Page 54 - MERCIAN Eagle 2022

Catering Department
Sgt Z Black
Over the last 7 months the Catering Department has been used to its full capacity supporting the Battalion, Brigade and Division with various commitments. Having an ever-decreasing manpower footprint has tested the department to its fullest.
Elements of the department deployed to support Ex HANNIBAL in Kenya, where they were an integral part of the infrastructure and supported the main Battle Group also. Whilst deployed
the department took part in numerous battle group maintenance days in challenging conditions and also during their deployment the chefs took part in AT which helped develop team cohesion within the different catering departments
deployed. Both Chefs from the Mercian’s gained exemplary reports and Pte Owen received the 1 PWRR CO’s Coin. The Catering Department has also supported the Battalion on multiple events and numerous Brigade and Division VVIP functions, including the Derby and Worcester Freedom Marches.
In January, Cpl Walters was deployed to Salisbury, to support a Grenadier Guards MRX exercise where he gained an excellent report and received the Grenadier Guards CO’s Coin. Pte Owen supported exercises in the selection process for the Special forces, where challenging and arduous he persevered to great effect. Pte Hepburn attended a culinary arts course, working with 167Sqn where he gained valuable experience working with reserve personnel.
Sgt Thomson planned and deployed on EX RHINO CATERER with a small
team where he and his team competed against different Regiments and much to their credit earned high praise from Staff Officers. Cpl Gurung executed the highest of standards to deliver a GOC’s Function in the Officers Mess and gained many plaudits for his abilities. Sgt Black planned and executed the feeding for a medal’s presentation event for the Battalion, following this feeding of all SP Families.
Although it has been a busy few month’s covering deployments, trawls, and the reduction in manpower as well as commitments at home base, it has been integral to the development of our junior caterers. The experience they have gained will only benefit them in the future when they are working in diverse and sometimes challenging locations.
As we look forward, we are ready as always, to be prepared to face the challenges that come our way.
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UWO Capt Rhodes 2IC CSgt Hirst JNCO Cpl Kelly
Families Day
This will be the last ever MERCIAN Eagle article from any 2 MERCIAN Welfare
staff. With the pending movements of our families to new Regiments, the UWO and all members of his staff would like to wish all soldiers’ and their dependants well for the future.
Whilst on O ‘Group in Feb 2002, there was a slight hint that the Bn 2IC was keying up for a very important announcement, all were waiting with bated breath wondering what it was! Then without hesitation, the 2IC uttered the words ‘Families Day 1 Jul 22’, everyone said brilliant idea, apart from the quivering officer in the corner who started talking to himself muttering the words ‘Will a Horse and Cart do? After much deliberation the UWO realised, it must be the day of all days.
Fast forward all the planning and preparation, risk assessments and co- ordination it takes to bring together a fun fair, gog show, the Infantry Engagement
Team, food vendors, music and the pièce de resistance, Pte Derby.
The day started with a great question,
will the weather hold? It certainly did. The sun was shining, and so the day started with family and friends seeing their loved ones presented with their ‘Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medals’ in the morning, followed straight into a Fun Fair, Food and Music in the afternoon, then drinks and festival in the early evening.
Parents being pulled along by their excited children, asking what rides are for us? Little did they know that dodgems, the Dragon Roller Coaster and Fun House would keep them entertained for hours on end, to the point the kids were muttering ‘Dad not again, this is the tenth time on this ride! Our four- legged friends were out on show with fierce competition for the Best in Show, Crufts didn’t have a patch on the talented dogs today!
As the day passed, no matter how much preparation is done, there is always a glitch along the way. True to form, this was right on que. As the band arrived and wanted to complete their sound checks, the generator decided it wanted to stand down for the day, it blew a gasket. With the music starting
in 1 hours’ time the UWO went to work and started negotiating new terms and conditions of work, there was still no joy! After threatening AGAI action and a 10pm show parade, a simple tightening of the Oil Pump the generator suddenly jumped back into action with a cool 5 minutes to spare.
The day was met with great enjoyment
for all, the fun fair was outstanding, free
Ice cream and face painting, alongside an amazing dog show. All this followed up
by great food and amazing music, a truly remarkable send off to all members of
2 MERCIAN and their families and friends. The 1 July 22 Families Day was truly a
great success which could not have been completed without all the hard work of those involved in the background. It would never have happened without your hard work, THANK YOU to you all.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE