Drumhead Service, Sunday 17 November 2024
Last Sunday an assembly of Berkshire Freemasons and their partners took place at the Sindlesham Masonic HQ of Berkshire Freemasons, where a Drumhead Service took place. Berkshire Freemasons retain a strong link with the armed services. Many of our members are past or even current members serving their country in all branches of the military. These have been held in Berkshire for the past six years and the 2024 event was as moving and poignant as ever. 130 men and women gathered in the main Berkshire Room. Laid out in a way this reporter hadn’t seen before, only having attended for Freemasonry events before. Military drums were arranged at the far end of the room, in a pyramid-like stack. As the event began, and to organ accompaniment, the Provincial Executive of Berkshire Freemasonry, led by Anthony Howlett-Bolton OBE, the Provincial Grand Master for Berkshire; entered the room and took their seats. After a short pause and a bugle call, the Berkshire Grand Chaplain Rev David Joynes followed the Military and the Berkshire Freemasons banners into the packed room.
Then followed a dignified service of remembrance. As you would expect there were hymns, readings and prayers from speakers and participants. Amongst the highlights, were the last post played out on the bugle and a poppy drop. A two-minute silence, followed by the laying of wreaths to all the fallen of all wars and conflicts took place at the foot of the arranged drums. Whilst the military standards were draped over and atop the drums.
This reporter had never attended a Drumhead before and is keen to share more of the ‘what & why’ of a Drumhead Service with those, who like himself, may be wondering what one is and why you might come to a future event.
The Drumhead As A Symbol of Military Tradition
Drums have been an integral part of military life for centuries. In the 17th and 18th centuries, military drums were primarily used for communication. They signalled orders, marked the beginning of marches, and set the rhythm for soldiers as they moved into battle. Their role was essential for maintaining unit cohesion, keeping soldiers in time, and boosting morale.
The drumhead holds a special place in military history, particularly in ceremonial contexts. The drumhead itself, the part that is struck by the drumstick to produce sound, is often a symbol of a soldier’s service and the bond between comrades. As a result, drumheads have become part of many military ceremonies, especially during moments of remembrance.
The Tradition of Drumhead Services
One of the most poignant traditions involving drumheads is the drumhead service, a ceremonial service often held at military memorials or in areas of combat, especially during times of war. The drumhead service usually involves a military officer, or in some cases a chaplain, using a drumhead as an altar or platform for the service. This tradition traces its roots back to early military history, where soldiers would gather for a service or make do with whatever makeshift altar they could create in the field—often, a drumhead would suffice.
