Page 135 - Mercian Eagle 2014

The Volunteer Corps of Drums beating Retreat at the Eagle Dining Club held at Lucas Hpouse, University of Birmingham in May
on board entertainment supplemented by items from members of the Branch!
Burton on Trent Branch
The Branch held another successful Curry evening again this year. Members from other Branches travelled to join in the festivities. The Branch has been present at numerous Civic and Regimental occasions. The Volunteer Corps of Drums who are centred on Burton have provided music for many occasions during the last year including
the privilege of leading the 3rd Battalion
on its march through Lichfield. The Drums visited the 3rd Battalion during the year and intend to visit the Menin gate in October.
Lt Col Dougie Bridges and the members
of the Corps have worked extremely hard to enable many organisations to enjoy their performances.
Eagle Dining Club
Eagle Dining Club held its Annual Dinner
at Lucas House, Birmingham University
on Friday 9th May. The evening was
well attended with the guests being, the Regimental Secretary; Lt Col Richard Spiby, the Regimental Adjt, Capt Shergold and Major Carpenter-Balmer from 4 MERCIAN. The Volunteer Corps of Drums from Burton on Trent beat Retreat before the Dinner for which we are most grateful to Lt Col Dougie Bridges.
The Worcestershire Way
Is a long distance walk which began as a fitness training walk across the Malvern Hills by B Company 1 MERCIAN V at Kidderminster. This was extended by Major Keith Abell and Sgt Garry Owen into a
long distance walk stretching in the North from the Staffordshire/ Worcestershire border to the Gloucestershire border in the south. Articles were written about the walk in the Worcestershire and Warwickshire magazine and Major Abell and Sgt Owen appeared on the ‘Midlands Today’ TV programme concerning the walk. The walk became very popular with local ramblers who were awarded a badge on completion of the walk. Later it was taken up by the Worcestershire County Council and a video was made of the walk but sadly no mention was made concerning the involvement of
B Company. Happily this has now been rectified through an accidental meeting by Major Abell with a member of the Footpaths Committee of the County Council. New literature has been produced by the County Council which now acknowledges the work of Major Abell and Sgt Owen.
Congratulations to!
Lt Col Jerry Blake on his marriage to Mrs Claudette Peakman on Saturday 9th August at St Peters Church Tiverton. Col Blake was at one time second in command of 1WFR
The ladies watch from the shade of the gazebo
Lunch is served after the meeting!
Did It rain! Brian Turvey and Bernard Pratt setting up the gazebos!
Fish and Chip Supper on the boat Trip, Marie &Clive Amis, Sabra & Philip Gardiner
and Commanding Officer of 1st Mercian Volunteers We send our best wishes.
To Mr John Kirk Chairman of the Walsall Branch on the award of the Imperial Service Medal on his retirement in recognition of his service with the Civil Service in particular his service with the Territorial Army.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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