THE GOLDONIAN
2nd COY. 1st "C" BATTALION.
 HERTS REGIMENT. A.C.F
BAND NOTES

Since my last notes we were sorry to say goodbye to Sgt. Shoesmith and L/Cpl Cudby. Sgt. Shoesmith was our solo side-drummer and L /CpI. Cudby was a tub-drummer and bugler, both very good lads, I wish them all success in their new life and hope that they will keep in touch, as many other ex-cadets do.

The first display of the summer season was given by the Corps of Drums on Saturday, 10th May when they led the procession through Hertford for the Young Farmers' Club Fete. The weather was very hot and the march to Hartham Common long, but all ranks are to be congratulated on the fine display given after such a very hot march.

At the inter-Homes Athletic meeting on Saturday, 17th May a display of counter-marching and playing was given prior to a display by the School P.T. team.

We gave a display of marching, playing, and ended with the Beating of the Retreat in the Hertford Castle grounds on Sunday, 25th May, at 8.15 p.m. This was well received and the boys were complimented on their fine performance.

On Monday, 26th May, the Corps of Drums went to Wheathampstead in the afternoon and led the parade to the sports ground; there they gave a display, and were highly commended. The members of the British Legion have expressed a wish to present the Company with a large Union Jack in appreciation of the display. On the evening of the 26th June the Corps of Drums gave a display at the Hoddesdon Football Club Fete and were greatly appreciated.

The Corps of Drums will lead the Company and take part in the Annual Battalion inspection on Sunday, 22nd June; they will attend the fete at Waterford on the 21st June. During the Wimbledon period we shall not be able to accept engagements as most of the boys will be on duty as ball boys. We shall be at Buntingford on the 12th July and at Barkingside on the 19th July, also at Welham Green on the 26th July.

This will bring us up to the summer holidays and Cadet Camp when we hope to win the inter-Battalion Band Cup again. There is still great keenness to become a member of the Corps of Drums; this is understandable for most boys like to bang or blow something. I would say, however, that it is not easy for it means that if and when you are accepted you must be prepared to give of your best at all times.

The Corps of Drums brings the School very much to the public eye, so you must be just that little bit better than the other fellow .and be prepared to come up to our standards before you are welcome to join the ranks of the very excellent band of Cadets.

If these notes should catch the eye of any ex-drum-major (either an ex-regular army or Cadet) I should be glad of any assistance in training, if they could spare the time. Our training periods are Mondays from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11a.m. until 12 midday.

A. P. CULVER, Captain, O.I.C

From Company notes The Goldonian Summer 1958