Ballykinler Welfare Office Blog

Sjt. Buchanan

9th December 2011

We are now into week 14 of our tour events programme and still going strong.  The ladies were treated to a night in the Officers Mess at the beginning of the tour where they were fed the best Chinese in NI and the cheapest wine.  A good night was had by all; we even ended with a dance off in the Community Centre.  Late September the Chosen Wives entered the Annual Viking Boat race at Killyeagh, with lots of shouting, puffing and panting they came away with a certificate which now hangs in the bar.  We ended the month of September by taking the Families to Delemont Park, armed with our white haver boxes of food we took over the place in style and had a great time.

We were treated by the magic of a Trinidad & Tobago themed party early October, we all learned some new disco moves that night, not too sure my body is built to dance that fast.  Mid October much to the disgust of a certain LE we took the families to see Disney On Ice (Capt Vince ‘X Factor’ Mears wanted Dancing On Ice).  Around 120 went to see the show and they are still talking about it now.  We ended the month with our first tour Sunday lunch, as usual the Chefs pulled it out the bag and the food was excellent.

The sky was alight with fireworks when the Ballykinler crew were invited to Lisburn Station firework night, there was plenty to see and do, shame it was on a school night but the kids loved it.  One thing I was always told “Never Volunteer For Anything”, nobody told the wives this when the PSNI required civpop for an aircraft hostage exercise.  Off they went to Aldergrove expecting the red carpet treatment, no red carpet just plenty of ”minimum force” actions by the police and plenty of standing on the run way in the rain with their hands on their heads.  I do not think they will volunteer again.

We are now into the season of good will and all that good Christmas stuff, an action packed month is planned for the good people of Ballykinler.  Christmas partys, suprise visit from Santa on his float, Christingle and Carol service and lots more.  We continue to support the families and single soldiers on rear ops in all matters Welfare.  Our Whinging Wednesday Coffee Mornings have proven to be a successful venture, I must admit going into the lions den each Wednesday makes me so grateful I got my extension!!

Looking forward to the New Year we have plenty planned, we are of to see a panto, X Factor and of to Dublin Zoo just for starters, we will continue to keep the families busy and entertained until the boys return.

Keep checking back for more 2 Rifles updates.