Page 6 - Mercian Eagle 2016

Pte Derby XXXI
Cpl Phillip Thornton Ram Major
2016 has been a funny old
year and also one with a taint
of sadness due to the fact on
the 27th November 2015, Pte
Derby 30th died of a bacterial
infection. Pte Derby had been
vaccinated for this bacterial
infection but as we know
all vacations are not 100%
effective. Meanwhile the role
at RHQ needs to continue and
on the 3rd February 2016 Pte Mclean and I picked up Pte Derby XXXI from Dunsa Farm Chatsworth. Pte Derby XXXI had been selected by the Duke of Devonshire; this is a long running tradition that has happened for many years now. On arrival at Dunsa farm we were met by a small, skinny and very dirty Swaledale ram! Who seemed very aggressive. It was from this moment Pte Mclean and I realised we had our work cut out training this one.
As soon as we were back we got the vet out and he received a full check-up and also received his jabs. It was then on that his training began. His first job arrived on the 20th February at Worcester Warriors and it was from this moment we knew,
On arrival at Dunsa farm we were met by a small, skinny and very dirty Swaledale ram!
even though Derby was evil in his pen and liked nothing better to butt you in his home surroundings, he was in fact going to be very calm and good while in the eyes of the general public.
2016 has been quite a busy year once again travelling as far north to Catterick and all the way down south, as far
as Bulford covering many miles in various different roles. Highlights of the year came in March when Derby had his first radio interview on Radio
Derby! Then came along June where we drove to Keddleston hall for a grand day out and Pte Derby receiving his first televised role on Bargain hunt. 2016 has also seen the relations to Derby County F.C rebuilt and Pte Derby marched the team out in front of 30 thousand screaming fans! One job which to this day still sends a tingle down my spine. 2016 all in all has been a good one for Pte Derby XXXI and we are looking forward to what 2017 brings.
Stand Firm Strike Hard!
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