Bermuda Cadet Pipe Band which has now evolved into the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band, as one of the original "boys''.

He was not at first sight an imposing man, but was a very determined person, always well turned out and well respected as a businessman in the community.

He was the Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Cadet Corps for many years and the story goes that both he and Mr. Henry Hallett and some friends who were involved with the Cadets deplored the fact that the only thing being done for the Cadets was Drill and Drum and Bugle bands, which seemed to come and go.

They wanted something that would carry on and the idea of a `Pipe Band' was developed.

The task must have looked daunting to most people but not to this man. He promptly enlisted his brother and many other friends and with them solicited donations from businesses and friends throughout the Island.

I am told that he selected the Gordon Tartan as our uniform because one of the local garrison at that time, a Corporal Coyle wore one. Corporal Coyle also helped as an instructor with the Cadets.

My own recollections go back to 1955 when they asked for students to come forward to join the "Band''. We first went to the Old Armoury Building where we were instructed, in my case as a drummer by Bill Horlington and the Pipes by Dennis Stuart. They were supported by Capt. Card and his committee. Then there was our first camp in the summer of 1996 at Warwick Camp as the "Band''. By this time we played at least two marches "Highland Laddie'' and "Scotland the Brave'' which is our march past to this day.

There are many fond memories of this quiet gentleman with a will of iron by all of us who came up through the Band and the Cadet Corps. He was a good disciplinarian and very fair and that "twinkle'' in his eyes told most of us he knew what tricks we were up to. I can remember that we had an open house during that camp and I was on guard duty, the command from Capt. Card admit no one without a pass. Well about an hour later Capt. Card comes down to the gate. "Davis, have you seen Mr. Toddings? "Yes sir, but he did not have a pass and I told him of your instructions. His reply was `very well' and he left.'' Unwittingly I had turned away the chairman of the Defense Board, who was the Guest of Honour. There was a very long pause and to Capt. Card's credit he did not berate me, but ended up seeing the funny side. I am sure we all have many tales and memories such as this one.

Around 1962 the Cadets were disbanded until just recently, but he and his faithful friends helped the band to keep going and such was his vision that we are still going some 45 years later. He was always supportive and interested in not only the Band but the Cadets as well. Just look around at the Rhodes and Bermuda Scholars and all of the community who have obtained honours and a great majority had their groundings through his work and those who worked with him and shared his vision in the benefit of the adet Corps and the Band.