoire of over 15 pieces.
An audience of 1,000 was held captivated as the beautiful saxophone solo danced through the still evening calm. Shivers ran down spines as Les Misérables visited the New Forest and impressions were raised when the entire band lent their voices to the emotional folk song 'Sangini' to the accompaniment of four traditional Nepalese dancers.
Nepali lyrics lead to life in Nepal when, during the interval The CAIRN Trust was presented with a £4,000 cheque. Dedicated followers Harry and Marion Windsor and band member Giri Bahik had strived to raise the seed funds to build a school in Giri's home village of Baglung. In view of the melodic support from the Gurkhas band, proceeds donated from the event will go towards this appeal.
As twilight descended the band again took pride of place. Weaving through the seated crowds woodwind musicians answered one another's calls in an amusing duet. Under the clear navy sky the moon shone on goose pimpled flesh as the legendary bagpipes heralded the arrival of kukri wielding Gurkha soldiers.
Then striding in neatly formed lines, led by Major Pun, band and bagpipe players marched towards one another in the impressive grandeur of the sounding retreat. Moonlight reflected from glittering silver instruments and polished black boots as the Gurkha's paraded across the lawn.
Bringing the proceeding to a close Field Marshall John Chapple thanked the band for their magical performance and with hat on heart dismissed the brigade with the final salute. Sparks flew as colours erupted in the dark sky. Reds, golds, blues, greens and white sparked across the night in cascading showers to mark the end of the spectacular evening.
"What an absolutely fabulous evening, the band were magical I can't wait to see them again."
Pat Bishop, local resident.
