"What they said...": 2010

RAC Officers' Mess, Bovington, 19–21 November 2010

At the end of this article are the photos by Oliver Brant of Shooting Tsars Photography of the event

Philip Adams writes: Another GBG weekend and another huge success that I thoroughly enjoyed attending. An event such as this cannot go as smoothly as it did without some outstanding planning and preparation and whilst a number of people were involved a special mention in despatches should go to Frank Toogood for all the hard work I know he did in his own time preparing the ground. Thank you also to the Camp at Bovington for being such good hosts and in particular to the Officers Mess for providing excellent staff, food and accommodation.

I enjoyed the annual quiz very much. It was extremely well organised and presented and, as always, was a challenging experience that not only leaves the individual very aware of the overwhelming enormity of the subject but also proves the case that, as so often is the case in battle, the winners are the side that make the least mistakes. I was once again fortunate enough to be on the winning team but the greatest joy was seeing Frankie Van De Burgh's face when he was called up to receive the prize because having wihdrawn from the Friday evening before the result was announced, the next day the team ensured that he was left with the impression that the team had done badly hence a rather flabbergasted Frankie demonstrating his impressively fluent use of colloquial English when receiving the team prize!

As always, I ended the weekend with a warm feeling of comradeship and having learnt something new. I enjoyed all of the presentations and whilst it was mentioned for some of the presentations that there might be an element of 'egg sucking', as far as I am concerned it is never a bad thing to be reminded of what we are trying to achieve and how we might go about achieving it - and in an often very amusing manner. Tim Saunders' words of wisdom regarding what regimental accounts say and what they actually mean were a highly entertaining and salutary lesson. Tim Stoneman highlighted a similair trait for the Narvik battle:

What they say: Do what you think right. We will support whatever decision you make.
What they mean: If you succeed, we will take all the credit. If you fail, you will take all the blame.

How many times in both civilian and military life do we encounter that one?! Whilst I think of it, Tim Stoneman referred to the Germans concentrating all their warships into one area and wondered what 'putting all ones eggs into one basket' might be in German. Just for you Tim, 'Alle eier in einen korb' might be the closest translation!

There is a vast pool of knowledge and experience in the GBG and being priviledged to tap into that is a real and tangible asset and that, for the record, is one of the many things that I personally get out of being a member of the Guild. Hopefully, Tim Saunders will approve of my post action diary report: It was a very good three days for the Regiment and the troops managed to withdraw in good order!

Best wishes to everyone for a succesful campaigning season.

Margaret Pearson writes: This just to say a big thank you to you and all the people on the committee for putting together a really superb event over last weekend. We are still talking about it and all the wonderful presentations from both candidates for the badge and fully qualified members. Francois and I both liked the accommodation and the various services provided by Bovington camp. We are not desperately bothered about 4 star accomm or whatever. Seeing all the members who were able to make it to Bovington was great, and there are so many interesting people to meet and exchange ideas with in the association. Everyone has something to contribute by way of their role in the guiding world and that is really special. The quiz as usual was of a very high standard and all the presentations offered something just that little bit different - a really fantastic variety of talks.
Congratulations on yet another successful event.
Margaret Pearson and Francois Wicart

Joe Hamon writes: Just a quick note to say thankyou for all the hard work in organising the weekend. It was a great success and a good opportunity to network with like-minded people. The subjects presented were most informative and I look forward to attending more events. Once again, many thanks.

Des FitzGerald writes: What an excellent weekend, despite RH being unable to attend. Great company and some outstanding presentations. Not sure I approve of the computer running the quiz, it loses the human touch, but that is progress I suppose; well done to Mike, John and Jo for assisting HAL. Congratulations to those deserving souls who who were presented their badges, very well done indeed.

Paul Oldfield writes: I'm slowly coming down from the weekend and have to give myself an occasional pinch to ensure I'm not still in the middle of one of the referrals!

Gaining the Badge, as every Guide knows, is such a thrill.... and a blessed relief too. The Cuckoo has pride of place in the study and will be getting an occasional clean, which will bring back many happy memories of last Saturday night and the pain of the after effects of the Dawn Patrol. I said it on the night, the Guild is a wonderfully broad organisation and is full of warm, kind-hearted and helpful people. If you want to gain the Badge you won't be on your own. There is plenty of advice to be had out there. Many thanks again to all those who gave theirs freely.

The presenters over the weekend were excellent and addressed some fascinating topics not normally covered within the Guild. A big thank you to Frank Toogood for all his efforts on behalf of the Guild over the year and also for putting the weekend together. Best wishes to Tony for his tenure.

Graeme Cooper writes: Another great weekend of comeraderie. Hi lights - With the quality of those outstanding presentations the richness of our Guild shone through. What expertise we have is not surpassed by any other organisation. Chris Finn on Burma Air was absolutely facinating. Tim Saunders and those Normandy A6 revelations so intriguing. John Cotterill how about a Stalingrad Tour. Your deliverey was so memorable. Farewell to the Chair - Peter thank you sincerely for everything that you have done for the Guild since its birth. Congratulations to Tim PB on his Assignment 1 Pass - now you can go for the 60 club. Could go on and those who were there would agree. Farewell and thank you to the Sec - Frank and good luck Tony Smith .

Jo Hook writes: Fantastic weekend, well I would say that as I received my badge number 48. There were so many highlights of this weekend that it is difficult to list everything. Being with like minded people for a whole weekend and being able to talk battlefields without boring anyone is a real treat. The talks were all informative, funny and varied. The quiz brilliant (well I would say that as I helped to organise). Seeing Paul Oldfield receive his thoroughly deserved award for assignment 6 and also seeing Rob receive badge number 49. And then there was the dawn patrol and the flying helmet. I loved every minute of it. But my main highlight was seeing all my friends. I haven't as yet had a cloth badge number 48 sewn onto my pyjamas as Frank Toogood once threatened to do but am planning to do so very soon. Frank thank you so much for all your efforts in the organisation I know it wasn't easy.

The Guild Annual Reunion 2010 Dinner

Dinner at the RAC Officer' Mess, Bovington

84 Guild Members were seated for dinner

Guild Chairman Peter Hewlett-Smith toasting Absent Friends - Will Townend

Guild President, John Hughes-Wilson giving the after-dinner speech

Jo Hook receives her Badge No 48 from the President

Bob Brunsdon receives his Badge No 49 from the President

Paul Oldfield receives his Badge No 51 from the President

Peter Hewlett-Smith receiving the Guild's Certificate of Esteem from the President for his services to the Guild over the last eight years as Guild Chairman.