Page 232 - Bugle Autumn 2014

face all means of public funding a Trust
will form in October 2014. Reflecting the increasing bond between our Museum and Somerset Heritage Services, Sam Astill
a Curator, was awarded the Colonel in Chief’s commendation at Davies Street in November 2013. His outstanding work in helping to develop the refurbished Museum, mount temporary exhibitions as well maintaining a keen interest in all military was most deserving.
WO1 (Bmr) Scott Bunker of Somerset ACF was also awarded the Colonel in Chief’s Commendation in November. His work in building, establishing and promoting the County’s Band and Bugles, over
many years, has been extraordinary. It is marvellous to see his work being rewarded in this way as well as recognition for the hard work of cadets drawn from across the County. Managing rehearsal time in addition to bringing all together requires diligence
as well as loyalty. The fine reputation of the Band and Bugles is richly deserved.
Cadets in Somerset are now the visible representatives of The Rifles regimental family. In 2014 they continued to excel
at RAF Cosford and the Nijmegen
marches. These activities involve many hours of marching and take tremendous determination to complete. Since 2007, Somerset has won the Nijmegen Marches in the cadet class for every year but one. Marksmanship continues to improve as well as individual placing
Bristol diners
guest of honour of the Bristol Branch in Autumn 2014. His after dinner speech highlighted his experiences as young regimental officer with the Somerset Light Infantry his time as a businessman and
MP, his knowledge of Northern Ireland as well as his period as Secretary of State for Defence and beyond. Brigadier Christopher
the Lord Mayor Councillor Alastair Watson and the elected Mayor George Ferguson came together at the start of Armed Forces Week to sign the Armed Forces Community Covenant at Bristol’s City Hall.
The Somerset Military Tattoo, an ABF
The Soldiers’ Charity fund raiser, takes place on Saturday 6th September this year. This will be its second year. Meanwhile General Sir John Deverell has taken over another fund ABF raising activity. On 2nd July he led his first Sedgemoor Battlefield Tour to the enjoyment and acclaim of all. The Sedgemoor baton is now been passed from Major General Barry Lane to his former Adjutant.
In concluding, it is noteworthy that the restructuring of regimental headquarters within counties and regions is beginning to take effect. Following the departure of Tristram Carter in the Gloucester office, Mike Motum is extending responsibilities beyond Somerset and Bristol to include Gloucestershire. Administrative support by Lesley Bradshaw and Debbie Hards in Gloucester and Taunton offices continues.
in national teams.
Regional First Aid
competitions as well
as The Rifles Cadet
Cup also motivate the
cadets and inspire
participation. However
it is the Tug o’ War teams that are gaining the highest profile at present and their notes support this editorial. Unlike Somerset, Bristol has a multi-cap badged ACF albeit there are several detachments that proudly wear The Rifles cap-badge. The Merchants Academy at Withywood is one of the more unusual ones and their notes also support this editorial.
The Association continues to lead a full and active programme. Lord King was
Wolverson spoke
at Taunton’s annual dinner and urged all to support 675 (Rifles) Sqn on their arrival
in Taunton as well as looking forward to
the time when further Reserves may bring
The fine reputation of the Band and Bugles is richly deserved
change to the Army
more change and better news!
Support by the Association to Remembrance continues to be both welcome and noteworthy. Bristol, Bath
and Norton Radstock Branches also found time to support the dedication of a new
war memorial at Watchet on Somerset’s coastline to the east of Minehead. Their combined support was also clear when Mrs Mary Prior, the Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol,
Watchet Prepares
Bristol signs the Community Covenant
230 REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION NEWS
THE RIFLES