Page 106 - The Mercian Eagle 2018 No. 11

104 THE MERCIAN EAGLE
The Mercian Regimental
Association 2018
Lt Col (retd) D.G Bridges MBE TD
We are now pleased to report a steady increase in our new branches and their membership. These are Stockport, South Wirral, Chester, Burton, Dover and most recently Stourbridge with five
of the Branches having received a new Mercian Regimental Association Standard, with one held at RHQ. All of them carry the antecedent emblem in each corner with a Mercian
Woolnough and Regimental Adjutant Capt Ben Griffiths to advise on our progress.
During the early part of April 2019, we plan
to hold a luncheon in the Officers Mess at DMS Whittington with all members of the Mercian Regimental Associations being invited to attend.
The aim is to bring together all existing MRA Branches in and to foster an
Eagle at its centre surrounded by the name of the Branch.
I cannot stress enough the
importance of ensuring the
golden thread of the links from
all our antecedent associations
through to the present-day
Mercian Regiment and giving
those young soldiers serving
today the opportunity to
become members of an association with which for the future, they can identify.
During the past ten years these young soldiers from all areas of the midlands have served with honour and distinction, winning many awards and commendations, bringing great credit to the Mercian Regiment. We are rightly proud of those who serve.
They are men of their age, we are humbled by their achievements, bravery and courage. We raise funds to show the depths of our support. We meet the branches Chairmen twice a year along with an AGM held at RHQ and are fortunate to have the support of the Regimental Secretary Lt Col Paul
esprit de corps for the Mercian Regiment as well as provide
a social backdrop to enable different Branches to meet with one another and share
in a social afternoon. The proposed outline for the day is to make the Chapel available to enable those who may have served at DMS Whittington
when it was a Depot, to visit the Garrison Chapel. This will be followed by the bar opening in the Officers Mess and a brief display from the Burton Corps of Drums. Lunch will be served at 1400hrs. Details of the event and timings will be forwarded to Chairman and Secretaries of Branches. We take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of the Members for their help and support.
If anyone has any questions on branches and membership, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Regimental Adjutant or myself for information.
They are men of their age, we are humbled by their achievements, bravery and courage...
The Cheshire Regiment Association
It came to no surprise, being the centenary of the Armistice that ended the Great War, that 2018 was going to be a busy year for the Cheshire Regiment Association.
On Meeanee Day, the 2nd Battalion of the MERCIAN Regiment exercised the Freedom
of Chester with a march to Chester Cathedral, where a Thanksgiving Service for the safe return
of the Battalion from their various Operational deployments, was held. This was followed by
a March Past with the Lord Mayor of Chester taking the salute, accompanied by Colonel Andy Hadfield, representing the Colonel of the Regiment. The Cheshire Regiment Association were invited
to take part in the parade and marched proudly behind the Battalion (and much to the surprise of most, kept up with the pace!). It was the final day in post for the Commanding Officer, Lt Col B M Wilde, MBE and we felt honoured that he included
us in what was effectively the end of his regimental life before going on to do greater things (we hope) in the wider army.
A week later, having made a good recovery following the March Past, we held a Meeanee Dinner Dance in the Mill Hotel in Chester, with members travelling from all parts of the country
to enjoy a friendly evening. Old tales were retold, sandbags pulled up and lamps swung well into the early hours of the next morning.
The May Festival at Chester Races included a Cheshire Regiment Race for many years. Once again serving and retired members gathered at the Regimental tent on the racecourse for a convivial afternoon at the races, although it is doubtful that many saw a horse during the event. Sadly, there has not been a sponsor for the race for many years and we are unable to have a Regimental tent nowadays, but the tradition of having a gathering has continued.
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