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As a result of his huge success, Mike now has provisionally agreed a “one night only” contract for next year and I’m reliably informed will be joined on stage by Dennis Williams; a limited amount of tickets go on sale early next year – please book early as this is not to be missed!
This now being the twenty-second consecutive Scottish Branch “Gathering”, the tried and tested format for the Saturday evening was once again a traditional “formal” night held in the Loch Leven Suite at the Green Hotel, with 52 attending an excellent night of Scottish Dancing from the Sarah Hendry school of dance, Piping from two young Of cer Cadets from EUOTC and a Celidh Band (Jake Donnelly). The Dancers had spent most of the day either competing or performing at RAF Leuchars Open Day, before dancing for us in the evening – so a long day to say the least. However the arrangement they performed was genuinely excellent and a bit different, with an emphasis towards tunes with a modern twist, but still with a traditional Scottish dance theme.
It was really great to have such a wide range of age and experience from within the Corps in attendance, from 91 year old Ivor Tulloch who left the Corps in 1947 to a current serving SSgt based in Yorkshire who just wanted to come and see what happens at the Scottish Branch Reunion – hope you enjoyed it!.
Once again Jimmy Bishop was on-hand as our resident photographer to capture a pictorial account of the weekend festivities. Jimmy has been outstanding over the years in producing
RAPTC Tartan on display
compact disks of the reunion free of charge; with only a voluntary donation to the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS), which has been the chosen charity for the Branch for quite some time. Many thanks to Jimmy and for all the kind donations we received.
One of the most entertaining and funniest events of the Saturday evening was Ray Rutherford’s impromptu solo interpretation of a Highland Dance. Unfortunately we only managed to capture a small video clip towards the end of the routine; otherwise YouTube would have gone into meltdown. For those who have never experienced Highland Dancing you’ve got to give it a try; it’s a bit like Battle PT blended with Partner Exercises to music, with very few rules and you normally forget them anyway – great fun!
Before I nish I would like to sincerely thank Mrs Liz Korda (Branch Treasurer) for all the hard work she has done in support of past and present Chairmen / Secretaries. Also for all the effort in getting the RAPTC Tartan posted out to everyone who has ordered something; those who are interested in purchasing a new Kit /Trews or simply want to buy a length of Tartan, please contact myself or Liz.
The Committee are already planning for next year’s “Gathering” over the period 1st and 2nd June 2018 and hope to see as many retired and serving members as possible – remember, good people make reunions great!
See you when we’re all a year older. Dougie
BRIGADE COMMANDERS COIN - SSGT DAVIES
SSgt Davies is the SSI for 7 Para RHA. A man with enormous drive and relentless enthusiasm, his performance over the period of the last six months has
been nothing short of outstanding.
Not content with tripling the Regimental AAPPS pass rate, he has reinvigorated both rehabilitation as well as remedial training, been the Secretary of Army Football, delivered motivational and con dence growing sporting support to the children of the Regiment’s sponsored school, and coordinated a Health Fair on behalf of the Bde SMI.
With countless accolades and emails of thanks for superb performances, that SSgt Davies consistently delivers, this level of competence is astonishing.
He is man of proven intelligence, is an excellent planner and briefs to a high level of ability; his diligence, attitude and motivation are worthy of recognition - SSgt Davies is awarded the Bde Comds Coin.
SSgt Davies awarded Bde Comds Coin
WO2 SLADE JONES AWARD AT DINNER