Page 22 - RAPTC Year of 2019

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
HEADQUARTERS REGIONAL COMMAND
1(UK) DIV PD BRANCH
Capt (MAA) G C Chapman RAPTC
“Day by day, what you do is what you become” – Heraclitus
Hello once again. As the new boy to the Branch it is my task to update you all on life within 1 (UK) Div. Where to start? We wish Maj Chris Roberts a fond farewell and good fortune
in his new assignment, ya gonna need it lad! Maj Lou James on promotion has taken over from Chris and has settled into her new role and quickly became aware of all that is happening within
the Div. Not only has Lou moved on promotion but she
has also been awarded an MBE, huge congratulations and well done.
During the last 12 months the Branch has been at the forefront of a wide range of sporting events, some large and some small. Back in Oct 19 the re-creation of the Bismarck Challenge took place at Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Strensall. This was a massive 4-mile loaded march relay race with units entering
teams of 4 to run around a 4-mile circuit. In excess of 80 teams from both Regular and Reserve units contested the event in male, female and mixed team categories and all enjoyed a fantastic day’s competition. This event was a huge undertaking requiring
a great deal of planning to ensure it was delivered successfully. Many thanks to the many RAPTCIs who pitched up to
PD-Team: Capt (MAA) Chapman RAPTC, Maj Lou James MBE RAPTC, WO1 (SMI) Arnell RAPTC
assist in making the day work, a great team effort. Not wishing to single anyone out, SMI Mike Arnell was instrumental towards the success of the day and his attention to detail was recognised with him receiving a GOC’s Commendation soon after the event.
Next on the sporting agenda was the Rhino Boxing Evening, this was the brainchild of Maj Chris Roberts and became slightly more challenging to deliver due to Chris’s unexpected move to pastures new. We all like a challenge, so with sleeves rolled up and along with a red hot phones to Chris and Army Boxing everything eventually fell into place to create a spectacle of boxing between members of
the Army Boxing Team verses selected ABA Boxers.
That is the glamour dealt with. On a day to day basis life in the HQ covers many tasks and when possible, we do our very best to enter and support as many regional events as possible. There is within the HQ a willing band of gladiators who do not need to be asked twice if they fancy a few hours away from their desks to play sport. The 3 of us in the office remain passionate about providing sporting opportunities for our colleagues and leading from the front
always keen to join in.
WO1 (SMI) Arnell RAPTC receiving his GOC’s Commendation
1(UK) Div - RAPTCIs Bismarck Challenge 2019
Maj Lou James RAPTC MBE, collecting her MBE from Buckingham Palace