VERDIGRIS , Drum Major, LOOK THERE VERDIGRIS!

Something unusual this week. But first this...

I have bought myself a couple of reference books for my writing exercises. One of them is a book of 5000 writing prompts. I have already used one for a flash fiction piece. I'm not 100% how long and which competition it will be in just yet. I have a competition for 500-word flash fiction that is closing on 31st December. I want to get a couple of entries written to take advantage of the entry price and because it is New Year's Eve. Not that I will be drinking, though. I'm working that weekend.

Ok, let's get on to the unusual part of this blog. Well, I say unusual. Many of my former and still serving Royal Marine Band Service colleagues will recognise and have experienced 'challenging' outcomes of this word.

Verdigris - A noun meaning the green patina that forms on copper, bronze, and brass. It can also refer to the shade of green ( which is blueish).

The Royal Marines No.1 Ceremonials consist of a tunic and trousers, a White Pith Helmet (Helmet WP), a Cross Strap and Music Pouch and a White Belt. All consist of Brass elements.

Those who haven’t experienced an inspection in Full No.1 Ceremonials will probably not have experienced the wrath of the inspecting officer and Drum Major when verdigris is detected on your brasses. Extra parades…urgh!

There were and most likely still are many different ways to clean said brasses. My preferred routine was to use Brasso first, then, using an old toothbrush, scrub off the Brasso with Goddard's Silver Foam. Any copyrights and trademarks are fully acknowledged. All was finished off by drying with a towel and a quick buff-up with one of the famous yellow cloths ( also used as a spit and polish cloth for boots) from the NAAFI shop.

The benefit I found with cleaning brasses was that if we had multiple gigs in a short time, it was easy enough to buff them back up to standard, even if it had rained. 

I tell you this on the big proviso that no Drum Major is ever informed!