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

In my last notes I said goodbye to Drum-Major R. Smith and welcomed Peter Sugg on taking up the important job of Drum Major. We have now had to say goodbye to Peter who has left the School; he was a very capable and smart lad as all our previous Drum Majors have been. However, I seem to be lucky in selecting the new Drum Major, for Allan Logan has performed all his duties in a very able manner and is most keen; he is always very smart and has introduced several new marching ideas into the Corps of Drums. It is doubtful whether Allan will be with us after Christmas and whoever is appointed for this important job will have a star to aim at for he will have the high standard of past Drum Majors to live up to.

Recently we said goodbye to our bass drummer Pat. Snowden; he was a very keen lad and I do thank him for his loyalty and keenness to the band.

John Mason has taken On the duties of bass drummer and I know that he too will give of his best.

I seem to be continually saying goodbye in these notes, and although I am sorry to lose these lads who have done so much to build up the high standard in the Corps of Drums I know that nothing stands still in this life and one must press on and welcome and encourage the new lad.

During the winter training we shall strive to bring up the new boys to our normal high standard and so keep ourselves in the forefront throughout the county.

Since my last notes the Corps of Drums have carried out the following engagements:

On Ist July they gave a display of marching and playing ending with 'Beating the Retreat' at the Barnardo Helpers' League fete at St. Albans. Mr. Clarke, our Sergeant Instructor, was in command and the boys were much applauded for a very fine display.

They went to Hatfield on the 20th September, and again received much praise for an excellent display. We took part in the Battle of Britain service at Nazeing on the 24th September, after leading the parade the Last Post and Reveille were sounded to the roll of drums; this was most impressive.

During September we took part in the Y.M.C.A. Centenary parade and service and also attended the Commanding Officers' inspection parade at Royston on the 24th. After the inspection the Corps gave an impromptu display which was greatly appreciated. The Commanding Officer later sending us a letter of thanks.

We were busy on Remembrance Sunday, 12th November, when the Corps went to Puckeridge in the morning and lead the British Legion parade to Standon Church. During the service CpI. Furnise and Cadet Poole sounded the Last Post and Reveille in the church.

After the service the salute was taken by the High Sheriff for Hertfordshire, Brigadier Hanbury Pawle.

In the afternoon we led the British Legion parade at Roydon and after the service the Last Post and Reveille were sounded to the roll of drums. Lt.-General Sir Arthur Smith was on this parade and gave a very inspiring address.

In the evening Cpl. Gee and Cadet Mathews with R. Furley sounded the Last Post and Reveille at the service in the School Chapel. I wish to thank R. Furley for helping out during the day at Waterford and Watton. Also L. Browning for doing the School calls whilst we were away.

We also had duty buglers at Wheathampstead, Hertingfordbury, Letty Green, and Stanstead Abbotts.

This completes our engagements for this year and we shall be able to concentrate on building up our strength of good buglers, as already I have requests for the services of the Corps of Drums for next year.

I would like to end these notes with all good wishes for the festive season and for a successful New Year to all ranks, and to the Headmaster and family.

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

From Company notes The Goldonian Winter 1961