FAREWELL TO CSGT & MRS IAIN BLACKETT

Early September saw the Farewell Lunch of a much loved (and sorely missed) character of the Battalion and Sergeants’ Mess.  It was indeed time to say farewell to CQMS (CSgt) Iain Blackett who was leaving the Regiment after 22 years service with the Colours (we’ll not count the fact that some of this time served was under a different capbadge). 

During the weeks leading up to the farewell lunch Iain knew that something was being planned but wasn’t really sure what it was.  Whenever he walked into a conversation people would change the subject and he was often invited to leave prior to a mess gathering.  Iain thought that maybe the old ‘Company Subs’ drama was rearing it’s ugly head again but he was thankfully delighted when he found that the whispering was regarding events that were planned for his lunch. 

CSgt Iain Blackett ………… where do we start? 

I for one can say that I know Iain very well and looked forward to his quips and comments that are given with such timing that Freddie Cooper would be proud.  He has however, been in a bit of drama in the past – some of which ‘can’ be repeated and was taken full advantage of at his Working Lunch. 

Iain and his good lady Michelle (who also travelled down to say farewell) walked into the Sergeants’ Mess after everyone had taken their seats to be greeted by a huge cheer and loads of Turbans and Beards – the reasons for this will be explained later. 

Just after everyone had seated, there was a cry from the corner of the room and Sgt Price (the Mess Manager) shouted ………
“Regimental Sergeant Major, Sir, I think we have a problem!”. 

“A problem Ben ……”, answered the ‘Sarnt Major “What problem?” 

 

At that everyone was looking towards Ben, most mess members with mouths wide open as they were aware of the beards and turbans but problems don’t normally happen in such an exclusive club! 

At that, the sound of sirens erupted, joined with the growl of a motorbike.  The curtains parted, the patio doors flew open and in drove a police motorbike with two riders, sirens and engines blaring. 

A figure jumped from the rear of the Motorbike and ran towards the seated guest, placing a set of chest webbing around Iain Blackett’s neck.  The chest webbing had been altered and now looked like a suicide vest! 

Someone looking into the Sergeants’ Mess at this very time may have been a little bewildered as to why there were beards, turbans and suicide vests during a working lunch – all of which will now be explained. 

The Sergeants’ Mess annually hold (wherever possible) the ‘Hanging of the Brick’, a tradition that is explained here.  Hanging the brick is an event where the Officers and Sergeants Mess join as one to celebrate the gallant heroism of Sgt Graham – it is also an excuse for everyone to put on some fancy dress. 

Let’s say that a certain mess member (ummmm, wonder who that could be) who is no stranger to home made fancy dress, got dressed up for this event as someone North of Kabul, complete with suicide vest that he had spent the night previous creating from toilet rolls and his daughters favourite toys.  After the event, and promising the missis that he wouldn’t be home late, this ……….. mess member, decided to call it a day and go home to sleep off his babysham. 

The way home took him past some married quarters and a Families Naafi, where on route a blue lit police car fled past him.  A few yards later he was asked to ‘Halt, and kneel on the floor – with both arms in the air’.  Raising his head, this Mess Member looked straight into the mouth of a foaming police dog and couple (about 20) of the special coppers that carry weapons and wear funny hats! 

Realising what all the commotion was, this mess member identified himself as to whom he was and that he was indeed in fancy dress.  This didn’t alter the fact that he was carted down to the local nick, kept in a cell for 24hrs, psycho evaluated 3 times and featured on page 4 of the Sun the next day! 

So, without letting to much out of the bag – we all celebrated this fine and amusing day in style with some fancy dress, some chest webbing a Nick Jackson Picture Show, and an outstanding conspiracy video performed by the Coldstream version of Ant and Dec (Mac Mchugh and Andy Browell) that was very, very well received.  

Finally, the Regimental Sergeant Major presented Iain with his farewell gift from all Mess Members and handed over to Iain.

The departing Colour Sergeant then began his speech by 'insisting' that he never forgot about his anniversary by presenting his wife with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.  He also presented CSgt Walton with a gift that will be (I am sure) treasured for many years, and then he presented the mess with a display cabinet that can hold the 'Brick' in order so it can be displayed throughout the year - something rather apt considering the story above!

Iain – you will be sorely missed, the very best to you and the family for the future and I hope that you get that job in the motorway police – although perhaps not if they have read this!!!



MORE IMAGES:
Images taken the during this function are shown below:



 

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