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RAOC Gazette - page 215

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Publication date 1983
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Transcription Finally we bid farewell to W01 Dave Marsh of Vehicle
Branch on his departure to Wilton. He is but the advance
party. Captain I. R. Manners, Sergeant Martin Curley and
Lance Corporal Chris Corish are shortly to follow.
CONTROL
DIVISION
ISSUES BRANCH.
We welcome Lieutenant Colonel Murphy
to the Issues Branch 'Hot Seat,' which was eagerly vacated by
Major Norman Stack.
Returning to the fold is Lance Corporal Bob Clarke—not
from his B2—Bl upgrading course as planned, but from RAF
Halton Hospital where he was residing for five weeks. He
is now going through a Job Familiarization course, which he
obviously needs.
The local Otmoor Challenge not only tested the stamina
but also the training of Sergeant Alan Meigh, Corporal Ray
Davis, Privates ' Baz' Bone and Graham Masters. All finished
in fine style except Private Bone who opted at the nine mile
point for a lift complaining of blisters—he plans to take a
bike next for ease of convenience.
C AND GS PROVISION BRANCH.
The highlight of recent
times was 'The Otmoor Challenge 1983' organised by Captain
Pat Callan. The Challenge is a half marathon which takes in
the seven villages of Otmoor. The route covered roads, tracks,
footpaths, and the odd bog or two. Some of the older com-
petitors were heard muttering about ' going over the t o p ' and
Flanders. This was in reference to the condition of some of
the tracks which were reduced to swamp like expanses by the
recent rain. On the day the weather was kind and summer
did arrive and the sunshine made the start/finish area, (which
was also the site of a fete) look quite festive. In all some two
hundred and ninety runners and over one hundred and fifty
walkers took part, these were all sponsored and committed their
cash to charities of their choice.
Staff Sergeant John Everall brought the rain with him from
Donnington, John has joined us on promotion, on which we
offer our congratulations.
Recently we said farewell to Major John Kitwood, in the
local pub, he was presented with a fishing seat/box, which he no
doubt will find a use for in Leicester, ' a fisher for men.'
We also congratulate our tame Work Study practitioner W02
Allan Patterson on his substantive promotion and hope sincerely
that no one ever bothers him again about Key Words.
Postings in: Lieutenant Colonel N. T. P. Murphy and Major
M. J. Pether.
Postings out: Major J. Kitwood and Sergeant J. Gunn.
Directorate of Land Service Ammunition
DEAR MUM,—My last note to you mentioned our three intrepid
Cyprus trippers. I'm sorry to say that the Ouzo must have got
to them as they have failed to mention any of their exploits
since they returned to the fold.
The weatherman was very kind to the DLSA Fete and
kept the rain away. Many folk came and enjoyed themselves,
spending their pennies in the process and, at the end of the
day, a very creditable £427.34 was realised. These monies go
into the Didcot Station Fund for use at the Commander's
discretion for Service and Civilian Charities. We must thank
all those who supported the day and a very special thank you
to those who gave their time and energy to run the stalls.
Block 1 has now been re-wired! It is Block 2's turn now to
play hosts to the electricians but Block 1 is not yet off the
hook! The painters have started their rounds and once again it is
move office time for a couple of days. Ah well, once it is all
done we are told that nothing else will disturb our tranquil way
of life.
Staff Sergeant Henry Stewart was recently presented with
his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal by Brigadier
Skinner. The presentation took place in the Sergeants Mess and
after he had presented Staff Stewart with his medal Brigadier
Skinner presented a bouquet to Mrs Stewart.
After the
presentations, all present tucked into a buffet.
Among the
guests at the presentation were Brigadier Wickenden, Director
of Army Psychiatry and Professor Rachman of the Institute of
Psychiatry, who were visiting the Directorate on the day.
The Sergeants Mess Summer Ball took place, orchestrated
by W02 John Knight and his entertainments committee. During
the evening the Mess was presented with a cut glass whisky
decanter by three guests. Staff Sergeant Earl and Mrs Anne
Clarke and Sergeant Shelley Cottrill of the US Air Force will
be leaving the UK shortly and returning to CONUS (I'm sure
After the presentation of the Long Service and Good Conduct
Medal to Staff Sergeant Stewart at DLSA.
you know that this means Continent of the United States). They
have been visitors to the Mess on a number of occasions as
guests of Staff Sergeant Harry Bazen.
We've had a few comings and goings recently and I thought
you might want to know who has gone and who has arrived.
The departees have been Lieutenant Colonel Sean de Wolf to
the land of LOA, WOl Bill Barber from GM to the 'closer to
home' location of CAD Kineton and Major Alec Lamb (Retd)
from CLA. Arrivals have included Captain Terry Park and
W02 Phil Yeaman into CLA and WOl Sid Noble into the Staff
Assistant's post.
Training Centre
SCHOOL OF
ORDNANCE
AUGUST is traditionally the month of
D oc
rf\\^^~X~~~—^[\h
' k leave in the hallowed halls of the
«^.~~ ,-TZJ^
School. This year there is no block leave
«^—». .—.__*
but the effect has been negligible—there
«„.»-»"» _ _ , ,
is still no-one around!
L——-I———J I
The month has seen the eventual
1
A
I departure of No. 34 CFOOs course to the
many corners of the world from whence
they came. Before they left they threw a most enjoyable fare-
well party which was attended by the majority of the permanent
staff—they think! In fact it has been quite a social period as it
also encompassed the now infamous Officers Mess Boat Trip on
the Thames. It was just as eventful as always but I am for-
bidden to divulge details at pain of death and demotion!
Going ' Round the Houses' the Management Faculty has
very little to report, mainly as no-one can be found to report it!
Messrs Cowan and Murphy, Jambo and Mohammed respectively
to the CFOOs, are rumoured to be negotiating lucrative second-
ments in far off places. Their leader, Lieutenant Colonel Bob
Cannons, was very thrilled with a plank of mahogany brought
back from Belize by Major Ray Turner. The only problem is
what to make with it? Any ideas should be sent under plain
brown cover to OIC DIY, School of Ord.
In Loggy Wing we are overjoyed to welcome Major Adrian
Lyons, fresh from the Falklands, and Captain Sue Rollo, just
fresh! Blatherwich and Patrick are grinning from ear to ear at
the arrival of reinforcements as it means that lunch breaks can
be re-instituted. Work wise ninety seven YOs have been in a
week and one has already left with shingles. The lecturing can-
not be that bad surely!
Our administrators have not been missing out on the fun.
The annual clerical staff outing to London has been and gone.
It culminated in a paddle in the Trafalgar Square Fountain but
the least said about that the better!
The arrivals and departures board reads welcome to Major
Lyons, Captain Rollo and Corporal Young, and farewell to
Corporal Aldridge and' W/Private soon to be W/Lance Corporal
Fenny. We wish them all the best.
TRAINING
BATTALION
AND DEPOT
THE only people left in Blackdown are those stalwarts in
Battalion Headquarters and Admin Company who have gallantly
remained behind to prevent the Battalion from falling into com-
plete disorder. Most of these heroes have already had their
— 178 —
Book number R0406