Page 17 - Chiron Issue 2 2014

Commandant, in and out of various meetings with the Corps RSM, the Association Chairman, Secretary Melton Branch, Palace Protection Officers, NMA Events Manager, Mr Neil Hoare, Contractors, printers, Chaplain, etc. along with liaising with AMS Events & Functions to ensure 200 invitations were issued but as a good soldier I was quietly optimistic that it would all happen.
It was also hugely important to bring in the families of the bereaved soldiers from Northern Ireland and Afghanistan, namely: Cpl Bryan Criddle who died in NI in1973, LCpls Kenneth Rowe and Liam Tasker who died in Afghanistan with their dogs Theo and Sasha who both received a posthumous Dickin Medal.
With the weather ever improving, rehearsals were arranged for the day/evening before with the Corps RSM, Association Secretary, Melton Branch and troops and the Standard Bearers. The Colonel Commandant, DAVRS and all key players had been briefed and I met with the Rowe and Tasker families the evening before to explain the format for the next day.
The day had finally arrived, the weather was perfect, all relevant security checks were in place, and with all key players briefed on their respective parts, our guests started to arrive.
HRH The Princess Royal arrived by helicopter and was met by the Lord Lieutenant Mr Dudson and his wife and the party then travelled to the NMA where she was introduced to DAVRS, CO DAC, CO 1 MWD Regt, Association Chairman and myself.
Following the service, conducted by The Chaplain, Revd Brian McAvoy, HRH was invited to unveil the memorial which until now was covered in a large Corps flag. As she lifted the flag, she loudly exclaimed ‘Wow’....to us that was probably the best Royal approval that we could have expected and I knew then that my job was done.
Following the service, everyone moved to the Pavilion where refreshments were provided and it also gave our Colonel in Chief a chance to meet the bereaved families and members of the RAVC; before leaving HRH was presented with a posy by 4 year old Riley who is the nephew of LCpl Kenneth Rowe.
The RAVC Memorial project was a challenge on many levels, but it was also long overdue. We can now at least spend some time reminiscing those who have sacrificed their lives in the name of the Corps and country whenever we visit the National memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire.
It is intended to hold an annual service at
the RAVC Memorial and the event will be posted to the RAVC Association Website. Anyone wishing to visit the memorial will find it at the end of the Beat close to the RAMC and RADC memorials.
For their support the RAVC wishes to thank the NMA Staff, Paul Kennedy, Neil Hoare and Jo Marchant, our friends at the PDSA and Crest Publishing, Mr Sean Whinray at the Staffordshire Lord Lieutenant’s Office and last but by no means least, Keith Rackham, Andrew Rackham and Woody the stonemason.
The National Association Of Security Dog Users
NASDU is a not for profit Membership Association, inaugurated in December 1996 by the then Rt. Hon. Bruce George MP at Surrey Police Head Quarters - Mount Browne.
NASDU is responsible for the development of standards and qualifications within the UK private security industry dog sector and has seen its Code of Practice adopted as the basis for the first ever British Standard for Security Dog Handling – BS 8517.
Qualification development has resulted in a unique suite of qualifications endorsed by an OFQUAL Approved Awarding Body
(HABC), these range from the Level 2 GP through to the Level 3 & 4 qualifications for Drug and Explosive Detection Dog Handling.
NASDU has also developed qualifications for handlers working in a Hostile Environment, Fire Investigation, Victim Recovery (cadaver), Pyrotechnics and recently Bedbug Detection.
In addition to standards development NASDU represents not just its Members but the whole of the UK private security dog sector at all levels of government including the SIA, Home Office, CPNI and DSTL.
RAVC Opportunities:
The private security dog sector acknowledges the skills & experience of RAVC trained personnel and as such have opportunities for Trainers and handlers
Qualifications Offered:
• Level 2 Award for a General Purpose Security Dog Handler
• Level 3 Certificate for a General Purpose Security Dog Handler
• Level 3 Certificate for a Passive Drug Detection Dog Handler
• Level 3 Certificate for a Proactive Drug Detection Dog Handler
• Level 4 Certificate for an Explosive Detection Dog Handler
• Level 4 Certificate for a Vehicle Search Dog Handler
• Level 4 Certificate for Hostile Environment EDD Handler
• Level 3 Diploma for a Security Dog Handler
Unit 11 Boundary Business Centre Boundary Way
Woking
Surrey
GU21 5DH
Telephone: 01483 224 320 Fax: 01483 224 735 E-mail: info@nasdu.co.uk www.nasdu.co.uk
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