Reunion 2010

31 Aug 2010

Reunion photos are up on Flickr.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/53385182@N02/

 Reunion 2010 Wrap up

Reunion 2010 has come and gone. A fun filled event, with lots of opportunity to reconnect with friends and family was conducted both at the River Cree resort, the Lewis Estates Golf course and the Regimental lines at Steele Barracks. The word on the street is that it was a successful event and to date I have lots of positive feedback from the Old Guard.
Almost all the bills have been paid and the final financial report is coming together nicely. Attendance was very good for all events with more than 200 members pre-registered. I will attempt to summarise each event for those who did not manage to attend. My apologies in advance should if I leave off a name, or forget to give credit where credit is due.
 

Reunion 2010 kicked off with a Thursday Golf event, which was organised by Keven Phinney and James Strayer. Over 40 golfers gathered at the Lewis Estates course and the Association President, Howie Owen “lead the charge “by driving the first ball down range! The weather was fantastic and the staff at the Lewis Estates did and excellent job supporting us in all areas. Our photographer, Grant Cree, managed to get his second sun burn in two days as he drove about the course and gleefully took shots of all golfers. The end of the day saw all golfers regroup at the River Cree with the Advance Party folks for “the Advance Party Reception”. Keven made sure that there were individual prizes for all, along with some very nice door prizes. And of course  Keith ‘Slider' Welch did his part by organising the 50-50 draw for each day and event. 
 

Day 2 consisted of a registration day, followed by the “Main Meet and Greet”. This event went over very well.  Everyone gathered by the bar, or in and around the museum displays. The room was so packed at one point that it was impossible to get in through the main doors! Rest assured that we will put into the ‘After Action” that we need more bars open and a bigger mingling area! The Regiment provided the “pomp and ceremony” by making sure that the Historical Vehicle Troop and the Strathcona Mounted Troop were in location and as usual they drew a large group of spectators ,including the hotel staff. The SMT also provided troops in scarlet’s as videttes at the entrance to the hotel.
 

Day 3 started with transport to the Regimental Lines, with the majority of people arriving in time to see the Regiment put on an outstanding Change of Colonel of the Regiment parade which included a spectacular roll past. A very large group of the Old Guard (there must have been close to 100) fell in on parade under the direction of Ian Barnes and Earl Cady, and Shad Shadbolt. 
 

Following the parade everyone enjoyed a wonderful post parade luncheon along with vehicle displays and a performance by the Strathcona Mounted Troop.
 

Later on Saturday night back at the River Cree Marriot hotel a regimental family of 344 people which included 80 plus serving regimental members followed Piper Paul Peters into the dining room. As soon as the Guidon Party lead by MWO Tony Batty had taken post, the wine started to flow and an excellent dinner was served.  A good many war stories were retold, old times were remembered and friendships rekindle led.
 

The evening also saw a specially recorded video message from our Colonel in Chief, His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, dinner music by the RCA band, a performance by the LER drum line and a great running commentary by Peter Wonderham, our Master of Ceremonies.
 

Sunday was our last day and the weekend closed with a Sunday brunch followed by a Memorial Service. The Regimental Padre Tracy Moore, and the Association Padre and WW2 Vet Cannon Greene, put together a very fitting tribute to fallen comrades that included a Regimental Vigil party and a pipers lament.
 

Our new Colonel of the Regiment Major General (retd) Cam Ross closed Reunion celebrations, and straight away there was talk about 2015!
 

Reunion 2010 would not have been a success without the hard work of a great many people. I know I will forget some one somewhere but if reminded I can add your name in later!  Association  President Howie Owen, the Reunion  Committee ,Randy Page, James Strayer ,Bill Fitzpatrick ,Keven Phinney ,Tony Sewards ,Ian Barnes, Slider Welch, Claire Dane. Cannon Greene, LCol Trevor Cadieu and RSM Jim Dorrance ,Padre Tracy Moore , all the members of the Regiment that took part in the parades, vehicle displays, Videttes ,Strathcona Mounted Troop Sgt Peterson and HVT. Sgt Koppe in transport ,WO Dwyane Wallis and the Vigil Party. Kathy Batty, Co’s secretary, Grant Cree photographer, Dinner mess manager Christine Charbonneau, Nash Goonewardena for the banners and graphics.  I would also like to make special mention of our sponsors and those people that made personal donations. Jim Rice, the Korea Vets Assn, Stan Adams, Dave Letson, Phil Neatby, John Roderick, Doug Donnelly, Andre Lorent, Doug Corkum, Roy Jardine, The River Cree Resort and Casino, Amoyottes of the Regimental kit shop, and Home depot.

Again, thank you all for your dedication and support.

Dave Biener
Chairman
Reunion 2010 Committee

Perseverance