Dover Manager Trades HVAC Precision for Musical Diplomacy
Towards the end of 2025, our Dover Manager, Max, deployed to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as a member of the Short-Term Training Team with the Regimental Band of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment. The team delivered musical support and technical assistance to the Ethiopian National Defence Force Band.
During his time in Ethiopia, Max experienced the country’s rich food and culture, as well as developing an almost unhealthy obsession with fresh coffee — or buna, as it is known locally. As the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia takes great pride in the drink, and everyone was eager to share a cup.
A highlight of the deployment was performing at the King’s Birthday Parade Festival at the British Embassy. The event was attended by dignitaries from numerous foreign nations, alongside military aides and other VIPs.
It was an experience Max will never forget, offering insight into “another world” of Ethiopian culture and British expatriate life. The warmth and hospitality shown by everyone he met during his stay will always be fondly remembered.