St Barbara's Day Service
On Sunday the 03-Dec-2006, a St Barbara's Day Blessing, was held in the Drill Hall at the Artillery Ground, Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol.
Many present and past members attended the service including the Commanding Officer of 100 Regiment R.A. Lt. Col Simon West R.A. the service was conducted by the 100 Regt R.A. Chaplain Simon Rowland, who blessed the guns of 266 [GVA] Para Bty R. A. [V]
The service began with a welcome from the Battery Commander Major A.G. Rogers MBE TD R.A. [V]
Carol: O come, all ye Faithful.
The First Reading: The History of St Barbara was read by L/Bdr P. Brown.
Carol: While shepherds watched their flocks by night.
The Second Reading: The History of the Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery. was read by WO2 [SPSI] Gatehouse.
Carol: Hark the Herald-angels sing
The Third Reading: An Ode to a Paratrooper was read by S/Sgt D. Ford.
Reflection and Prayers.
The Blessing of the Colours.
The service ended with the congregation singing the National Anthem.
After the service the Gunners Arms bar reopened and a curry lunch for all was served, which was organised by the BQMS S/Sgt Steve Wakefield, in the drill hall, the tables were decorated with selected pieces of battery silver.
Talking to past members of the battery, it seemed that they were very impressed by the officers and men of the unit, their bearing and enthusiasm being commented on, past members were introduced to the guns of the battery, by members of the unit.
***
On Sunday the 02-Dec-2007, a St Barbara's Day Service, was held at the St Mark's, the Lords Mayor's Chapel on College Green, Bristol. The chapel was built in the 1230 AD. Since the 1540s it has been owned by Bristol City Council, the only municipal chapel in England.
The service was performed by the Chaplain Rev Harold Clarke.
The Choir in their white surpluses and red cassocks were a joy to listen to.
In the drill hall afterwards the Lord Mayor presented the G.O.C Commendation to Capt Andy Mattinson and also presented a Citation and picture to Sgt Busher a former P.S.I. to the battery and who served for 2 years with the battery and a VSRM Sgt Arnold [Volunteer Reserves Service Medal for 10 years service this medal replaces the T.D. and the TEM.].
Total of whose attending was 58 all ranks.
Total and Names of those attending & pictures to be added.