Drum beats for part-time troops

Lt Col Philip Aindow, Warrant Officer Tony Lake, Lt Col Sean Harris, Major General Simon Lalor, and Capt Debbie Salberg

Failsworth’s part-time soldiers who battled to raise money for the Army’s major charity have been named the best in Britain.

The Territorial Army unit in Oldham Road has been awarded the Carrington Drum, an annual award from the Army Benevolent Fund.

It is the first time a TA unit has won the military trophy, and was part of the TA’s centenary year celebrations.

Judges make a decision based on the amount of money raised relative to the size of the unit, as well as the methods of encouraging donations.

And 202 Field Squadron (Volunteers), one of the squadrons that form 75 Engineer Regiment (Volunteers), submitted an impressive portfolio of events carried out over the last 12 months — from climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest on a stepper machine, to marching 127 miles and pulling huge trucks through various towns and cities.

The regiment raised more than £22,000 for the Army’s national charity, which helps soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need.

Major Taff Dexter, Officer Commanding the 202 Field Squadron, said the soldiers gave their free time and energies to collections at football stadiums in Oldham and Blackburn, a truck pull from Oldham to Manchester and a sponsored run. They also received a donation from the Lord Mayor of Manchester.

He added: “This success reflects positively on the public in the region whose generosity unequivocally reinforces the deep-rooted affections in which the military is held.”

The Army Benevolent Fund has to raise £5.5 million each year to carry out its vital work.

To find out how to support the North-West Army Benevolent Fund call 01772-260356.