Page 123 - Mercian Eagle 2013

Crich Pilgrimage 2013
Whilst the sun shone brightly on the hillside this year, showing off the new path, four new flagpoles (so that we can now fly the flags of the Sherwood Foresters, Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters, The Mercian Regiment and the Union Flag) and the re-dedication plaque of the site to The Mercian Regiment, the gathering crowds were treated to a surprise fly past from a Dakota who tipped her wings in honour of the day arranged by Capt Mitchell.
The crowds gathered all over the hillside, for the most poignant event in the Regimental calendar, to watch the Colour parties of the 1st, 2nd and 4th Battalion march on parade flanked by the proud Standard Bearers from the WFRA and Mercian antecedents and cadets from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The Pilgrimage was led by the Right Reverend Richard Inwood, Assistant Bishop of Southwell ably assisted by Father Michael Kirkham, Dean of Amber Valley and the Reverend Alison Redshaw, Curate of Crich Parish, where a re-dedication service of the site to The Mercian Regiment was followed by the service. The civic procession, made up of High
Sheriffs, Mayors, Chairmen, Police and Members of Parliament were led up the hill by the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Mr William Tucker, and the Lord Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire, Sir John Peace.
The new Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier Andrew Williams OBE, gave a heartfelt speech about The Mercian Regiment embracing Crich to ensure that its antecedent’s heritage, the Crich Stand, site and all it represents, is never forgotten.
RHQ gives sincere thanks to all of those who assisted with the preparations and the event itself, in particular the cadets for their mature approach, handing out programmes, greeting the civil dignitaries, for our loyal Standard Bearers on one of the hottest days, of course C Coy 4 Mercian (especially CSgt Brown) whose assistance was paramount in making the event such a great success.
We look forward to seeing you all on the Regiment’s most important hillside on Sunday 6 July 2014.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE 121