Page 197 - The Bugle 2018

Members taking their seats in Taunton Rugby Club Function Room
Somerset Branch Imjin Lunch
20 May 2018
112 members from across the association met on an extremely sunny Sunday in the Hythe Suite at the Taunton Rugby Club. Whilst most of the attendees were of the Glorious Glosters there was a sprinkling of members from the Royal Berkshires, Wiltshire and DERR. It was even announced that there were two former members of the Royal Marines present and it was rightly announced that they were very welcome, and they received a generous applause.
Everyone being assembled, and the proceedings were opened by Lt Col Mike Motum, who took the occasion to bring the Association members up to date with the Regimental Family, including an update of the Rifles and then before handing over to the Padre for Grace thanked Phil Miller, The Somerset Branch Secretary for once again organising the Annual Imjin Lunch.
The opening formalities being dispense with we all sat done to an excellent meal. Taunton Rugby Club’s Hospitality staff had laid on two carvery stations, which eased the flow of the tables and the food was excellent. During the day the Ladies of the Branch organised the Raffle and such was their efforts that the raised £300 for each of the two beneficiary Charities, the ABF and Parkinson UK.
Salisbury RGBW Association Reunion
7/8 July 2018
Sadly, numbers attending the Dinner and Dance function held at the South Wilts Golf Club on Saturday evening were well down on previous years. Whilst those attending had an enjoyable time catching with events of the past 12 months it may be time to revisit the format of this week end Reunion.
On the Sunday, 65 members assembled for the Drum Head Service with General Sir Kevin and Lady Donoghue ever present. Some shade from the fierce sunlight was provide by the marquee., though the heat was such that the wise precaution of dispensing with March pass was taken.
Once again, the copper beech tree provided shade and an accompanying breeze to cool us all down. Lunch was taken with the musical accompa- niment being provided by the Shrewton Silver Band. Lunch was ended with the traditional playing and singing of “The Farmers Boys”.
Reading Maiwand Reunion
22 July 2018
With experience gained from last year the Reading committee took the decision to change from a two day format to a single day and their decision seemed to pay dividends as there were more people attended the reunion this year.
The Mayor of Reading and her husband honoured us with their presence for the whole day. Following the customary service at the Cenotaph within Brock Barracks, the Old Comrades formed up and marched on to the musical accompaniment of the Band of the Berkshire ACF and the Drums of the Wiltshire ACF. The Mayor accompanied by Colonel Desmond Redding inspected the parade and having marched past the Parade where we retired to the bar for a short duration before sitting down to lunch which was taken in 2 sittings.
After Lunch there was a short but impressive display by the Cadets Band and Drums.
Remembrance of break out from Normandy
by 43rd Wessex Division – Warminster Branch and RBL – 20 July 2018
At 1315 hours a small but select party of the Warminster Branch and the Warminster RBL assembled in the visitors car park at Longleat much to the delight of those who had come to see other attractions. Through the good offices of the Longleat Estate John Case, the Warminster Branch Chairman had arranged a visit to the Memorial stone dedicated to all those Regiments that formed 43 Wessex Division. After a short drive we assembled at the memorial, where John Case gave a sort account of the action that took place on Hill 112 and Mont Picon. Prayers were led by the Venerable Alan Jeans, Archdeacon of Sarum and the Association Chaplain, Last Post and Reveille were sounded and then we retired to the Visitors Restaurant for a welcomed Tea and cake. Once again our thanks to the Longleat Estate for their hospitality.
THE RIFLES
REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS 203