Guards Division

                                                                        Corps of Drums

                                                                         North

                                                                             

                                                                                                         guardsdrumsnorth@yahoo.com

29th May 2008

                                                                                                                    Mob; 07717535113

                                                                                                          

Re; GUARDS DIVISION CORPS OF DRUMS NORTH

 

Dear Sir / Madam,

 

Please allow us to introduce ourselves? We are a group of likeminded serving or ex serving members of the Guards Division Corps of Drums and although we only came together as a group on Friday 23rd of May 2008 our members total 30 across the North of England. All of us still perform and play within several drumming organisations countrywide. Our members range from drummers to Drum Majors with hundred of years combined experience and musical talent and ability between us and we all have one common goal, That is to “preserve and promote the traditions of the Guards Division Corps of Drums and its music”.

 

We have close ties with the Guards Corps of Drums Association in Windsor and the Corps of Drums Society worldwide, with such a keen interest of Drummers living in the North of the UK we have formed the Guards Division Corps of Drums North. There for instead of members having to travel South for an engagement each time, we have decided there is enough experience and interest within the performing arts and entertainment and also from other organisations and groups to perform either with or for them.

 

Within the past 6 months some members put on uniform again to assist the Mercian Regiments Corps of Drums, during their Freedom Parades in Nottingham, Derby and Worchester after their return from an operational tour having lost one drummer and several others being injured. Also assisting the Grenadier Guards in recent months teaching their Drummers and Non Commissioned Officers the Drumming skills which are falling by the way side through no fault of there own but because of other constant commitments.     

 

Our aim is to play and perform not only at military and Guards Association functions but for all communities whilst still safeguarding Regimental Traditions, Marches and Bugle calls along with their long history, thus allowing not only any Household Division member or ex member but also other military and civilian personnel and organisations to join in too.

 

The total cost of musical equipment is approximately £15,000, that is without clothing ie; Blazers, Ties, Trousers and a Beret and Badge. There for we are currently looking for Sponsorship and Donations and/or Flutes & Drums and other equipment to get us “on the road” Our intention is to play using authentic Corps of Drums instruments so to display and preserve our Guards Corps of Drums Traditions both now and in the future. The cost of kitting out one Side Drummer is £1,080, that includes a Drum, fully emblazoned, with traditional hoops top and bottom, sling, apron and a pr of sticks.

 

 

 

Funds are starting to come in with 3 private companies wishing to each make a donation, but with your help and that of others along with any monies raised by ourselves either by performing or our own contributions we will one day have a fully fitted and kitted Corps of Drums with some of the top Instructors / Teachers and performers in the world.

  

Should you so wish then one or two of our members would be more than delighted to come and meet up for a more detailed discussion as to our aims and ambitions.

 

Yours Sincerely

 

Dave Arundel (ex Scots Guards)

Don Castelow (ex Coldstream Guards)

Phil Woods (ex Coldstream Guards)

 

 

Guards Division Corps of Drums North