Page 168 - RAPTC Number 102 2018/19

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Lt Col (Retd) D Peters – Chairman Capt (MAA) G Webster – Secretary Mrs Liz Korda – Treasure
Before we knew it the 2019 Scottish Association Branch Gathering was upon us and this year being the twenty-third consecutive ‘Gathering’ was held over the weekend of 14
– 15 June at a new location – the DoubleTree, Hilton in North Queensferry, Fife.
Not only was the location new, but we had to move the weekend from the traditional 1st w/end in Jun, to the 2nd w/end due to availability of this very popular Hotel. The Hilton, N Queensferry has recently undergone a complete refurbishment and the facilities and location couldn’t have been better – absolutely first class and has already been booked for 2020 (back again to our normal time - 1st w/end in Jun!).
The view from the balcony of the function suite looks directly onto the new Cable-stayed £1.35bn Queensferry Crossing Bridge, spanning 1.7 miles across the Firth of Forth.
Golf this year was held at the Pitreavie GC in Dunfermline and 14 golfers teed-off in relative sunshine (something not seen for several weeks leading up to the gathering).
The trophies this year were won by: • Ladies Winner - Mrs Julie Wink
• Open Winner - Tom Mulligan
• Stapleford Winner - Ryan Evans • Scratch Winner - Andy Steven
• Honest John Trophy - Neil Beatie
The tried and tested format for the Friday evening was once again an informal social evening at our new venue for an opportunity to “meet and greet” and catch up on what everyone’s been getting up to for the past year(s). With just over 35 turning up for the Friday evening, the relaxed and informal night was capped by a rare “live” performance by the multi-talented Mike (the oldest rocker in town) Mooney.
Saturday evening was once again a traditional “formal” night held in the Doubletree Hotel, with 70 attending a fantastic night of Scottish Dancing, Piping and drumming from two young Officer Cadets from EUOTC and a Celidh Band (Tay Sliders). The
The Hopefuls!
Dancers had spent most of the day competing, before dancing for us in the evening – so a long day to say the least. However, the routine they performed was genuinely excellent, with an emphasis towards tunes with a traditional Scottish dance theme.
The highlight of the evening was marking the special occasion of Mrs Liz Korda’s retirement. Liz has been a stalwart in the PD space for many years and over this time she has built a vast database of corporate knowledge. She will be sorely missed by all the Expedition Leaders and RAPTCIs that constantly seek advice from Liz.
Liz, on behalf of all the Branch members and RAPTCIs’ we would like to wish you an excellent retirement and offer you our very best wishes for the future.
As a reminder, 2020 will see the “Gathering” taking place in the same location over the first weekend in June 2020. This will be a great weekend of entertainment and I urge more serving members to attend.
If there are any Association members’ living in the Scotland Branch area and are not yet on the mailing list but would like to be please contact: Lt Col (Retd) Dougie Peters, the Branch Chairman or Capt (MAA) Grant Webster, the Branch Secretary, to be included for future Gathering dates and Association information.
Also, the RAPTC Tartan can be purchased by contacting any of the Scottish Branch Committee.
Best wishes and hope to see you all next year.
SCOTTISH BRANCH 2019
A Fine Collection!! Corps SM and SMAA
Ivor Tulloch Mrs Liz Korda receiving her presentation from the SMAA and SB Chairman
Ted Dixon with Harry Griffith
Ivy Wilson and Ivor Tulloch (between them a combined age of 180 plus - both are amazing!!!)