Page 112 - MERCIAN Eagle 2018

Field of Remembrance – November 2018
The Staffordshire Regimental Association arranged a coach for all Association Branch members and Museum Volunteers’ to go down to Westminster Abbey to attend
the Field of Remembrance. Prince Harry encountered Pte Watchman VI (well l don’t think Prince Harry had a choice
– the ‘youngster’ was determined to meet royalty). It was a long day but very worthwhile.
Field of Remembrance – November 2018, Pte Watchman VI, CSgt Watchman V, Prince Harry
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LCpl William Coltman VC, DCM and Bar, MM and Bar and MID.
We all had the pleasure and honour to attend and commemorate a local Burton hero. In October 2018 a commemorative paving stone was unveiled by the Mayor of East Staffordshire at Stapenhill Gardens, where William, in his later years carefully nurtured the gardens. A very befitting place to have the paving slab laid in his honour of William’s love of the gardens he fondly cared for. The commemorative paving stone was supplied by the Government and unveiled on the 100th anniversary of the heroics, which earned William his VC. The Coltman family, including his two grandsons and
two granddaughters were present along with Mercian Regiment, Defence Medical Services, Staffordshire Regiment Museum and other military representatives. Pte Derby XXXII and CSgt Watchman V, were also
in attendance along with members of the Association Branches, retired members
of the Staffordshire Regiment and Officers from the Mercian Regiment. It was a superb turnout for a quiet, gentle war hero.
Coltman VC – Csgt Hedges with Watchman V, Pte S Roche, Mayor East Staffordshire, LCpl Togatogaru, Brigadier JK Tanner
SRACC – Journal Submission Feb 19
The Staffordshire Regimental Association Cycling Club was formed on 11th March 2017 with the aim of the club to promote the sport of cycling whilst maintaining links with members of the Regimental Family. Having these links to the Regimental Association has not only helped keep
the name of the regiment alive, but it has brought together old and new friends under the umbrella of cycling.
Since our last ‘Eagle ‘entry the club has continued to grow and continued to be more adventurous with our rides. Due to the nature of the club the monthly rides have been difficult to arrange but the riding continues either individually or in smaller groups. The club has had a successful year, hopefully it will continue with more people joining and getting the benefits that cycling brings but more importantly the feeling of being part of the Regimental Family.
Some of the rides have been in collaboration with members inviting their own Cycle Clubs to come along this has help promote the regiment in the community with members supporting local charity events and forging some good friendships.
One of the highlights of 2018 was a trip
to the south of France to climb the famous Mont Ventoux which of, Tour De France fame, is the highest mountain in the region and is a ‘bucket list climb’ for cyclist. At only 13 miles the route to the top is an average grade of 9% rarely going below 7% and rising to 12%, constantly climbing to the summit at 1909m (6263ft). Everyone in the group managed the climb taking between 2-3 hours dependant on ability.
All in all, the club it has been a busy period and looks to continue. It is hoped the club can become more multi-disciplined and continue to grow. The key is to keep reaping the benefits that cycling brings and maintaining our regimental family links.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE