A Beginner’s Guide to Divisions – Daisy C

A Beginner’s Guide to Divisions – Daisy C

School

You’re new to RHS: trying to get used to the immense site, military vocab and exhausting lifestyle when all of a sudden you’re thrown into marching around a square. Almost. Every. Day. I get it; we were all there once and, to save you from the grizzly Griffiths and limit your wasted time polishing shoes until they’re mirrors- here’s some vital advice:

When Marching…

  1. Marching = walking to a beat. THAT’S IT. Listen to the drums, opposite arm to leg.
  2. It’s not hard so don’t overthink it.
  3. Learn your left and right.
  4. Count to 15 and DON’T MESS IT UP.
  5. Go to practice.

This may seem condescending because it is. If you can walk, count and turn left then you can march.

When Preparing…

  1. Polish obsessively for your first term of RHS and you will never have to polish again.
  2. Watch a ‘how to iron video’ (so you don’t endure a permanent stain like I do).
  3. Use a damp cloth over the No.1s (divisions kit).
  4. Buy hair nets.
  5. Check you have your kit BEFORE the day of divisions (again, I’ve been there).

Polishing – You will need:

Black shoe polish, cotton wool, water, polishing cloth.

  1. Take a small piece of cotton wool and scoop lightly into polish.
  2. Rub the polish into THE FRONT PART OF THE SHOE in circular motions for 3 minutes.
  3. Take another piece of cotton wool and dip into water.
  4. Rub water into the front part of the shoe in circular motions for 10 minutes, adding a bit more water every 2.
  5. Breathe on the shoe occasionally (to look fancy and warm up the polish).
  6. Repeat again. And again. And again, until your face is clearly reflected back at you.

When the big day arrives…

  1. Eat, drink and wee before setting foot on the square or you have already signed up to being one of the 8 regular fainters.
  2. Make sure the ‘I’ of the Gidge (hat) lines up with your nose.
  3. Transfer weight from heal to toes when standing and clench your hands regularly.
  4. Pretend to be a statue.
  5. Try to feel proud and honoured by the event until you actually believe it.

And that’s it. Look smart, feel proud and don’t faint. Good Luck!

Related posts:

The iPad: friend or foe? – Serena Brown 1st XV Wins Again – Du Toit/Moore Artist’s Picks of the Month – 16.11.17 Movember – Gen A-B

You May Have Missed