A Facebook page created by Christian Cardon, former Drum Major of the French army band of Châteauroux, with some help from Hervé Schalaire, allowed more than 70 former musicians of the French army band of CISM, ESMAT and Material, along with some of their spouses, to meet up in Châteauroux to remember their time in these bands.

Coming from Weener (North Germany), from Rennes, Saint-Malo, Toulouse, fMetz, …….. or, closer, from Châteauroux, La Châtre or Lucay le Mâle, …… they came to “la maison départementale de la mémoire militaire” to learn the history of the “La Martinerie” base, which most of them did not know about, and also to visit the 10 exhibition rooms and to discover the future panels devoted to the French army band of the school.

Five former training leaders were present, two were excused and unfortunately Major Jean-Baptiste Prat, Warrant Officer Jacques Lebedel, Warrant Officer Joël Gaudot, Warrant Officer Pierre Redon and 1st Class Pierre Charton have left us for good. (Pierre Charton, to be confirmed).

A cocktail ended the very long reunion evening and allowed all participants to exchange photos and remember their time in the military.

A cavalry trumpet, preserved by Christian Cardon and used by the ESMAT band, some CDs and original music created by Patrick Wilmart were offered, to thank “les Amis de La Martinerie” for their welcome and their work in the department.

After a good night of sleep, everyone left with a slightly crazy dream in mind: to meet again in May 2025, in Le Poinçonnet to replay, with the town's municipal band, part of the last concert played on Thursday April 30, 1998 before the dissolution of ESMAT.

But first, all of them will meet at “La Martinerie” on Saturday September 27, 2024 to discuss the details of the project. (Please, take note of the date if you wish to meet them)

Thanks to Dominique, Frédéric, Jean-Pierre, Michel and Roland for their availability.

The group's Facebook page: Les Anciens de la Musique du Matériel

La NR article dated October 7, 2023

Click on images to enlarge and see captions
Photos credit: Frédéric Niémiez and Jean-Jacques Bérenguier