CONDUCTORS DAY AND PARCHMENT CEREMONY 2004
by Dennis Bradley
FOLLOW THAT! we said to Conductor David Patterson following the 2003 bonanza, and follow that he did in grand style.
Once again, by kind permission of the Director Royal Logistic Corps, Brigadier R Rook, OBE, ADC, former Conductors of the RAOC were invited to the RLC 2004 Conductors Day and Parchment Celebrations on 20th and 21st May.
This year's extravaganza began with a Dinner Night in the HQ RLC Sgts Mess to which serving and ex Conductors and their ladies were summoned by bugle call. For many it was the first opportunity they had had of attending a Mess Dinner Night since their retirement and all were of the enthusiastic opinion that the high standards prevailed.
A personal anecdote worthy of mention here is that ex Conductor John Cook attended the celebrations which was a happy surprise for Brigadier Rook as it was John who was delegated to look after the Brigadier in the early 70's on his first posting after Commissioning to Hong Kong. As they hadn't met up since we can imagine that these two gentlemen had a lot of reminiscing to catch up on.
After dinner we were entertained to excellent displays by the Buglers and by the Fifes and Drums from the Army School of Ceremonial Drumming Wing, Army Trg Regt, Pirbright . Both the groups went through splendid repertoires which were very well received
The Guest of Honour,
Brigadier Rook, presented Parchments to the following 18 former Conductors (7
more than last year. Total number of parchments issued this year was 23 which
indicates the increasing popularity and high esteem in which this event is held.
)
| George Beadnell | James Carey | Mike Charlesworth |
| John Cook | Bob Corbey | Major Roy Crowshaw RLC |
| Larry Cunningham | William Davies | J (Paddy) Dilworth |
| Ivan Jones | Joshua Jones | Graham Manders |
| John Nicholls | Jim Searle | Keith Taylor |
| Bill Tonkins | Brian Townsend | Gordon Webster |
Day 2 events began
with the formal individual presentations of Parchments by Major General P Chambers
CB, MBE to 5 new RLC Conductors. (members of the RAOC Association will know
General Chambers as the Association Chairman). Afterwards General Peter addressed
the new Conductors and it was obvious from his sincere words and enthusiasm
that he feels very passionate about the appointment of Conductor.
The Conductors of 2004 were:
| WO1 (Cdr) John H Ball | WO1 (Cdr) Chris J Lamb | WO1 (Cdr) Mark R Slusarenko |
| WO 1 (Cdr) Andrew J Smith | WO1 (Cdr) Paul A Winter |
Lunch was once
again provided under field conditions by Catering Course personnel of 25 Trg
Regt RLC. A number of choices were prepared and served in an excellent manner.
Piano-bar style music was provided in the Medal Room by 2 members of the RLC
Band.
After tea we were coached to the Houses of Parliament where we were received
most warmly and enjoyed a conducted tour of selected parts of the Palace of
Westminster followed by refreshments (sadly not on the veranda !)
Another truly memorable 2 days for which our most sincere thanks are once again due to Conductor David Patterson, Senior Conductor RLC, for the excellent organisation. Old friendships renewed and new ones made with hopes of meeting again in 2005
DB