Page 98 - RSDG Year of 2023

96 EAGLE AND CARBINE
BRANCH REPORTS
GLASGOW AND WEST OF SCOTLAND BRANCH
The Combined weekend gathering, originally scheduled for 9-10 September 2022, finally took place on the rescheduled dates of 21-22 April 2023. This turned out to be a very hectic but fun weekend for all those who attended.
On Friday, 21 April, the Association Golf took place at Greenburn Golf Club. Many golfers from the Regiment and Association took part. The Association winner was Alex Agnew. The best Regimental player was Simon McCormick. On Friday evening we held a Games Night in the Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn. The games, however, were a non-starter, as the evening turned into a meet and greet amongst friends. We did manage a few games of bingo though (probably the first-time bingo has been played at any Regimental event!) and a karaoke. There were some budding songsters and some not so budding.... but it did make for a great night.
On the Saturday morning we held the East v West Bowling Competition at Whitburn Bowling Club. This was a fun event with everyone having a great time. The results were: Ryder Cup – West, Foursome – East, Ladies – West, Di Raitt Memorial – Brian Carroll.
That evening we held a dinner in the hotel followed by trophy presentations and the award of Gold Membership
Laying the Wreath at the Garden of Remembrance in Glasgow
to Billy Raitt, Peter McDonald and Andrew Wright and Honorary Membership to James Hughes. A glass of port was provided to all guests by the family of Glen Nuttall to toast absent friends. All in all, this was a very enjoyable weekend with friends from every branch attending.
As the above event was carried forward from 2022, it was agreed to hold the Association Golf Meeting for 2023 on Friday 15 September at the Deer Park Golf and Country Club, Livingston. The Association winner was Billy Raitt. This was also well attended with players from the Regiment, SNIY and the Association.
The Opening of the Garden of Remembrance in Glasgow was held in George Square on Tuesday 24 October 2023. The garden was opened by Rear Admiral Beverstock, the National President of the Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppy Scotland.
The Remembrance Sunday Service and parade took place on Sunday 12 November 2023. Some 27 members of the branch attended the service and took part in the march past afterwards. The wreath, this year, was laid by Billy Bootland on behalf of the Regiment and Branch. A reception was laid on by Glasgow City Council in the City Chambers and we then retired to a drinking estab- lishment afterwards for a cup of tea.
It is always very sad when we have to say farewell to any of our members. During this year we said a final farewell to Ferris (Ferry) Walker, Robert (Bumper) Brown and Ivie (Farmer) Hill, also to Joseph (Joe) Scobbie who served in the Regiment but was not registered with the Association, but was within our branch area. Wherever possible, a “Guard of Honour” was provided by the Association members at these funerals.
The Colonel presenting Billy Raitt with his Gold Membership