Page 9 - Chiron Issue 2 2014

1 Military Working Dog (MWD) Regiment John Shipp Day Celebration
1 MWD Regiment held its annual celebrations for our Corps founder, John Shipp on Saturday 21 June 2014. This year saw a big change from the traditional inter- Squadron “beasting”, usually involving members from each Squadron carrying out some sort of log run, tractor tyre flipping around the sports track, to a fun day for all the family with not a single piece of PT equipment in sight.
The event was held at the Sports Arena on Normandy Barracks, and consisted of a wide variety of stalls run by the Partners and Wives (PAWS) group providing everyone with a large selection of cakes and sticky buns to buy, and the usual raffles and craft stalls. Sgt Cole had the PRI shop set up, and managed to persuade many of the soldiers to part with their hard earned money on a new variety of 1 MWD Regiment merchandise. There was also something for the kids, with a talented face painter, a Nerf Gun shooting gallery with
By Sgt Davison & Sgt Cole
prizes for overall best shot. The children then took part in a mini Olympic course, run by SSgt Curtis and his gym staff, for children of all age groups, with prizes for the top three competitors in each age range.
There were a vast array of inflatables for all to enjoy, including a bungee run, an inflatable climbing wall to the normal bouncy castles. There was even a beer crate climbing challenge which involved stacking crates whilst standing on them and trying to balance and place another one on top to see how high you could go.
The entertainment didn’t stop there! We also had bucking bronco and padded sumo suits which went down really well with everyone. The usual stocks and wet sponges came out providing an opportunity to throw something at your boss without fear of reprisal (or Colchester), along with a visit from our friendly red caps (RMP) and the Defence Fire Service, with their vehicles. The parachute display team dropped in
provided by the Bad Lippspringe Sky Dive Centre showing precision landing in the centre of the sports field. Then to top off the day a German band with an eclectic array of tracks provided the closing entertainment which inspired the CO to get up and have a go on the drums and play along with them.
The entire event was a fantastic day and the bench mark has now been set for next year. Once we have all Squadrons together in one location the possibilities are endless, and we can create a much bigger and better day year on year. A special mention has to go to all involved in making this day possible: WO1 (RSM) McFarlane for obtaining funding; Sgt Bourne for running around with his hair on fire arranging all the finer details to make the
event happen; the ladies from the PAWS group for your continued support and delicious cakes; and everyone that attended. Look forward to next year where I’m sure it’ll be bigger and better.
SSgt Jacques on Bucking Bronco
Parachute Display
The RAVC Association Centaur Pin
The RAVC Association Melton Mowbray Branch have just commissioned a new Centaur Pin in silver that can be worn by both male and female members of the RAVC and Association. The pin is 2.5 cms x 2cms in size and can be worn on the lapel or as a brooch. It comes in a presentation box and can be purchased from:WO2 Stuart Rowles, RQMS, DAC, Asfordby Rd, Melton Mowbray, Leics LE13 0HX. Tel 01664 418637. Cost: £6.50p. If post and packing is required please add another £2.00 Cheques to be made out to ‘RAVC Association’.
OBE for Lt Col Richard Pope RAVC
Our congratulations go to Lieutenant Colonel Richard Pope who was awarded the OBE in HM The Queen’s Birthday Honours List for 2014.
Lt Col Richard Pope received his award for the work he has done at the DAC during his tenure as the Commanding Officer, and also for promoting the RAVC and the Army in the local Community of Melton Mowbray and Leicester Borough Council.
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