.
The Coldstream Guards Regimental Association Day
more images located by clicking here

A Shiny-Roving Report - Saturday 12th July 2008

Saturday 12th July 2008 saw the annual Regimental Association Day, held at Victoria Barracks, Windsor and in the week’s lead up to the event it rained every day so deep down most were prepared for a ‘Wet Coldstream Day’. Most were amazed however, when clouds managed to pass the barracks and apart from some very small drops of rain the day stayed mostly dry.

This year, the programme of events promised;

    Amanda and Tony Brutus with their Strength Act.
    Bernie Bennett’s Low Wire Act.
    The South East London Army Cadet Force Re-Badge Ceremony.
    A Tug of War competition between the Officers’, Sergeants’& Corporals’ Mess.
    The Static and Regimental Band Marching Display.
    Shooting Competition on the DCCT Range.
    Plus face painters, Company stalls, Punch & Judy, Association Stalls, Bouncy Castles, food and lots more.

Turnout for the event was outstanding and it proved that no matter what the weather forecast should read, it won’t stop a Coldstreamer and his family getting out to meet old friends.



Tony & Amanda Brutus started off the main acts with a fine display of strength and determination. Although I was a little concerned when Tony asked for a large rope to be tied around his neck and four volunteers (two each side) pulled with all their might. It reminded me a little of a ‘Stretch Armstrong’ I had as a small child, well - apart from the fact that Tony’s head turned blue for about 20 seconds! Between them, Tony and Amanda impressed the spectators by Tony lifting incredible weights and Amanda pulling a carriage with two volunteers sat in it ………….. with her teeth! I can remember the act being featured at a previous Association Day held at The Land of Nod a couple years ago and it was just as impressive now.



Then came Bernie with his amazing low wire act. He says ‘low wire’ but come on, falling from the height he performs at (about 12-15ft) would still hurt a bit! Anyway, Bernie promised a visit from a superhero and as the crowd waited in anticipation with the theme of ‘Superman’ playing in the background he entered his (material) phonebox and reappeared as his alter ego, complete in costume. Super Bernie then proceeded to amaze the crowd by crawling, walking, sitting and riding the wire, all whilst battling some quite high winds. Then he got his blindfolds out and asked if members of the audience could confirm that the blindfolds (buckets) were genuine. Sharon Paterson (wife of the old Welfare Officer Capt Paterson) was lucky enough to get chosen but proved how much of a good sport she was, much to the delight of her children sat ringside.



The Regimental Band was outstanding in their performance and many stated that one of the reasons they come to events such as these is to listen to such ‘quality music’.



The Tug of War Competition saw a face off and ‘Clash of the Messes’. First down the range was the Sergeants’ Mess V’s the Corporals’ Mess and as soon as the word ‘Pull’ was given it became clear that the strength and pulling power was at the Sgts Mess end taking the first match. If points were awarded for determination then the second match should have gone to the Cpls Mess with the many faces and encouragement (well naughty swear words) coming from LCpl Mitchell of the Tailor Shop towards his team members, it was however, the Sgts Mess that took the second match winning 2-0.
The Officers’ Mess then took on the Cpls Mess and the Commanding Officer took up place as the kingpin of the squad at the rear (and in full uniform). The Cpls Mess (and Mitch) took no prisoners and they easily won both of their matches, sadly encouragement from the side by the Detachment Commander (Lt Lisa Keevash) had no effect although I am sure the doctor was closely monitoring those tug of war members that are currently ‘on chits’!
It goes without saying that the (obvious) winners were ‘Team Sgts Mess’, well done to all the teams and in particular to those that were chosen minutes before the start of the event!



Members of the South East Army Cadet Force were joined on the parade square by the Corps of Drums as some of their members rebadged ‘Coldstream’. The Commanding Officer (fresh from his recent Tug of War defeat) presented berets to the lucky Coldstreamers, and then all were treated to some excellent drill and music from the ACF.



WOII ‘Mac’ McWilliams (Regimental Recruiting Team) were playing the ‘Brand New Recruiting DVD’ (now on the YouTube channel) in the Recruiting Tent and he then showed how adaptable he was by running a Regimental Pub Quiz in the Marquee.



Regimental Headquarters looked to be having some roaring custom when I passed (on regular occasions), and Prize Draw proved to be a fantastic Success.



The Materchef and his boys (and girls) again proved their worth by providing an outstanding BBQ and Salad Bar for anyone that wished to partake. I cannot comment on what the burgers tasted like as I was too busy trying to put the event on film, honest! Everyone paid high comments on the food and in particular the high spirits and entertainment value of the chefs providing the service, again proving that the little extra that they put into their job isn’t required but is very much appreciated.



Company’s provided stalls with SP Coy lead by CSgt ‘Benny’ Bennett, bringing out all the specialised weapons and a sniper that was only seen when he broke cover to get a 99 with a flake and strawberry sauce. The children (and some older visitors) loved picking up the weapons and having a feel and children were invited to have a ‘play’ with the Mortar and Drill Rounds. Number 3 Company lead by the newly appointed Q Bloke CQMS ‘Jarv’ Jarvis provided some fantastic and very popular fairground style stalls with a ‘Beat the Goalie’ and extremely popular ‘Coconut Shy’. HQ Coy lead by CQMS Iain Blackett had a tombola plus some wine and port that featured customised wine labels to remember this special day.

Throughout all this, the range was running shoots for Branch Teams, Sergeants’ Past & Present Members, Officers, Ladies and Inter Company Teams.



Lets not forget others that made this event the success it was, with the many association stalls that were present, the Welfare Office Staff and their Bouncy Castles, the Sergeants’ Mess Staff who provided the barstaff, the Signal Platoon members who helped with the Stats Tent and PA announcements, the Medical Centre Staff and St Johns Ambulance Service, and all those other Coldstreamers and attached members that helped set up, organise and run the event – and last but not ………… YOU for supporting the Coldstream Guards in either attending the event or being on this site reading this report – thank you to all of you.

Shiny Roving Report – Out.

 

back to top

©Website and Customised Images copyright, designed and maintained by A.J Brady