During the previous 18 months "quiet" period in the unit's activities - during which time, it must be said, the future of the 44th looked somewhat bleak in the eyes of some (notably the VSL himself) - the relaunch of the unit in June has quickly blossomed as numbers increased at first from a hard-core 4 to a promising 12+ regular members ready for the start of next year.
A lot must be given to those initial four for their commitment to the ideals of the 44th, especially Matt Wilton, who persistently badgered the VSL into keeping the unit alive; they provided much of the drive and encouragement in building up fresh membership and establishing a full and varied programme of activities to kick off the new school year in September.