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

In my last notes I welcomed CpI. G. Bryant to the honoured rank of Drum-major in place of Richard Furnise who left for a situation; now I have to say goodbye and thanks to Drum-major Bryant who has now left us to go to a situation in London.

George Bryant was an excellent N.C.O. and as Drum-major he played his part in keeping the Corps of Drums up. to standard by his fine example of smartness and leadership. It is always sad for me to lose a Drum-major, especially as I have been so fortunate in previous appointments to this responsible position. However, I welcome CpI. Stevens who has now been appointed in place of George. He will have to be on his toes to maintain the high standard required for this important position, but I know that he will do his best.

Cdt. Cachrimanis, who was a drummer, has now left us and he too was a most reliable and efficient lad. We have accepted quite a number of new boys and they are doing very well and should be with us for quite a long time. I would remind them that they must always strive to reach the high standard required, as we are well known and have a reputation of smartness and good playing throughout the county.

This year we have had to refuse more engagements than we have accepted in previous seasons, which alone speaks well for the Corps of Drums. Keep it up boys, my heart burns with pride for you! Our first engagement was at Letchworth Garden City on the 9th May, 1959, when we gave a display of figure marching and the Beating of the Retreat at the Young Farmers' Rally. Major Darling was so impressed by the display that he sent a very useful cheque which will help to maintain our equipment.

On the 16th May, 1959, we gave a display at the Fete held for the Hertfordshire Spastic Society. This was well received by all present.

We went to Puckeridge for the British Legion Fete and paraded through the village before and after the display. This, too" was a great success and the boys were well entertained with refreshments at the White Hart Hotel with pop before and after the display. It was a wonder the buglers were able to blow!

We went to Northweald on the 30th May, 1959, to give a display at the Essex Traction Rally and Fete and there the boys were received with great enthusiasm and were able to speak to Mr. Terry Spinks the boxer.

On Sunday evening, 31st May, 1959, the Corps of Drums gave a display at Hertford Castle, and received many congratulations. We took part in the Stevenage Youth Congress on the 6th June, 1959, and this was the last parade for Drum-major Bryant. The lads did very well and gave of their best. We took part in a parade at Walkern on 14th June and, led the parade which was held on the occasion of presenting a plaque of thanks to the people of Walkern for their kindness and co-operation to the Battalion de­tachments when camping at Walkern.

On the 20th June, 1959, we went to Harlow in the afternoon and to Hertingfordbury in the evening and on both engagements the boys acquitted themselves well. We were at Harlow again on the 7th July, 1959, at a Barnardo Helpers' League fete and here, too, the lads were on the top line and were well received.

The last engagements before the annual camp were at Westmill and Port Vale House, where the high standard was maintained and the displays were very much appreciated.

I do feel that at times it seems that we are blowing our own trumpet but where praise is due it should be given; I always criticise and point out faults where necessary so a word of praise does no harm.

I hope that all ranks will have a very happy summer holiday wherever they may be going and will return full of beans for further engagements.

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

From Company notes The Goldonian Spring 1959