50th Anniversary 2012

INITIAL MEETING OF THE 2012 COMMITTEE, SALISBURY, 16 MAR 07

The following members attended:

Brig (Retd) GL Kerr Chairman

Lt Col J Barber RA

Lt Col (Retd) R Faull Secretary

Lt Col (Retd) M Lambert-Gorwyn

Maj (Retd) J Francis

Maj (Retd) W Gillett

 Aim

1. The aim of the meeting was to agree a framework for events and ceremonies to mark the Fiftieth Anniversary of the reformation of Army Commando units which is marked particularly by the conversion of 29 Field Regiment to the commando role on 12 May 1962.

2. Letters requesting provisional support for the project from the RA chain of Command have been sent to the Master Gunner and DRA by the Regt Col and are awaiting responses. Informal discussions have also taken place.

3. It was unanimously agreed at the meeting that:

• a. Plymouth is the logical venue for the celebrations.
• b. If still active, Music of the Night (MOTN) in July 2012 would be the ideal vehicle around which to base all events.
• c. The last night of MOTN should be an exclusively Army Commando event.
• d. 29 Cdo Regt is the obvious lead however HQs of RE and other Corps with Commando soldiers are to be kept informed and invited to participate, if appropriate, later in the process.
• e. The term ‘Gunner Commandos’ embraces all those who have served with either 29 or 95 Commando Regiments and 95 FOU – whatever their cap badge.
• f. The CGA is central to the successful promotion and conduct of the events.
• g. 29 Cdo Regt is to remain unencumbered with planning but kept informed by the Committee until approximately 18 months prior to the events. The exact date of handover of planning and execution will be decided between the Regt Col and CO 29.
• h. The Captain General at the time should be invited to participate.
• i. Effective financial management will be a critical success factor throughout the project.
• j. Civic involvement from Plymouth and possibly Arbroath and Poole should be planned for.
• k.. 29 Cdo Regt should exercise the right to march through the City of Plymouth.
• l. Services of thanksgiving and remembrance should be included in the events.

Proposed Outline of Events

4.

Day 1: Saturday

• a. Reception in the City.
• b. Thanksgiving Service in St Andrews.
• c. March past in Plymouth and parade in The Citadel.
• d. Families event with equipment displays, demonstrations and history events/displays.
• e. Early start to MOTN, if feasible, with a theme of "50 yrs".
• f. Reunion after MOTN with Bty marquees. Messes probably not open for event. (Possible use of Sgts Mess as venue for cast (or dancing)) No music in marquees.

Day 2: Sunday

• a. Open air Drumhead service, with band, in the Citadel, using MOTN stands/marquees.
• b. Address by Senior Officer/Regt Col/CO
• c. Curry lunch using marquees.

Further Work

5. Further initial work was agreed as follows:

• a. The Regt Col and Secretary to meet the CO and RSM at Plymouth on 18 Apr 07 to discuss proposals for 2012.
• b. All to think though opportunities for sponsorship. MLG to examine possibilities for local sponsorship. With the Olympic Games in the same year early bids will be essential.
• c. JF to examine lottery funding of military events.
• d. JB to confirm 29 Cdo Regt affiliations.
• e. JB to examine options for historical equipment loan.
• f. RF to make contact with Cdo Association in due course and keep them informed.
• g. RF to develop options for a project name and logo.

Commando Gunner Association

6 It was agreed that the current split within the CGA was unsatisfactory and should be resolved. A single focus will be essential to ensure a unified approach to 2012. The following points of detail were agreed:

• a. The centre of gravity of the CGA should be Plymouth with possible outstations in Arbroath, Poole (ABA) and London.
• b. "Regroup" to be encouraged to reconnect with the mainstream CGA.
• c. A new Chairman should be appointed to take the CGA forward towards the 2012 celebrations.
• d. RF to produce a reviewed and amended CGA charter to reflect lessons learned and de facto changes in circumstances.
• e. RF to make contact with the "Regroup" webmaster and designate Families Officer asap.
• f. Regt Col and RF to discuss CGA and revised charter with CO 29 and RSM on 18 Apr 07.
• f. RF,MLG and JF to attend the "Regroup" meeting on 4 May 07.
• g. If all is agreed Regt Col to place a statement on the "Regroup" website setting out the way ahead for the CGA and outline plans for 2012.

Book Publication

7. Regt Col and RF to continue to examine options for producing and funding a commemorative book to be published to coincide with the Fifteeth Anniversary celebrations.

Next Meeting

8. Future meetings to be event driven, but usually 2/3 annually. Routine correspondence will be by email - and Skype once established at each member’s home location.

M R FAULL

Secretary

20 Mar 07

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