RSA Reunion, Blandford Camp, 23rD & 24TH June 2012

By kind permission of the Commander, Blandford Garrison, the Annual Reunion for Association members will take place at Blandford Camp on 23/24 Jun 12. 

All RSA members and their guests are cordially invited to attend this popular annual event.

All enquiries regarding the RSA Reunion should be directed to the Admin Officer on 01258-482090 or e-mail:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The Reunion Insructions and all Annexes can be viewed or downloaded below, please click your prefered document format image;

Document	Word Format	PDF Format
RSA Reunion Instructions - Main Document Without Annexes.
RSA Reunion Instructions - Annex A - Outline of Events.
RSA Reunion Instructions - Annex B - Application to Attend.
RSA Reunion Instructions - Annex C - Request for Meals.
RSA Reunion Instructions - Annex D - Caravan Application.
RSA Reunion Instructions - Annex E - RSA Branch Return. (Not for individuals)
RSA Reunion Instructions - Annex F - Standard Bearer Return.

rEPORT ON THE 2011 RSA REUNION, 18th & 19TH JUNE 2011

The 2011 RSA Reunion was held at Blandford Camp over the weekend 18-19 June. Around 700 members and guests attended on what was a wet and windy weekend. Despite Reception not being open until 1500 hrs, members started arriving on Camp early in the morning, including several caravanners and those pitching tents. Our members were met at Reception, where they collected their pre-ordered meal tickets, a programme and a souvenir lapel badge. They also enjoyed a gratis cuppa and a biscuit in Reception after their journey to Dorset. Amongst those attending were 5 of our In Pensioners from the Royal Hospital at Chelsea. Our thanks to WO2 Jase Nichols for kindly arranging their transportation and hosting.

Static Displays

The static displays were up and running at 0900 hrs, including a show of old military and civvy vehicles, Harley Davidson type motor cycles (c/o the Christchurch Cruiser Club), The local “Pimpernel Beagles”, plus a selection of modern weapons kindly loaned by the RM at Poole and arranged by SSgt Paul Broadbent (MPGS Tp Comdr). 11 Sig Regt kindly provided a display of FALCON and BOWMAN eqpt and vehicles. The indoor range was open to our members who were allowed to shoot the modern SA80 rifle at computer generated targets.
The weather was kind for the morning Princess Royal Day Parade by members of 11 Sig Regt. The Parade was commanded by Maj Mel McCorry and the Inspecting Officer was the Master of Signals, Lt Gen R Baxter CBE. During the Parade, WO1(RSM) Mick Yendell was presented with his MSM. After the Parade, the Master enjoyed a glass of port with parade personnel.
At midday our member Hugh Nicklin and friends gave a slide show and presentation on their time with the Trucial Oman Scouts Sig Sqn.
The “Colours Restaurant” (Cookhouse to the old & bold) offered a splendid array for our members to enjoy at the traditional 'all ranks lunch'.

The Wettest Reunion for Years

Frequent showers were at hand in the afternoon and caused the General Secretary to declare a 'wet weather programme' for the arena display. The White Helmets were prepared to ride in the rain, but apparently the wind was too gusty for them. The Northern Band and Corps Pipes & Drums moved into the '20/Twenty' complex (NAAFI to the veterans) and gave an enjoyable concert to our veterans and the young soldiers who gathered there. The Corps RSM, WO1 Tony McBean and RSM 11 Sig Regt, WO1 Mick Yendell, managed to run the Standard Bearers Competition, with John Mumford (Reading Branch) retaining his trophy. Bill McNamara (Glasgow) was again the runner up. A small token of appreciation was awarded to the other 8 finalists. Our gratitude goes to Mr Barry Moody (Scarborough Branch) for his expert assistance to the RSMs.
Pipe Major Jimmy Scott had organised a display of piping and Scottish dancing for the evening’s entertainment in the Sgts Mess and nearly 300 members took advantage of the RSM’s offer of hospitality there. Those who had pre-booked, enjoyed a curry supper.

thanks to the rsm's

Sunday morning saw slightly better weather, which allowed the Drumhead Service to go ahead on Hawke Square. Our guest speaker was the Rt Rev John Kirkham, former Bishop to the Forces, who gave a most interesting sermon tied in very strongly to the Corps. The collection raised over £500 for the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund.
Following the Service, our members formed up under the Corps RSM and followed the Northern Band and standard bearers onto the Square for the March Past. The Master of Signals took the salute as the members passed the dais. Our members gave a hearty ‘three cheers’ for both RSMs when they fell out from the march past.
Those who had pre-booked made their way to the cookhouse for lunch, with the others making their way home after an enjoyable (if slightly damp) weekend.