Royal Signals Association - Reunion 2009REPORT ON THE 2009 RSA REUNIONAttendance was slightly down on previous years and we believe that the clash with the ‘Armed Forces Day’ events across the country may have been a factor. Nevertheless nearly 700 members enjoyed a warm and sunny weekend at Blandford. A display of current vehicles and equipment, kindly provided by Exercise Trg Tp and the Falcon Introduction Team was on show at 0900 hrs, along with a splendid collection of vintage and old vehicles arranged by our old friend Len Melling. It was good to see an old “Green Goddess” and several ex Army motor bikes amongst the collection. RSA member Terry Inman once again brought along fellow members of the local ‘Cruiser Club’ with their Harleys, Kawasakis and other big bikes. The local “Pimpernel (Royal Signals) Beagle Pack (which used to be based on Blandford Camp) was on hand again to give demonstrations of following a scent trail. Half hour details were run in the indoor range, where members tested their skill on the modern SA80 rifle. The Museum opened its doors free to everyone and did a brisk business all day. During the wekend, Cpl Hunt and a team of Phase 2 soldiers cycled at various locations around camp for 24 hours to raise money for the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund and the Army Benevolent Fund. Their efforst raised the sum of £342.84 for the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund. The Parade Commander for the traditional ‘Princess Royal Day Parade’ was Maj G Ingram and took place on Hawke Square at 1030 hrs. WO1 (RSM) Mick Yendell (an old friend of the Assn) plus Parade Sgt Major WO2 Ash Doe ensured the usual high standard of drill and turnout. The soldiers did not wear No2 Dress this year as the Army is in the process of issuing a much improved version and for the trainees, this parade fell in the few months between the old being withdrawn and the new issued. The Master of Signals, Lieutenant General R Baxter CBE inspected the troops and took the salute on the March Past. We were fortunate to have the Corps Band to start the afternoon arena show, as they were detached to Sandhurst, but managed to get back for the day. The Northern Band had hoped to include members of all three Services to swell their ranks, but in the end managed to include a couple of RAF musicians. The Corps Pipes & Drums were on hand to give another stirring performance. Major Simon Bristow led the Corps Free Fall Parachute Team and all three members managed to land in the centre of the square. The White Helmets could not appear as they had been poached from us to attend an Armed Forces Day event in Cardiff. In their place a re-enactment society gave a splendid display of a Civil war skirmish, complete with muskets, gunpowder, pikes and cannon. The Corps RSM WO1 Dave Taylor took the branch standard bearers through their paces before the Master of Signals presented the prizes. The winner this year was Bill McNamara from our Glasgow Branch with John Mumford (Reading) runner up. The other finalists were: Keith Bates (Rotherham), Norman Pearce (West London), Bryan Calladine (East Kent) and Dan Millan (Sale). Special mention to Norman, Keith and Dan who took part in the competition for the first time. The Master then presented Wally Cutler with a pennant to mark the North London Branch’s 50 year existence. The pennant will now fly from the branch standard. The audience were then treated to a drive past by the bikers and a selection of old civilian and military vehicles, followed by the traditional Retreat Ceremony, which closed the afternoon proceedings. For many members, the highlight of the weekend is the social gathering in the Sgts Mess and we are indebted to RSM Yendell for opening his doors to all retired members. A good time was had by all with a few members lasting until 3 am, along with the RSM. A Drumhead Service was held on the square at 1030 hrs on the Sunday, with the RSA Hon Chaplain the Rev Peter Clemett and Garrison Padre The Rev David Barrett conducting the service. Branch standards were ‘laid up’ during the first hymn and collected during the last. Our thanks to members of the Newcastle and Rotherham Branches for acting as sidesmen. The collection raised £593.54, which is magnificent amount given the reduced number in the congregation. The money has been donated to the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund. The Corps RSM then rounded up members for the eagerly awaited March Past. This was Mr Taylor's last such parade before moving on and we offer our sincere gratitude for all his support to the Assn over the past couple of years. Our thanks to all who supported the reunion; members of 11 Sig Regt, Garrison staff and of course all the RSA members and their guests. See you next year; a week earlier than normal, weekend19/20 June. Details should appear on the RSA website in February 2010. Saturday AM Photos
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