Page 192 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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Lt Col (SMAA) Jason Hughes presents the Golf Trophy to Keith Howlett MBE
that all the hard work and effort that goes into organising these events is so well worthwhile. It was wonderful to see our people back together again after two long years in the Covid wilderness and in particular two of our brave ladies who felt able to attend despite both losing their husbands quite recently. Christine Young, whose husband Dave sadly passed away in December 2021, joined us for the very first time and Jean Ions, who tragically lost her dear husband Johnny in September 2021 was accompanied as usual by her lovely daughter Karen and wonderful son-in-law Martin. Despite obviously enjoying the friendship and company, it must have been quite a difficult and emotional occasion for both ladies but it was lovely to see them both with us, wrapped in the proverbial arms of our Branch family.
The hotel staff were extremely friendly and helpful, the service quite excellent and the food was absolutely superb. The fun table quiz went down well as I had promised a small prize for the first table to successfully complete it. Competitive as ever, three tables claimed to have finished first but fortuitously I managed to find enough prizes to keep everyone happy. Following the meal, the loyal toasts were observed and we were treated to WO2 (QMSI) Danny Newman and Pat Kaufman performing headstands as the Corps March was being sung with great gusto.
Following the toasts, the SMAA was invited to present the prizes for both the Crazy Golf and main Golf Competitions after which he went on to deliver an interesting and informative update on Corps matters.
The good fortunes of the Tarmey family continued when Cathy Tarmey’s name was announced as the winner of the ‘Star Prize Draw’ for a complimentary one-night stay for two people in the Park Inn Hotel provided courtesy of the hotel management.
RAPTC ASSOCIATION FORECAST OF EVENTS
Lt Col (SMAA) Jason Hughes presents Lesley Harburn with the ‘Duffers Putter Award’
The last formality of the evening was for me to mark the retirement of our Regimental Secretary, Lt Col (Retd) Gary Jones with the presentation of a farewell gift from the North East Branch members. Gary has had a distinguished service career culminating as the Commanding Officer of the ASPT before becoming the Regimental Secretary nine years ago. In that time, he has worked tirelessly and with great commitment to establish effective and efficient working practices for the Corps Association and Branches. Few people know just how complex and involved the workings of the Association are and in addition, Gary’s support of the Association Branches has been absolutely invaluable. Therefore, on behalf of the Branch, it gave me great pleasure to present Gary with a suitably engraved timepiece to recognise his achievements and to show our appreciation for all he has done and to remind him that there will always be a warm welcome for both him and Sandra in the North East Branch.
I close these notes with some final words of wisdom; always borrow money from a pessimist, they won’t expect it back.
REGIMENTAL SECRETARY’S FAREWELL
Jules Fairclough receiving flowers from Lt Col (Retd) Gary Jones on his retirement
Dates
Event
Location
24-25 Mar 23 12-13 May 23
29-30 Sep 23 TBC
North East Branch Dinner York
South East Branch Dinner Portsmouth
North West Branch Dinner Blackpool
South West & Wales Branch TBC Dinner
28 Apr 23
Eastern Branch Dinner
Bury St Edmunds
13 Sep 23
RAPTC Association Service of Remembrance
National Memorial Arboretum
13-14 Oct 23
Scottish Branch Dinner
Dunfermline