RAE ASSOCIATION SAPPER MUSTER OAKLEIGH BARRACKS 25th February 2023

Once again, we were so fortunate to have the support of the CO 22nd Engineer Regiment (LTCOL Scott D’Rozario) who made the facilities of Oakleigh available for the event and supported the night by providing a Duty Officer and staff. Without doubt Oakleigh is an ideal place in relation to location and facilities for a night like this.

The Annual Sapper Muster is the most important event on the Association’s calendar and provides members, family and friends the opportunity to gather and enjoy the social and camaraderie aspects of the night. This year support for Muster was outstanding with a crowd of 125 people attending.

As usual Jock and Margaret conducted a raffle with some wonderful prizes – we were so fortunate to have some wonderful gifts donated by Stu (Ace) Williams (a former 4 CER sapper) who has supported us for many years and once again made a substantial donation along with Ryan Appleby and Michael Robbins who combined to provide 2 decanters etched with the Corps Badge and filled with a wonderful elixir. The support of people like Ace, Michael and Ryan helps us provide wonderful prizes and allow us to keep entry costs low.

For the 7th year the Association provided a spit roast meal which was served in the Drill Hall – people were not disappointed with the quality or quantity of the meal with many going back for seconds. The meal consisted of a main and sweets. The big winner was Don’s Assistance Dog Zeus.

As with all evenings there must be some formalities, and these included a report by the President (Don Hughes) on the Association’s achievements throughout the year and potential future events. Don went on to welcome everyone to the function in particular the Patron, CO and new RSM (Tom Jesser). Don also acknowledged several prominent guests.

An absolute highlight of the night and the year was the opportunity of being able to present a RAE Head of Corps Commendation to Eric (Jock) Howatt which was awarded to Jock for his outstanding work in raising much needed funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital along with his contribution to the community. Making the presentation and representing the Head of Corps was BRIG David Wainwright, DSC.AM

Our thanks must be extended to the CO (LTCOL Scott D’Rozario) for allowing the Association the use of these wonderful facilities along with great support from the staff in setting up the depot. Duty Officer (DO) was WO2 Tim Place and GD’s SPR’s Tate Moody, Stephen Rothwell, Richard Fossett and, Chris Clayton. The bar was manned by Noel Tipton with support from several of the Officers who were in attendance. Special thanks to Anne Court, WO2 Tim Farmer for their support and assistance and LT Michael Plant assisted with setting up the venue.

So many people deserve to be acknowledged for making the night a success but thank you to Jock and Margaret for your raffle work, Kevin Moss who deputised in the absences of Duncan Howarth on the financial side and Mel and Pottsy who both are so important for the success of the night.

The Muster is the Association’s major fellowship event for the year and is not convened to make money but to bring together a good cross section of sappers of various ages and ranks to enjoy the company of like-minded people. This year we welcomed members of the Royal Engineers and thank them for their support.

The most important thank you is saved until last and that is to the people who came along on the night and supported the Association by attending because without your support and encouragement the night would be a failure.

Sappers are amazing people.

Jim Davis