THIS year's Grand National, like so many topical events in the modern world, is a lively reminder of a piece of fusilier history.

As we work through the themes and stories for the new displays, many jump out vividly to capture the imagination.

Among them is the story of Roddy Owen, who was the Slippers' Madden of 1892 and romped home to victory in that year's Grand National spectacular riding a horse called Father O'Flynn.

He was a devil may care character who combined a brave service life with great success in the field and a charismatic personality Owen joined the Lancashire Fusiliers in 1876. He had been brought up on a Welsh country estate and had ridden since boyhood.

He excelled in horsemanship, was a good shot, popular, intelligent witty and courageous; he was a man who lived life to the full.

As a major, he served abroad in Canada, Europe and Africa and when in Britain, went to extraordinary lengths to catch every possible race meeting, often travelling overnight and going without sleep.

He was charming to his superior officers and often needed to be in the face of frequent racing activities. At a regimental inspection, one General commented on not having seen him at previous inspections. He replied with a deep bow "Sir, the loss is mine."

Four days after winning the National by 20 lengths he was posted to West Africa and fought in the Jebu War.

A year later he was in Uganda where he found himself (like many other relatively junior officers) with heavy responsibilities, representing British political interests in the face of political and social unrest with little support and in difficult conditions.

He worked doggedly to achieve peace between warring tribes and to enforce British authority and was awarded the DSO and the Brilliant Star of Zanzibar.

Roddy Owen died of cholera a few years later, while with the Dongola Expedition in the Sudan. His Arab followers buried him the same night in a desert grave beside the Nile. He was only 41 years old. The Owen Falls was named in his honour in Uganda and he lives on as a regimental legend.

"He was not", it is written, "a typical regimental officer" but he was typical of generations of high spirited, audacious individuals whose contribution to the Army and the nation has been invaluable.

The project continues to move on at a cracking pace. As the fundraising deadline draws closer, the Fundraising Committee and volunteers continue their hard work and the Appeal Fund continues to grow.

You can make a real difference with a donation of any size or by buying a brick at the Campaign Office in the Arts and Crafts Centre or at the Fusiliers' stand in the Mill Gate Shopping Centre.