Life of veteran trumpet player celebrated as instruments are donated
Cadet Courtney Cox and Corporal Martin Walls receive the instruments from Barbara Goddard - Credit: Archant
THE life of a veteran trumpet player from Royston will be remembered after his instruments were donated to an air cadets group.
Raymond Goddard - Credit: Archant
Raymond Goddard, of Leete Place, Royston passed away in October 2011 at the age of 76. A graduate of the Kneller Hall Royal Military School of Music, he spent more than 20 years of his working life playing trumpet and cornet in the Grenadier Guards.
His widow, Barbara, has now donated his collection of instruments – a trumpet, two cornets and a post horn – to the 2484 (Bassingbourn) air cadets squadron.
Flying Officer Charles Rogers, from the 2484 cadets, said Mrs Goddard and her son, Mark, a former air cadet himself, had seen the cadets playing at the Remembrance Service in Royston last year.
He said: “They decided that giving Ray’s instruments to the squadron would let his love of music live on.
“We rely on donations of this nature to keep our instrument stocks up. Mr Goddard’s story also helps the cadets be aware of the military history of the area, which is an important part of what we do.
“There is a lot of history which goes with being based at Bassingbourn barracks, and we try and get veterans who were involved in World War II in to speak to the cadets.”
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During his career in the military, Mr Goddard had the honour of taking part in the Trooping of the Colour and the Changing of the Guard and has performed all over the world.
He also played at many major sporting events such as the 1966 World Cup Final and at six FA Cup finals. Upon his retirement he was promoted to the honourable rank of Gold Sergeant. After his retirement he was instrumental in helping Mark, who is now one of the country’s leading Elvis impersonators, kick-start his musical career.
The air cadets band regularly plays at events and parades around Crow country. If you would like information on how to join the cadets, become a member of staff or support the flight by joining the Civilian Committee, visit www.2484aircadets.org
