Page 80 - Bugle Issue 20 Autumn 2022

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Pass Off Parade
of Rifleman
Toby Spender
Back in April Rifleman Toby Spender followed in his father’s footsteps
and joined The Rifles after passing the gruelling 28-week Combat Infantryman’s Course at Catterick and graduating as the Platoon’s top shot.
The regiment has had many father/ son associations and Toby’s Dad, Danny spent 16 years serving with the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment (RGBW) and The Rifles
upon their formation. He deployed on operational tours including the Balkans, Northern Ireland and three times to Helmand Provence in Afghanistan. On Herrick 14, Danny was involved in a low metal content Improvised Explosive Device (IED) contact which resulted in the amputation of both his legs above the knee.
Despite Danny’s obvious difficulties he has remained positive and upbeat about his time as a serving Rifleman and has supported his son Toby’s decision to become a Rifleman. Toby not surprisingly has shown a similar determination to
his Dad.
When asked how he felt about Toby joining the regiment Danny said, ‘he was incredibly proud to see Toby follow in his footsteps’ and advised Toby to ‘listen and learn from those with more experience as he will learn so much more going forward.’ Toby said he was ‘inspired by his Dad’ and his Dad’s service was one of the reasons for joining The Rifles and he looked forward to keeping the family name in the regiment.
80 RIFLES The Bugle
TESCO VOUCHER
Just like the rest of the population, we know that our Riflemen are not immune to the cost-of-living crisis sweeping the country. In order to help support both our serving and veteran Riflemen we are offering Tesco vouchers to those genuinely in need.
We know that this is not the sole solution, but we hope that it goes some way to
supporting those most at need quickly and easily – saving money for other costly basics like petrol and energy bills.
If you genuinely need help, details of how to apply can be found on SWIFT.
Dear SWIFT Member,
Regimental Support Towards the Ongoing Cost of Living Situation
The cost-of-living situation sweeping across the country and beyond is being watched carefully by the Regiment. Everyone anticipates the situation to worsen in the short term and affect all areas of everyone’s lives.
The Rifles Trustees have been considering how best to help support those serving and veteran Riflemen who are experiencing genuine financial hardship, and so we are launching a trial voucher scheme to serving Riflemen and our veterans from The Rifles and its former and antecedent regiments.
Through SWIFT, an individual £100 Tesco Grocery Voucher can now be redeemed by those in genuine need to benefit them and their dependants directly, quickly, and easily - saving money for other costly basics like heating and electricity bills.
The Rifles family is bound by deep levels of trust, and we expect only those who find themselves in genuine financial difficulties to apply. To do otherwise would be a betrayal of what we as thinking Riflemen stand for and believe in. Of course, a single, one-off voucher is not the final answer to a wider problem, but it will help immediately and might allow those in serious hardship to be identified and supported further through Regimental Headquarters.
If serving, Regimental Headquarters will confidentially give your details to your Unit Welfare Officer as he might be able to help you further. If you are a veteran, Regimental Headquarters may be in touch to understand your circumstances and see if more help is appropriate. The only requirement we expect of you is that you keep your receipt in case we need to conduct an audit.
If you know someone in the regimental family who might need this help but might not see this letter, or be too proud to step forward, please let us know so that we can make contact.
If you find yourself in need and feel you are eligible, please go to SWIFT > Useful Info > Subscriptions & Vouchers to apply. Nobody will think the worse of you for doing so genuinely and instead it is the sort of forward looking and innovative family support, at a time of much need, that makes The Rifles and Riflemen distinct and special.
Swift and Bold
Peter Balls
Regimental Secretary on behalf of The Rifles’ Trustees