Royal Artillery Association Visit
7-14 July 2004
July 7 -14 saw the long awaited visit of the 26 RAA members to 12th Regiment. After being fantastically hosted in Blackpool at the Remembrance sunday parade 2003 and this years D Day celebrations, we wanted to repay the hospitality and give something back to those who have made us so welcome in our recruiting area.
An extremely busy week was planned and involved a day of military activity. This included a tour of camp, static display and simulator demonstrations, followed by a visit to the CATT, driving stands and a visit to Stirling range to fire 9mm and SA80.
Having survived all this, the remainder of the week was filled with visits and sight seeing. This included: Schloss Neuhaus, Mohnesee Dam, Wewelsburg Castle, Paderborn Schutzenfest, an overnight trip to the Mosel and a trip to the Warsteiner Brewery!!
All 26 attended the Sgts Mess Summer Ball which was a Caribbean Night and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The week was a tremendous success and it was brilliant to be able to give something back to the people who have looked after us and our soldiers so well.
The affilliation with Blackpool is a very special one, as are all of our affiliations in the North West. We have formed bonds of friendship which will go on for many many years. We look forward to the next visit which is bound to be just as successful!!! Hit the link at the top of the page to view the picture gallery of the visit.