EVENTS 2022
the Sandstone Trail
Members of the Liverpool branch successfully completed the Sandstone Trail walking 55km (34 miles) from Frodsham in Cheshire to Whitchurch in Shropshire during the weekend of 7th & 8th May 2022. This event was part of a wider programme of wellbeing activities that has been facilitated in-partnership with our close supporter Beacon Counselling Trust though a successful National Lottery Community Fund grant. Over the last 12 months more than 40 Liverpool branch members have participated in a range of activities including military museum tours, historical and cultural events, indoor skydiving, try dive scuba sessions and various social events including a group visit to Altcar Training camp and 4 Para, 9 Platoon C company.
However, more recently, a team of 13 association members and supporters, including Beacon Counselling Trust Trek Therapy practitioners, have been working towards taking on the planned Sandstone Trail event. The group initiated their objective to walk the 55km trail, through a series of planned training walks throughout February, March and April 2022. This has seen the group attend preparatory walks such as the Liverpool waterfront (10km), The Wirral coastline (22km), The Sefton Coastal path (20km) and a circular route of Llyn Alwen reservoir (17km) located in Denbighshire. The group had a fantastic time walking and supporting each other during their event that was made more possible with logistical support provided by other association members. We would like to congratulate our members on their fantastic achievement and for their proud representation of the Liverpool branch membership ethos.
Utinque Paratus.
Many Thanks
Kind Regards Ian Whiteside More photos
​
Starting Finishing
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Future events:
4 Para Freedom of the City of Leeds – 26th March Pudsey
1 Para Reunion – 17-20 March 22 Blackpool
2 Para Reunion – 11-13 March 22 Blackpool
3 Para Reunion – 6 – 8 May 22 Blackpool
4 Para Reunion – 7 May 22 Leeds
QUEEN'S GURKHA SIGNALS ATTESTATION / COMMISSIONING PARADE
ALTCAR TRAINING CAMP,
THURSDAY, 3 MARCH 2022
Ladies and Gents
For those individuals that have expressed an interest in attending, I have forwarded your details to Altcar. Please accept an update from Lt Col (Ret’d) G Black, Commandant , Altcar Training Camp
I may have missed people off the list so please feel free to circulate amongst your individual groups. This email confirms the Queens Gurkha Signals attestation and commissioning parade timings which is scheduled to take place at Altcar Training Camp on Thursday, 3 March 2022. Weather conditions for that day we are unable to control so please come suitably dressed. This is a formal parade so we are expecting collar and tie/smart civilian attire/ladies equivalent. Regimental insignia is to be encouraged. Medals are optional.
With Regard To (WRT) the parade format and timings, the Adjutant and Regimental Sergeant Major from 30 Signals Regiment will pay visit to Altcar on Thursday, 17 February 2022. They will finalise and produce a parade instruction. However, the outline of the parade for our many interested spectators will be as follows – early start but well worth the effort:
0800 - 0900hrs - Spectators arrive. Seating will depend on actual attendance. We plan to have 200 seats available on the day – so hopefully seating for everyone. Those who arrive early, CAN make their way to the Red Rose Club where drinks are available on payment if required. Toilets are in the Red Rose Club.
0915hrs - Parade will form up.
0930hrs - Reviewing/Inspecting officer will arrive at podium (Major General JJ Cole, CB OBE). Attestation and Commissioning parade commence.
1100hrs - Parade complete.
1130hrs – Red Rose Club will be open for a Gurkha curry lunch – nominal charge. Bar and retail outlet open for hot/cold beverage. Please note that due to the size of the Red Rose Club and likely numbers, the doors and windows will be ajar in order to facilitate COVID concerns. Benches/seating will be available outside the venue to ease/supplement seating requirements.
Please note that Altcar is a no smoking/vaping venue.
Some admin points:
Limited VIP seating will be allocated – this will be marked.
When accessing the site, please follow directions/car parking signs as briefed on entry.
Walk-ins are encouraged. 5 – 10 minute walk to the Red Rose Club/Parade Square.
Random checks of cars/bags will be carried out by the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS).
In case of a fire, all personnel on site should make their way to the sports field.
Please don’t attempt to fight the fire.
Evacuate and dress on to the sports field.
The fire service will be alerted and attend if necessary.
During the parade, there will be other activity on site so live firing/shots/pyrotechnics/vehicles may be heard in the background.
Entry and exit from the Altcar Camp site for vehicular traffic is in two different places and for those entering the site in a vehicle, the driver will receive a brief off the Ministry of Defence Guard Service. Access on foot is simple and straight forward.
It is about a 5 – 10 minute walk from the main gate/guardroom to the parade square. You are advised to bring photographic identity.
Merseyside Police are aware of the event and there may be Police patrols/presence.
Ultimately, we want people to come and join us on site for the duration of the event.
The attestation and commissioning parade are special and your presence on site will add to this significant event. Attestation to Queen and Country is a very important event for all individuals who join the military. The Gurkha’s are 4500 miles from home and it is very unlikely that their families will be able to join them for this important event. Therefore, all those in attendance will be effectively be their ‘family aligned’ for the period of the parade. Your support is very important. For those 7 Gurkha Warrant Officers who are to receive the Queen’s Commission, this special event signals the Sovereign’s trust in her new officers – that they will be dedicated to the Army values and standards and will be the embodiment of leadership and character. A huge and very important responsibility.
Photography on the day is permissible.
Regards
Brian Welsh
Branch Secretary
Liverpool PRA
​
​
​