Shilo Stag
After a five-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the RCA Reunion is happening this summer.
The four-day event will start June 29, and participants can also take part in Base Canada Day festivities.
“Believe it or not, five years have passed since the last Regimental reunion,” offered 2023 reunion committee president Maj Lindsay Jackson. “So, it is that time once again to gather together for the 2023 Royal Canadian Artillery [RCA] Reunion at the Home Station of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, CFB Shilo. The aim is to renew close friendships and relive the fine and lasting memories we have forged over our many years of service to Canada and the RCA.”
Maj Jackson acknowledged the reunion committee will continue to update the program based upon your feedback.
What changes have been made to date:
• Golf tournament taking place Saturday to allow more people to attend;
• Kept the change from the 2018 reunion which had an adjusted fee schedule to allow those who only wished to attend the dinner and dance to do so;
• Kept the change from the 2018 reunion which has a menu for Sunday’s departure to road-type food for your convenience;
• Kept a live firepower demonstration as part of the event; and
• Opened the RCA Museum free of charge to reunion guests.
“We are only in the initial planning stages, and while we are still firming up the exact schedule, there may be some minor changes in times and events before the reunion, but we will endeavour to keep everyone up to date as changes occur,” said Maj Jackson. “We have a fun-filled and exciting reunion planned for you and hope you can make it to sunny Shilo to meet old friends and maybe make some new ones as you reminisce about ‘the good old days’.”
One change being made, according to Maj Jackson, there no longer will be a mass reunion mailout with registration instructions.
“One reason is cost, and the other is with artillery reunions being three years apart … in this case five years … we are just not able to keep up-to-date mailing lists. That said, if you or anyone you know wishes to have a package mailed out we will do mailings on a request basis only.”
For those who may be interested in attending, but do not have e-mail or access to a printer, the registration instructions will be available on multiple media platforms and pushed out to Gunners via electronic means.
For those looking to register early, the reunion committee is accepting forms and payment now and right up to June 28. For planning purposes, reunion organizers are asking that people register early, but for those who do not, walk-ins are allowed as everyone is welcome.
As in the past, the 2023 RCA Reunion organizing committee is made up of volunteers and include president/event emcee – Maj Lindsay Jackson (Regimental Major RCA), vice-president – Maj (Ret’d) Chuck Larocque, secretary RCA & registration co-ordinator – Patsy Murphy (mess manager), treasurer – CWO (Ret’d) Mike McEwan, events co-ordinator – Bill Lee, publicity – Jules Xavier (Shilo Stag), OPI Sam’s Trailer Park (Base campground) – MWO Jay Power assisted by WO (Ret’d) Paul Dolomont, Sgt Art Fleming, golf tournament rep – Jim Mackenzie, Shilo Service Club bar manager – Ken Wells, Shilo and Region Service Club chief cook – WO (Ret’d) Tom Rushton, 1RCHA rep – CWO Sean McGowan, NCO I/C work party – TBC and RCA Museum Rep – Andrew Oakden (museum director).
Participant will receive a welcome package on arrival. As well, you will find further details at http://www.artillery.net/beta/canadian-gunner-associations/
Location: RCA Reunion will be “hubbed” at L25, the Base’s old drill hall. Most activity will take place there. A map of the Base will be included in your welcome package to assist you in navigating the Base.
Transportation: Travel to and from Shilo is the responsibility of those attending. We are aiming to provide shuttle service for the evening events, but with Knightline Bus Services closing permanently during COVID, this is still a work in progress. An update will be sent to all attendees as organizers continue to “work the problem.”
Accommodation: There are numerous hotels/motels available in the Shilo/Brandon area. Those attending the reunion are asked to book accommodations in advance and indicate if possible where they will be staying on the registration form. This will assist us when arranging transportation. There are also a limited number of rooms available on Base via Base Accommodations. Sam’s Trailer Park on Base is also available for use. It is a permanent full-service campground augmented with a temporary site which will also have water and power. There will be approximately 30 sites with allocation on a first to book basis so book early to avoid disappointment. The best way to do this is to register early and request a spot on the registration form. You will be contacted with confirmation of your booking. General Strange Hall (GSH) will be open for showers during normal operating hours. Finally, you should also ask local hotels/motels if they offer a military discount because military retirees and serving members are now eligible for one in most places.
Dress: Dress will be discretionary “within the limits of good taste.” There will be a Gunners memorial service at Canoe River Memorial Park July 2 to which medals may be worn if desired. Normal relaxed dress is acceptable throughout the reunion, and we all wear denim out here Canada’s West/ Just a reminder the Shilo Country Club and the messes have a dress code, so adhere to them if you attend one.
Rations: Registration fees will cover the cost of barbecue supper June 29 at the meet and greet taking place at L25; banquet supper June 30 at L25; brunch at the farewell July 2, also at L25; coffee and tea service throughout the event.
NOTE: Other dining establishments are available at various locations on or near the Base.
Medical: Shilo has an on-Base 911 ambulance service. They will provide on-site medical services, but due to recent restrictions they cannot transport to Brandon but will arrange transport to Brandon General Hospital if required. To contact them simply dial 911.
RCA tours and souvenirs: The RCA Museum will be open daily, free of charge to all reunion goers. The RCA Kit Shop will be open during the reunion for members to stock up on Gunners gear. Pop-up kit shops will also be on site at the evening events.
The RCA Kit Shop has also arranged a special-order Gunners Under Armour golf shirt. These are pre-order only and must be ordered with your registration when you send it in if you want to receive one. To receive a golf shirt, your request must be received by May 31.
“I want take this opportunity to express, on behalf of, the Commanding Officer 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery LCol Joe O’Donnell, your reunion 2023 committee and indeed all members of the Home Station community, our sincere hopes you can attend the RCA Reunion 2023 — rest assured we will be here working tirelessly to ensure your visit is a memorable one,” offered Maj Jackson.
• • •
Four-day reunion timelines:
June 29
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. registration desk opens at Community Centre Annex, L25
6 p.m. to 1 a.m. meet and greet barbecue at Community Centre Annex, L25. Wristbands to be worn for those attending entire event. For those who wish to only attend this event, it is free to attend, however, if you want to eat, must purchase a meal ticket at the event $20.
RCA Museum open.
June 30
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. registration desk open at Community Centre Annex, L25
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1RCHA’s fire power demo, L25
6 p.m. to 1 a.m. banquet and dance at Community Centre Annex, L25, featuring Look Music DJ Services and The GUNNER band STEELE RAIN all the way from Gagetown, NB. Wristbands to be worn. Individual tickets for this event only can also be purchased $25.
July 1
10 a.m. golf tournament at Shilo Country Club. Participants need to be there for 9 a.m.
RCA Museum open.
6 to 11 p.m. Canada Day celebrations in the outside areas centered around General Strange Hall (GSH), L25 and Jr Ranks Mess.
Dusk fireworks in vicinity of L25
July 2
10 to 10:30 a.m. Gunners Memorial service at Canoe River Memorial Park
11 a.m. starting light lunch, good-byes and departures from L25
Note: This schedule of events will be updated, expanded and re-issued at the registration desk and by visiting http://www.artillery.net/beta/canadian-gunner-associations/
Accommodations
CFB Shilo and Sprucewoods/Cottonwoods
Base Accommodations
204-765-3000 ext 3050
+R&Q@CFB/ASU Shilo@Shilo
baseaccns.intern.mil.ca@intern.mil.ca
Sam’s Trailer Park
(Book via your registration form)
Shilo Inn (recently renovated)
119 Shilo Rd., Sprucewoods 204-765-2157
Cottonwood Acres Bed & Breakfast 34 Poplar Ave., Cottonwood Acres 204-763-4950 www.bedandbreakfast.mb.ca/cottonwoodacres
CFB Shilo’s Hinterland – Campgrounds, Rural Motels
Oakland Inn 144 4th St., Wawanesa 204-824-4420
Robin’s Nest Motel & Cafe Trans-Canada Highway (near Carberry) 204-834-2878
Carberry Motor Inn 9 Main St., Carberry 204-834-2197
Meadowlark Campground 1629 Middleton Ave., 100 Meadowlark Trailer Park, Brandon 204-728-7205 www.meadowlarkrvpark.com
Days Inn and Motel 6 are official sponsors of the 2023 RCA Reunion, offering special RCA Reunion rates. Days Inn and Suites Brandon on Hwy 10 south extends a warm welcome to the RCA family and offers the following special reunion rates: standard rooms $99, complimentary hot breakfast buffet. For information visit http://www.days-inn-brandon.com
Complimentary breakfast menu includes eggs, hash browns, sausages, fresh waffles and deluxe continental fare. There are neighbouring restaurants, too, includingT-Birds Bowling, Restaurant & Sports Bar.
To reserve a room at Days, dial the hotel and quote ACCT: 627-621038 by June 15 at 204-727-3600.
Motel 6 Brandon greets the RCA family with the following special reunion rates: standard rooms $90, kitchenettes $110, complimentary breakfast buffet. Lots of parking at this venue located off Hwy 1 in Brandon. For more information visit http://www.motel6brandon.com
Complimentary breakfast menu includes breads, cereals, fruits, juices, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, fresh waffles and oatmeal porridge. There are neighbouring restaurants, too, including Boston Pizza and McDonald’s Restaurant.
To reserve a room at Motel 6, dial the hotel and quote ACCT: AGZ256 by June 15 at 204-726-4000.
Other Brandon hotels, motels
Barney’s Motel 105 Middleton Ave. 1-866-825-8166
Best Western Brandon Inn 205 Middleton Ave. 1-855-727-7997 www.bestwesternmanitoba.com
Canad Inns Brandon 1125 – 18th St. 1-888-332-2623 www.canadinns.com
Casa Blanca Motor Lodge 2728 Victoria Ave. 1-888-293-9440 www.casablancamotorlodge.ca
Colonial Inn 1944 Queens Ave. 1-800-665-6373 www.colonialinnbrandon.ca
Comfort Inn 925 Middleton Ave. 1-800-228-5150 or 1-866-958-9898 www.choicehotels.ca
Keystone Motor Inn 1050 – 18th St. 1-877-728-6620 www.keystonemotorinn.ca
Knights Inn 150 – 5th St. 204-727-6404 www.knightsinn.com
Lakeview Inn & Suites 1880 – 18th St. N. 1-877-355-3500 www.lakeviewhotels.com
Midway Motel 1860 – 1st St. N. 1-888-523-9184
North Hill Inn 1129 Braecrest Dr. 204-726-1818
Redwood Motor Inn 345 – 18th St. N. 1-877-728-2200 www.redwoodmotorinn.ca
Royal Oak Inn & Suites (now Clarion) 3130 Victoria Ave. E. 1-800-852-2709 www.royaloakinn.com
Super 8 Motel 1570 Highland Ave. 1-800-800-8000 www.super8brandon.com
The Little Chalet 1709 Middleton Ave. 1-866-614-7685
Trails West Inn 210 – 18th St. N. 1-888-234-4040 www.trailswest.mb.ca
Victoria Inn 3550 Victoria Ave. 1-800-852-2710 www.vicinn.com
Western Motel 1148 – 18th St. 1-877-700-8989 www.westernmotel.ca
Note: All hotel/motel locations accept small pets.
Local Services
CANEX: Individual hours vary for each service provider located within the CANEX Mall. Hours are posted at each outlet and are included in your welcome package. The following services are available: CANEX SuperMart and Gas Bar, Canada Post Office (RPO), Garrison Grill Café, McPhail Travel/ HMS Insurance Agencies, Western Medical Clinic — walk-in clinic, Shilo Hair Dressing and Barber Shop, Cursed Coffee Inc. specialty coffee, ice cream, hot food, plus licensed for beer, wine purchases, Shilo Automotive BMO 24-hour ATM (cash only)
Shilo Country Club: An excellent 18-hole course with onsite Pro Shop with two professional golfers on staff, driving range, cart rentals, club and pull cart rentals, on-course bar and food service and a full service restaurant — Rick’s Restaurant & Bar, with takeout and delivery. Reduced golf rates are also offered for out-of-town CAF golf course members.
Off-Base services and sites of interest: ESSO gas bar and convenience store, Shilo Inn Motel, Restaurant and Bar (VLTs), Viper Auto Body & Glass, Preston’s Small Engine Repair, The Wright Shoppe (video rentals, ice cream, snack foods), Westman Reptile Gardens, Douglas General Store, Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum, Daly House Museum, Camp Hughes (off Hwy 1 en route to Carberry), Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada, Unit 10, 31 – 14th St, Brandon and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 3.
Note: Further info on these services will be included in your welcome package on arrival and available at the reunion info desk located at L25 throughout the Reunion.
RCA Museum and RCA Kit Shop: Free admission is offered for all reunion attendees. The hours of operation for both the RCA Museum and RCA Kit Shop will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.daily. The RCA Kit Shop will also be open during the reunion for members to stock up on Gunners Gear. An array of hats, t-shirts and other reunion souvenirs will also be on sale at L25 throughout the weekend. Further info will be included in your welcome package.
