Children in battalion celebrations

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 681, 8 April 1997, Page 3

Children in battalion celebrations

To celebrate the beginnings of the Logistics Regiment, each of the Battalions making up the Regiment joined together in a nation-wide programme of fun and competition which included a special afternoon for the children. With a 1pm start for the afternoon, there was a good turnout for the acti vities, according to museum worker and mother, Carolyn Hyland. Pony rides and the gymnastic events proved quite a drawcard with the younger children while the ice wall was a hit with the older ones. The tug-o-war against the parents attracted so many children that they easily won the event with a score of 2-1. Lucky the Clown, alias Corporal Grant McCarroll of The Army Depot, was also on hand to entertain the children. His talents and supervisory skills were put to good use during the wait for the armoured personnel carrier rides which were very popular with all age-groups. This ride included being lifted to see out the top of the carrier which meant several very tired adults at the end of the afternoon. Other popular attractions for the children included a lolly scramble and a chance for a close look at other pieces of Battalion equipment. The main programme began with a dawn service on Friday morning followed by coffee and port for those who had braved the early hour. The firing of the cannon at 6am helped ensure that others in the camp were aware of their celebrations. Breakfast was served in the 800-man mess. Photographs and a drill competition with 15-minute displays of Beating of the Retreat parades filled the remainder of the morning. Unit sports kept everyone busy in the afternoon with teams made up of people from each of the three companies in 4 Logistics Battalion. A happy hour on the Friday night and a ball with Wellington band 'Vibes' on Saturday night meant that the birthday celebrations offered something for everyone.