Page 104 - MERCIAN Eagle 2017

The Staffordshire Regiment Association
Helen Rayson MBE
As always 2017 was a busy year, with quite a few memorable events taking place. We have taken part in the
usual commitments such as Field of Remembrance and many more parades around the county, which are mentioned in the Branch notes. There has been some sterling work done by members of the Association, especially Dennis Smart and Dave Bradshaw Smith and all of the branches have helped, be it by holding bucket shakes, cleaning memorials, making sure our Regimental Memorial
is always clean and well presented at
the National Arboretum, cycle rides and walks. As usual Watchman has been to many events and he has even appeared on the BBC. He has represented the Association and attended far too many funerals this year, l am afraid. Can l say
a big thank you for everyone who has turned out to send their comrades off in a befitting manner. Always well turned out, along with Standards, and sometime even our bugler too, your dedication to the Regimental Family is commendable.
The annual reunion was well attended, and the hosts were Wolverhampton Branch. We were allowed to hold the church service ‘inside the wire’ which was greatly appreciated, as it has been a long time since we have put our boots on the parade square.
Another big event was the unique purchase of the lease on the Kings Head. Many members donated amounts to secure the lease to the Kings Head, which they can proudly say they have saved
the pub going to someone that doesn’t realise the background history of the Regiment, which was founded in 1705 when Colonel Luke Lillingston raised a force that later became the Staffords. The history carries on into the 21st century and it is down to all of you for pulling together and persevering and not giving up, but seeing the bigger picture. The
end result, the Kings Head has remained in the regimental family. Ferozeshah Day was held, as usual in the Kings Head, this was even more emotive as everyone had
saved their heritage, so celebrations were justifiably high.
The post of Assistant Regimental Secretary had, once again, become vacant as Mrs Jane White left for pastures new. In December 2017 I decided to apply for the position as l have been
part of the Staffordshire Regiment since 1995, firstly working in the Staffordshire Regimental Museum and then upon formation of the Mercian Regiment in 2007, moving up to RHQ Mercian. I know l will be asking for help from you
all, and l also know that you will always be there if l need any information or assistance. I thank you all for everything you have done throughout my working career and long may it last. My door is always open to all of you, whether it is asking for assistance or just to have a moan! I am here, l will listen and TRY and put a smile on your face before you leave the office. I think of you all as part of my regimental family and still proud to be part of it for over 23 years.
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SRACC
The Staffordshire Regimental Association Cycling Club was Formed on 11th March 2017 – With the Aim of the club to promote the sport of cycling whilst maintaining links with members of the Regimental Family. Having these links to the Regimental Association has helped keep the name
of the Regiment alive, but it has brought together old and new friends under the umbrella of cycling. The effect of which will only bring, it is hoped, a positive outcome.
The first Inaugural Ride was conducted on the 11 March 2017 starting at the Regimental Museum and stopping at the Kings Head pub for photo opportunity outside our Regimental Home.
We then continued our ride stopping off at the Staffordshire Regimental Memorial where we laid a wreath and conducted a small act of remembrance.
We have conducted 11 rides since formation primarily in the Midlands but further afield as the Cotswolds and Manchester. Listed below are the locations.
No Ride
Bosworth
Ironbridge
Lichfield/Alrewas
Some of the rides have been in
collaboration with members inviting their own Cycle Clubs to come along this
has help promote the Regiment in the community with members supporting local charity events and forged some good friendships.
The rides are ‘sponsored’ by members from the area and the distances are gradually increasing our furthest has been 65 miles but average 40. We predominantly have been ‘Road’ Riding but have recently branched out to MTB, which is hoped will increase our numbers.
We have a complete Catalogue of Club Kit, which proudly displays the Regimental Crest and the SRA Name.
This year has effectively been a consolidation year, to confirm interest. The response has been overwhelming and the interest is growing. Some members have been outside the Regimental Family for a long time, through the club it has brought them back in the fold.
The club is perhaps an outlet for people who feel they cannot join a Branch for whatever reason (Locality or not ready or want to)
Lichfield
Leek
Altrincham Halesowen Wombourne Cotswold Cannock Chase Stoke on Trent No Ride
March 17 April 17 May 17 June 17 July 17 August 17 Sept 17 Oct 17 Nov 17
As the group grows more adventurous challenges/events are being considered and there is an idea to do a multi-day ride in 2019 commemorate the 75TH anniversary of two of our Battle Honours Caen (Normandy) and Arnhem. This is yet to be confirmed but would be between the two respective dates (July – September)
We have recently had two members represent themselves, the Club and the Regiment in the Invictus UK Team Trials giving a good account of themselves. At the time of writing the Team has not been released, fingers crossed.
Currently we have 80+ FB members
of which we have 25 members who are actively riding, with others waiting for the right opportunity to come out with us. The Club has had a successful year, hopefully it will continue with more people joining and getting the benefits that Cycling brings but more importantly the feeling of being part of the Regimental Family.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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