Page 5 - MERCIAN Eagle 2011

Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Wilford
at the Renaming Ceremony
Launch of the Mercian network
17 November saw the launch of the Mercian Network and the naming of Mercian
House in Birmingham at the headquarters of Blakemores solicitors. The concept of
the Mercian Network is to not only link businesses together through a common thread but to be in a position to potentially place soldiers and officers leaving the Mercian Regiment into civilian employment with these businesses.
The venue for the night was the central Birmingham offices of Blakemores Solicitors who have previously supported the Mercian Regiment extensively and have close ties to the Regiment. Coinciding with the launch
of the network was the renaming of their offices as Mercian House, including a pair of Mercian Eagles and a Lincoln Green, Buff and Cerise stripe spanning the large glass front doors. Lt Col Dominic Wilford (CO 4 MERCIAN) had the honour of opening the building in its renamed state and has been immortalised by a fetching glass plaque which now takes pride of place in the foyer of Mercian House.
members of the Regiment and staff from Blakemores, whilst the guests came from a broad section of business from across the Midlands. The evening was preceded by an American Civil War era wargame set up by the Loughborough gaming society. CO 4 MERCIAN and the Regimental Secretary took part as one side against Guy Barnett and Dan Campbell form Blakemores. The scene was set for an intense battle over the table top with much measuring of rulers, moving of lead figures and rolling of dice. After several hours of nail biting action, no conclusive result had been reached and it was time to launch the network.
The event was well attended, with CO
4th Battalion, Drums Platoon
4 MERCIAN explaining to the gathered audience the aims of the network and
what it hopes to achieve. There was also
an opportunity to present, as a token of gratitude for their continuing support, a print of the ‘Storming of Objective Fan’ picture to Blakemores. In support of all of the hosts, LCpl Derby was present, alongside the 4 MERCIAN Regimental Support Team, who brought along some military equipment for the guests to get their hands on.
The launch itself was deemed a success and the civilian firms that were represented, appeared to be very keen to get on board with the network. This in turn should generate some links for those leaving the Regiment and potentially place some into employment.
If you or your business wishes to be part of the Mercian Network please get in touch with CO 4 MERCIAN, email 4merc-bhq- co@mod.uk.
Any officer or soldier leaving the Regiment and wishing to make use of the network to assist in securing employment should speak to their BCMO.
The evening was hosted by serving
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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