Page 79 - Mercian Eagle Year of 2023

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Staffordshire Regiment Association
Staffordshire Regiment Reunion
& Promotion of Watchman VI
This year saw Watchman VI promoted to Sergeant during the annual Staffordshire Regiment Association reunion in Whittington.
The day started with a gathering of Staffordshire Regiment veterans being led by Cpl Watchman VI and a few Mercian musicians around the Parade Square at DMS Whittington Barracks, previously the home of The Staffordshire Regiment.
Families gathered at the square to see the contingent of veterans march past, with an eyes-right salute given to The Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire Ian Dudson.
Following the parade, Mrs Jane Dudson, wife of The Lord Lieutenant, had the honour of promoting Watchman VI from Corporal to Sergeant, before the contingent continued their march toward the Barracks church, where the annual service was held; remembering those who fell in battle from the Staffordshire Regiment.
Watchman VI had the honour of speaking with Forces News about his promotion: he
is excited at the prospect of now having three sausages for breakfast instead of two!
Gone Fishing
Chris Whitehouse, Club Secretary
It normally starts with the night before; a few restless nights wont hurt anyone, will it? Well that’s often the way we all think; however, being an avid angler goes hand in hand with restless sleep.
The venue? Alvechurch Fisheries. Start times? Meet in the car park: 0900 hrs. Draw peg then off to find the allotted peg (area). Get set up. Start by giving the nearest person a bit of banter; no you can’t weigh any wildfowl in. No flora or fauna.
Kick off so to speak was a bit later than normal, so we fish the “contest” until 1600 hrs. All the normal fishing baits are being used, and are certainly needed; the flask is to hand as a brew always is.
So begins the match against the troop, as rag tag as it is. Our band of merry assortment consists of MERCIANs and STAFFORDs, along with wives, girlfriends,
and daughters - all give it their all. Maggots duly drowning, sweetcorn
kernels sunk through a variety of methods, floats cast in, and the waiting erupts as the elusive fish takes the bait. No prizes given, just the knowledge that you sit amongst veterans with various ailments, while mostly being able to take the mickey out of the nearest friend.
The end of the day we weigh and return our catches. The friendship never leaves
a man, woman, or family member who
has served alongside each other, or a
family member witnessing the plight of a struggling loved one. We rally to the events with mixed feelings, but once there those feelings disappear; the banter grows - love of the sport is the defining factor, and we openly welcome any service personnel. So if you’re free, come along – it has its merits!
The moments of relaxation, and blissful peace of the mind does the members a power of good. So our invite to anybody serving or those who have left, please get in touch; after all, we are family: Cpw123a@ gmail.com.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE