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Abusy year for myself and Mrs Jade Davis as we plough through Association business without the valuable support of Mrs Jules Fairclough following her retirement. Sadly, one year on and due to in-year savings measures, we have not yet been permitted to recruit someone to replace Jules. If I could use an emoji, it would be a sad face!
Attending many of the Regional Branch Reunions is always a great experience; catching up with colleagues and meeting new people, many that served the Corps a generation or more before me, is something I look forward to and thoroughly enjoy. I’ll leave it to the Branches to let you know what they have been up to in the following pages. Needless to say, the Regional Branches are vital in maintaining our esprit de corps and camaraderie at the local level and I very much value their support, advice and friendship.
A highlight of the year for me was organising the Service of Commemoration at the National Memorial Arboretum. A very poignant day that allows us to remember our fallen. The Service also afforded a suitable occasion to bid farewell to our retiring Commandant, Brigadier Edward Chamberlain, and welcome or new Commandant, Brigadier Jim Taylor. It also, finally, provided the opportunity to publicly thank our former Regimental Secretary, Lt Col (Retd) Gary Jones for his commitment and service to the RAPTC Association for more than 9-years.
Lt Col (Retd) Gary Jones receiving a farewell presentation from the Colonel Commandant
Four metal benches, each depicting the four transitions of the Corps, from the AGS to the RAPTC
opportunity for the Association Trustees to discuss business, allocate funds and shape future activity for the benefit of all Association Members. The meeting in March this year was particularly special, as it provided the opportunity to present former SSgt (SSI) Tom Prentice with an e-Assist Trike to aid his physical recovery following a series of strokes. Driven by Tom’s course member and lifelong friend, Maj (Retd) Chic Wilkinson, the true strength of engaging the Service Charities (ABF, H4H, RBL, SSAFA and RAPTC Association) coupled with the generosity
RAPTC ASSOCIATION
REGIMENTAL SECRETARY’S NOTES
Lt Col (Retd) S Collinson
Metal poppies in the Garden of Remembrance, one for each Association Member whose ashes are scattered there
The Garden of Remembrance within the grounds of ASPT has become a place where I spend 10-15 minutes at the start of each day. Keeping the garden clean and tidy, pruning, weeding and watering the plants and shrubs is a small price to pay to ensure we have a quiet corner of our ancestral home where those that choose to, can have their ashes scattered and a memorial plaque fitted to a board in the summer house.
Twice a year, we convene the RAPTC Association Executive Committee. An
Ready to discuss business, the RAPTC Association Executive Committee Trustees