October has been a busy month for HRFCA, with annual committee meetings taking place in the Association’s Northern, Eastern and Southern areas.
On Tuesday 3 Oct the Northern Area meeting took place at the Gordonville Road Army Reserve Centre in Inverness, with Area Committee Chairman Lt Col Douglas Young presiding.
Members, including five Lord-Lieutenants and eleven members attending for the first time, travelled from across the Highlands and Islands to attend, with one intrepid member making the journey behind the wheel of his vintage Rolls Royce!
Members were briefed by 51 Infantry Brigade’s Deputy Commander, Colonel Charlie Wallace, on Army developments in Scotland, and by Officer Commanding Base Support Wing at RAF Lossiemouth, Wg Cdr Dan Lunnon-Wood, on plans to expand the capabilities based at the Station to include an additional Typhoon fast jet squadron and two squadrons of the new P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft arriving over the next few years.
Both briefings were enjoyed by all and, for those members able to accompany the employer visit to RAF Lossiemouth arranged by HRFCA for the following day, Wg Cdr Lunnon-Wood’s presentation provided a useful introduction to the Station’s plans. The meeting was followed by lunch, with local firm Store House providing the catering.
Dundee’s Oliver Barracks provided the venue for the Eastern Area meeting on 12 October. The meeting was well-attended, with a good cross-section of reserve and cadet units represented and able to brief on recent activities. Following formal proceedings led by Area Chairman Major Donald Elliot, which included a comprehensive update by Chief Executive Brigadier Mark Dodson on the Association’s work in the six months since the last Annual Association Meeting, members enjoyed a hot supper and a further chance to discuss Eastern Area business.
Finally, on 26 October, the Southern Area Committee members gathered at the Army Reserve Centre in Dumbarton for their meeting.
As well as the official business, which included updates from unit representatives, Chairman Lt Col Gilly Moncur outlined the role of the Committee and encouraged members to provide support and assistance to the reserve and cadet units in their area. She identified a number of opportunities over the coming year where members could get involved, including at the Stirling Military Show next June.
Major Matthew Pemble provided a fascinating insight into defence cyber security and, as a director for Goucher Consulting, was presented with the company’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award certificate by Association Chairman Nick Dorman. Following the conclusion of the meeting members enjoyed a curry supper and a chance to catch up.
The Northern Area meeting took place at the Gordonville Road Army Reserve Centre in Inverness.
One Association member travelled to Inverness in vintage style.
Former HRFCA Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Rawlings attended the meeting.
Northern Area meeting attendees included Michael Parkes (left) and Major Alec Rose.
HRFCA Chief Executive Mark Dodson (right) chats to members.
Officer Commanding Base Support Wing at RAF Lossiemouth, Wg Cdr Dan Lunnon-Wood, updates members on expansion plans at Lossiemouth.
The venue for the meeting.
Some of the attendees.
The Eastern Area meeting took place at Oliver Barracks, Dundee, on October 12.
The Southern Area meeting took place in Dumbarton.
Those in attendance included, from left, HRFCA Deputy Chief Executive Andrew Macnaughton, HRFCA Chief Executive Mark Dodson, Area Chair Lt Col Gilly Moncur and HRFCA Chairman Nick Dorman.
Some of the attendees.
Chief Executive Mark Dodson delivers his briefing.
Maj Matthew Pemble, of Goucher Consulting, received the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award on behalf of his firm from HRFCA Chairman Nick Dorman.
