Page 5 - Chiron Calling Autumn/Winter 2022

Foreword
by Colonel Mark Morrison QHVS, Chief Veterinary and Remount Officer
This Autumn 2022 edition of Chiron Calling opens a new chapter for the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.
It is the first published under our new Commander-in-Chief, King Charles III. It is also the first under our new Colonel Commandant, Major General Zac Stenning (see inset) and our new Regimental Secretary, Mrs Kristy McComiskie. It is with great pleasure that we welcome General Zac and Kristy into their new roles, and I hope and trust they will quickly feel an integral part of the Corps.
Whilst we celebrate a new Chapter, it is fitting that we also pause to reflect on our own memories of the Late Queen Elizabeth II. Her visit
to the Defence Animal Centre in June 1996 was a special event for the Corps, and the touching story of Her Late Majesty’s exchange with the then Sgt Clegg highlights something that the Corps, more than any other across our Armed Forces, shared with Her Late Majesty – a life of constant involvement with, deep respect for and commitment to animals.
The new Chapter for the Corps is
not just a metaphorical one. With the latest volume of the Official RAVC History (Volume 3) only recently closed to new content, the articles
in this edition of Chiron Calling
will surely inform the very first Chapter of a future Volume 4, when it comes to be written much later this Century. And I am delighted to report that the latest volume is now very close to publication. It covers the period from 1962 to the present day and a final working draft was circulated to selected serving and retired members of the Corps over the summer for comment. I have received positive feedback on the circulated draft and minor editorial changes have been incorporated into the final version. I am very confident that it will be published within the next few months. I heartily commend the new volume to you and, when it is out, I very much hope you will invest in a copy.
Producing the latest volume of our history has been an ambitious project and many deserve thanks for their input and support to the process. I do, however, wish to single out one individual above all others – Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Chris Ham. Central
to the evidence gathering and research, he also wrote the first
draft for our professional author to tailor and, over recent months, he has sustained momentum to get
the volume to publication. In all respects, Chris’ contribution has been tireless and extraordinary. Beyond his efforts for the Corps history, Chris also stepped up recently to cover the gap between Regimental Secretary’s. Giving his time without material remuneration, he has softened the transition between Regimental Secretaries and kept the Corps going. I am sure you would wish to join me in thanking him for all his hard work.
Chiron Calling has been an essential reference source for the latest history and this edition is no different. It continues to showcase the wide range of activities those currently serving are involved in and I am enormously grateful to all those who contribute articles.
It is also great to hear news from those who have recently left the Corps. This edition, in particular, brings to life the positive influence that ex-members of the Corps are having across the wider animal sector, whether as part of a charity, in industry or working with Government. The Corps continues to have much to be proud of and celebrate.
Key dates for the RAVC Association calendar
Please visit the RAVC Association website for further details: ravc-association.org
1st May 2023
23rd June 2023 24th June 2023
Closing date article for the Spring/Summer 2023 edition of Chiron Calling
RAVC Annual Golf Day Melton Mowbray
RAVC Reunion to include: RAVC Management Committee Meeting RAVC Association Annual General Meeting
Chief Veterinary Remount Officer ‘Strategic Corps’ Update
2nd July 2023
9th November 2023
12th November 2023 TBC November 2023
RAVC Morning service at the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Field of Remembrance Service – St Margaret’s in the Field London
Remembrance and Cenotaph Parade London
RAVC Committee Meetings Melton Mowbray
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