Live ChatTwo Old Comrades go on a Tour of Devon
14 October 2019
Just over two hundred years ago, if an army regiment was short of volunteers, recruiting parties were sent to towns and villages where they would bang on a drum to gain attention, then liberally distribute gin and the “King’s shilling” to eager, arguably gullible, young men who were prepared to join the colours.
Fast forward to the present day and this tactic is being resurrected by SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity because there is a desperate need for volunteers.
Two old comrades, well into their sixties will spend from Tuesday 3rd December to Saturday the 7th touring the county of Devon in a 42 year old soft-top Landrover with the aim of recruiting men and women to join up to help our county’s veterans in need.
Retired Royal Marine Commando Clive Richards said “We have a drum, a war chest of shillings, (5p in today’s money) and miniature bottles of gin to hand out to people who are willing to give up some of their time to this very worthy cause”
He is joined by Keith Christopher “Clive and I first served together when this Landrover was made back in the Jubilee year of 1977. Its great to be back working together again”.
The intrepid pair will be completely self-sufficient during the tour, living on rations and sleeping in bivouacs they’ll erect each night whatever the weather.
“The trip was originally planned for May, but we can’t wait till the Spring to do this” says Clive, “we need the volunteers now, - there is no time to lose”.
Both their wives are a little dubious given the state the old comrades bodies are in after their service lives. However, Babs Christopher and Mary-Anne Richards are happy to let them go for this worthy cause. “They are both passionate about helping those who have served their country and we couldn’t stop him if we tried” said Babs. Mary-Anne added- “Although Clive was a Royal Marine, his father was a para sergeant in WW2 and our son Mike is an RAF pilot. So he’s keen to make a difference for all three of our country’s armed services. I’ll just make sure there is an ample supply of pain killers and that the gin is only used to give to the volunteers!”
They are happy to talk to anyone about the work SSAFA does and what support roles are available in Devon.
If anyone would like to support SSAFA even before the tour they are welcome to call 01392 254611 and talk to Claire. They’ll have to meet Clive and Keith in order to claim their gin and shilling though!
To sponsor these mad fools please go the our Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ssafadevon