WARRINGTON’S Territorial Army regiment has been named winner of a national award recognising its support to the Army Benevolent Fund.
75 Engineer Regiment (Volunteers), based at the TA Centre in at Peninsula Barracks, O’Leary Street, has won the 
Carrington Drum – the first time a TA unit has won.
The award is much coveted within British Army units across the country. Judges make a decision based on the amount of money raised relative to the size of the unit, as well as the methods adopted to encourage donations.
75 Engineer Regiment submitted an impressive portfolio of events carried out over the last 12 months by its soldiers and support staff – from climbing Mount Everest on a stepper machine in one of Britain’s biggest shopping centres to marching 127 miles and pulling huge trucks through various towns and cities.
These events – and many more during the year – helped the regiment raise over £22,000 for the ABF, the Army’s national charity. The ABF provides assistance to soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need.
Lt Colonel Seán Harris, the regiment’s commanding officer, said: “The trophy reflects the commitment of the soldiers in raising significant funds in support of the ABF but also an increasing awareness that we, as a TA unit, exist to support the Regular Army and in doing so are included in that Army family which looks after all military personnel and their families in times of need.”
Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Tony Lake, based at O’Leary Street, said: “Throughout the year the Warrington regimental headquarters gave willingly of their free time and energies, undertaking 27 of the 39 unit events.
“Collections from endurance events, community concerts, auctions, sponsored runs and, of course, street collections, all contributed to the winning total. This success not only rewards those in the unit, but reflects positively on the public in the region whose generosity unequivocally reinforces the deep-rooted affection in which the military is held.”
Picture shows left to right, Lt Col Philip Aindow (North West Regional Director of Fundraising, Army Benevolent Fund), WO1 Tony Lake (Regimental Sergeant Major, 75 Engineer Regiment), Lt Col Seán Harris (Commanding Officer, 75 Engineer Regiment), Major General Simon Lalor (Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff – Reserves and Cadets), Captain Debbie Salberg (Adjutant, 75 Engineer Regiment).
