Association News
(More Photos in the Members Area)
Well without a shadow of a doubt it was a brilliant day! Everything went off swingingly! Only blight on the day was the weather but at least it did not rain during the actual procession. Those of you who were unable to be part of the Parade certainly missed a day for the archives!!
Linda, myself , Piggy, and Pam Griffin travelled in Fred's car which was first in the parade. Following us were the Devonport COMMAND Field Gunners pulling our gun. Four of them walked in front of the gun carrying the cups.
Fred and Dixie Dean had spent considerable time giving the gun a thorough clean gear before the event, it certainly was 100% on the day!
"Sam Potts was the G I for the Day calling the pace"! His orders rang out sure and true. Woe betide any of the Gunners who ignored them. At the back of our group were the Fleet Air Arm Gunners (one in a Wheel chair), it was really great they took the time and effort to be with us on such a momentous occasion. They were followed by the Brickwoods Crew. Behind them were the sea cadets who were a credit to the Procession.
The COMMAND Field Gunners and Brickwoods Crew sang the Field Gunners' ditties and the Devonport anthem loud and clear continuously throughout the march. There was a mixture of the early years of Field Gunning up to the 'Last Run' in 1999. There were also some of the latest Royal Navy recruits from Raleigh in the Brickwoods Crew. Apparently a few of them had to pay £30 to colleagues to cover for them as they should have been on duty. I call that being really, really, keen on being a Field Gunner! When they finished the sea cadets took up the singing!
We won the shield for 'Best Walking Display" (whole group together) thanks to the combined efforts of Fred Pearce and Lt Cdr David (Pincher) Martin!
The COMMAND Field Gunners and Brickwoods socialised together, and I am confident it could become an annual event! There were 50 (perhaps more) of our COMMAND Field Gunners as well as the Brickwood Crew of approximately 35, among which were again several COMMAND Field Gunners. Several Gunners approached me regarding membership asking for the necessary forms which I had with me, this was also a good sign.
One of our supporters 'brummie' brought some bottles of extra special Navy Neaters with him (it was certainly strong) and most enjoyable, and we would all like to thank him for his foresight.
Most of us went to the St Levans Inn after the procession, where Pincher Martin had organised the buffet. He also arranged for the Association Gun and the Brickwoods Gun to be taken to the Hoe and returned. With the Devonport Field Gun Association Members and Brickwoods Crew working amiably together on this event it certainly made it a memoriable day for all of us.
Many thanks to both Fred Pearce and Pincher Martin for their ingenuity in putting this event together!
OGGIE! OGGIE! OGGIE!
Paula
Paula Garnham, Hon Secretary Devonport Field Gun Association
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1st May 2008 - A New Website for the Devonport Field Gun Association
Devonport Field Gun Association is pleased to announce the launch of the new devonportfga.co.uk website. The new site will form a focal point for the Association, along with the Association News Letters; the site will provide information on forthcoming events as well as Association news.
In addition, the new site includes a Members Area, this area will include a larger gallery and committee minutes. The members area is restricted to Association Members.
