Page 66 - Mercian Eagle Year of 2023

RegimentalAssociations
The Mercian Regimental
Association: Stockport
Branch CRA & MVRA
Steven Gregory, Publicity Member
Platinum Jubilee and Meeanee Reunion
Organised by CRA HQ the event on 19th February 2022 at the Roodee Chester was attended by almost 300 ex-Cheshires and partners/guests. The Branch was well represented on two tables.
Cold War Memories
During the ‘Cold War’ the Stockport Express often embedded one of its reporters to the main unit operating out of the TA Centre in Stockport. Over the years the reporter, Chris Hill, has established long-term relationships with the soldiers and units he has photographed. In fact, Chris remains in contact to this day and is a member of the Branch’s Facebook group.
On Thursday, 17h March 2022, we ran a coffee morning for members where Chris, now retired, was kind enough to give a presentation of recollections from our youth via a selection of his reports and photographs. Some good memories were rekindled and the presentation was very well received by all who attended.
Shotgun Shooting
Thanks to the Chair, Mike Pilkington, we were able to run two shoots, one in April and one in September 2022, both at Doveridge Shooting Ground (arguably the shotgun equivalent of Bisley). The events followed the normal format of a traditional breakfast, followed by a 50-bird shoot under the tutelage of BSAC coach Paul.
Commanding Officer’s Visit
In May 2022, we were fortunate enough to meet with CO 4 MERCIAN: Lt. Col. Rob Spalton during his visit to The Armoury. We explained the history of the Branch and its evolution through the melding of the associations of the Mercian Volunteers, Cheshire Regiment and Mercian Regiment into
today’s organisation. This amalgamation was engineered in the hope of providing an established, secure Branch for today’s soldiers to join either whilst serving with the Colours* or later in their military journey, whenever they are ready.
Note*: All serving Officers and Soldiers of
B Coy 4 MERCIAN based at Stockport, Widnes and Ellesmere Port are automatically enrolled as members of the Branch and they pay no levy.
Jubilee Event
We held an event to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on 3rd June 2022. It took the form of a parade of standards, followed by toasts and a buffet. The standards were marched on to: ‘Wha Wad’na Fecht for Charlie’ (Cheshire); ‘Under the Double Eagle’ (Mercian Volunteers); and ‘Stand Firm and Strike Hard’ (Mercian). Many members and partners were in attendance, as were guests from ‘B’ Coy 4 MERCIAN, ‘A’ Det, 207 Field Hospital (resident unit at the ARC), adult instructors from Stockport ACF, representatives from Stockport Armed Forces Breakfast Club, and the Trustees of St. Julien Barracks.
Walking Group
The Branch has a core group of walkers who have met as often as possible through the pandemic, as far as the rules allowed. More opportunities have arisen during the year and we have bimbled mainly around the west (Macclesfield) and north (Disley) of the Peak District. The major expedition of the year was completing the Ruta de Cares in Asturias, Northern Spain.
Her Majesty, The Late Queen Elizabeth II
On the terribly sad news of the passing of Her Majesty, Peter Gresty, our Branch President, and also President of the wider CRA has sent a
Platinum Jubilee and Meeanee Reunion: MRA Stockport 2022
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
65