events; again, more to follow on this event in the next edition of The Mercian Eagle.
We have some changes coming up shortly. Capt Noel Magill will be moving on to take over as QM (T) in June and we wish him a smooth transition into post. Everyone bar none would wish to thank Capt Magill for his unwavering dedication to our Families and single soldiers alike, in particular during the time of the deployment, where he gained a father-like rôle for the vast majority of families. We would also like to wish Cpl Dean Lawton, Cpl Anders Mabbutt and LCpl Jo Corey well as they move on to pastures new and, again on behalf of all families on Holywood station, thank them sincerely for their support, dedication and commitment to the welfare of our families, injured soldiers and the families of our fallen during the last year.
Thanks also go to the mums who have helped run and maintain the Mums & Tots group for the Station over the last two years; the group has taken off remarkably well and has gained much support and is very well attended by mothers from all Units that make up Holywood Station. Finally, we would like to wish a warm welcome to Capt Alan Hewitt, who will be taking over as the new Welfare Officer in June.
Congratulations to the following:
Births
Pte & Adi Marawai on the birth of Arthur n 5 September 2009
Pte & Izabella Larubi on the birth of Solange on 6 September 2009
LCpl & Maria Buadramo on the birth of Martha on 12 September 2009
Capt & Pam Bailey on the birth of Alexis on 13 September 2009
Pte & Dawn Bower on the birth of Charlie on 15 September 2009
Maj & Alex Ginn on the birth of Mariella on 20 September 2009
Pte & Danielle Holmes on the birth of Lily on 26 September 2009
LCpl & Rachel Taylor on the birth of Jayden on 12 October 2009
Pte & Tammy Busby on the birth of Lucy on 16 November 2009
LCpl & Amanda Jennison on the birth of Emily on 17 November 2009
Pte & Robbyn Hennessy on the birth of Callum on 19 November 2009
Pte & Charlotte Stevenson on the birth of Isabella on 21 December 2009
Cpl Scott on the birth of Daniel on 31 December 2009
Marriages LCpl Gavan & Keira on 3 October 2009 Pte Stevenson & Charlotte on 14 November 2009 Cpl Kennedy & Eloise on 14 November 2009
LCpl Spencer & Gemma (LCpl Colley) on 18 November 2009 LCpl Morrison & Aaron in December 2009 Pte Emerson & Emma on 1 March 2010
50 October 2010
Freedom Parades March 2010 by Maj A R Seager
Having already exercised our right to march through the three County Cities before Christmas, Spring was the chance to go down a level and march through the Freedom towns and boroughs from which we recruit so many of our soldiers. The plan was simple: over a two week period, we would march through 15 different towns and boroughs to exercise our rights as “Freemen” and to thank the local population for the support that they had shown us throughout the previous twelve months. As well as the marches, a number of other activities were planned; a
specially selected schools liaison team visited schools throughout the recruiting area, numerous presentations were given to organisations which had requested them and the Battalion Rugby team was invited to a friendly by Derby veterans. Our home for the period once again was Beckingham Camp, on the outskirts of Newark, and, once again, the fortnight began for many with a long, long bus journey.
Because of other training commitments, the whole Battalion could not deploy: the vital work of re-establishing D Company had to continue in Belfast so, in the end, 250 men of the Battalion, split into three guards, formed the body of marching men throughout. As before, we were fortunate to be led throughout by the Divisional Band and by Pte Derby. The parades started on a cold damp day in Long Eaton although the reception, which was anything but cold, set a trend that would last throughout the whole period. Large crowds turned out to see us everywhere we went, the support from the youngest child to the oldest of old soldiers was warm and enthusiastic, people were proud of the Battalion’s achievements and the Battalion was proud to be there. The PRI shop did a roaring trade in flags, regimental merchandise and, on a few days, umbrellas! Someone else who seemed to do a roaring trade was the man who became affectionately known as the Flag tramp. Seemingly everywhere we paraded, this time-scarred traveller would be present selling flags. One theory was that he was a secret millionaire who travelled by helicopter and disguised his appearance, others noticed that he was rarely seen in the same place at the same time as the Second in Command: perhaps we will never know the truth.
From the enthusiastic and emotional start in Long Eaton, we moved on to Ilkeston, Oldbury, Retford and a long day in Kidderminster and Bewdley on the western edge of the MERCIAN empire; how we laughed that day when a crash shut the M42 on the way home to Beckingham... The final parade of the first week was again a bitterly cold day at the northern extremes of the recruiting area. As we crossed the high peaks to drop into Glossop, the snow that lingered on the top, the biting wind and the sleet did not bode well. Once again, however, the people braved
the weather to welcome us in their droves and even the rain seemed to stop as the Men of the Regiment paraded proudly through the streets of the town.
The second week’s activities began for many with the unveiling of the names of the fallen at Crich. A field service was held for the families of the fallen and the wider Regimental family giving us all a chance to reflect on those who had gone before us. It was an emotional and entirely fitting event. The second week of parades kicked off in Ripley and mirrored the previous week’s magnificent support at a relentless pace in Newark, Southwell, Mansfield, Ashbourne and, another double header, Matlock and Chesterfield. Interspersed amongst the parades, we attended a magnificent lunch organised by the Newark Advertiser and a press facility was held at Nottingham Castle for a number of those members of the Battalion who featured on the Operational Honours list. Church services in Southwell and Ashbourne allowed periods of contemplation for the sacrifices made. At each and every parade, local soldiers were presented with their Operational Service Medals to huge applause from family and friends.
And so, on Saturday 21st March, two weeks after we had started, the Battalion headed to Redditch for the final parade. Just as the parades had started on a damp day so they finished; just as they had started to a rapturous reception again they finished. Support throughout was staggering: everywhere we went we were welcomed with genuine warmth and affection. After the final thanks had been given and the final sausage roll had been eaten, we departed on some well earned leave which, unfortunately for some, involved that coach journey back to Stranraer…
The Mercian Eagle
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