The Carrington Drum 2006

Irish Guards carry off ABF’S Carrington Drum award

1st Battalion the Irish Guards has triumphed over all other units to secure the ABF’s prestigious fundraising award, the Carrington Drum. The prize is presented annually to the unit that has made the greatest contribution to fundraising, either through raising the most amount of money for the ABF or by coming up with the most original idea.

Enormous energy and enthusiasm

The Irish Guards have put enormous energy and enthusiasm into their support for the ABF. The bulk of the unit’s £11,000 donation came from an exhilarating boxing match in October. 300 people came to watch the soldiers fight, and the entrance fee and auction together raised £8,000 for the Fund.

The Irish Guards gave not only money but also a tremendous amount of support and manpower to the ABF during the year. Out in force at Chelsea Flower Show, the soldiers collected over £3,000 for the Fund. They also provided shelter and refreshments after the Act of Remembrance at the Commonwealth Gates in November. In addition, they hosted outstanding receptions in the Officers’ Mess after Beating the Retreat, where the first Carrington Drum presentation was made in 2005.

“An astonishing £100,000 was raised between all 22 entrants for the Carrington Drum this year. It was a most difficult choice as they were all so different, but 1st Battalion the Irish Guards was unanimously voted a most worthy winner. We are enormously grateful to all who entered and showed huge generosity to the Army’s national charity.”

Controller of the ABF, Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter

The Chairman of the Army Benevolent Fund, General Sir Jeremy Mackenzie, presented 1st Battalion the Irish Guards with the Carrington Drum at a reception following a Beating Retreat on 7 June 2006. Five runners up were also presented with Certificates of Merit.