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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
COMMANDANT’S FOREWORD
1 APRIL 2023 TO 31 MARCH 2024
EDITORIAL
Lt Col (Retd) S Collinson Regimental Secretary
That’s year two done, I’ve no idea where the time goes. However, I am thoroughly enjoying the role of Regimental Secretary.
Much of what I’d say here is already vested in the many articles and photographs that you will read and see between the covers of this year’s Journal, so I’ll refrain from stealing everyone’s sandwiches.
Mind, Body & Spirit is our diary, it’s an annual look at what we’ve been up to and serves as a historical record that will be preserved for years to come.
As always, I would very much like to thank all those that took the time to sit down and prepare an article for this year’s MBS – our Journal. Inevitably, space is at a premium and there will be one or two articles and photographs which did not make the final publication, for which I can only apologise.
I am pleased to say that we have now committed to continue producing MBS in both digital and hard-copy versions.
Whichever format you prefer, I very much hope you enjoy reading this edition of Mind, Body & Spirit.
INTRODUCTION
I was honoured to be asked to be Commandant of the RAPTC by General Bashall earlier last year. It was fitting that such a prestigious appointment was handed over to me by Brigadier Edward at the National Memorial Arboretum following the RAPTC Service of Commemoration on Saturday 16th September 2023.
Having spent just over 6-months in role, I have particularly enjoyed meeting so many members of the Corps – serving and retired – and their families. And I look forward to meeting many more in the months ahead. In my short time in role, I have chaired my first two RAPTC Association Executive Committee and RAPTC Museum meetings, and enjoyed the excellent King’s Coronation Dinner, a Regimental Dinner Night in the Officers’ Mess and the Corps Sports’ Awards.
Fundamentally, our people are the RAPTC’s most valuable assets. My first impressions are that the Corps’ Family is incredibly strong. This is an obvious deduction when one looks at the incredible quality of our people, our numerous successes, the strength and depth of the Association membership, and the way the Association is governed and its funds managed. I am also satisfied that the future direction is positive. As ever, it will be challenging. Change is necessary given the strategic and financial context, but it will keep us relevant. I know that we have the collective vision and energy to continue to make a very real difference to the operational effectiveness of the Army, and to be a force for good for our people and families.
Over the next few paragraphs, I aim to introduce a summary of the key themes from the last 12-months, many of which will be expanded upon by others within this year’s edition of MBS.
GOVERNANCE
The RAPTC Association’s Executive Committee acts on our behalf to control the activities and finances of the RAPTC Association. Our charity is comprised of fourteen Trustees (seven serving and seven veteran volunteers) who carefully and diligently discuss the many different issues that fall under the Objects that the Charity maintains. Having been a Trustee of my own Regiment’s charities, I can say with confidence that the issues and concerns are very similar. I have been impressed by the incredible dedication and skill the trustees bring. As a result, the Association is well run, financially stable
and has the best interests of its members at the forefront of its business.
TRUSTEES
Our seven retired Trustees remain extant. Our serving Trustees are tied to their military appointments. During the last 12-months the following Trustees have moved on: Brigadier Edward Chamberlain, Lt Col (SMAA) Jason Hughes and WO1 (Corps SM) Duncan Southern-Naylor. In their place, we have welcomed Lt Col (SMAA) Sean Semple and WO1 (Corps SM) Dan Brown. For those that have moved on, we are extremely grateful for your vital contributions and leadership. You leave the Association in an incredibly strong position.
REGIMENTAL SECRETARY
Lt Col (Retd) Steve Collinson is now settled in his appointment and striding forward with several initiatives for the long-term benefit of the Association and its members. We are most fortunate to have someone of his quality, experience and enthusiasm as our Regimental Secretary.
FINANCE
The Association’s finances are broadly in three parts – working capital, deposits and investments. The working capital and deposits are managed and administered in accordance with Service Funds Regulations; the investments are managed on our behalf by BlackRock within a much larger portfolio called the Armed Forces Charities Growth and Income Fund.
Capital
The level of working capital held in the Association’s business accounts continues to meet our planned expenditure.
Income
Our primary source of income is generously provided by the serving cohort through the Day’s Pay Giving Scheme. I must also highlight the funding we continue to receive annually through a grant from Army Sport. This helps fund RAPTC Sport, freeing up Association funds for other purposes. We also generate income through bank interest, dividend income from our investments and donations from our members, for which we are very grateful.
Deposit Accounts
As well as the funds we deposited in a 12-month Treasury Reserve Account attracting a good rate of interest, the
Brigadier J W Taylor MBE, Chair of Trustees