I know January is drawing to an end, but firstly I would like to offer everyone who reads this a Happy New Year. I hope 2008 is a very prosperous year for you.

Secondly, I would like to give a current lowdown on what has been happening around the Campfires of the Band of the Red Hand ORG.

Changes in the Senior Staff

During December 2007, F Horn of Valere, the Under-Commander and 2iC of the ORG, announced that he was stepping down from the position due to health reasons. It was a shame, since Horn had been a valuable asset to the ORG during his years amongst the ranks of the Senior Staff. However, what is the loss for the Senior Staff is the gain for the Cavalry, as he rejoins his former Regiment. Also, F Horn of Valere was recently awarded the Marshal-General's Cross of Distinction for his services to the Band.

As a result, there has been a reshuffle in the Senior Staff ranks of the Band of the Red Hand ORG. Taymist has been promoted to Under-Commander from Executive Officer, and is now in charge of points and the Band's 2iC. Also, BridMorgan has been promoted from Captain-General of the Cavalry to Executive Officer of the Band, and is in charge of our Raw Recruit for new members and 3iC of the ORG. Congratulations to both of you.

Chief Gambler

A new position has been created within the ORG to run the Lottery game for ORG Members, as well as other projects, like silly bets or our future project in replicating the dicing games that appear in the WoT books. Therefore, I am pleased to announce that Uasal Arach has been appointed to this position, and he has already had several innovative ideas to get Banders involved in the Lottery. If you want to see these ideas, just sign up for the BotRH ORG!

The Matrims

Every year, the Band of the Red Hand has an awards ceremony to honour those who the members deserve recognition for their dedication to the ORG. There were a variety of awards, and here are the winners.

- Best Band Member of 2007: Taymist

- Regiment of the Year: The Cavalry

- Funniest Band Member of 2007: DeathDealer

- Best Archers Member of 2007: Morrigan Blackthorn

- Best Cavalry Member of 2007: BridMorgan

- Best Infantry Member of 2007: Mystica

- The Gamer's Gamer of 2007: Taymist and Auld Manriva

- Best Gamer of 2007: DeathDealer

- Best Redarm of 2007: Steel Axe

- Best Regimental Liaison Officer of 2007: Morrigan Blackthorn

- Best Trickster of 2007: 12th Regiment and Dicetosser1

To see the ceremony in full, please click here.

That has been the major news in the Band of the Red Hand ORG over the last few weeks. We are always looking for new members to join DM's music and travel ORG, so if you want a bit of fame and fortune, come on by! We'll be more than happy to have you sign up.

Corki

Marshal-General

BotRH ORG Leader