Memory Lane: Grantham soldier called for ‘special duties’ in 1983

Soldiers were ordered to an army barracks to carry out “special duties” in 1983.

Part-time soldier Nick Lofthouse, from Grantham, was ordered to “urgently report” to the Prince William of Gloucester Barracks to help cook a Christmas pudding.

Maintenance welder Nick clocked out from Bmarc, collected his uniform from home and then reported to the cookhouse at the Royal Corps of Transport TA headquarters.

He joined Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tom Rideway to help cook the pudding.

Master chef Allan Norton, who supervised, said: “It is one of the great Army traditions.”

50 years ago – 300th visit to RAF base is marked with champagne

The 300th visit to an RAF base was celebrated with champagne.

Twenty three members of Grantham Square Pegs were entertained by officers at RAF College, Cranwell, in 1973.

The visitors were welcomed on arrival by Ken Adamas, and following a film of training given at the college, guests were taken on a conducted tour of the college hall and library.

During the tour, they were shown many of the trophies and relics of “bygone days”, including Lord Dowding’s Battle Of Britain letter and original and signed portraits of Manfred Von Richthofen, the famous German First World War ace.

Following the tour, there was a surprise in store for guests.

This was instead of the traditional coffee and biscuits, they were treated with champagne to mark the occasion.

10 years ago – Celebration rather than mourning as regiment ends

A mixture of emotions were shown in 2013 as a regiment which called Grantham home was disbanded.

Hailed as a day to celebrate the 168 Pioneer Regiment rather than mourn its coming to an end, plenty of achievements were praised and congratulations given.

However, sadness as well as pride was etched onto the faces of soldiers as they marched through Grantham town centre to applause from the crowds.

The day began with a service at St Wulfram’s Church where soldiers and their families were seated in the pews.

Guests in all their finery were Mayor of Grantham Frank Turner and chairman of South Kesteven District Council David Nalson.

Thanks were given to the Royal Logistic Corps regiment and to the service of its reservists, many of whom will go on to serve elsewhere.