The 2nd Regimental Annual General Meeting | ||
The meeting, already under pressure of time because of the Scotland/Wales rugby match kicked off at 1330hrs. There were not a lot of Association members present hence these notes.
Introduction
Brigadier HBHE The Hon Monro CBE , Colonel of the Regiment gave a brief introduction and details of his activities during the last year. He mentioned the Pipes and drums attendance at the funeral of the Queen Mother, his attendance at the El Alamein 60th Anniversary Memorial service and the unveiling of the Scottish Division Memorial Stone at Holywood Barracks, Belfast.
There was then a one minute pause for reflection whilst Pipe Major MacIntyre played 'The Flowers of the Forest'
Congratulations were in order for Captain Stuart Samson on his appointment as Director Army Bagpipe Music, RSM Colin McInroy had handed over to RSM Christie and was now Captain McInroy OC Recruiting Team. The new Commanding Officer, Colonel Tim Lai was introduced and welcomed to the regimental family.
The Battalion was the best recruited battalion in the Scottish Infantry Division with the best retention rate. The standard of piping remained high. There was much to be proud of but also much to be done to maintain this standard.
On the subject of the Regimental Trustees, the Regimental Colonel spoke briefly concerning the funds which had all been combined and things were now much better than previously.
1st Bn The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons)
There then followed a briefing on the activities of the 1st Battalion The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons) by the new CO Lt Col Tim Lai. Several subunits such as MILAN, Recce and individual reinforcements are with 1 BW in the Gulf.
The battalion has been having a busy year. From Gibraltar in April 2002, to the Royal Week in Edinburgh for the Golden Jubilee, the Tattoo followed by a Royal Guard at Ballater and Op FRESCO the Firefighting period. Op FRESCO saw 1 HLDRS action more calls in 48 hrs than any other location in the UK.
Other points to note: Pipes and Drums continue to do very well. They are currently on a tour in the United States and Canada and by all accounts keeping the reputation of the Regiment extremely high. The skiing, rugby, cross country and shooting teams are all doing well more often than not winning their main events.
Bosnia follows from March to September this year. Training has been hard but worthwhile. The Battalion move to Fallingbostel in April next year to takeover from the Black Watch. 2004 will be AFV conversion and the move whilst 2005 is the Training Year for 1 HLDRS when they will be left alone (hopefully) to get fully up to speed as a WARRIOR Battalion. |
| Recruiting
Lt Col Kate Howie RLC the Army Careers Officer at Inverness then gave a presentation about manning, the recruiting process, barriers to recruits and prospects for the future.
51 HIGHLAND in Afghanistan
The Adjutant of 51 HIGHLAND, our TA regiment then gave a very good presentation about 51 HLD deployment to Afghanistan on Op FINGAL. Captain Alan Roan (A&SH) showed several videos, slides and maps which gave a very interesting and at times amusing insight into the deployment, the background to the operation and the Jocks who were highly praised for their efforts. A special mention went to CSgt (Local WO2) Angus Steele HLDRS now a PSI with 51 HLD for his leadership and enthusiasm.
The 'three legged stool'
Brigadier Charles Grant then spoke about the 'three legged stool', the link between the Regular, TA and the Cadet parts of the Regimental family. He also indicated that the Associations, RHQ and Supporters of the Regiment were also another 'three legged stool' and as important. The aim is to improve the links, exchanges of staff and facilities between all the regular, TA and Cadet units to improve effectiveness and hopefully recruiting and retention.
He did a study about all this and has made recommendations to RHQ and the Regimental Council about the best use of all regimental resources.
Regimental Associations
The aim was to improve the links between the Association branches and the Regular/TA Battalions. The Associations were the bedrock for the Regimental traditions, and community.
Cadets
Both Cadet Colonels for 1st and 2nd Battalions gave short talks on their respective units. Recruiting is going well.
The Open Forum
Time for a cracking argument or two! As we were not allowed to discuss the Regimental title and the QO HLDRS etc etc we devoted our attention to the magazine.. Views were requested about having one annual big mag, two biannual wee mags or one big mag and ten newsletters etc! The use of the Internet was also discussed and further research etc is being done by Brig Grant and RHQ.
The next meeting will be arranged in due course, probably to be held in Aberdeen and the year after in Inverness.
Wait out!
The meeting closed at 1610hrs and everyone raced for the nearest TV to watch the rugby! |
