Page 59 - RSDG Year of 2021 CREST

Next up was Halloween and, for the first time this year, the disco lights were back out and the music was thumping. With over 90 kids in attendance, it’s safe to say everyone had a spooky and fabulous time. The fancy dress competitions were won by Macey Mitchell and Robbie Henderson. A massive thank you to Mrs Suzanne Duncan for supplying all the kids with great goody bags.
With Halloween behind us the focus turned to the Christmas celebrations. First up was the Partners’ party where all were wined and dined with a three- course meal followed by a karaoke and disco. The photo booth was kept busy throughout the event with the paper having to be replaced three times - a new record according to the guy in charge. The karaoke was also a hit, however, the same cannot be said for the singing. It’s safe to say there would have been a few sore heads on the Saturday morning.
With the partners event over it was quickly onto the kids’ celebrations. Due to COVID restrictions we had to split the party into three separate events. With Santa’s grotto and a few other inflatables in place, it
THE OFFICERS’ MESS
Captain JD Maclachlan
With the uncertainty of the obvious still looming large, very few concrete plans were laid for the begin- ning of this year but with vaccinations on the hori- zon there was light at the end of the tunnel. The Regiment welcomed, albeit virtually to begin with, our new Commanding Officer, Lt Col Graeme Craig who wasted no time in ensuring the Regiment con- tinued to support the country’s war against COVID. With MTUs (Mobile Testing Units) keeping most occupied throughout the summer of 2020, early 2021 saw the Regiment hit the road again, this time armed with needles rather than swabs to carry out the ongo- ing demands of Op RESCRIPT. This was an outstand- ing effort from all involved, with Mr Brindley-Slater receiving a personal thank you and elbow-tap from the Prime Minister on his visit to the Glasgow vaccination centre.
We then shifted our sights to Ex WESSEX STORM. In the build up to a thrice-delayed exercise, officers and soldiers alike travelled to Warcop for dismounted ranges followed by Castlemartin for the mounted range package. The latter sadly coincided with the last
EAGLE AND CARBINE 57
was time for the party to begin. All the children had a great day of entertainment and particularly enjoyed the visit by The Grinch.
Sadly, due to COVID restrictions the traditional Christmas Soldiers’ lunch had to be cancelled again this year, however, the Welfare Team didn’t allow that to dampen anyone’s spirits too much and decided to take lunch to the boys and girls in the workplace by delivering hot baguettes and mince pies.
As we say goodbye to 2021 and look toward 2022 and all it has in store for us, I would like to take this opportu- nity to thank all Regimental personnel and families for all their dedication and support they have shown the Welfare Team during what has proven to be another challenging 12 months. As always, the welfare team will continue to provide a first-class service to you all.
Mr Roberts shopping locally