CHAIRMAN’S CORNER

15th 3 Para Reunion Metropole Hotel, Blackpool 28-30 March 2008

Speaking on behalf of the Committee and myself, I would like to thank all those attended for making this such a resounding success.

It was great to see so many old faces (and aren’t some of us getting older!!??) turn up and ‘swing the lamp’ – which is exactly how it should be – it’s the reason for our reunion!

The ‘happy hour’ on (all of!) Friday afternoon set the tone (!) and then we were away into the weekend. There were definitely some ‘peeky’ looking faces on Saturday morning – but nothing that a brisk walk down the Prom couldn’t remedy – did anyone actually do that, by the way?

Another all afternoon (again!) ‘happy hour’ on Saturday led us into a very successful AGM, where you all had already decided that you wanted a repeat, next year. (Well, it is provisionally booked for 6-8 March, you will be glad to hear). The reception and Gala Dinner that followed was obviously enjoyed by all (well, we never had any complaints) and 120 sat down to eat, including 30 of our ladies (who looked lovely and added greatly to things). It is not a bad number for the first try at this type of venue.

I have written to the hotel to thank them for their efforts and they actually said that they enjoyed having us – blimey!

So, to end, all I can say on behalf of the committee is that we are happy to work for the club as long as you continue to support it – so let’s have MORE turn up NEXT YEAR and make it really GO!!

Regards to all

Terry Carroll
Chairman

* * *

Falklands Revisited 2005

In June this year I was very honoured to attend the Falklands Islands Liberation Day Parade in Stanley on the 14 June 2005. I was invited to the Falklands by my son who was on a 9 month tour of duty with the RE Maint Sqn based on the Airfield just above Fitzroy Bay. What a different place the Island is today. It is heartening to see the Islanders liberation day both at the cathedral service and at the 1982 Memorial. Being the only Red Beret on parade they all seemed to want to talk to me and shake my hand just saying thank you for what you did for us they are very, very proud of our Regiment and for the sacrifices for those that did not return with us. I attended the parade and was honoured to be with some of the islander’s that assisted 3 Para during the war. I stood next to and laid a wreath on behalf of 3 Para Reunion Club at the 1982 Memorial also laying a wreath on behalf of the Islanders, was Terry Peck, who was a policeman in 1982 and acted as a guide to our patrol platoon. A good number of these blokes are still in contact with Terry whom he greatly appreciates: regretfully Terry has not been in the best of health over the past few years but is well on the way to recovery now after some treatment for PTSD. After the parade we both attended a reception at the new BDF Barracks in Stanley and it was great to meet up with our porridge lady Mandy McLoud, after 23 years it was a bit emotional to meet people you knew then.

When in 82, me and my lads from the Anti Tank Pl att A Coy, were dug in on the airstrip above the settlement at Port San Carlos, Mandy would appear at first light each morning without fail with a large container full of piping hot porridge for the blokes, she would also bring us news from the BBC world service. Mandy from my heart and all those that came into contact with you, our heartfelt thanks and god bless you……. for your kindness.

On the 15th June I returned to Mount Longdon and traced my steps from the start line up and over Longdon and into Stanley via Moody Brook there is still and old 105 recoilless gun on the eastern slope of Longdon which I am sure gave B Coy trouble on the night of 11/12. On my visit to Longdon, I was accompanied by the Base Padre, my son and his Sqn 2 I/C a Para trained RLC Officer. We were also met on top by Tony & Ailsa from Estancia Farm. Tony & Ailsa had towed Milan & Mortar Ammo for SP Coy, to the fire support base and the mortar line prior to the attack on Longdon. Their farm at Estancia was used by Bn HQ for ‘O’ Gps and housed the RAP, the farm is a museum to 3 Para and the guest books at Estancia has some great old names and comments. On Longdon the Padre performed a short service for us and we spend some time in reflection for those member of 3 Para who had lost their lives in the Battle for Mound London on the night of 11/12 June 1982. those gathered on London, lay British Legion crosses as an act of remembrance for those members of the Battalion we lost in battle………..

After the service I followed the route I had taken from Mount Longdon down through Moody Brook (there is nothing there now), and into Stanley. My visit to Longdon brought back many memories, I was glad after all the years that had passed, that I was able and fortunate enough to return and see Mount Longdon and the Island in the bright light of day. On the evening 15th June I was invited to the Governor’s Reception and was taken for a tour of the governors residence, I also went for a walk to find the house Sp Coy had gone firm at and had regrouped after entering Stanley, which was on the road just above Government House. Finally on the 16th June I was invited (as this way my birthday) to dine with Trudy and Charles McPhee out at Brookfield Farm just above Estancia. Trudy had assisted our medics during the battle for Longdon, transporting our casualties away from the Bn RAP to the casevac area and Heli LZ. The risks these people took are unbelievable and they should all be commended for their actions. Hero’s all of them. Once again sincere thanks were passed to all of them, from me on behalf of the 3 Para Reunion Club. Trudy, Ailsa, Mandy, Tony, Charles and Terry thanks again for making my visit a memorable one.

For photographs of my visit please visit the Gallery

--------------------------

To all members of the reunion club

The 2 Para Chairman (Dave Singletary) has become involved with the many bereaved relatives of the dead and also the wounded soldiers that, unfortunately, 2 Para have incurred on their current tour in Afghanistan.
Thank God, so far 3 Para have been OK.

During this he has become aware of a lack of funding for Visiting Officers and also recreational facilities at Selly Oak Hospital for our wounded soldiers.
Therefore, he has organised a Ladies Night, as way of a fund-raising event, for all regimental reunion clubs at the Metropole Hotel in Blackpool over the weekend 21-23 November.
It is obviously something that we should support.

Please click here for details.

Regards to all.
Terry Carroll
Chairman