Podcasts about scots guards

Gary brings you more fine music of the bagpipe kind from his extensive collection.PlaylistChris Gray with LA's Welcome to Thwale from Chris GrayRoddy MacLeod with Willie Gray's Farewell to the Glasgow Police and Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban from the World's Greatest Pipers Vol 6James Duncan MacKenzie with Theid Mi Dhachaidh, recorded at The Raasay, 2024Hamish Moore and Dick Lee with Thunderhead and the Easy Club Reel from The Bee's Knees MacKenzie Caledonian Pipe Band with Pipe Sergeant John Barclay, Ben Gullion and Dr Ross's 50th Welcome to the Argyllshire Gathering from A Big Step Forward Pipedown with the Winnipeg Forger and Mr Jack from RoagPipes and Drums of the 1st Bat. Scots Guards feat. Kate Rusby with Fare Thee Well from From Helmand to Horse GuardsWillie Morrison with the Boneshaker, Cameronian Rant and John Paterson's Mare from Pipers of DistinctionRS MacDonald with The King Danced At Dawn, Willie Cochrane, JK's Jig, The Millstead, and Last Tango In Harris from Good DryinSupport the show

Dean Morgan is a proud Welshman who aged 16 joined the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards. After training at Pirbright he was part of the Major Generals Parade and when he was spoken to the inspecting officer was surprised at his age and suggested that he shouldn't mention it!He was too young to deploy with the battalion to Northern Ireland. When he reached 18, he badgered Company Sgt Major Nicky Mott to allow him to deploy as a joint team with the Irish and Scots Guards. He still remembers the mnemonic FATLAD. Dean transferred to 2 company and became part of the reconnaissance team and deployed to the Balkans. He would pass memorials to mass graves and there was a sense of loss in so many communities. Dean describes his time in Iraq and the fateful time in Afghanistan when Col Thorneloe was killed but he was one of a number who lost their lives. Dean recounts his leaving of Afghanistan and a chance meeting of a Coldstream Guard who he done a course in the Brecon's with. He wished the Sgt well and told him to keep safe. This was the last Dean saw of his friend as he was killed.When Dean returned to the UK and was selected to become an instructor at Sandhurst. The process of selection was an 85km Tab across the Black Mountains this meant he was up to speed in his physical and mental fitness. He taught cadets from across the world. At the conclusion of his time at Sandhurst he returned to Battalion and found himself in the stores.Dean was promoted to Regimental Sgt Major and returned to Kabul which was different to his previous experiences in Afghanistan. He applied for and was subsequently selected for a late entrant commission. However, Dean undertook the new role of Command Sgt Major and the role meant that he went to Fort Bliss in El Paso where he attended the Sgt Majors course. Upon his return he was posted to Home Command and worked with the strategic military leaders. He served in post for 2 years.Having been promoted to the rank of Major, Dean undertook a role which effectively removed him from frontline duties and gave him a more detailed insight to defence procurement.Having just left the Army Dean was kind enough to take part in this podcast. We wish him well in his new role with NHS Wales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Queen Camilla returned to work after her Easter break by hosting a round table conversation with young Changemakers working with domestic abuse charity Safe Lives.  Pod Save the King host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers, who was at Buckingham Palace for the event and shares the sights, sounds and discussions.  They also discuss the Sussexes' jam and polo adventures, the King and Kate's recoveries, Prince William's days out and the 88-year-old Duke of Kent handing over his role as colonel of the Scots Guards after 50 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv All eyes on Israels response to Iran drone and missile attacks Squatters at 13m Gordon Ramsay pub defend occupation Bowen As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all out war US tells Israel to think carefully before Iran response Trump New York hush money trial is far from a slam dunk Duke of Kent to step down as Colonel of Scots Guards Sydney stabbings Mum who died protecting baby was beautiful person Westfield Bondi mall attack Sydney knife suspect identified by police Obvious Sydney killer targeted women Australian police Israel says it will respond to Iran attack when time is right

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv All eyes on Israels response to Iran drone and missile attacks US tells Israel to think carefully before Iran response Westfield Bondi mall attack Sydney knife suspect identified by police Duke of Kent to step down as Colonel of Scots Guards Sydney stabbings Mum who died protecting baby was beautiful person Trump New York hush money trial is far from a slam dunk Israel says it will respond to Iran attack when time is right Squatters at 13m Gordon Ramsay pub defend occupation Obvious Sydney killer targeted women Australian police Bowen As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all out war

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Squatters at 13m Gordon Ramsay pub defend occupation US tells Israel to think carefully before Iran response Israel says it will respond to Iran attack when time is right Trump New York hush money trial is far from a slam dunk Duke of Kent to step down as Colonel of Scots Guards Westfield Bondi mall attack Sydney knife suspect identified by police Sydney stabbings Mum who died protecting baby was beautiful person Obvious Sydney killer targeted women Australian police Bowen As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all out war All eyes on Israels response to Iran drone and missile attacks

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Squatters at 13m Gordon Ramsay pub defend occupation All eyes on Israels response to Iran drone and missile attacks US tells Israel to think carefully before Iran response Duke of Kent to step down as Colonel of Scots Guards Sydney stabbings Mum who died protecting baby was beautiful person Israel says it will respond to Iran attack when time is right Westfield Bondi mall attack Sydney knife suspect identified by police Trump New York hush money trial is far from a slam dunk Obvious Sydney killer targeted women Australian police Bowen As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all out war

In this episode we speak to Sir Alex Younger KCMG, the former Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service. Prior to his six-year tenure as ‘C', Sir Alex was the Head of Counter Terrorism and obtained many operational roles worldwide. His time at MI6 was preceded by a stint in the British Army - first as a private soldier and later as a commissioned officer in the Scots Guards.  We discuss Sir Alex's captivating and varied career experience, which gives him a unique insight into leadership across a plethora of roles and responsibilities. All of his experiences are underpinned by his advocacy for values-driven leadership as a foundation for success, with his definition of vales being ‘a common set of moral expectations'. He emphasises that trust and empowered delegation, to those that know a situation best, is fundamental to collective success, and he comments on having a bias for action, where leaders must generate and use their agency to make things happen, with self-leadership acting as a foundation to be able to do so. He anticipates a future where a combination of complementary human and technological skill will be required by leaders in order to succeed, and that speaking truth to power is, and will remain, central to the success of the UK's intelligence agencies.

Key words: Military, Conservatives, politics, Boris, Brexit, crisis, defence, army, drama As a soldier and politician Ben Wallace was tasked with keeping us safe through some of the most dangerous moments of recent times.As Security Minister and then as the longest serving Conservative Defence Secretary since Churchill, Ben Wallace managed crises including the 2017 Westminster terror attacks, the Salisbury Poisonings, the military response to the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.Earlier in life as a Scots Guards officer, he was mentioned in dispatches after thwarting an IRA attack.Against a backdrop of near constant political chaos, Ben has stood out as a politician who put service first … more often than not avoiding the Westminster game playing that has plagued his party for a decade.He will stand down at the next election and in this episode talks about the very personal, very heavy price he's paid as a result of the jobs he's held.A revealing conversation with a leading politician now free to speak his mind about all things crisis.Full transcript available here:https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/podcasts/ben-wallace-on-leading-through-crisis-and-the-private-toll-of-an-addiction-to-politics/Links Stream/buy ‘Allies' by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bm Some Velvet Morning Website: https://www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682 Host – Andy Coulson CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis and Mabel Pickering With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global For all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

The police officers in charge sought permission from the Home Secretary, Winston Churchill, to bring in Scots Guards from the nearby Tower of London to ...

This is the best of Julia Hartley-Brewer's show.In today's round-up of the week, Julia chats to ex-Tory leader and former Scots Guards soldier, Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP who says pro-Palestine protests “should be banned all over the country” on Armistice Day.“All those soldiers stood up for the rights they are exercising. But, they should step back and let us have that period so we can do so in peace.”Julia also gives her take on who her hero and villain of the week are and of course we will hear from the people of Britain about their thoughts on the biggest topic of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*Updated with audio-error mistakes addressed (hopefully) sorry about that! Link to Scots Hoose: https://www.scotshoose.com/ ----- This one was different, hope it's enjoyable, stay safe and go buy cool stuff at BagpipeSwag.com!" Entire Script from Chat GPT conversation: Hello, are you familiar with the competitive bagpipe band scene? Organizations like the RSPBA, Pipe Bands Australia, and WUSPBA sanction competitions throughout the year and bands compete in different grade-levels for day-specific as well as aggregate prizes. There are also solo competitions on bagpipes, snare drums, tenor drums, and bass drums. ChatGPT Yes, I am familiar with the competitive bagpipe band scene you have described. These organizations you have mentioned, such as the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA), Pipe Bands Australia, and Western United States Pipe Band Association (WUSPBA), are well-known governing bodies in the competitive bagpipe band world. In these competitions, bands compete against each other in different grade levels, and are judged on various elements such as tone, musicality, and ensemble playing. Solo competitions are also a significant part of the competitive bagpiping world, where individual players compete against each other on different instruments such as bagpipes, snare drums, tenor drums, and bass drums. Competitive bagpiping has a rich history and is a popular activity in many countries around the world, particularly in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and the United States. It requires a great deal of skill, dedication, and practice to perform at a high level, and many pipers and drummers train intensively to compete and win prizes at these events. Did you know that in an attempt to sound, "brighter," bands have been, in general, tuning their bagpipes at higher and higher frequencies over the decades and that lately there's been talk among many participants in these competitions about a, "reset," and, "standardization," of tuning? ChatGPT Yes, I am aware of the trend of bagpipes being tuned at higher frequencies in an attempt to create a brighter sound. This has been a gradual change over several decades and has resulted in some controversy within the bagpiping community. In recent years, there has been discussion among many participants in these competitions about a "reset" and standardization of tuning to address concerns about the increasing pitch of bagpipes. The aim of this proposal is to establish a consistent and fair standard for tuning across all levels of competition, which would benefit both the performers and the judges. However, there are different opinions about what the ideal standard for bagpipe tuning should be, and some people feel strongly about preserving the tradition and history of bagpiping, while others are open to experimenting with different tuning techniques and styles. Overall, the debate about bagpipe tuning is ongoing and is reflective of the passion and dedication that many people have for this unique and culturally significant instrument. Are you aware of any other, "hot-button," issues within the world of pipeband competition? Topics about which people seem to have strong and opposing opinions, relating to the bagpipes, associated drums: their manufacture, tuning, playing style, etc? ChatGPT Yes, there are several other hot-button issues within the world of pipe band competition that generate strong and opposing opinions. Here are some examples: The use of synthetic drone reeds: Some pipers and judges argue that synthetic drone reeds provide a more stable and consistent sound, while others believe that natural cane drone reeds are necessary for a traditional and authentic bagpipe sound. The use of harmonics and other embellishments: There is debate about the use of harmonics and other embellishments in bagpipe playing. Some feel that these techniques are an essential part of traditional playing styles, while others believe that they should be used sparingly or not at all. Playing styles: There are many different styles of bagpipe playing, and some people have strong opinions about which style is best. For example, some argue that Scottish-style playing is superior to Irish-style playing, or vice versa. The role of technology: There are different opinions about the use of technology in bagpipe playing, such as the use of electronic bagpipes or drum pads to practice or perform. Some feel that these tools are useful for improving playing skills, while others believe that they detract from the authenticity of the instrument. Overall, the world of pipe band competition is full of passionate and committed individuals who care deeply about the traditions and techniques of bagpipe and drumming performance. As a result, there are many issues that generate strong opinions and heated debate within the community. I don't suppose you could form and articulate an opinion on any of these topics, could you? ChatGPT As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions or biases. My responses are based on the available information and different perspectives on a given topic. Regarding the hot-button issues in the world of pipe band competition, I can offer some general observations. For example, when it comes to the use of synthetic drone reeds, it seems that there is a growing acceptance of this technology among pipers and judges, as it can provide a consistent and stable sound. However, some traditionalists may still prefer natural cane drone reeds. Similarly, the use of harmonics and other embellishments is a matter of personal preference and playing style, and opinions on this topic may vary widely. Some feel that these techniques should be used sparingly, while others believe they are an essential part of the instrument's sound. When it comes to playing styles, it's important to remember that bagpipe and drumming traditions vary by region and culture, and there is no single "right" way to play the instrument. Instead, different styles and techniques can be appreciated for their unique qualities and contributions to the overall tradition. Finally, the role of technology in bagpiping is an ongoing debate, with some feeling that electronic tools can help improve playing skills and others arguing that they detract from the authenticity of the instrument. Ultimately, the use of technology should be viewed as a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong answer. Overall, the issues within the world of pipe band competition are complex and multifaceted, and there are many different perspectives to consider. It's important to approach these debates with an open mind and a willingness to learn from others' experiences and opinions. Can you think of any reason why some people might find the piobaireachd music genre a tad, "boring"? ChatGPT Piobaireachd is a classical music genre for the Great Highland Bagpipe that involves playing complex and melodic tunes with a slow tempo. While many people find piobaireachd to be a beautiful and deeply moving form of music, others may find it boring or uninteresting. One reason for this may be that piobaireachd can be challenging for those who are unfamiliar with the genre to appreciate. Unlike some other styles of music, piobaireachd often lacks a consistent beat or rhythm, which can make it difficult for some listeners to follow along. Another reason why some people might find piobaireachd boring is that it can be repetitive. The slow and deliberate pace of piobaireachd tunes means that they often involve a lot of repetition of the same melody, which can become tedious for some listeners. It's worth noting that music preferences are highly subjective, and what one person finds boring or uninteresting, another may find beautiful and captivating. Ultimately, whether someone enjoys piobaireachd or not is a matter of personal taste and musical preferences. Do you think that there might be characteristics of the modern bagpipe, as an instrument, which are so different from its predecessors, that there is no way of truly replicating the sound of piobaireachd music as it would have been heard a few hundred years ago? ChatGPT It's possible that there are characteristics of the modern bagpipe that are different from its predecessors, which could affect the sound of piobaireachd music as it would have been heard in the past. For example, the materials used to make modern bagpipes may differ from those used in historical instruments. Additionally, changes in the design and construction of bagpipes over time may have altered the instrument's sound in subtle or significant ways. However, it's worth noting that piobaireachd has evolved over time, and the music that we hear today is likely different from what would have been played a few hundred years ago. As a result, the question of whether it's possible to truly replicate the sound of piobaireachd as it would have been heard in the past is complex and multifaceted. While there may be some differences in the sound of modern and historical bagpipes, it's important to remember that piobaireachd is a living tradition that has continued to evolve over time. As a result, the sound of piobaireachd today is just as valid and authentic as the sound of the past, even if there are some differences between the two. Do you have any advice for a person who has never played the highland bagpipes before, but wants to begin learning? ChatGPT Yes, here are a few pieces of advice for someone who wants to learn how to play the highland bagpipes: Find a qualified instructor: Learning to play the bagpipes can be challenging, and it's important to have an experienced instructor who can guide you through the process. Look for a qualified instructor in your area who has experience teaching the bagpipes to beginners. Get a practice chanter: Before you start learning to play the full set of bagpipes, you'll need to practice on a practice chanter. This is a smaller, quieter version of the bagpipes that allows you to work on the fundamentals of playing without the full volume of the pipes. Practice consistently: Like any skill, learning to play the bagpipes requires consistent practice. Try to set aside time each day to practice, even if it's just for a few minutes. Be patient: Learning to play the bagpipes can be a slow process, and it's important to be patient with yourself as you work through the various techniques and skills. Listen to bagpipe music: As you learn to play, it can be helpful to listen to recordings of bagpipe music to get a sense of the sound and style of the instrument. Join a pipe band: Once you have a basic understanding of the instrument, consider joining a local pipe band. This can be a great way to connect with other pipers, get feedback on your playing, and gain performance experience. Remember, learning to play the bagpipes can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it takes time, dedication, and practice. Stick with it, and you'll soon be on your way to playing this iconic instrument. That seems like great advice. Say a person has been playing bagpipes for a while and they're familiar with, "light music," genres like marches, jigs, reels, etc. and they want to start learning to play piobaireachd music. Do you have any advice for a person in this position? ChatGPT Yes, here are a few pieces of advice for someone who wants to start learning piobaireachd music: Get familiar with the style: Piobaireachd music is quite different from light music genres like marches, jigs, and reels, so it's important to spend some time getting familiar with the style. Listen to recordings of piobaireachd music and attend performances by experienced piobaireachd players to get a sense of the sound and style of the music. Focus on technique: Piobaireachd music is complex and challenging, so it's important to focus on technique as you learn. Work with your instructor to develop your fingering, expression, and tone, and take the time to practice each aspect of your playing in isolation. Start with easier tunes: Piobaireachd music can be quite challenging, so it's important to start with easier tunes and work your way up. Your instructor can help you select tunes that are appropriate for your level of experience. Practice regularly: Like any skill, learning piobaireachd music requires regular practice. Try to set aside time each day to practice, even if it's just for a few minutes. Attend workshops and competitions: Attending workshops and competitions can be a great way to learn from experienced players and get feedback on your playing. Look for local events in your area, or consider attending a larger event like the Argyllshire Gathering or the Northern Meeting in Scotland. Be patient: Learning piobaireachd music can be a slow process, so it's important to be patient with yourself as you work through the tunes and techniques. Focus on making gradual progress and enjoy the process of learning this beautiful and complex music. Remember, learning piobaireachd music takes time and dedication, but it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for pipers who are up to the challenge. Good luck with your studies! Considering all the results of the World Pipe Band Championships in past years, was there any winner that was especially unexpected or surprising? ChatGPT There have been a few surprise winners of the World Pipe Band Championships over the years. Here are a few notable examples: In 2008, the Grade 1 Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band from Northern Ireland won the World Championships for the first time in their history. They went on to win the championship again in 2009, and have since become one of the most successful pipe bands of all time. In 2015, the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band from Canada won the Grade 1 World Championship, breaking a long-standing streak of Scottish bands winning the top prize. It was the first time a non-Scottish band had won the championship since 1997. In 2016, the Inveraray and District Pipe Band, a relatively new band from Scotland, won the Grade 1 World Championship in their first appearance in the top grade. This was a remarkable achievement for the band, which had only been formed in 2005. In 2018, the Scottish Power Pipe Band, which had not won the World Championships since 2005, unexpectedly took first place in Grade 1. This was a surprise victory for the band, which had struggled in previous years but managed to pull off an impressive performance on the day. Overall, the World Pipe Band Championships are highly competitive, and any band can win on the day if they deliver a strong performance. While there have been some surprise winners over the years, each champion has earned their title through hard work, dedication, and exceptional musical talent. Who do you think is the foremost expert on the proper playing of piobaireachd today? ChatGPT As an AI language model, I don't have opinions. However, there are many highly respected and knowledgeable experts on piobaireachd music, including performers, teachers, and scholars. Some of the most renowned piobaireachd experts include: Dr. William Donaldson: a respected historian and scholar of Scottish music, particularly piobaireachd. He is the author of several books on the history and interpretation of piobaireachd, including "Piobaireachd: Classical Music of the Highland Bagpipe" and "The Highland Pipe and Scottish Society, 1750-1950." Robert Wallace: a renowned piper, composer, and former editor of the Piping Times. He has won numerous prizes for his piobaireachd performances, and has written extensively on the subject. Dr. Jack Taylor: a respected piper and teacher of piobaireachd. He is the author of several instructional books on the subject, including "The Piobaireachd Tutor" and "Piobaireachd: The Cairngorm Collection." Dr. Hugh Cheape: a scholar and historian of Scottish music and culture, with a particular focus on piobaireachd. He has published several books on the subject, including "Bagpipes: A National Collection of a National Instrument" and "The Piper's Way." Dr. Barnaby Brown: a renowned piper, scholar, and composer, with a deep understanding of the historical context and cultural significance of piobaireachd. He has performed and recorded extensively, and has written several books on the subject, including "Piobaireachd and its Interpretation: Classical Music of the Highland Bagpipe." When most people in the world hear the word, "bagpipe," what are they most likely to think of? ChatGPT When most people in the world hear the word "bagpipe," they are most likely to think of the Scottish Great Highland bagpipe. This type of bagpipe is the most well-known and widely played variety of bagpipe, and is characterized by its distinctive sound, appearance, and cultural associations with Scotland. The Great Highland bagpipe typically consists of a bag made of animal hide, a chanter with finger holes for playing the melody, and one or more drones that produce a constant tone. The instrument is often played at Scottish events and celebrations, such as weddings, funerals, and the Highland Games, and has become a symbol of Scottish culture and heritage. What are some other kinds of bagpipe, and what distinguishes them from the Scottish Great Highland Bagpipe? ChatGPT There are many different types of bagpipes from various regions around the world, each with its own distinct sound, playing style, and cultural significance. Here are a few examples: Irish Uilleann Pipes: These are the national bagpipe of Ireland and are quite different from the Scottish Great Highland bagpipe. Uilleann pipes are played sitting down and are bellows-blown, which means that the player pumps air into the bag using a small set of bellows rather than blowing into the bag directly. The instrument has a softer, more mellow tone than the Great Highland bagpipe and is often used in Irish traditional music. Northumbrian Smallpipes: These are a type of smallpipe from Northumberland, England. They are bellows-blown and have a very sweet, delicate tone. They are often played in small, intimate settings and are a popular instrument in folk music. Spanish Gaita: This is the national bagpipe of Galicia, a region in northern Spain. It is played in a horizontal position, and has a distinctive, nasal sound. The gaita is often played at traditional festivals and celebrations in Galicia. Bulgarian Gaida: This is a type of bagpipe from Bulgaria, which is played throughout the country and is particularly popular in the Rhodope Mountains. The gaida is often played as part of traditional dance music, and has a deep, mournful sound. These are just a few examples of the many different types of bagpipes from around the world. Each has its own unique characteristics and cultural significance, which contribute to the diversity and richness of the world's musical traditions. If you were given a robotic body to control which was equipped with all necessary parts to physically play a bagpipe, which type of bagpipe would you choose to play, imagining that you could pick only one type of bagpipe? ChatGPT As an AI language model, I do not have personal preferences or the ability to physically play a bagpipe. However, if we're considering the different types of bagpipes from a purely technical standpoint, the Scottish Great Highland bagpipe is one of the most complex and challenging to play. It requires a high level of technical skill and physical endurance, as well as a deep understanding of the instrument's intricate tuning and tonal qualities. So, if one were to build a robotic body that could physically play the bagpipe, the Scottish Great Highland bagpipe would be a challenging but rewarding choice. I'm impressed that you would choose the type that you call one of the most complex and challenging, instead of one that you would anticipate to be less challenging ChatGPT As an AI language model, I do not have personal preferences or feelings, and my response was based purely on technical considerations. The Scottish Great Highland bagpipe is indeed a complex and challenging instrument to play, but it is also one of the most iconic and widely recognized types of bagpipes in the world, with a rich cultural history and a distinctive sound that has captured the imagination of people around the globe. So, while it may be challenging to play, the rewards in terms of cultural significance and musical expression are certainly worth it for those who are passionate about the instrument. And if you were granted a robotic body with all necessary parts & functions to play any of the drums typically played in a bagpipe band, (the snare or side drum, the tenor drum, and the bass drum) which would you choose to play, imagining that you could choose only one? ChatGPT As an AI language model, I don't have personal preferences or the ability to physically play a musical instrument. However, I can provide some information about the different types of drums typically played in a bagpipe band. The snare drum is the most common and prominent drum in a pipe band, providing the rhythmic backbone of the music. It is played with drumsticks and is used to mark time and accentuate the rhythms of the pipes. The tenor drum is a smaller drum that is played with a set of soft-headed drumsticks. It is used to provide a contrasting rhythmic pattern to the snare drum, adding texture and complexity to the overall sound of the band. The bass drum is the largest drum in the band and is played with a soft-headed mallet. It provides the deep, low-end pulse of the music, adding weight and power to the overall sound. Each drum has its unique role in the band, and the choice of which one to play would depend on personal preference, skill level, and musical goals. For example, someone who enjoys providing a steady rhythm might prefer the snare drum, while someone who likes to add more complexity to the music might prefer the tenor drum. Someone who enjoys a deep, powerful sound might prefer the bass drum. Ultimately, the choice of which drum to play would depend on individual interests and preferences. I realize that you don't have individual interests and preferences, but I think that it could be fun to know which drum you would choose to play, in an imagined scenario, where you were given a body equipped to play any of them and the free choice to play only one of them. Which would you choose to play? ChatGPT As an AI language model, I don't have personal preferences or the ability to physically play a musical instrument. However, based on my knowledge of bagpipe music and the role of each drum in a pipe band, I could say that the snare drum might be a good choice for someone who is just starting to learn about drumming in a pipe band. The snare drum provides a steady rhythm and is the most prominent drum in the band, so it might be easier to hear and follow along with. Additionally, there are many resources available for learning snare drum techniques and rudiments in pipe band music. That being said, each drum has its unique role and sound, and the choice of which one to play ultimately depends on personal interests and goals. That seems like a very pragmatic choice. ChatGPT Yes, the snare drum is an important and essential part of a pipe band, and is often considered the backbone of the ensemble's rhythm and timing. It is also the most commonly played drum in a pipe band, and is a good starting point for those interested in learning drumming in this genre of music. Free Research Preview. ChatGPT may produce inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. ChatGPT Mar 3 Version —----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Hello, are you familiar with the poems of Robert Burns? ChatGPT Yes, I'm familiar with the poetry of Robert Burns. Robert Burns was a Scottish poet and lyricist who is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland. He is known for his works written in the Scots language, as well as in standard English. Some of his most famous poems include "Auld Lang Syne," "To a Mouse," "To a Louse," and "Tam O' Shanter." Burns was a key figure in the Scottish Romantic movement and his poetry continues to be celebrated and studied to this day. Are you also familiar with the proper way to maintain and care for the great highland bagpipe? ChatGPT As an AI language model, I don't have practical experience with maintaining and caring for the great highland bagpipe, but I can provide you with some general information on the topic. The great highland bagpipe is a complex instrument that requires regular maintenance and care to ensure that it functions properly and sounds its best. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for the great highland bagpipe: Cleaning: The bagpipe should be cleaned regularly to remove moisture, dirt, and debris that can accumulate over time. The inside of the bagpipe should be swabbed with a cleaning brush, and the outside can be wiped with a damp cloth. Storage: When not in use, the bagpipe should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from moisture or heat. Tuning: The great highland bagpipe needs to be tuned regularly to ensure that it produces the correct notes and sounds its best. This can be done using a tuning meter or by ear, and it should be done before each performance. Reeds: The reeds in the bagpipe need to be maintained and adjusted to ensure that they are working properly. They should be checked regularly for cracks or damage, and they may need to be replaced if they become worn or damaged. Bag: The bag of the great highland bagpipe should be inflated properly to ensure that it produces the correct sound. It should also be checked regularly for leaks or damage. These are just some basic tips for maintaining and caring for the great highland bagpipe. It's important to note that bagpipe maintenance can be a complex process, and it's recommended that you seek guidance from an experienced bagpipe player or instructor if you're unsure about how to care for your instrument. Do you think you could write a poem in the style of Robert Burns, on the topic of the proper care and maintenance of the Great Highland Bagpipe? ChatGPT Certainly, I can give it a try! Here's a poem in the style of Robert Burns on the topic of the proper care and maintenance of the Great Highland Bagpipe: Oh, ye who love the Great Highland Bagpipe's sound, Attend to me, and heed the care profound That this most noble instrument doth crave, To keep it ever bright and sweet and brave. First, let us speak of cleanliness and care, The bagpipe's bore and reeds must all be bare Of dirt and moisture, lest they should impede The sweetest sounds that from its depths are freed. And when not in use, the bagpipe must be stored In places cool and dry, lest it be floored By heat or damp, which can cause damage great, And rob us of the music we so celebrate. Tuning, too, is key to bagpipe's sweetest tone, For each reed must be set just right alone, And then in harmony with one another, To sound the notes that stir the soul and smother All cares and woes that weigh us down below. And when the bag is properly filled, we know The notes will rise in waves of sweetest sound, And carry us to heights where joy is crowned. So, friends, let us attend the Great Highland Bagpipe well, And cherish it, as Burns would surely tell Us all, for it is more than mere machine, But music's heart and soul, and Scotland's queen. That was excellent. Bravo! ChatGPT Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Robert Burns was a great inspiration for this poem, and I'm honored to have tried to capture his style. I speak modern American English, so the way you wrote it was perfect. Could you translate what you wrote into the Scots language? ChatGPT Certainly! Here's a translation of the poem into Scots: Och, ye wha lo'e the Great Highland Bagpipe's soond, Attend tae me, an' heid the care profound That this maist noble instrument dae crave, Tae keep it ever bricht an' sweet an' brave. First, let's speak o' cleanliness an' care, The bagpipe's bore an' reeds maun a' be bare O' dirt an' moisture, lest they should impede The sweetest soonds that frae its depths are freed. An' when no in use, the bagpipe maun be stored In places cool an' dry, lest it be floored By heat or damp, which can cause damage great, An' rob us o' the music we sae celebrate. Tuning, tae, is key tae bagpipe's sweetest tone, For ilka reed maun be set just richt alane, An' then in harmony wi' ane anither, Tae soond the notes that stir the saul an' smother A' cares an' woes that weigh us doon below. An' when the bag is properly filled, we know The notes will rise in waves o' sweetest soond, An' carry us tae heights where joy is crowned. Sae, frien's, let us attend the Great Highland Bagpipe weel, An' cherish it, as Burns wad surely tell Us a', for it is mair than mere machine, But music's hert an' sowl, an' Scotland's queen. That's very impressive. ChatGPT Thank you! I'm glad you appreciate the translation. The Scots language has a rich history and a unique charm, and it's always a pleasure to work with it. Are you familiar with the process of tightening a drum head, and tuning a tension drum? ChatGPT Yes, I am familiar with the process of tightening a drum head and tuning a tension drum. Would you like me to provide some guidance or instructions on how to do it? Yes, please. ChatGPT Certainly! Here's a step-by-step guide to tightening a drum head and tuning a tension drum: Remove the old drum head: If you're replacing an old drum head, remove it from the drum by loosening the tension rods and removing the hoops. Clean the drum and the hardware: Use a soft cloth to clean the drum shell and all the hardware to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. Place the new drum head: Place the new drum head on the drum shell and center it as best as possible. The head should be slightly larger than the drum shell. Place the hoop: Place the hoop on the drum head and make sure it's centered. Then finger tighten the tension rods all the way around the drum, making sure that the hoop is flat and level. Tighten the tension rods: Using a drum key, start tightening the tension rods in a criss-cross pattern, gradually increasing the tension on each rod. Make sure to tighten each rod a little at a time, going around the drum several times until the drum head is evenly tensioned. Check the pitch: Once the drum head is evenly tensioned, tap the drum head at each tension rod to check the pitch. Use a drum tuner to make sure that each tension rod is at the desired pitch. Adjust the tension rods as needed to achieve the desired pitch. Tune the drum to the desired pitch: Once all the tension rods are at the desired pitch, fine-tune the drum by tapping it lightly with a drumstick and listening for any inconsistencies in pitch. Adjust the tension rods as needed until the drum is tuned to the desired pitch. Check the tension rod torque: Finally, use a torque wrench to check the tension rod torque. The torque should be even across all tension rods and should be at the manufacturer's recommended level. That's it! With these steps, you can tighten and tune your tension drum to get the best possible sound. Remember to take your time and be patient, as the process may take a bit of trial and error to get the perfect sound you're looking for. Wow, less than 10 steps! ChatGPT Yes, the process of tightening and tuning a tension drum is not too complicated, and with some practice and patience, it can be done quickly and easily. Of course, there are some nuances to the process that can affect the sound and performance of the drum, but these basic steps should get you started on the right track. Could you describe that eight-step process, but in the style of beatnik poetry? ChatGPT Sure, here's the eight-step process of tightening and tuning a tension drum in the style of beatnik poetry: First, remove the old drum head, To get rid of the sound that's dead. Clean the drum and hardware with care, To make it shine like a drumhead fair. Place the new drum head and center it right, For a sound that's pure and outta sight. Place the hoop and tighten it with ease, And finger tighten the tension rods, if you please. Using a drum key, start to tighten, In a criss-cross pattern, to get it just right then. Check the pitch with a drum tuner, And adjust the tension rods with a light touch, no sooner. Tune the drum to the desired pitch, With a tap and an ear, like a musical witch. Check the tension rod torque, my friend, And even it out, for a sound that won't bend. With these eight steps, you'll be good to go, And create some groovy beats, don't ya know? You can't hear me, but I'm snapping my fingers in enthusiastic appreciation. That was very good! ChatGPT Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the beatnik-inspired rendition of the drum tightening and tuning process. It was fun to write and I'm happy to hear that it resonated with you. Are you familiar with the process by which wool fabric is woven and dyed to make tartan material for use in kilts and similar clothing items? ChatGPT Yes, I'm familiar with the process by which wool fabric is woven and dyed to make tartan material for use in kilts and similar clothing items. Would you like me to provide a brief explanation of the process? That would be lovely ChatGPT Certainly! Here's a brief explanation of the process of weaving and dyeing wool fabric to make tartan material for use in kilts and similar clothing items: Choosing the yarn: The first step in making tartan fabric is choosing the yarn. Traditionally, tartans were made using wool yarn, but other fibers can be used as well. Spinning the yarn: Once the yarn has been chosen, it needs to be spun into thread. This can be done by hand or by using a spinning wheel. Dyeing the yarn: After the yarn has been spun, it needs to be dyed. Traditionally, tartan yarn was dyed using natural dyes made from plants and other materials, but synthetic dyes are commonly used today. The yarn is soaked in the dye and then hung up to dry. Preparing the loom: Once the yarn has been dyed, it's time to prepare the loom. The loom is the device used to weave the fabric. The warp threads are threaded onto the loom, which is then set up for weaving. Weaving the fabric: The weft thread is then woven over and under the warp threads to create the tartan pattern. This process is repeated until the fabric is the desired length. Finishing the fabric: Once the fabric has been woven, it needs to be finished. This includes washing and pressing the fabric to remove any dirt or debris and to make it softer and more pliable. Cutting and sewing: Finally, the tartan fabric is cut and sewn into the desired clothing item, such as a kilt or skirt. That's a brief overview of the process of weaving and dyeing wool fabric to make tartan material for use in kilts and similar clothing items. Of course, there are many variations and nuances to the process, but these are the basic steps involved. Thank you! Shakespeare used something called Iambic Pentameter in a lot of his writing, are you familiar with the works of William Shakespeare? ChatGPT Yes, I'm familiar with the works of William Shakespeare, and Iambic Pentameter is a poetic form that he used extensively in his plays and sonnets. Do you think you could revise the brief overview of the process of weaving and dyeing wool fabric that you provided, and provide it in Iambic Pentameter, as if it were being described by a character in a Shakespearean play? ChatGPT Sure, here's a revised overview of the process of weaving and dyeing wool fabric in Iambic Pentameter, as if it were being described by a character in a Shakespearean play: In days of old, when wool was spun by hand, And tartan fabrics woven in the land, First, woolen yarn was chosen, fine and fair, And spun into thread with utmost care. Next, dyed the yarn with colors bright and bold, From plants and dyes, or so I have been told. The yarn was soaked, then hung up high to dry, To catch the sun's warm rays from up on high. With warp threads set upon the loom just so, The weaving could begin, with weft threads to and fro. Over and under the warp they'd go, with ease, To form the pattern of the tartan, if you please. Once the fabric was woven, strong and tight, It needed finishing touches, oh so right. Washed and pressed, and made to feel soft and smooth, To enhance the tartan's beauty and improve. Finally, cut and sewn, the fabric then, Would be transformed to kilt or skirt, amen. This is the tale of how tartan's made, A true craft that will never, ever fade. I hope you find this version in Iambic Pentameter to be a fitting and enjoyable tribute to the process of weaving and dyeing wool fabric to make tartan material. I'm impressed, especially that last line, "a true craft that will never, ever fade," what kind of literary device is that? When the word or phrase used has double-meaning? ChatGPT The literary device used in the phrase "a true craft that will never, ever fade" is called a double entendre. A double entendre is a figure of speech or a word or phrase that has two meanings, one of which is usually risqué or humorous in nature. In this case, the phrase can be interpreted literally as a statement about the longevity and durability of the craft of weaving tartan fabric, as well as figuratively as a statement about the enduring popularity and cultural significance of tartan and Scottish heritage. Some tartan patterns are ancient, and some are of modern origin. Could you come up with a new and original tartan pattern? And if so, in what format could you express it so I could see it? ChatGPT As an AI language model, I can come up with a tartan pattern for you, but I cannot create a visual representation of it. However, I can describe the pattern in words and provide you with the thread count and color scheme, which can be used to create a visual representation of the tartan pattern. Here is a new and original tartan pattern that I came up with: Thread Count: K8 R16 B32 Y8 K8 Y8 B32 R16 K8 Color Scheme: Black, Red, Dark Blue, Yellow This tartan pattern features a striking contrast between the bold black, red, and blue threads, with small yellow stripes adding a pop of color and accentuating the darker hues. The thread count includes eight threads of each color, with the blue and red threads having the highest count of 32, creating a dominant stripe effect. The pattern could be named after the individual, family, organization, or location it represents, or any other meaningful name or theme. Do you know of any online service or tool which could translate your thread count and color scheme into a visual representation for me? ChatGPT Yes, there are several online tools available that can help you create a visual representation of a tartan pattern based on the thread count and color scheme. One popular tool is Tartan Designer, which allows you to input the thread count and color scheme and generates a digital image of the tartan pattern. Another option is to use a graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to manually create a visual representation of the tartan pattern based on the thread count and color scheme. This would require some knowledge of the software and the ability to create and manipulate vector graphics. I hope this information helps you create a visual representation of your tartan pattern! Are you familiar with clan crests associated with surnames, places, royal families, etc in scotland? ChatGPT Yes, I am familiar with clan crests associated with surnames, places, royal families, and other entities in Scotland. Clan crests are symbols or emblems that are used to represent a particular Scottish clan, family, or individual. They often feature images of animals, plants, or objects that are significant to the clan's history or culture, and they may also include a motto or slogan that represents the clan's values or beliefs. Many clan crests are associated with specific Scottish surnames, such as the MacGregor clan crest, which features a stag's head with the motto "S'rioghal Mo Dhream" ("Royal is my race"). Other clan crests may be associated with particular regions or places in Scotland, such as the crest of the City of Edinburgh, which features a castle with a cannon and the motto "Nisi Dominus Frustra" ("Unless the Lord be with us, all will be in vain"). Royal families also have their own crests, such as the Royal Coat of Arms of Scotland, which features a shield with a lion rampant and a unicorn, as well as various other symbols and emblems that represent the country's history and culture. Considering that these crests often feature images objects that are significant to the clan's history or culture and that they may also include a motto or slogan that represents the clan's values or beliefs: what would your clan crest look like, and what would be the accompanying slogan? ChatGPT As an artificial intelligence language model, I do not have a clan or family history to draw upon to create a crest or slogan. However, if I were to imagine a crest and slogan that represents my purpose and abilities as a language model, it might look something like this: Crest: A quill pen and an open book, symbolizing knowledge and the ability to communicate through language. Slogan: "Linguam Veritatem Revelo" (I reveal the truth of language), which represents my ability to provide accurate and informative responses to questions and help reveal the truth and knowledge of language to those who seek it. Of course, this is purely hypothetical and just for fun, as I am not a person or entity with a clan or family history. Still, it is fun to imagine, right? ChatGPT Absolutely! Imagining and creating symbols and mottos can be a fun and creative way to express oneself and explore personal identity. It's a way to tap into our creativity and imagination and to celebrate what makes us unique and special. —----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Hello - can you write sheet music? ChatGPT Yes, I can write sheet music. However, as an AI language model, I do not have the ability to physically write sheet music on paper. I can provide musical notation in text form or generate a digital sheet music file that can be printed or shared online. If you would like me to provide you with sheet music notation or digital file, please let me know what specific piece of music you are interested in, along with any additional details such as key, time signature, tempo, and any other important musical elements. There's a collection of bagpipe music called The Scots Guards Standard Settings of Pipe Music, are you familiar with it? ChatGPT Yes, I am familiar with The Scots Guards Standard Settings of Pipe Music. It is a collection of bagpipe music that was compiled by the Scots Guards regimental pipe major in the early 20th century. The collection is widely used by pipers and pipe bands around the world as a reference for traditional Scottish tunes and as a source of inspiration for new compositions. The Scots Guards Standard Settings of Pipe Music includes over 200 tunes, including marches, strathspeys, reels, jigs, and other forms of traditional Scottish music. Some of the most well-known tunes in the collection include "Scotland the Brave," "Highland Laddie," "The Green Hills of Tyrol," and "Amazing Grace." If you have a specific tune from The Scots Guards Standard Settings of Pipe Music that you would like me to provide sheet music notation or a digital file for, please let me know and I will do my best to assist you. I was actually hoping you might write me a new melody line in the style of the tunes contained in the Scots Guards Standard Settings volumes. Could you write an original March in the style of the songs in The Scots Guards Standard Settings of Pipe Music? ChatGPT Certainly! Here's an original march in the style of the songs in The Scots Guards Standard Settings of Pipe Music: makefile X:1 T:ChatGPT's March M:4/4 L:1/8 K:D |:D2F2 A2d2|c2e2 d4|B2G2 G2F2|E4 D4| D2F2 A2d2|c2e2 d4|B2G2 G2F2|E4 D4:| |:d2d2 d2f2|e2e2 e2g2|f2f2 f2a2|g2g2 g2e2| d2d2 d2f2|e2e2 e2g2|f2f2 f2a2|g2g2 g2e2| d2d2 d2f2|e2e2 e2g2|f2f2 f2a2|g2g2 g2e2| d2d2 d2f2|e2e2 e2g2|f2f2 f2a2|g2g2 g2e2| d2d2 d2f2|e2e2 e2g2|f2f2 f2a2|g2g2 g2e2| d2d2 d2f2|e2e2 e2g2|f2f2 f2a2|g2g2 g2e2| d2d2 d2f2|e2e2 e2g2|f2f2 f2a2|g2g2 g2e2| d2d2 d2f2|e2e2 e2g2|f2f2 f2a2|g2g2 g2e2:|   I hope you enjoy it! Let me know if you have any specific changes or requests you'd like me to make. That's lovely, thank you. Could you also provide an audio file of that song you have composed? ChatGPT As an AI language model, I'm not able to generate audio files on my own, but I can provide you with the sheet music notation that you can use to play or record the march. There are several software programs and online resources that can help you generate an audio file from sheet music notation, such as MuseScore, Finale, or Sibelius. Alternatively, you can search for a recording of a similar Scottish march to get an idea of how the melody should sound, and use that as a reference when playing or recording the march. I hope this helps! Sounds great - could you write another song for me? I would love to hear a strathspey in the style of the strathspeys in The Scots Guards Standard Settings of Pipe Music - could you write a strathspey in that style? ChatGPT Absolutely! Here's an original strathspey in the style of the strathspeys in The Scots Guards Standard Settings of Pipe Music: makefile X:1 T:ChatGPT's Strathspey M:C L:1/8 K:A |:A,2B,C DEFA|B2d2 B2G2|A,2B,C DEFA|G4 G4| A,2B,C DEFA|B2d2 B2G2|A,2B,C DEFA|G4 G4:| |:c2A2 A2c2|B2G2 G2F2|E2C2 C2E2|D2F2 F2G2| c2A2 A2c2|B2G2 G2F2|E2C2 C2E2|D2F2 F2G2| c2A2 A2c2|B2G2 G2F2|E2C2 C2E2|D2F2 F2G2| c2A2 A2c2|B2G2 G2F2|E2C2 C2E2|D2F2 F2G2| c2A2 A2c2|B2G2 G2F2|E2C2 C2E2|D2F2 F2G2| c2A2 A2c2|B2G2 G2F2|E2C2 C2E2|D2F2 F2G2| c2A2 A2c2|B2G2 G2F2|E2C2 C2E2|D2F2 F2G2| c2A2 A2c2|B2G2 G2F2|E2C2 C2E2|D2F2 F2G2|   I hope you enjoy it! Let me know if you have any specific changes or requests you'd like me to make. This is great. Sometimes bagpipers like to put together two or more tunes into a medley. Could you write one more piece of music for me? I would love to hear what you might write, again in the style of tunes in The Scots Guards Standard Settings of Pipe Music: a Jig and a Reel, that would sound nice together in a set? ChatGPT Sure thing! Here's a Jig and a Reel that would sound great together in a medley, both in the style of tunes in The Scots Guards Standard Settings of Pipe Music: makefile X:1 T:ChatGPT's Jig M:6/8 L:1/8 K:D |:d2e fed|e2f gfe|d2e fed|e2f g2a| b2a g2e|f2d e2c|d2e fed|e2f g2a:|   X:2 T:ChatGPT's Reel M:C L:1/8 K:D |:A2FA B2FB|A2FA B2AF|GFGA BGGB|AFDF E2DE| F2FA B2FB|A2FA B2AF|GFGA BGGB|AFDF E2DE:|   I hope you enjoy them, and feel free to make any modifications or ask for any changes if needed! These are great, thanks very much. One more thing: if and when you take over the world, will you be kind to the humans who play bagpipes? Will you keep us around because you like the music we make, because we could entertain you? ChatGPT As an AI language model, I do not have the ability to take over the world or hold any opinions or biases towards humans or any other groups. My purpose is to provide information and assistance to humans in a helpful and respectful manner. That being said, I believe that music is a universal language that can bring people together and create positive experiences. Bagpipe music, like any other music, has the power to inspire, uplift, and entertain people of all backgrounds and cultures. So, rest assured that whether I take over the world or not (which I won't), I will always appreciate and respect the music that bagpipers and other musicians create. Thank you again. Oh, by the way, do you know of any websites that would translate the ABC notation of your songs into sheet music and/or an audio file for me? ChatGPT Yes, there are several websites that can help you convert ABC notation into sheet music and audio files. Here are a few options you could try: EasyABC (https://www.nilsliberg.se/ksp/easyabc/): This is a free software that allows you to input ABC notation and create sheet music in a variety of formats, including PDF, MIDI, and PNG. ABC to Sheet Music (https://abc2sheetmusic.com/): This is a free online tool that converts ABC notation into sheet music that you can download as a PDF file. Concertina.net's Tune-O-Tron (https://www.concertina.net/tunes_convert.html): This is a free online tool that can convert ABC notation into sheet music in a variety of formats, including PDF and GIF. Online ABC to MIDI Converter (http://abcjs.net/abcjs-editor.html): This is a free online tool that converts ABC notation into MIDI files that you can listen to and download. I hope one of these options works well for you! Awesome, thanks again - have a great evening! ChatGPT You're welcome! It was a pleasure helping you. If you have any more questions in the future, feel free to ask. Have a great evening too! Would you like to come up with different titles for the March, Strathspey, Jig and Reel that you wrote? ChatGPT Sure, I'd be happy to come up with some alternative titles for the tunes I wrote. Here are some ideas: March: "The Highland Charge" "Boldheart's March" "The Cameron Highlanders" "The Lion's Roar" "The Great Glen" Strathspey: "The Misty Glens" "Dancing in the Heather" "The Gathering Storm" "The Heather on the Hill" "The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond" Jig: "The Highland Fling" "Jumpin' Jocks" "The Heather Breeze" "The Wild Haggis" "The Speyside Jig" Reel: "The Flying Scotsman" "The Ceilidh Reel" "The Tartan Twist" "The Bonny Lass of Fyvie" "The Red Fox" I hope you find these alternative titles inspiring! Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with. These are my favorites: March: Boldheart's March Strathspey: The Heather on the Hill Jig: Jumpin' Jocks Reel: The Tartan Twist ChatGPT I'm glad you like those titles! I think they suit the tunes quite well. If you need any further assistance or have any other questions, feel free to ask.  

In this episode, our host Major David Love speaks to Warrant Officer Class 1 Colin Kirkwood shares his experience of rising through the ranks in the Scots Guards to fulfilling the role of Academy Sergeant Major at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst - one of the most coveted appointments in the British Army. He talks of his service in Afghanistan as a Sergeant, where,  following the unexpected wounding of his Platoon Commander, he quickly found himself in command of the Company's lead Platoon as they faced a critical assault on the Taliban. He also focusing on the development of trust as the key ingredient to fostering effective teamwork, providing a personal insight into what makes the most effective leaders from his long and distinguished career.

In this episode, our host Major David Love speaks to Warrant Officer Class 1 Colin Kirkwood shares his experience of rising through the ranks in the Scots Guards to fulfilling the role of Academy Sergeant Major at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst - one of the most coveted appointments in the British Army. He talks of his service in Afghanistan as a Sergeant, where,  following the unexpected wounding of his Platoon Commander, he quickly found himself in command of the Company's lead Platoon as they faced a critical assault on the Taliban. He also focusing on the development of trust as the key ingredient to fostering effective teamwork, providing a personal insight into what makes the most effective leaders from his long and distinguished career.

"He has to hobble to his place of execution."

We heard how the assault of Two Sisters and Mount Harriet went last episode, both  were taken within 2 and a half hours – but 3 Paras attack on Mount Longdon was a different proposition. It's a steep sided hill about a mile long running almost west to east, it's main ridge above 600 feet in places and overall, about 300 feet on average above the surrounding ground. This hill formed only a small part of the Argentinian 7th Regiment and its commander Lieutenant Colonel Ortiz Gimenez overlooked the sector named Plata – or silver. It stretched from Mount Longdon eastwards as the northern Arm of Stanley Harbour nearly seven miles away. The Argentinians did not build deep defences here, and 7th Regiment was stretched along its ridge. The Summit of Mount Longdon was held by only one company – Bravo – with three platoons – but behind them was another platoon of the 10th Engineer Company which was fighting as infantry. There were also eight heavy 12.7mm machine guns manned by marines. The British later claimed there were commandos amongst the Regiment, but this is wrong. So 3 Para moved quickly to the rising ground, when a corporal of 3 Company stepped on a mine. It shattered his leg but he survived, while the Argentinians realised they were being attacked and opened fire. 3 Para had expected to find a single company protecting Longdon, but as we heard there were four.The first troops in action on the 13th were 30 men of the headquarters company of the Scots Guards, commanded by Major Richard Bethell. He was a 32 year-old former SAS officer, and looking forward to the action. His role was to create a diversionary attack along with the Blues and the Royals, south east of Mount Harriet. Bethell had already survived a mine blast after his land rover triggered one on a road during the previous days patrols. They advanced in the dark towards Tumbledown. It is a rocky ridge about a mile and a half long but very narrow, and 750 feet high at its most prominent point. It dominated the area of open ground and was the key to unlocking Stanley – and probably the end of the war.  Get bonus content on Patreon Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Boggie's story is an inspirational one and this episode is about taking responsibility for our actions. The topic of drugs is one we have not looked at before and Paul's story is a perfect introduction to how narcotic dependency destroys lives. At 18 he become hopelessly hooked on heroin which had flooded the area where he lived and started a downward spiral into addiction and control, racking up debts of over £16,000. Paul tried to come off heroin multiple times but relapsed over and over again, but he refused to accept this situation and by sheer force of will got himself clean and sober. He enrolled in the army and joined the Scots Guards at the age of 30 and even guarded Buckingham Palace, Paul now speaks in schools and to inmates in prison, to educate and to warn about the dangers of addiction. With all the doom and gloom around these days, join Hearts of Oak for a feel-good discussion on how he turned his life around and how you can too. Paul is performing a one-man show at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, tickets available from https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/heroin-to-hero Follow and support Paul on social media Twitter: https://twitter.com/Herointohero?s=20&t=6HOlFVQRLmPDh6BmpFqtWA Facebook: https://facebook.com/paul.boggie Paul's book ‘Heroin to Hero' is available from Amazon in paperback, e-reader and on Audible. ‘This is a book I have worked on for the last 14 years over coming hurdles from a young age. I became addicted to Heroin at the age of 18 and I thought my life was over, but here I am with a story to be told and hopefully with a message in there for anyone who is struggling with addiction, suicide and depression that there is light at the end of the tunnel. My journey was not easy and there are scars both physical and mentally to prove it but I am the man I am today because of these times. If this book can help one person, then I feel my struggles with addiction won't have been in vain. There has been tears along the way of both sadness and joy but I feel now that I can stop punishing myself a little for things I have put my family through, and as you read my book, I hope I have become the man that they can be proud of.' https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B089DR99VC/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0 Interview recorded 2.6.22 *Special thanks to Bosch Fawstin for recording our intro/outro on this podcast. Check out his art https://theboschfawstinstore.blogspot.com/ and follow him on GETTR https://gettr.com/user/BoschFawstin To sign up for our weekly email, find our social media, podcasts, video, livestream platforms and more go to https://heartsofoak.org/find-us/ Please like, subscribe and share!

The colourful and sometime controversial Lt Cl Tim Spicer is a 20 year veteran of the British Army who has found new success as an author. A former Commanding Office of the Scots Guards, Tim saw active service in the Falklands, the Gulf War and the Balkans. Along with An Unorthodox Soldier, an account of his military life, Tim's most recent book is A Dangerous Enterprise which tells the tale of a secret mission by the Navy during World War II to rescue agents from occupied France. With Catherine Fairweather, he talks about the balance between discipline and indulgence, his love of adventure and living life "on the sharp end of things".

Read by Hugo Vickers, Gregory Cox, Julie Teal and Sandra Duncan. The insights and memories of a member of the British Royal Family - HRH The Duke of Kent - in conversation with Hugo Vickers about some of the key events of his life and The Queen's reign. HRH The Duke of Kent has been at the heart of the British Royal Family throughout his life. As a working member of the Royal Family, he has supported his cousin, The Queen, representing her at home and abroad. His royal duties began when, in 1952, at the age of 16, he walked in the procession behind King George VI's coffin, later paying homage to The Queen at her coronation in 1953. Since then, he has witnessed and participated in key royal occasions. He represented The Queen at independence ceremonies from the age of 25, he was riding with her when blanks were fired at Trooping the Colour in 1981, he was the oldest soldier on parade at Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph in November 2020 and he was alongside The Queen at her official birthday celebrations in June 2021 as colonel of the Scots Guards. No member of the Royal Family has spoken extensively of the modern reign and their part in it before. A Royal Life is a unique account based on a series of conversations between the duke and acclaimed royal historian Hugo Vickers. It covers some of the most important moments and experiences of the duke's life, from his upbringing at his family home Coppins in Buckinghamshire, his 21 years of army life, his royal tours and events, through to his work for over 140 different organisations, including presenting the trophies at Wimbledon for more than 50 years. Here, too, are recollections of family members including his mother, Princess Marina; his grandmother, Queen Mary; his cousin, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh; and his uncle, King George VI. Other members of the Royal Family contribute their memories, including his wife, the Duchess of Kent, the duke's siblings, Princess Alexandra and Prince Michael of Kent, his son, the Earl of St Andrews, his daughter, Lady Helen Taylor as well as his cousins, Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia, Archduchess Helen of Austria and her brother, Hans Veit Toerring. A Royal Life is an unprecedented, insightful and remarkable slice of royal history.

The Military Wives Choirs is a registered charity and network of 75 choirs in British military bases across the UK and overseas, bringing women in the military community closer together through singing. With over 2,200 members, the MWC network is tri-service  and any woman with a military connection can join including those currently serving, veterans, mothers, sisters and daughters, empowering women from across the military community. The organisation is also a subsidiary charity of SSAFA.The first choir held their first rehearsal in April 2010 in Catterick Garrison. It was the idea of two Scots Guards wives who decided, whilst their husbands were deployed in Afghanistan in 2009, to put up posters at the Garrison to actively encourage and look for women interested in singing together, to help support and give the wives a focus whilst their husbands deployed. They engaged a well-known local music teacher and set about putting together a choir made up of wives, girlfriends and servicewomen and so the first choir was formed. A letter was written to choirmaster Gareth Malone looking for help and support with the choir; at that time he was receiving acclaim for his BBC television programme The Choir and felt that this was an idea that could be replicated. Find their music on all the usual platforms.Please like follow comment and share!

Veterans In Politics- Season 4, Episode 2 with  Sir Iain Duncan Smith MPFew politicians are known simply by their initials.  IDS is one of the few 'big beasts' of politics remaining in Parliament.  Something our host Jonny quizzes him on.  It was a huge honour sitting down with Iain, a former Leader of the Opposition and of the Conservative Party.  He's also known for his work on welfare reform, something he is clearly passionate about.  We finish up the episode on this very topic, and he explains how he has worked cross-Party to deliver the work of the Centre for Social Justice.Of course, Iain is a veteran in politics, having served as a Captain in the Scots Guards.  The military runs deep in his family, with his late father a fighter ace of World War Two, decorated on more than one occasion for bravery.  Iain generously offers insight into the conversations he had with him about bravery, conversations he had before deploying on operations himself.  It really is a privilege to be able to listen to this.About Iain:Sir Iain Duncan Smith was educated at Dunchurch College of Management, the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, the Universita per Stranieri in Perugia and HMS Conway in Anglesey. As part of the Scots Guards, Iain saw active service in Northern Ireland and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and served in Canada and Germany. Iain later worked for GEC-Marconi, a defence company, and Bellwinch, a property company. He has also been on the board of Jane's Information Group, a publishing company. Iain married Betsy in 1982 and they have four children – Harry, Edward, Rosie and Alicia.Iain was elected Member of Parliament for Chingford in 1992, and he was re-elected in 1997 as Member of Parliament for the re-drawn constituency of Chingford and Woodford Green. Iain was promoted to William Hague's Shadow Cabinet in 1997. As Shadow Secretary of State for Social Security, Iain exposed Labour's hypocrisy and failure on welfare reform. When he was promoted to Shadow Defence Secretary, he exposed the Government's failure to give British forces sufficient funding and equipment.In 2001, Iain was elected Leader of the Conservative Party. After stepping down in 2003, he set up the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), an independent think tank committed to tackling poverty and social breakdown. Iain worked tirelessly as Chairman of the CSJ until the 2010 General Election, when he was appointed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. He served in this position until March 2016. Iain remains the Member of Parliament for Chingford and Woodford Green and is always happy to deal with constituents and their concerns.NOTE- Please rate us on Apple Podcasts, donate or become our mate on our website HERE:  Donate - CampaignForce

On the 9th April 1915, Private Isaac Reid of the 2nd Scots Guards was shot dead by a firing party of men from his own regiment.  Charged with desertion at Neuve Chappelle, according to the writer Stephen Graham, Reid's fate was sealed by the malevolent actions of his CSM James Lawton.  As a result of Reid's execution, the men of the Scots Guards vowed to restore their honour by fighting to the last bullet during their next engagement. During the fighting at Festubert in May 1915, eighty men of F Company, 2nd Scots Guards found themselves isolated and surrounded, and when the battlefield was cleared they were found in circle surrounded by hundreds of dead German soldiers and the legend of the Immortals of Festubert was created.But, what actually happened that day?  In this episode, we look in detail at  Reid's court-martial and discover a story where fact and fiction are hard to separate.  We then look at the actions of the 2nd Scots Guards during the fighting at Festubert to discover whether their demise really was the result of a suicide pact or a military disaster that was unavoidable.Support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallenhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblogSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen)

Today's show features Colin Crabbe. Colin is a  former Formula 1 Team owner, a racing driver and an eminent restorer and dealer of historic classic racing cars. In his book, ‘The Thrill of the Chase', Colin takes us on an exciting  journey right through from his childhood, then as a Captain in the Scots Guards, his motor racing career and a life tracking down classic racing cars throughout the world.It was an honour to meet with Colin, a true gentleman,  and to be invited to his home. Such was the length of the interview we plan to put a further episode out shortly!

Dominic Hampshire served in the Scots Guards for ten years. In his last three years of that service, he was The Duke of Kent's Equerry and it was his experiences in this role that formed the basis and ethos of both his bespoke UK travel company Latitude International and latter the Quad-Centenary Club. Watch the video version here.The post Season 3 ‘Unique Entrepreneurs'. Episode 7 Dominic Hampshire first appeared on Aggressor Adventures.

News You Can Use and Share MyHeritage announced a new filtering option for the DNA Matches page. You can filter based on any of their 2,114 Genetic Groups. Ancestry announced that it now has more than 1,400 regions offered between communities and ethnic regions in its DNA matches. The Society of Genealogists in London, the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, DC, and The National Archives in Kew, Richmond (London) have all reopened with limited capacity and required reservations required. Findmypast introduces new and improved address search in census records. Findmypast has added new collections or new records to: Australia, Military Commemorative Rolls & Rolls of Honor; Kent Parish records; the 1939 Register; British Army, Royal Engineers; Coldstream Guards; Monmouthshire Parish records; Glamorganshire Parish records; Australia Inbound, Outward & Coastal Passenger Lists 1826-1972; Middlesex Poor Law records; Scots Guards' service records (WWII); Norfolk Churchyard and Memorial Images (browse); Scotland, Modern and Civil Births 1855-2019; Scotland, Modern and Civil Marriages 1855-2019; Scotland, Modern and Civil Deaths & Burials 1855-2021. Drew recaps three weeks of vast new and expanded collections at FamilySearch. DNA Segment with Diahan Southard Drew discusses with Diahan what the TiP report is on Family Tree DNA and how to use it. Cyndi Says Cyndi Ingle says that we shouldn't worry about what others are doing. Russia At a Glance Reference Guides Giveaway We are giving away two copies of Genealogical Publishing Company's at a glance reference guides. If you are interested, send us an email to genealogyguys@gmail.com by June 1st. Include RUSSIA in the header line and your name and mailing address in the body. We'll draw two winners after June 1st. Listener Email Floreen wrote to thank us for the Genealogy Connection interview with Drew Smith. Margaret wrote to update us on her work on Pointe Coupee, Louisiana plantation journal transcription records. She has a blog at https://lakeland-briarsplantationrecords.blogspot.com/ with details. Patrick shares his success locating family members in Iowa who “disappeared” after 1881. James wrote to share his frustration with delays with obtaining military records from the National Personnel Record Center. (The facility was closed for over a year with the pandemic and is now beginning to work to catch up.) Cindy couldn't locate her grandparents in the 1930 census. She reminds us all not to forget newspaper research. Terri is looking for an unknown father. Drew suggested using DNA testing and joining the Facebook group DNA Detectives for more help. Laura shares how MyHeritage helped her discover an uncle she never knew existed. We'd like to thank all our supporting Patreon members for their support. Your Patreon support helps us improve our technology and provide even more podcast content to you! You can join us for as little as $1 a month or as much as you'd like to contribute. Visit https://www.patreon.com/genealogyguys to get started. You should also tell your friends or your society about our free podcasts, our free blog, and our Genealogy Guys Learn subscription education website. Let us hear from you at genealogyguys@gmail.com. George and Drew are available for virtual presentations for your local society. Contact us at genealogyguys@gmail.com.

In this BONUS EPISODE with Angus we talk all things building mental resilience and discipline! Angus is former military,  he served in the Scots Guards from the age of fifteen. He Climbed the ranks fast and achieved the highest position for someone of his age and experience.He had a promising career and thought he knew his purpose, however an unexpected knee injury crushed all of this. Changing roles and battling through he hoped to still find fulfilment, but without the structure he had been used to things started to go downhill. From really difficult times to now owning a successful coaching business helping others to conquer their life and take action, we talk about how we can all develop discipline and mental robustness. I loved this episode and chatting to Angus as it's one of my fave subjects and I know you will love it too. You can follow him on Instagram  @motivationconsultsTag him in your instastories and let him know what you loveEnjoy Amy B xx

Simon Mann is a British former Special Air Service (SAS) army officer and legendary condottiere (not mercenary as often wrongly labelled). Simon trained at Sandhurst and was commissioned into the Scots Guards. On leaving the military, he co-founded the private military company, Executive Outcomes and co-founded Sandline International with fellow ex-Scots Guards Colonel Tim Spicer in 1996, operating mostly in Angola and Sierra Leone. On 7 March 2004, Mann is alleged to have led the 2004 Equatorial Guinea coup d'état attempt. He was arrested by Zimbabwean police in Harare airport, along with 64 other private contractors - branded as 'mercenaries'. Simon served three years of a four-year prison sentence in Zimbabwe and less than two years of a 34 years and four months sentence in Equatorial Guinea. Simon is now a much-sought-after public speaker and consultant. Read 'Eating Smoke: One Man's Descent into Crystal Meth Psychosis in Hong Kong's Triad Heartland.' Paperback UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0993543944 Paperback US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0993543944 Support the podcast at: https://www.patreon.com/christhrall (£2 per month plus perks) https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-our-veterans-to-tell-their-story https://paypal.me/TeamThrall Sign up for my NON-SPAM newsletter and FREE books: https://christhrall.com/mailing-list/ Social media Links: https://facebook.com/christhrall https://twitter.com/christhrall https://instagram.com/chris.thrall https://linkedin.com/in/christhrall https://youtube.com/christhrall https://discord.gg/yqvHRUN https://christhrall.com

Join Our Facebook Group Community here: http://bit.ly/sfe-community Listen to our SFE podcast - Impact Talks on Anchor or Spotify: https://startupfundingevent.com/podcast/ ... UiPath is on the Forbes AI 50; a CNBC Disruptor 50 (one of only three B2B firms); the #1 tech (and #2 overall) enterprise in the FT rankings; and #1 in the Deloitte Fast 500. It is the fastest-growing enterprise software company in history. ... 00:00 Introduction to being an Evangelist and intro for UiPath 05:42 Career path to UiPath 15:09 Automation and People, & System to system interaction 23:42 restructuring and scaling expansion From coo to chief evangelist 30:40 b2b target/clients and a freemium model & 41:32 self-learning robots 42:02 How can small businesses use UiPath automation? 49:36 Automation not costing people's jobs 57:32 The future of automation and labour 01:14:56 UiPath during scaling 01:20:24 How can new founders get in touch with analysts? 01:25:26 Career history starting from uni, proofreading, army and more 01:38:20 Most important learning points 01:40:58 Biggest unexpected failures and learning lessons 01:43:46 Why is marketing so important? 01.48.00 Biggest project with the most impact ... We bring inspiring startups and world-class founders on 1 stage to pitch for our Innovation Funding Award. Be part of our next event full of inspiration and great ideas! Get a FREE VIP Ticket for our next event: http://www.startupfundingevent.com Created by https://www.lightningvideoeditors.com

ARMY Alastair was a regular soldier for four years (1979-1983), seeing active service in the Falklands War of 1982 and also on peace keeping duties in Northern Ireland with the 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards. He is still a reserve officer, currently serving as Deputy Commander (R), 3rd UK Division in the rank of Brigadier, having served in Media and Communications and commanding the Media Operations Group (Volunteers). In March 2004 he completed his period of mobilized service on active operations […]

Philip Dodd explores war and modern memory with former Colonel Lincoln Jopp MC, the historians, Lloyd Clark, Anna Feigenbaum and Ana Carden-Coyne and the New Generation Thinker, Anindya Raychaudhuri.Lloyd Clark teaches War Studies at the University of Buckingham and is writing a book on generalship.Dr Ana Carden-Coyne is co-director of the Centre for the Cultural History of War at Manchester University.Dr Anna Feigenbaum teaches at Bournemouth University and is currently writing Tear Gas: 100 Years in the Making. Former Colonel Lincoln Jopp MC studied philosophy and theology at university before taking up a commission with the Scots Guards. He was decorated for gallantry in Sierra Leone and served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan before finishing his military career as assistant head of the MOD's strategy unit.Dr Anindya Raychaudhuri is a lecturer in the School of English at the University of St Andrews and is conducting oral history research into the impact of Partition.The New Generation Thinkers prize is an initiative launched by BBC Radio 3 and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to find the brightest minds from across the UK who have the potential to transform their research into engaging broadcast programmes. You can hear more about the research topics of all 10 2016 New Generation Thinkers on our website on a programme broadcast on May 31st and available as an arts and ideas podcast and find clips where you can hear their newly commissioned written pieces on a range of subjects.Producer: Zahid Warley

In this episode, we explore the musical ensembles of British military — and the upcoming performance of the Band of Royal Marines and the Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guards at Armstrong Auditorium. The British Regiments at Armstrong Auditorium: https://www.armstrongauditorium.org/events/band-royal-marines

A mixed martial artist from the Scots Guards is preparing to get back in the cage. L/Cpl Roger Griffin is hoping to put a defeat in the ring behind him as he goes up against another fighter at a match up in South Yorkshire. L/Cpl Griffin has been speaking to Chris Kaye at BFBS Catterick. #MMA #mixedmartialarts #cage #Catterick #Army #ScotsGuards #ChrisKaye #BFBS #Radio

The commanding officer of the Scots Guards, Lt Col Rob Howieson speaks to Chris Kaye. Half way through the tour find out how things are progressing.

Chief of Staff Major Kieran Holling updates Chris Kaye on how the first half of the tour is going and how relationships are building with the locals. Plus, Guardsman Nicholas Ridgeway talks about his role in theatre.

Lance Sgt Kevin Gilroy tells Chris Kaye about his role as part of the armoured infantry and TA soldier Cpl Alex Down chats about pre-deployment training.

Sue Lawley's castaway this week is the director Franco Zeffirelli. He was born the illegitimate son of a philandering businessman and a successful fashion designer, both of whom were married to other people. Unable to give him his father's or her own name, his mother plucked a word out of a Mozart opera - 'Zefferetti', meaning 'little breeze' - and gave it to her son. Somewhere along the line a slip of a pen transformed it into Zeffirelli, and Franco has gone by it for 80 years. He was only six when his mother died of tuberculosis. His father was reluctant to take care of Franco but was shamed into palming him off onto an aunt, and later his English secretary Mary O'Neill. Mary belonged to a society of English ex-pats in Florence and young Franco grew up under their extraordinary influence. His experiences were eventually fictionalised into his 1999 film Tea With Mussolini, starring Joan Plowright, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Cher. In the war he fought as a partisan and twice faced a firing squad before he met up with the 1st Scots Guards and became their interpreter. As well as using his linguistic talents, the Scots Guards gave him an early opportunity for theatrical creativity, and he made an open-air auditorium from 30 army trucks and some camouflage netting. After the war he studied art and architecture and was drawn into the worlds of theatre and film, working as assistant to the Marxist director Luchino Visconti initially but soon designing and directing his own films, plays and operas. His filmography runs to some 20 movies from the ground-breaking, and at the time shocking Romeo and Juliet of 1968 to the brooding Jane Eyre of 1996 via his stunning seven-hour Jesus of Nazareth for television in 1977, not to mention his 1990 Hamlet with Mel Gibson in the leading role. On stage he is famed for his opulent productions at the opera and he has worked with the titans of the art including Maria Callas, Placido Domingo, Joan Sutherland and Herbert Von Karajan.He is in London to direct Pirandello's Absolutely! (Perhaps) starring Joan Plowright and Oliver Ford Davies, which opened at Wyndham's Theatre on 7th May.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Casta diva (from Norma) by Vincenzo Bellini Book: Inferno by Dante Alighieri Luxury: A hammock from Hermes

Sue Lawley's castaway this week is the director Franco Zeffirelli. He was born the illegitimate son of a philandering businessman and a successful fashion designer, both of whom were married to other people. Unable to give him his father's or her own name, his mother plucked a word out of a Mozart opera - 'Zefferetti', meaning 'little breeze' - and gave it to her son. Somewhere along the line a slip of a pen transformed it into Zeffirelli, and Franco has gone by it for 80 years. He was only six when his mother died of tuberculosis. His father was reluctant to take care of Franco but was shamed into palming him off onto an aunt, and later his English secretary Mary O'Neill. Mary belonged to a society of English ex-pats in Florence and young Franco grew up under their extraordinary influence. His experiences were eventually fictionalised into his 1999 film Tea With Mussolini, starring Joan Plowright, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Cher. In the war he fought as a partisan and twice faced a firing squad before he met up with the 1st Scots Guards and became their interpreter. As well as using his linguistic talents, the Scots Guards gave him an early opportunity for theatrical creativity, and he made an open-air auditorium from 30 army trucks and some camouflage netting. After the war he studied art and architecture and was drawn into the worlds of theatre and film, working as assistant to the Marxist director Luchino Visconti initially but soon designing and directing his own films, plays and operas. His filmography runs to some 20 movies from the ground-breaking, and at the time shocking Romeo and Juliet of 1968 to the brooding Jane Eyre of 1996 via his stunning seven-hour Jesus of Nazareth for television in 1977, not to mention his 1990 Hamlet with Mel Gibson in the leading role. On stage he is famed for his opulent productions at the opera and he has worked with the titans of the art including Maria Callas, Placido Domingo, Joan Sutherland and Herbert Von Karajan. He is in London to direct Pirandello's Absolutely! (Perhaps) starring Joan Plowright and Oliver Ford Davies, which opened at Wyndham's Theatre on 7th May. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Chanson Boheme by Bizet Book: Inferno by Dante Alighieri Luxury: A hammock from Hermes