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