ST ELIGIUS CELEBRATIONS FOR 157 FIELD COMPANY, 106 REME

157 Field Company, based in Holywood, joined their Battalion, 106 REME, in East Kilbride, for the annual St Eligius celebrations.

St Eligius was a goldsmith, born in France in 588. He is the patron saint of goldsmiths, but also the patron saint of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

To commemorate St Eligius over 70 REME reserves from the Battalion and affiliated cadets get together annually on the first weekend in December.  The weekend comprises various challenges and games as well as a church service and a dinner.

The first phase was the Bloodhound challenge; 17 teams designed and built their rocket cars, which were then put to the test.  This provided a wonderful opportunity to develop an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) whilst strengthening ties across the REME family. Congratulations to 157 Company for winning the inaugural presentation of the Hammerman trophy for engineering, for their design.

The afternoon’s St Eligius manufacturing challenge resulted in 5 interesting designs and methods of firing a tennis ball to hit targets. Congratulations again to 157 Company for getting maximum marks with their bungee fired design; REME ingenuity at its best.

Day 2 started with a thought-provoking service at East Kilbride Church, which gave the REME family an opportunity to mix with the local community.  It was followed by the Association meal and AGM.

This weekend was thoroughly enjoyed by the whole REME family, whether regular, reserve, retired or cadet.