Page 8 - Bugle Issue 20 Autumn 2022

1 RIFLES
1 RIFLES Welfare Team
The Welfare Team have been busy over the past six months. We have seen a change in staff and the deployment
and then return of the Riflemen from Op TOSCA. Firstly, we would like to say a farewell to Capt Matt Cleaver and thank him for his efforts over the last two years and a welcome to Capt Dave Dimmock, who joins us after completing a period as RSM in Brecon.
During Op TOSCA the team continued
to work hard and support the families of those deployed. After the winter break
the team continued to work tirelessly on providing more day trips, which involved trips to Longleat Safari Park (the coach was vandalised by the monkeys), and we also had a trip to LEGOLAND. Easter was celebrated with a party that took place at the Community Centre. The big finale was the homecoming event which involved some big fairground rides (luckily the weather held out so the day could be enjoyed by all). This was to welcome home all the Riflemen from their deployment in Cyprus, which the whole community of Beachley, Sedbury and Tidenham were invited to.
Not only have the Welfare Team supported the families by providing these events, they also have worked tirelessly on supporting the Riflemen of the battalion and continue to be an important part of the supporting chain to the battalion. The team also are starting to look at what the move to Cyprus may look like as relocation time starts to come around.
Capt Dave Dimmock
8 RIFLES The Bugle
1 RIFLES SUPPORT TO THE
CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF FINAL
80,000 fans singing the National Anthem as you stand to attention on the centre spot of Wembley Stadium is comparable to being punched in the face by national pride.
This was the experience of 50 Riflemen and attached arms of all ranks across a spread
of companies from 1 RIFLES, that had the opportunity to represent the British Army as official flag bearers for the EFL Championship play-offs on Sunday 29th May 2022.
Nottingham Forest gave Huddersfield Town a sound run for their money (quite literally) as they won promotion into the Premier League in what is known across the game as the
richest match in football (with the winning team earning on average £170m in increased revenue). “Being able to go into Wembley Stadium and be pitch-side and experience
it close up is definitely a moment I’ll never forget”, said Cpl Mike Heele of HQ Coy.
Following the opening performance, the Riflemen were then given complimentary tickets to watch the game and all agreed it
was a terrific day out and event. Overall, a great occasion and a great showing by The Rifles and The British Army. And of course, congratulations Nottingham Forest. Up the Reds!
Cpl Goodman, 1 Rifles
a great occasion and a great showing by The Rifles