On a sunny June 16th, over 200 members of the Regimental Family gathered in the middle of the St. Lawrence River at the Old Fort on Ste. Helene's Island for the bi-annual Black Watch BBQ.  The age spread for this multi-generational gathering ranged from a young 4-month baby to two of our senior veterans, Bob Duplessis and Cal Wilson (Cal's first outing since his heart attack).  The day's entertainment started off with tours of the museum, military demonstrations by the 78th Fraser Highlanders and La Compagnie franche de la Marine de Montreal.  The kids were excited when they had the opportunity to dress up in these 17th century costumes.

The fun side of the day for the big kid in all of us started when the CO LCol Tom MacKay led the active and retired officers and NCO's to the dunk tank.  Tickets were sold to those interested in trying to dunk their most/least favourite NCO or Officer in a tank full of water by throwing a ball at a target.  Even the Presidents of the Montreal (Gord Ritchie) and Upper Canada (Dave Paull) Associations stepped forward to take their turn being dunked.  The look on the faces of many of the little kids was humorous to see as they came forward to dunk their fathers and other adults.

Active and retired Sr NCO's, under the direction of RSM John Barron  along with wife Heidi, made sure that no one was left hungry or thirsty.  Hot dogs and hamburgers were served first while a lamb and pork slowly cooked over the charcoals for a later serving.  Ice cream, freezies, sliced fruit and vegetables were eaten by those who still had room for dessert.

Our thanks go to Bill Carlisle, President of the Toronto BW Association, who came all the way to Montreal to help set up and tend the bar.  Other out-of-towners included Mr. & Mrs. Mike Reshitnyk from Quebec City and Rick and Sherry Hummell from Ottawa.  Also from Ottawa, was the President of the Upper Canada BW Association, Mr. & Mrs. Dave Paull with their son DJ.  (Dave, Gord wants his pen back.)

We must also thank the former CO, LCol Bruce Bolton, for arranging the use of his fort for the day's fun events.  It is not every unit that can say they have a former CO who has his own 19th century fort with working cannons.

On the serious side of the day, the friends and families of the 11 BW soldiers who will be going to Afghanistan in the next few weeks were gathered together to meet with the rest of the BW family.  All our thoughts and prayers go with them that they return safely to us.

Many thanks also go out to Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Warren, parents of the late Black Watch Cpl Jason Warren, who kept so many of us entertained with their stories.