Page 9 - MERCIAN Eagle 2022

Regimental Headquarters
Ms Clark, Assistant Regimental Secretary
After two years of little to no events,
this year RHQ has been inundated with invitations to various functions, on top of events of our own that we’re beginning to start back up again. It has been wonderful to see so many faces again and be involved in so many memorable events.
Commemorations were once again held in Nottingham Castle on April 6th to mark Badajoz day. As well as the Red Jacket flying at RHQ, many veterans and their families were joined by C Coy 1 MERCIAN at Nottingham Castle, who after escorting the Lord Mayor from the Council House paraded ready for the raising of the coatee. The soldiers then received a brief from RHQ and a trip around the museum where they had to guess whose gallantry medals they were allowed to hold; it was the medal group of WO1 (RSM) Giles CGC!
The WFRA Reunion in Worcester was held on 28th May this year, slightly earlier than usual due to the late Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. It was held at a new venue this year, and whilst the turnout was down a little on previous years, we understood that many could still be cautious after the past two years and that the event was during both half term and the week before many were celebrating the Jubilee. It was lovely
to see so many familiar faces, and everyone agreed that the new venue was perfect for the Reunion. The help of the Association
in ensuring that the event can take place,
is most appreciated. 2023 will see the Reunion return to its usual date of the first Saturday in June.
Another event that took place after a two
Raising of the Red Jacket at Nottingham Castle
29th September 2022. Nottingham City Freedom Parade
year absence, was the Crich Pilgrimage. The turnout was very good and also poignant given that it would be the last time that 2 MERCIAN Colours would be on parade. The sun shone and we had a good turnout from both the Civic Dignitaries, the military and the veteran community. We even had a visit from a Lancaster Bomber!
I was involved with the planning for
1 MERCIAN’s Freedom Parades in the
local county. In September, the Battalion exercised their Freedom rights and marched through Nottingham City Centre, and in October C Coy exercised their Freedom rights and marched through Worksop. Both events involved much planning and working with the local councils and other agencies, all of whom treated us well and ensured that the marches went without a hitch. At both memorable events, the WFRA were involved and attended the receptions afterwards
Remembrance is a very busy time for RHQ as we arrange attendance at the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey as well as Mercian Representation on Remembrance Sunday. This year saw over 50 MERCIAN wreaths laid around our recruiting area as well as the associations attending events in their local areas.
In November, we said a fond but sad farewell to Paul and Jackie Rice, after 6 years at the Crich War Memorial. I’m sure
you will agree that Paul, as Warden and Jackie in charge of the tea-room have both done a sterling job in not only keeping the site looking beautiful but in enhancing the whole experience of visiting the site. We all wish them well in their next adventure.
As you will be aware, I work closely with the Museum. I welcome their new Museum Assistant, Miss Kim Newell, whom I work with several days a week. And the Curator, Jennifer has given birth to a gorgeous baby boy, Archie. Many congratulations to her
and her husband.
C Coy 1 Mercian with the Lord Mayor of Nottingham
Paul and Jackie Rice
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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