A New Drum for the Coldstream Guards 1815

Who are the CG1815? What makes them important?

 

 

The Coldstream Guards 1815 is a historical reenactment organization committed to recreating a company of the Coldstream Reg't of Foot Guards during the Napoleonic Wars, and particularly the "Waterloo Campaign" of 1815. They travel the country to take part in re-enactment events, heritage festivals, and educational displays.

 

 

One of their strongest charitable connections is with Waterloo: Uncovered, a charity which combines a veteran's care programme with archaeological digs at the site of the battlefield. Through providing historical displays at charity fundraisers, hosting fundraising 'marches' in full kit, and even putting on live-firelock shooting days for major donors, the CG1815 have helped to raise thousands of pounds for Waterloo: Uncovered!

 

 

And that isn't all! The CG1815 have also worked with museums, cultural festivals, and even the modern military as well as veteran's associations. Whether it's providing a top-notch hands-on display at the National Army Museum, leading Georgian Festival parades in Bath and Stamford, or providing a "Guard of Honour" at Coldstream Guards (the real ones!) Regimental Association dinners.

 

 

They are an amazing example of history's lasting value and importance to modern society. They are the past serving the present! And for that reason, although they are not directly a charity themselves, they are an excellent candidate for this month's Native Oak charity fundraiser.

 

Why does the Regiment need a new drum? Why is it so expensive?

 

 

In the early-modern era, drums and other instruments were a vital element of military life. Drummed cadences kept the men in step on the march, and summoned men to assemblies. Drum-calls would echo commands from officers down long formations of troops. Military music would swell the heart, calling recruits to "Take the King's Shilling," and lend reverence to solemn funerals.

 

For any organization to appropriately and accurately portray a company of soldiers from this time period, drums and drummers are absolutely vital! They are a fascinating and deeply significant part of the Regiment's history, especially seeing as how even the modern-day Regiment has a band!

 

But a drum isn't only valuable for historical recreation purposes! They help to draw people's attention and make the show, parade, or display all the more impressive! Because of this, they grant further legitimacy to the organization's professionalism. That mean's more recruits, more events, and more opportunities to benefit local communities, alongside the already invaluable benefit of helping individuals to connect with their history and gain a deeper understanding of it.

 

Any musician will tell you that a well made instrument will not come cheap! Let alone an historically accurate one! The drum, alongside needing the highest quality materials to ensure it lasts rigorous use "in the field," will also need to be hand-crafted just as the originals were. That even means hand painting the Regimental badge and other intricate designs on its face. The full price is expected to be around 700, or roughly $950. Any surplus will go towards the Regimental coffers for things like new uniforms for recruits and maintaining equipment.

 

If you have any specific questions, feel free to email or message me via the means listed at Nativeoak.org

 

Thank you, and Nulli Secundus! Second to None!