Union News or Nick's Utterings

As you will read in this newsletter, in Roger Wilson-Gray's report, the ACWS has been asked to supply a certain number of people for film shots. It is to be in January at Weston Park. This is a golden opportunity for us to get our uniforms up to scratch. Although some members may not be selected for some shots, but we can still do some training for the coming season.

I have been asked by several people why we have not been doing as much Battalion drill this season, as before. The reason is most of the sites we have fought those people on were only suitable for company style skirmishes. However, I can assure you that we will be doing more Battalion drill next season, to increase our performance for Weston Park.

The feedback I am getting from Company CO's is very encouraging. However the current status of the 146th New York will not be known until they have had their own meeting, to decide what direction they are taking in the coming season. Also the current status of the 2nd US Infantry is not clear yet, as their former CO, Lt Ron Rands is forming a Federal Signal unit with some members of the 2nd US Infantry.

As you will have read in this newsletter, Captain Gordon Clifford is moving to America. So Battery B will be under new leadership for the coming season. Captain Clifford will be nominating a new successor with the approval of the Battery. Whoever is chosen I wish him all the best, and I am sure they will continue with their excellent performance, especially after winning the Graham Forbes Trophy for the most improved camp. This is no detraction from the general improvement of all the Federal Battalion camp over the past season.

This season all the battles will be those preceding Malvern Hill, as suggested by that dastardly leader of 'Those Poeple', Major Colquitt. I look forward to it with relish, I wonder who wins? (Nick) (Alan) The artillery might have something to do in deciding the outcome.

I hope you have all had a great festive season, and I hope you all have a Happy New Year, even 'Those People'.

Yours in the cause,

Major Nick Richards, C.i.C., Federal Battalion, ACWS

P.S. Will all Company commanders please let me know who is going to the filming weekend, so we can have an idea of numbers