Page 99 - MERCIAN Eagle 2015

Retirement of Maj (Retd) Jim Massey –Assistant Regimental Secretary Mercian Regiment
RHQ Mercian will lose one of its longest serving and key members of staff when Maj (Retd) Jim Massey retires this December 2015. Jim had a long distinguished career with the 1st Battalion The Staffordshire Regiment, from being commissioned in 1973 to his retirement in 1994. He took
up the post as Regimental Secretary
The Staffordshire Regiment in 2005 and moved across to RHQ Mercian in 2007. Jim has been a vital part of the RHQ team providing key support to the Staffordshire Regimental Association, the Staffordshire Museum and all the Mercian Battalions.
His in depth knowledge on Regimental history, planning key events, sitting on numerous committees, and maintaining strong links with veterans will be missed. Jim’s steadfast advice has been invaluable in the turbulent years of the formation of the Mercian Regiment and the loss of our 3rd Battalion. His superb planning of numerous Parades, Services, close links to Lichfield Clergy and the vital link to our Regimental Counties Civil Dignitaries will leave a big hole in Regimental Headquarters. We wish him and his wife Vanessa all the very best for the future, and we are sure that the Lake District walking routes will be getting a more frequent visitor.
Maj (Retd) Jim Massey with Sgt Jim Fellows one of our live in Chelsea Pensioner’s
at the Royal Hospital Chelsea
The big annual job was organising the Crich Pilgrimage and Cindy Baines from RHQ Nottingham and the team from
4 MERCIAN and Derbyshire Cadets all worked well to arrange this. After the infamous storm and retreat by the civic dignitaries and others down the hillside, we have added a wet weather programme and a heat wave version to the service,
to ensure it can finish in less than fifteen seconds. We also assisted the 2 MERCIAN
RHQ, Nottingham
KAPE and Band tours in January and February 2015, which was enjoyable
for those of us who were involved. In addition to all these major events, we
have also worked with the Regimental Support Team in assisting with Great War Commemorations, the Victoria Cross commemorations, funerals and civic events.
Cindy Clark, Assistant Regimental Secretary
Life continues at a hectic pace in Nottingham, not least with no admin
staff (Neil sadly had to relocate on compassionate grounds), my juggling
skills are improving daily. The end of last year and through to this saw 2 MERCIAN exercise their Freedom rights throughout the recruiting areas. In our area, the battalion marched through Derby, Nottingham, Mansfield, Bromsgrove and Kidderminster. I’m sure that you can imagine, there is a
lot of work that goes on behind the scenes prior to the big day
and the extra mile that
the councils go for us,
the Queen’ whilst the Colours and the Standards remained in place. There is no doubt that the 2015 pilgrimage will be remembered for its biblical storm!
Whilst the main priority of RHQ business remains in supporting the Regiment, we
still retain our links with and support our associations and museums. It’s heartening to see so many of the association members and Standard Bearers respond to the call for support at various events through our regions. There was also a good turnout
at this years WFRA Reunion where thanks are given to 1 MERCIAN for their support (more of the day in a separate article).
Another of RHQ’s key functions is to support the wounded and the families of those KIA. It was an honour to be
part of the Afghanistan Bastion Memorial Wall event at the NMA in the summer and meet up again with many of our families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Being invited to attend the dedication of Sean Dolan Close and supporting ‘Walking with the Wounded’ who also help many of our soldiers were also noteworthy experiences.
I have been lucky enough to have been invited to several of 2 MERCIAN’s boxing matches (I’m still waiting for the invitations from 1 and 4!) which are always good fun, not just for the sport but to spend some time with the guys to catch up with ‘on the ground’ stories. It was also a privilege to attend RSM Rowlings dine in alongside members of the Association who I’m sure will agree that it was a memorable night. SFSH
given their own resource issues, is testament to how well thought of the Mercian family are. In each city and town,
we were heartened by
the support from the
Regimental Family and
the general public and each council hosted us superbly. It was a privilege to work
so closely with the guys and to see that the support for the Regiment grows from strength to strength.
The Crich Pilgrimage remains at the heart of this office’s business although it is very much a team effort between all the RHQ staff and the Bn’s especially 4 MERCIAN. The hard work, good will, and good humour, of all involved pay dividends to its continuing success. This year, standing
at the top of the hill marvelling at all those who come to pay their respects was quickly thwarted by the size and colour of the clouds moving up the hillside! Stand Firm, Strike Hard resonated; whilst the congregation fled down the hill, the band continuing to play, Titanic style, ‘God Save
The battalion marched through Derby, Nottingham, Mansfield, Bromsgrove and Kidderminster
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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