The 2018 Bandsman of the Year is someone who has been runner-up several times. The winner is our Quartermaster, Raymond Stonehouse. Since 2005 (13 years) Raymond has fixed belts,vacuum packed red serge, installed new cap badges, and made sure we have presentable and well-fitting gear. He carries his nickname of “Dollarstore” with pride and always has a gadget that will help carry a water bottle or reattach a button. His van has taken us to so many band outings and we all were in mourning when our beloved Fetis was lost. Raymond is always a great band ambassador, letting kids and good-looking women play his bass drum when we’re not on parade. Raymond had hand surgery this year but he toughed it out and only missed 2 or 3 gigs. He nearly passed out of the heat in Rouses Point. Then he broke his little finger loading Janice’s walker into the bus coming home from Quebec City. We all owe Raymond our thanks for looking after our band “stores” all these years and I trust you’ll all join me in congratulating him on being our 2018 Bandsman of the Year!

Congratulations Raymond – well deserved!!

Wanda Goundrey
Pipe Major