In 1892 The Bugle Band of Exeter's (primarily) First Rifle Volunteers, (of which the City should be inordinately proud and to which stands a Harry Hems memorial in Northernhay Gardens) was in camp, together with the rest of the Devonshire Brigade, at Bridestowe. As so often with the Volunteers there seems to have been a holiday atmosphere, although reportedly their military exercises went well enough on the slopes of Dartmoor. The reporter of The Western Times of 9th August 1892, tells how:
"The principal amusement of the men in Camp seemed to be what I will call "Infantry Tent Pegging" and to the initiated I may say that the modus operandi is as follows.A tent peg is driven into the ground, and the operator, armed with a mallet, having been blindfolded, takes six paces to his front turns about and takes five paces forward, he then lets out with the mallet, his efforts being greeted with merriment according to his nearness or otherwise of the mark."
What larks!, but to return to the Bugle Band:
"Whilst on the humourous side of the camp I may say that Bugle-Major Bourke, the genial conductor of the 1sr R.V. Bugle Band has again this year been the recipient of a present from his "boys". It has taken the form of a drum-major's staff, and is a splendid specimen of the mountain ash, It was elaborately and tastefully decorated with heather &c.and forcibly reminded one of the gorgeous pole which used to be carried by "Forward-on" when "Possession-day" was in its glory."
Possession-day was Ascension-day when the Bluecoat Boys famously beat the bounds of the City of Exeter. It was by now, in 1892, just a memory. "Forward-on, I assume, was the name that had traditionally been given to the 'captain' who led the beaters and who famously carried a gorgeous pole decked with flowers. Perhaps "Forward-on!" was also what was was shouted as they made their progress.
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