After a prolonged period of Rest and Recuperation the Lancashire Battalion (DSWA) returned to active duty and in a remarkable Summer campaign completed four separate weekend training events across three venues and put over sixty novices through the rigours of our initial two day training course (TC). With the campaign kicking off in mid-July the branch members were busy on training manoeuvres through August, Septemb e r and October and despite an exploding index finger for one of our squaddies we also managed to fit in technical training days AKA Practice Meets in each of the above months.
Special thanks and praise are due to our lead instructors, Sergeant Majors Chris Bolshaw and Paul Clayton who have both received a Mention in Dispatches for their sterling endeavours in a necessarily cramped training programme. Their impressive delivery has resulted in five new recruits to date and early sign- on for next year’s training courses. (At this stage it is worth pointing out that twenty-four hammers have been sent to the local blacksmith’s for re-forge and
polishing.)
New venues have already been scouted ahead of next year’s training season and it is anticipate d that preliminary reconnaissance missions will be undertaken by our small band of ROBbers (R.O.B. = Retired Old Buggers) on one of their mid- week sessions over the coming
Winter season.
Following a successful initial sortie to the Royal Lancashire Show in 2019 we were delighted to be welcomed back for this year’s extravaganza in late July and even more delighted to be provided with a high traffic volume pitch. Once again, we were led by our formidable Commanding Officer (CO) and Master Craftsman Mr Carl Watson and our intricate smoots, cheek ends and curves reflected his thirty plus years of expertise. This produce d a good number of enquiries and subsequent bookings for our final two courses of the year. CO Watson proudly took the salute at each of our training sessions this year and his presence always raised the Battalions spirits.
Our attendance at the annual Saddleworth Show in September also attracted many positive comments and course enquiries and hopefully these will produce new recruits in 2022.
On our final training course of the year we were pleased to welcome half a dozen trainees from the Friends of Crompton Moor (FoCM), erstwhile stars of Countryfile; although they are a rag- tag bunch of randomly-equipped retirees they churn out a decent wall, ably led by their chief scout and snapper, not sniper, Bob Kenworthy and we are hoping to continue some joint operations in the coming year.
It would not be unreasonable to conclude that our training courses have been a great success this year, firing up the troops who are looking forward to the 2022 campaign season with much enthusiasm. Obviously with such a busy operational season it was essential that an interim party was dialled in and a very pleasant afternoon was provided on a notably wet day at The Diggle Hotel where a commendable buffet was supplied alongside some fine Millstone Tiger Rut ale. The Christmas social exercise has been scheduled for the Cross Keys, Uppermill and a full parade ground is anticipated.
All in all, after a late start the Lancashire Battalion turned 2021 into a memorable year.
From the Lancashire Branch, best wishes to you all for the coming festive season and Merry Christmas.
Paul Stevenson.