Report 1
Mr S Hudson present treasurer of the Squadron agreed to coach the drummers in the early stages to get them up and running as it were. With rehearsals making a shaky start due to the Squadron’s commitments to Wing Training Day and exams etc, the Corps of Drums has got off to a good start with enthusiasm and determination. The very enjoyable but hard working rehearsals have a 2-hour duration, these include rudimentary drum exercises, learning new tunes and listening to suitable military music to gain ideas and just to enjoy.
There are still vacancies for all positions within the Corp of Drums if you would like to come along and take a look, please do so. These positions are only available to Squadron Members, unfortunately you cannot join us purely as a drummer, and this is because this activity is only a part of Squadron life.
As time goes along and the standard required is achieved Mr Hudson will stand down as Temporary Bandmaster and Sgt Bastock will move over into the Pilot’s seat’.

Although second-hand the 4 drums purchased are in excellent condition the 3 snare drums with top and bottom snares are Premier as is the tenor drum. As Temp Bandmaster and Treasurer wearing both caps so to speak I shall be considering various initiatives for funding of the Corp of Drum so that the full burden does not fall entirely upon the Civilian Committee.

Report 2
Our 3rd rehearsal was quite a slog on Wednesday, I’m sure you all now realise how important these table/practice pad sessions are. I intended to spend some time with Drum Major training leaving, C I Kelly to cover for me but as you know a hitch with the audio system put paid to that. The sound we now produce on practice pads will be greatly enhanced on Monday 14th May when you will all have a chance to actually play the drums. You will also begin marching and playing at the same time - not easy, but you will soon get the hang of it. The march ‘The British Grenadiers’ is a tune which in the future may become our signature tune. It is coming along very well. Shortly a new piece will be introduced called ‘Lillibullero’ which as well as sounding good in normal march tempo (120 BPM) it is quite a show piece played at almost double that tempo (Hold on to your berets) Stick drill will begin to play a part too, however it can take it’s toll on your knuckles. I hope you are all practicing at home.
Sgt Palmer Williams and Sgt Ralph are the latest members of the Squadron to join the Corps of Drums . I’m sorry I was too busy last Wednesday to begin your induction, but I promise I will make a start next Monday
A reminder: Please do not drum on anything other than practice pads or……..drums!
Not on paint work, furnishings, doors, windows, it’s bad for the sticks but even worse for the things you are striking.

Bandmaster’s Report 3
A well-earned pat on the back for all drummers after yet another hard working practise.
You must all be surprised and pleased with your first attempts at marching and playing at the same time, you soon came to terms with the dreaded drum wobble and like anything you do ‘practise makes perfect ’The British Grenadiers’ march still needs work particularly the last few bars but it will come right eventually. Those awful sling clips will need some attention but persevere with them for the time being until I have time to sort them out. Music for ‘Lillibulero’ the new march will be in your pads for next rehearsal. Practise please! If you are missing any music from your pads please let me know.

Bandmasters report No. 4, 12th June.2007
You were all clearly delighted as was I with our latest acquisition of restored drums and brand new equipment. A letter of thanks has been sent to the Donator. We now have a further 3 snare drums and bass drum along with a smashing ‘as new’ drum major’s mace all by ‘Premier’ We have parade gloves for all and gauntlets for the DM the latest white belts and the things we wanted most of all, Premier slings . The DM ‘s sash is nearly completed and so I expect in the not too distant future The Corps of Drums will be nearing readiness for our first Squadron parade and March on. The costs of recent equipment purchases were over £750 bring the outlay so far to approx. £1500 this being the single most expensive investment made by the Squadron to my knowledge. Please! all of you remember this when the call goes out for volunteers to attend fund raising events. To clear up any misunderstandings that those not involved with the Corps of Drums may have, we as a squadron have also spent in the last 12 months or so many hundreds of pounds on other equipment i.e. £1600 on a lap top and projector alone.
It has been agreed with our caretaker that a meeting will be held on Monday 18th June to establish some ground rules to make life happier for all concerned in relation to noise levels, practice times and locations. With this in mind there will be some disruption to this particular rehearsal.
Another 2 cadets (Walker and Grindey) joined us last night bringing our complement almost up to full strength, however we will not turn away anyone who is genuinely interested and would like to give it a try.

Bandmasters report No. 5 22nd June 2007
I am very happy to report that an amicable agreement has been reached between the caretaker and the squadron to ensure harmony and understanding with regard to the noise levels and the practice areas. Procedures are now in place to maintain this. Being thrown in at the deep end last Monday with a parade and presentation at short notice was a bit hectic. I think everyone coped extremely well in particular the Flt. Sgt., Drum Major and Solo Drummer, who were key players in the event. I thought the new drums sounded very well and what a difference the bass drum made to the overall performance. Did anyone recognise who the bass drum player was...beats me! We have just about come to the end of our spending spree; very little is needed with regards to equipment to get us on parade proper. We must take great care of this kit and maintain it as best we can to make it last. Two secure drum lockers are in operation now, making it much easier to get at the drums and for storage and to keep the squadron tidy. The Corps of Drums has had a good long run these past few weeks - it is now time to look to other training and begin to catch up. I expect rehearsals to still go ahead on a regular basis but may only last for part of a parade night. By the time you read this I will be on my holidays as so will most of us over the next few weeks. I hope you enjoy them and have a good time, we will get back to work on new pieces and routines in the late summer. I know in my absence you will give the Lead Drummer your full support during lessons.
S. Hudson

Bandmaster’s Report No. 6 Sept 2007
After a long period of inactivity during my recent long absence the Corps of Drums needs to get cracking pretty smartish if we are to parade in time for Armistice Day in early November. I’m not sure why rehearsals didn’t take place during my absence because everything was set up to continue; be that as it may, we have to work hard during the next few weeks. This means practicing at home, and possibly a full or half day session at a weekend.
C.I Glover has joined the Corps and much to my surprise did really well at his first rehearsal last Monday. First timers also were Sgt Palmer-Williams and Corporal Bowden who also showed good responses to tuition.
Marching and playing the drum at the same time is no mean feat on their first session, well done! Sgt Bastock was press-ganged onto the bass drum for the last session of the evening. A new drill start to Lillibulero worked well at rehearsal and in future will become part of our “Beat Retreat” routine. There are at least 10 pairs of side drum sticks issued, please bring them to parade night along with folders as we were short of them last week.
I will be calling for a small working party 3-4 cadets to tune, clean instruments and kit for the Armistice Day parade,. That is if we are up to standard, so watch this space.