LIGHT INFANTRY (NATIONWIDE) REUNION 2011
Judging by the comments so far it would appear that the members really enjoyed the Reunion and in particular the Association Day on Saturday, which is what the Reunion is all about.
The Rifles Band and Bugles were able to attend this year and what a difference they made to the weekend. They say the LI has gone but when you see and hear the Band and Bugles, the LI lives on.
The weather was, once again on our side and the Saturday, although producing a short shower was almost perfect with the temperature just right for both drinking and marching.
Nesscliff was once again open for our use and 105 members took up the offer of £14 B/B. Once again a very big thank you to the Camp Commandant, Maj Paul Evanson (ex 2LI) and his staff for providing an excellent service throughout the weekend.
The Association day saw large numbers, estimated at some 1800 -2000 including the families. We were very fortunate to have Reverend Murray McBride (Ex Padre 2LI) to conduct the Drumhead Service and aided by much improved PA system. The numbers on parade appeared to be similar to those last year except that some of the contingents were a little down (Yorkshire had only 12). A very big welcome to the members of the RGBW Association and Standards who joined the SCLI and Ox and Bucks contingent on parade. The only question is, “why were there as many able bodied men sat/stood watching as there were on parade”? The Light Infantry Contingent marched off at the regulation pace of 140 and once again got the spectators shrieking with delight. The really strange thing was that Lt Col Ian Sawers actually volunteered to command the contingent again!
The Rifles Band and Bugles were outstanding and really did put the shine on the weekend. Unfortunately the new DoM, Maj Lawrence Sale had injured himself so appeared as spectator but between the Bandmaster, Pete Brydon and the famous or should that be ‘infamous’ (your call on that one) Bugle Major, Steve Flavin, they did a splendid job. Incidentally, this was Steve Flavin last LI reunion and we thank him for his excellent support to the LI Reunion over the years and wish him all the very best in the ‘after life’.
The Association Dinner was once again full and a great time was had by all. The food was excellent and not one complaint received. The band and bugles took us back in time when the county songs were sung, followed by the Regimental Marches which was a fantastic way to conclude a wonderful weekend.
It is not possible to thank everyone who played a role in this year’s reunion but I need to mention a few:
All Rifles Office Staff around the country.
Heather Morgan from the Shrewsbury Office.
Ron Gittings, who took the reins of the draw for this year. The winners were:
- £1000 – Eric Herrington (Ex Somerset, SCLI/1LI)
- £500 – John Harris (Ex 3LI)
- £250 – Mr G Peglar of Drybrook
- £250 – Mary Briggs Wife of Mick Briggs
- £50 – J Edson (Ex 3LI and R Sigs)
- £50 – Chester-Le-Street Branch
- £50 – Mr D England
- £50 – Tony Garrity
- £50 – Mr Sydney Jary (Ex Somerset LI and Author of the book 18 Platoon)
Reg Hanmer for once again coming to the rescue with loan of mini buses and Decker Winter whose assistance was ‘Second to None’ and acted as the trouble shooter throughout the weekend.
Cpl Darren Crook and his RST for the excellent support over a period of some 7 days.
Cpl Belshaw and the 3 Riflemen from 3 Rifles who provided the military manpower. They worked really hard to make the weekend such a success.
The RQMS and Camp Staff, without which the event would not take place.
We still need to work on those who continue to talk loudly and use bad language during the Sounding of Retreat both on the Friday evening and the Saturday.
THIS WEEKEND WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE EX MEMBERS OF THE LIGHT INFANTRY. COME BACK NEXT YEAR!
SEE YOU ALL ON 15, 16 and 17 JUNE 2012
