President's Piece

PRESIDENT'S CGA UPDATE (06 Jul 09)

It seems to be some time since I last wrote anything so I felt that an update was overdue! Firstly I know that many of you were present during the fantastic Welcome Home reception which Plymouth City laid on for the Regiment upon their return from Afghanistan. It was an absolute delight to see such a marvellous turnout across all generations and to witness the genuine warmth and esteem in which the Regiment is held locally. I know we are all proud of them and their operational – plus other – achievements; it’s good to know that the sense of appreciation runs wider.

I know that you would like me to welcome Richard Smith back to the Regiment and to wish him every success during his forthcoming tour as Commanding Officer. At the same time we wish Neil Wilson all the very best of good fortune for the future having just handed over the reigns to Richard. He moves most deservedly on promotion to Colonel – the precise appointment is yet to be decided!

You should have all been aware that there was a firm aspiration to produce a Commando Gunner Commemorative book covering the first 50 years of our existence – I wrote about this earlier in the year. As I explained then the project’s future depended upon eliciting sufficient funding from sponsorship and pre-sales commitment. Unfortunately, despite the generosity and commitment of the few, I have to report that we have not got anywhere near the target required. Therefore I am forced to shelve this proposal – a good idea that I am sure will happen one day.

Finally, may I remind you of the 2012 events to mark the Fiftieth Anniversary of the formation of the Commando Gunners – and the reformation of Army Commandos. Plans are developing well – in outline the events will take place in Plymouth during July over a weekend (yet to be decided but the second or third one). This will be preceded by a one-off run of Music of the Night, which will finish on the Friday evening – thus leaving the Saturday clear for exercising the Freedom of the City, an open afternoon at the Citadel leading into a Reunion that night at that location. The weekend will finish with a Drumhead Service on the square and a curry lunch. Details will be promulgated nearer the time but keep that window open to attend – I look forward to seeing you there .. and a few times beforehand hopefully.

Brig (Retd) G L Kerr OBE

Honorary Regimental Colonel

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