Great turnout from Branch members at Armistice Glasgow Sunday 10th Nov 2024.
Thanks folk, and thanks also to Capt Mark Bennie and the hospitality shown to us by the Paratròopers of A Coy IV PARA.
Second to none, Lest We Forget.
Jim from Erskine over the moon with our donation of 1k to Erskine, and all things Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces, Lest We Forget.
MASTER FINISHING JOINER . . .PARATROOPER . . .BALLROOM DANCER . . .
The muti-talented , well known, "Wee" Bobby Esplin was laid to rest this morning. Great turn out from the 'old and bold'.
Rest easy Bobby.
‘I am writing a book about XV PARA and would like to ask for your help. XV PARA was a unique unit and I hope to capture its spirit by basing its history on the memories of ex members of the battalion and others who worked alongside us. I would be delighted if you could share some of your memories and help me to produce a book worthy of this great airborne battalion.’
if you would like to contribute, get in touch with David:
d.g.mackay@btinternet.com
You've heard of Fidler on the Roof, Here's the Piper on the Glasgow Central Station Roof celebrating the Station Managers 60th Birthday, 3rd July. Big Drew Burns.
Paratroopers,
As today 30 June 2024 is the last Tayside PRA meeting prior to ABF Scotland 19 / 20 July 2024, I have put together a list of the timings and events for ABF Scotland,
That will be handed out to those present on the day of the meeting, and emailed to those not present.
As you all are aware ABF Scotland has cost thousands of GBP£, and been months in the planning and preparation by members of the ABF Scotland Committee.
The execution of ABF Scotland will involve major league players such as,
Lt General Harrison a serving Regular Parachute Regiment Officer at RHQ Para.
Major General (Retired) Freer Regular Parachute Regiment Officer
Lord Provost of Dundee, Bill Campbell and his wife and Local Councillors
Major (Retired) Paul Raison Secretary/Veterans Officer The Parachute Regimental Association RHQ Para
Major Frank Gargan OC A Company 4 Para ( Retired Regular Para Lt Col ) with the authority of the Commanding Officer 4 Para.
4 Para Colours and Escort to the Colours, plus elements of 4 Para marching and manning/running static displays.
Military Padre to conduct memorial service for those lost on Ex Bold Guard in Germany in 1974
LCpl Pegasus The Parachute Regiment Mascot with the Pony Major LCpl Richards
All Four of Scotland's PRA Standards on parade. Tayside, Lothian, West Coast Glasgow, Aberdeen, with branch members marching.
But more important than all of the above is You/Us the Tayside PRA Branch Members / Families and Friends , we must all get behind the ABF Scotland Committee and give our full support to this Major Event for Tayside PRA. We must have the maximum members on the parade on Saturday morning to lead the way as it is Our event. We are going to ask you all, to speak to Eddie or myself as to how you can help make ABF Scotland the Massive Success it deserves to be.
I, thank you all on behalf of the ABF Scotland Committee, for your help and support.
Timings/ Events
Friday 19th July 2024
1200 until late - The Airborne Gathering drinks at St Davids - Dress - Maroon top Jeans and desert boots.
Saturday 20th July ABF Scotland Day
1000 - Band arrives from Glasgow
1015 - Rv for all who are taking part in the parade at the Sports pavilion / pedestrian bridge over the railway on Riverside Drive.
Dress for PRA members - Beret, Blazer/suit, Regimental tie, medals, trousers, shirt and shoes, looking smart as.
1015 - 1040 - Rehearsal of the parade, all groups involved.
1045 - Parade form up - OOM - Pegasus/handler, Pipe/drum band, OC A Coy 4 Para, 4 Para Colours and Escort, 4 Para marching group,
PRA standard bearers, PRA members, Other Cap badges, Dundee Para ACF.
1100 - Parade steps off
1105 - Eyes Left to podium Lt General Harrison/Lord Provost plus Padre and Maj Raison
parade right wheel then another right wheel, then form a hollow square facing the podium.
1115 - Colours Laid up, Padre conducts memorial service for those lost on Ex Bold Guard Germany in 1974.
Bugler - Last Post
Two minutes silence - Piper plays Flowers of the Forest
Bugler - Reveille
1120 - Lord Provost Welcomes ABF Scotland to Dundee
1125 - Lt General speech in reply to Lord Provost and welcomes PRA/4 Para and families and visitors to ABF Scotland Dundee
1130 - Lord Provost/Lt General cut white mine tape. Location - across gap in hedge
1130 - ABF Scotland officially opens until Endex at 1700hrs
Regimental Dinner Dance 20 July 2024
Timing - 1900 until late
To be held in the function suite of the Apex City Quay Hotel, 1 West Victoria Dock Road, Dundee DD1 3JP
Dress - Serving members - Mess dress/medals, PRA/other cap badges - Dinner suit / Blazer/Suit/Kilt with jacket, Regimental tie/bow tie
Civilians - Dinner suit/Suit and tie
Lady's - Ball gown / dress below the knees.
The seating plan will be on display at the entrance to the function room.
4 Para Colours will be on display, Garry our photographer will be present to take your photos.
1915 - Seated at tables.
1920 - Top table piped in - All stand until top table seated.
On each table will be the sequence of events for evening.
To include a speech by Lt General Harrison and Lord Provost plus Regimental toast to the King and the Regiment.
Any Questions
Best Regards
Ewan Fleming
Chairman
Tayside PRA
Dalnottar Crematorium - 11th July 2024
Cremation 10am for 10.30 service.
Guard of Honour please
Reception 1051 GWR, on Great Western Road. (Beside Gartnavel Hospital)
A good laugh had Saturday 22nd June with the chaps.
Please see below:
I'm Christine and I run the 32 Signal Regiment Friday Club.
Terry McVey informed me you would appreciate an invite to our Friday club.
We would love to have you join us.
It is a casual get together with veterans and serving personnel.
Dress casual smart, no denims or trainers.
You are welcome to bring some guests.
The entrance is 21 Jardine Street, Maryhill. G20 6JU
It's the large wooden door and just press the top buzzer( seniors Mess).
Terry McVey and others will be here this Friday 14th June.
We are watching the Scotland game with the bar open. Hopefully you can attend.
Best regards
Christine
Mess Manager/SSgt.
Guard of Honour requested by family of Big John Crighton, who sadly passed away recently.
Daldowie Crematorium Thursday 16th May, 15.30 for a 16.00 service.
All then invited back to the Fullerton Park Hotel, 1300 Tollcross Road, Glasgow G52 8HH
Lest We Forget
Chairman Frank and Secretary Terry took up the offer from Tayside Chairman Ewan Fleming and his Committee consisting of Stewart Niven and Eddie Geissler to attend.
What a fab Branch who made us both so welcome, Lest We Forget.
A new plaque will be added to a bench in Central Station on Wednesday 6th March!