Page 5 - Flaming Cauldron – Issue 64

ACC ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Airborne Chefs Association

The beginning of the tab in front of the Airborne Statue in Princes Gardens at Aldershot.
The chefs are right at the front with three holding the BAFC banner
Airborne Chefs Association 10 miler 2024

Once again the British Airborne Forces also bring their children and spouses.
Club hosted their annual 10 miler, a tab With such physical conditions
around our old haunts of the Aldershot affecting the walkers, along with
military training areas. I am very atrocious weather this year, the distance
pleased to announce that (as has been of ten miles, it may lead some readers
the case for the last 10 years) the ACC to wonder why on earth we would
were represented and did our Corps undertake such a feat? The answer is
proud. simple, Airborne Spirit, but please allow
ACC members in attendance this me to explain further. Paratroopers don’t
year: Chip Walker, Jim Chalmers, Pete like to give up, they persevere even when
Marshall and Tommy Onions. common sense might dictate that taking
Whilst it is usually referred to it easy is the best option. Furthermore, On top of Flagstaff: Pete Marshall, Chip Walker, Tommy
as a tab, it isn’t really. It’s walked at the airborne soldier builds a huge Onions and Jim Chalmers
individual pace and amongst the 200 camaraderie with his fellow soldier of us didn’t experience when attached to
or so attending, there are men in their and cap badges and Corps/regimental
some regiments and units.
80s, men with missing limbs, many men identity take a back seat to brotherhood. The tab started shortly after the top
(including the four ACC) all suffering The atmosphere on such gatherings is
photo was taken, a quick walk to the
with various aged related illness such as very welcoming and we stand as equals,
outside of town and then across the road
arthritis, bad knees and bad backs. Some and that is often something that many
to the old training areas. This year, there
was plenty of mud to challenge our weary
feet and test our sense of balance. The
first stop was at the summit of Flagstaff
hill, overlooking Ceasars Camp.
From Flagstaff it follows the route
through the training areas, onto the
canal path, passed our old home of
St Omer (and the obvious trigger
for several reminisces) and onto the
Military cemetery where the BAFC
hold a service to the fallen.
From there, it’s a relatively short
walk back to the start and the much
At the cemetery and shortly prior to the parade and service anticipated celebrations.

SECRETARY@ACCASSOCIATION.ORG | WWW.ACCASSOCIATION.ORG PAGE 5