Page 9 - RAPTC Year of 2019

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Secretary, Lt Col (Retd) Gary Jones. If you haven’t visited the NMA or the Corps Memorial, I strongly recommend a visit!
During September, October and November, along with CO ASPT, Lt Col (MAA) ‘Jimmy’ Hendrickson, we were extremely privileged to host several visits to Fox Lines. In September, the Army’s Corps Colonels held their Command Group in Brown Conference Room, but not until after they had watched a Passing Out Parade rehearsal and spoken with students from their respective cap badges - feedback was exceptional. In October, we briefed Director Reserves, Major General Stephen Potter, about the Reserve PTI Scheme and he went on to present certificates to students completing the Basic and Advanced Reserve PTI courses. Finally, in November, we were most fortunate to host a visit by The Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith KCB CBE ADC Gen. He received a brief on our roles and functions and went on to visit stands displaying our capability in PT, AT, Rehabilitation and Health. He was hugely enthused by the work that we do and questioned whether a Corps so few in numbers shouldn’t be increased in size to better deliver our valuable effect.
In December, No 94 Probationer’s course returned to Fox Lines to attend the ASPT’s Passing Out Parade and celebrate the 40th Anniversary since their transfer in 1979. An inspiring concept spearheaded by Maj (Retd) Chic Wilkinson. They had a great couple of days reminiscing and re-forging the bonds of friendship from all those years ago. It was great to see that the banter and ‘squaddie humour’ hasn’t diminished. Both the CO and I would be pleased to welcome back groups for similar reunions.
In January, the staff from HQ RAPTC and ASPT ventured abroad to conduct a week of Adventurous Training. Les Deux Alpes in the south of France was our destination and alpine skiing was the chosen discipline. We were grouped based on ability and experience and conducted training in accordance with the Joint Services Ski Scheme. I was in the group training to complete Ski Foundation 2 (SF2), which introduced us to the off-piste environment. Others were novices on SF1 and a small number completed a more demanding week on SF3, where most of their time was spent off-piste. It was a great week and a fantastic opportunity.
In early March I was really pleased to make it to Blackpool for the NW Branch Dinner, one I’d missed the year before. Yet again, another enjoyable evening catching up with friends and colleagues I hadn’t seen for many years. These are occasions we must endeavour to sustain for as long as we possibly can and I would urge everyone, serving and retried, to make the extra effort to support your regional branch as much as possible. Sadly, the NW Branch was the only Annual Dinner that survived contact, as two weeks later the country was plunged into lockdown and the biggest upheaval in our way of life for more than a generation. The COVID-19 pandemic has, and will continue to, affect the way that we conduct our business for the foreseeable future. As I write, the Association Executive Committee Trustees are looking at ways that we might be able celebrate this year’s biennial reunion and our 160th Anniversary in the midst of prolonged restrictions and social distancing – I’m sure there will be something we can do.
The COVID-19 Pandemic has brought significant change to Corps business, especially for those serving and their ability to conduct or participate in PT, AT & Sport. I’ve been hugely inspired by the commitment, dedication and innovation demonstrated by many organisations and individuals across the Corps to find new ways to deliver our effect – it’s been great to see.
The Corps is in good shape, we are fully manned and increasing slightly in numbers as we move forward. We are highly appreciated by the chain of command and as I conduct my visits around the country, I receive nothing but praise for our RAPTC Officers and Instructors – truly humbling!
SMAA Takes a Break from the Piste
Throughout the year, I’ve been hugely impressed by the selfless commitment, sheer hard work and talent across every part of the Corps, both serving and retired. Whether it’s achievements in the work place, on the sports field, through charity fundraising, physical endeavour, or just being there for someone in need, I’ve observed the very best that our Corps has to offer and I feel enormously proud to be a part of it. To close, I would like to personally thank you all for your support and making the RAPTC the fantastic organisation that it is.