British Legion

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Now that summer is on the way out (I think it was a Tuesday this year) I would first of all like to thank all those who attended the meeting at RAF Digby on 28 July.  Unfortunately the Branch Meeting as such did not take place, but we all enjoyed a reunion with friends.  Our thanks go to our Secretary, Nigel, for his hard work in organising the day, and to Dennis Weir for the use of the Y Return. Your Branch is still well represented at District, but we do need some input from you.  If there is anything you would like to put forward, let me know.  Remember, we have our District Conference in January – watch this space.  I have also been made the contact for training at District, and, like your Secretary, have a copy of next year’s training dates for courses at national level.  If you would like any more details, give Nigel or me a shout. Our thoughts must now turn to the Remembrance weekend.  As you will see elsewhere in the Newsletter, and on the Website, the majority of the weekend will be held at the Quality Hotel.  The service and wreath-laying ceremony will be held at St Mary-in-the-Elms as usual.  We hope to have a bugler this year.

On the subject of the AGM, remember we still need new blood on the committee.  Consider helping out.

 See as many of you as possible in November.

God Bless.

THE FACTS   Your Branch of the Royal British Legion has more than 450 fully paid up members.   Your Annual General Meeting takes place every year in Loughborough at Remembrance Weekend.   The average membership attendance at your AGM is usually around 30.   Your Committee would dearly love to see a more representative number of the membership attend.   This year’s AGM will be in the Quality Hotel in Loughborough at 1400 on Saturday 10th of November 2007.

THE APPEAL

Situated close to Junction 23 of the M1, the Quality Hotel is easily reachable from most areas of the country, so why not make the effort to come along and play your part in the running of your Legion Branch?  The meeting will not last longer than two hours, so will not take up too much of your day.

For those of you who have more time, there will be a dinner in the same hotel in the evening at a cost of about £23 a head.  Double rooms are available in the hotel for £65 pounds (for two persons) including breakfast and the full use of all facilities.  The dinner is a wonderful chance to catch up with old friends.

If you still have time on Sunday morning, why not join the other members of your Branch for what is effectively our own Remembrance Service at St Mary’s-in-the-Elms Church in Old Woodhouse?

 So - take care and look after yourselves. Enjoy what is left of the summer, and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible over Remembrance Tide.

 God Bless.

 Nige Watton

REPORT ON THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Held at Bournemouth International Centre

27, 28 and 29 May 2006

Over 580 delegates attended the 86th Annual Conference. Speakers included the Chairman of the Women's Section, Patricia Valler, the Chairman of the Royal British Legion Scotland, Eric Munro, and the former Director General, Ian Townsend.  The new Director General, Francis Done, announced plans to launch a major new Legion lobbying campaign to address issues surrounding disillusion with the military covenant.  The campaign is due to be launched in September.  Finally, the Veterans Minister, Derek Twigg attended and addressed Conference on Sunday afternoon and made a commitment to work closely with the Legion.  He said that his support for veterans was a personal crusade as his grandfather was an ex-serviceman and died in poverty. Conference also saw a change at the top.  Air Marshall Ian Macfadyen made his first appearance at Conference in his new position of National President – he took over from Commander the Earl of Effingham who had to resign because of ill health, and John Hawthornthwaite, National Chairman for the last three years, handed over his chain of office to Vice Chairman Peter Cleminson.  John Farmer took over the position of Vice Chairman.

The venue for the 2011 Annual Conference was decided by delegates to be Telford.  Telford beat Eastbourne by 345 votes to 163.  Venues for the following years are:

2008  Southport

2009  Eastbourne

2010  Isle of Man

At the end of Conference the final total for the 2006 Poppy Appeal was announced as £25,753,704.  This was the highest amount recorded and was £1.3 million up on the previous year.

A full list of motions debated by delegates and what was decided follows.

Charter Motion 1
Page 14, Rule 18:

In line 6, delete “members” insert “Members or Life Members”,
In line 6, delete “the previous” and

at the end of the rule add:

‘(b) Of the 3 members nominated by Annual Conference 2008 one shall serve for one year, one shall serve for two years and one shall serve for three years. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall serve for three years, the candidate receiving the next highest shall serve for two years, and the candidate receiving the third highest number of votes shall served for one year.

(c) Annual Conference 2009 and each Annual Conference thereafter shall nominate a Member or Life Member to fill for a term of 3 years the position of the nominated member of the Conference Committee whose term of office is due to come to an end at the close of such Annual Conference. Members who have served on the Conference Committee shall be eligible for re-nomination.”
CARRIED

Charter Motion 2
Page 3, Article 2, add sub paragraph 2 (f)

 “or

iii) was conscripted into the coal mines instead of the uniformed Armed Forces for a period of at least six months.”
LOST

Charter Motion 3
Delete the word Associate from:
Page 9, Rule 2(a) (iv),

Page 10, Rule 6, in the heading and first line.
Page 17, Rule 35, third line,
Page 19, Governing Regulation 3(b), first line,
Page 28, Governing Regulation 45, first line, delete “Associate”
CARRIED

Charter Motion 4
Page 14, delete Rule 22, insert:

“22. Branch delegates shall be entitled to attend, speak and vote at the Annual Conference. Only branches which have:

(a) submitted, on or before 31 December immediately preceding the Conference, their receipts and payments accounts for the Legion’s previous financial year and their completed Form MS1 for the Legion’s current financial year and

(b) submitted, by the 31 March immediately preceding the Conference, the affiliation fee for the current year are entitled to send a delegate or delegates to that Conference.

Page 22, delete Governing Regulation 15(b), insert:

“15. (b)

(i) The membership of each County/District Conference will consist of one representative from each Branch in that County/District with up to 300 Members and Life Members in total, and 2 representatives from each Branch with over 300 Members and Life Members in total.

(ii) Only branches that have: on or before the immediately preceding 31 December submitted their completed Form MS1 for the Legion’s current financial year and their receipts and payments accounts for the Legion’s previous financial year. and by the immediately preceding 31 March paid their affiliated fee for the Legion’s financial year immediately preceding that 31 March are entitled to be represented at a meeting of the County/District Conference.
CARRIED

Charter Motion 5
Page 3, Article 2, section beginning “Dependant, spouse and children” delete “them from time to time” and insert “to them”. This section of Article 2 will then read:

“Dependant, spouse and children have the meanings given to them by the Governing Regulations.”
Page 4, Article 3(b) delete “in Service”.

Page 4, Article 3(b) after “those” insert “beneficiaries”.

Page 4, Article 3(c) after “spouses” insert “, children”.
Page 4, Article 4(b) delete “widows, widowers” and insert “spouses”.

Page 19, Governing Regulation 2, delete definition of “Child”, insert:

“Child: any child who is financially dependent or dependent for care on a beneficiary or spouse.”
Page 19, Governing Regulation 2, delete definition of “Dependants”, insert: “Dependants: any person who is financially dependent or dependent for care on a beneficiary or spouse, or any person on whom a beneficiary is dependent for care.”
Page 19, Governing Regulation 2, delete definition of “Spouse”, insert:

“Spouse: any partner of a beneficiary by marriage, civil partnership, or cohabiting relationship, those who are divorced or separated partners or widows or widowers of a beneficiary, and those surviving a deceased civil partner or cohabiting partner who was a beneficiary.”
CARRIED

Charter Motion 6
Page 3, Article 2(e) after “who has” insert “, during hostilities in which the United Kingdom Armed Forces were engaged”.
Page 3, Article 2(e)(ii) delete “during hostilities in which the United Kingdom Armed Forces were engaged”.

The Article will read:

“(e) any British subject (whether by birth or otherwise) who has, during hostilities in which the United Kingdom Armed Forces were engaged, served at least 7 days in:

(i) the Forces of an Allied nation and received 7 days’ pay from that nations: or

(ii) a resistance organisation of an Allied nation.”
CARRIED


Motions
Motion 1
This Conference requests that HM Government disregards all Deferred Pensions earned since April 1975 when calculating Pension Credit for Service personnel who have served on operations verified by the awarding of a campaign medal.
LOST

Motion 2
This Conference requests the Board of Trustees to exert its influence on HM Government to reduce the level of deafness from 50 decibels to 30 decibels as the condition for receiving a War Disability Pension.
CARRIED

Motion 3
This Conference urges the Board of Trustees to make representations to the British Broadcasting Corporation to move the date of its “Children in Need”

CARRIED

Motion 4
This Conference proposes that the household/hospital scheme monthly allowance be increased to a maximum of £6.00 per beneficiary.
CARRIED

Motion 5
This Conference asks the Board of Trustees to make representations to HM Government to ensure that all wounded and injured Service personnel receive priority medical treatment and continuing care.
CARRIED

Motion 6
This Conference asks the Board of Trustees to make representations to HM Government to ensure support for Service personnel, with free medical and psychological treatment and supplies for life, after medical discharge as an action casualty.
CARRIED

Motion 7
This Conference requests the Board of Trustees to give serious consideration to allowing Counties to retain three and one half per cent of the monies raised in the name of the Poppy Appeal within a County in the welfare account by that County to be used exclusively for welfare work undertaken in that County. Subsequent years will be three and one half per cent less any underspend of the previous year’s grant.
LOST

Motion 8
This Conference views with grave concern the present stringent requirements for people who serve on Branch Welfare Committees and requests that the Board of Trustees thoroughly analyses the situation and produces a range of good working solutions.
WITHDRAWN

Motion 9
This Conference requests that the Board of Trustees approaches HM Government and urges that they hold an independent review of health care services for serving personnel and Service personnel who are discharged injured from the Service.
CARRIED

Motion 10
This Conference requests that the Board of Trustees undertakes a feasibility study to establish Poppy Homes in Spain. The study to be completed within a specified period not to exceed 12 months.
CARRIED

Motion 11
This Conference urges the Board of Trustees to make representations to HM Government to ensure that any troops injured during conflict are treated on military only wards within NHS Hospitals.
CARRIED

Motion 12
This Conference welcomes the “Public Policy and the Serving and ex-Service Community 2006” document and requests that the Board of Trustees ensures that the Legion is at the forefront of a co-ordinated national campaign guaranteeing that our Service personnel receive the full support of both Government and MoD.
CARRIED

Motion 13
This Conference agrees that the affiliation fee should increase by £0.50 with effect from October 2007.
CARRIED

Motion 14
This Conference requests that Branch standard bearers entered into the County competition, may be Branch deputy standard bearers as well as the first nominated standard bearer.
LOST

Motion 15
This Conference requests the Board of Trustees to consider, within the constraints of local council bye-laws, an extension of the Poppy Appeal bucket collection (which currently takes place during Conference and inside the Conference Hall) to encompass the route of the parade to the local War Memorial.
CARRIED

Motion 16
This Conference proposes that those Motions that have failed Conference acceptance shall not be presented again within a three-year period without more substantial information.
LOST

Motion 17
This Conference wishes to take this opportunity to congratulate the Board of Trustees and the Property Committee in establishing Alderson House.
CARRIED

Motion 18
This Conference recommends that the Board of Trustees reconsiders changing the rules regarding legacies to Branches and sub-Branches so that the first £4,999 of any legacy left to a Branch or sub-Branch goes to that Branch or the trustees of a sub-Branch and that the remainders of the legacy in excess of £4,999 is directed for the attention of the Board of Trustees.
LOST

Motion 19
This Conference requests the Board of Trustees review as a matter of urgency the level of compliance by Branches with Legion policy of releasing excess funds either to County Welfare Funds or National or Local Welfare projects.
LOST

Motion 19a – MOTION OF URGENCY
This Conference urges the Board of Trustees to rescind the instruction to Branches contained in Branch News, which sets out the New Branch Funds System 2007.
CARRIED

Motion 20
This Conference requests that the Board of Trustees delay the implementation process of centralising Branch Funds Initiative by twelve months.
Put forward by Shropshire County
FALL DUE TO MOTION 19a BEING CARRIED

Motion 21
This Conference deplores the scarcity and poor quality of equipment of our Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
CARRIED

Motion 22
This Conference views with concern the length of time taken for inquests to be held on members of the Forces killed overseas and whose bodies are returned to RAF Brize Norton. We urge the Board of Trustees to bring pressure on the relevant authorities to drastically reduce these waiting times.
CARRIED

Motion 23
This Conference requests the Board of Trustees to make representations to HM Government to issue an appropriate pendant to the next of kin of all British Service men and women who were killed in action or have died of their wounds since the end of the Second World War to date.
CARRIED

Motion 24
This Conference requests the Board of Trustees to make representations to HM Government to re-introduce the Housing Act which gives priority housing to all those married serving personnel who leave the Services.
CARRIED

Motion 25
This Conference requests the Board of Trustees to press HM Government to add Veterans Day (27th June) to the official list of dates on which the Union Flag is to be flown from all public buildings.
CARRIED

Motion 26
This Conference urges the Board of Trustees to make representations to HM Government to allow the unrestricted award of the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (Malaysia Service Medal) to suitably qualified UK veterans.
CARRIED

Motion 27
This Conference urges the Board of Trustees to make representations to HM Government to standardise the informing of those leaving HM Forces on the work and benefits of the Legion.
CARRIED

(Thanks, Martin and Linda, for this comprehensive report on the proceedings – Ed)

There are almost 700 private members clubs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland* which are licensed annually by the Legion to trade in our name.  They are run by their elected committees, are ‘not for profit’ mutually-trading societies and are not charitable, although their objectives include supporting the Legion.  Our clubs are registered with the Financial Services Authority under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act, and have limited liability status.  The Legion cannot subsidise them and have no liability for their debts.  At the same time, the Legion has no call on their funds, except with regard to their licence fees and rent if they occupy charitable property. Although the Legion has over 2700 branches an estimated 80% of members belong to clubs, and this is without doubt the reason we have a membership of over 400,000.

Enjoy visiting Legion clubs, but take nothing for granted as far as rights and privileges are concerned. Clubs must comply with their rules and with legislation.  If you like what you see on a visit and are regularly in the area, why not join the one that appeals to you?  Most clubs’ rules only stipulate that an applicant must be a member of the Legion, so membership of the Y Services Branch is sufficient evidence.  That will not stop some club officials trying to get you to transfer to the local branch!

 If you have any queries regarding clubs, please drop me a line at jneal@britishlegion.org.uk

 *RBL Scotland is a separate organisation to The Royal British Legion and its branch – clubs are subject to Scottish legislation.  There is therefore no formal affiliation agreement, although the Legion enjoys excellent relationships with RBL Scotland.

(John is TRBL’s Head of Membership Services and Development and also, of course, Membership Officer of our own Branch’s Committee)

MEMBERSHIP

John also reports that our Branch membership stands at 453, with 433 paying by direct debit.

We welcome the following new members :- Victor Outen, Ian Neal, Lawrence Hill, Sarah Matthews, Matt Harris, Rev John Bird, J Percival and Jonathan Graham.

REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND – 10/11 NOVEMBER 2007

My first year as organiser for this event coincides with another change of venue.  So, why change a winning formula? Necessity is the answer.  The Field Head was booked very early for an RAF wedding; we hope the happy couple have a great day. Therefore, Bob and I visited the location for this year’s event on Tue 7 Jul 07 to reassure ourselves that they were able to satisfy our needs.  The staff were very accommodating and friendly and we left with a very warm, satisfied feeling.

Timetable of Events

Location

THE QUALITY HOTEL

Junction 23/M1

New Ashby Road

Loughborough

Leicestershire

LE11 4EX

Telephone 01509 211 800 Fax 01509 211 868

Rooms

£32.50 per person per night  -  £42.50 for single occupancy

These are special rates for our Branch for the weekend.  This offer includes a full English Breakfast and the use of the relaxing leisure facilities (Sauna, Steam Room, Pool) to work off those extra pounds gained with the Full English. Please book before Fri 12 Oct 07, quoting ‘Y’ Services (Garats HaY) TRBL.

Annual Dinner

The Longcliff room has been booked for the Annual Dinner.  A major advantage of this room is that it comes with its own private bar, where we can create our own friendly atmosphere.  The cost of the Dinner will range between £18.70 and £25.85 depending on your choice of fare.  All who attended the Sunday lunch at the Quality Hotel last year will, I’m sure, testify to the great tasting and sizeable meals. I was one of them and I left full up!

Cheques for the Dinner will be required prior to the date, and should be made payable to Mr N WATTON.   Cheques along with the completed menu selection (see last page) should be returned to me by Fri 12 Oct 07:

Mr N Watton

12 The Oval

Ashby de la Launde, Lincoln, LN4 3JE

Raffle

There will be a small raffle ongoing throughout the day, with the winning ticket being drawn during the Dinner.

Remembrance Service

On the Sunday the Branch Remembrance Service and Parade will be held at St Mary’s –in-the-Elms, Woodhouse, Leicestershire. Please be seated in the Church by 1030 hours.

 Following the Service, Sunday Lunch has again been booked at The Quality Hotel commencing at 1230 hours. The three course Lunch costing £9.95 per person, payable on the day (£4.50 per child – there is a children’s menu if they do not wish the Carvery).

If you have any questions or comments reference the Weekend please do not hesitate to contact me on:

01526 327257 Work

01526 320915 Home

nigeclaire@hotmail.com or dig-jssuv-trgoff@digby.raf.mod.uk

 Many thanks and I look forward to seeing you all.   Nige Watton

ROYAL SIGNALS MUSEUM I was on Holiday recently in the New Forest, and paid a return visit to the Museum.(I had a bit of trouble getting in, as I had no means of identity with me. In the end they accepted my TRBL Membership card as proof of my non-terrorist intentions!) The whole thing had improved vastly since my last visit – except for the rather disappointing Y display, consisting merely of the back view of a waxwork ATS girl sitting at a radio set.

I had a conversation with the Museum Director, Col (Retd) Cliff Walters, who took me along to see the library and Archive. They have a section on “Y” but unfortunately I did not have the time to delve into it.

The Archive is open to public gaze, for a small fee. Details are on their web site www.royalsignalsmuseum.com.  Col Walters asked me to publicise the service, and also ask our members to remember them if they have any interesting “Y” memorabilia or books they would like to donate.

I asked him if we could publicise our Branch in the Y display window, but he said this was impossible as he would have to do it for all the organisations. However, I did manage to sneak our web site name into the visitors book!

Skip

Member Phil Webb and his crew paraded their QLR in front of Her Majesty The Queen at Horse Guards Parade during June. He sent us some pics, a couple of which appear below. Phil proudly tells me that they had the honour of being selected to lead the WW11 vehicles section on the parade.

The QLR has also visited Bletchley Park this year, and he was asked if he could put on a display of WW11 Special Wireless equipment later in the year.

	POPPY APPEAL Dennis Weir reports that JSSU(V) personnel at RAF Digby raised £550 for the Appeal by completing the Lincoln 10km road race. Sgt Pete Addison and CPO Spider Kelly hard at work collecting.
		The team at the end of the run
	Counting the Poppy Appeal cash.   Well done to all.

HALSEY HOUSE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

At our last AGM a decision was made to donate £500 to this project, on top of our regular donation to the Poppy Appeal. Here is an extract from the TRBL Web site about this project in Cromer, Norfolk :-

	LANGELEBEN REUNION  Their Committee has now agreed with the local Authorities for a memorial to be placed close to the old Campsite. The Committee have appealed to their members for donations and design ideas.
	Their 2008 reunion will take place at Burleigh Court, Loughborough,  23rd – 25th May.
Paul Croxson, one of their members, Is compiling a history of Langeleben, The Intercept Business, and National Service. He’s got about 140 pages so far, and has published a draft of it on the Langy website (www.btinternet.com/~langeleben) with an appeal for comments and further contributions. Why not have a look, a think, and get in touch with him.

MEMORY LANE 

	Peggy Johnson, who was at Garats Hay 1944/45, has sent me this photo of her Training Squad (78) on the Isle of Man in October 1943. Peggy is the lady just behind the corporal (male!) instructor. (That must have been a terrible job, but someone had to do it!)
Thanks to Dennis Underwood for sending me these pictures  of Mhow Barracks, India.
	There was a Signals presence there during WW11 Dennis recalls being there for a few days after disembarking at Bombay on the way to Abbottabad.

Happy Memories from Josephine “Joey” May (nee Woodward)

I volunteered for the ATS., and was called up in Dec 1941. 3 weeks initial training at Northampton, then selected for Royal Corps of Signals. To Training camp at Chester – interviewed by CO, who asked to look at my hands – said I had long fingers and would make a good Teleprinter Op.

The course included General RCS knowledge of Communications, E&M, Teleprinting, Morse Code, and I became an OKBL (Operator Keyboard and Line). A tough 8 weeks in freezing weather.

I went then to Derby Territorial Hall Camp (Signals & Royal Artillery), where we were the first group of girls to an all male enclave. Our main task was controlling the gun sites around the Midlands. My Code name was DY42, and besides TP work manned various switchboards. We were thoroughly spoiled by the men, who loved having us there.

One day I was summoned to the CO, who informed me that I was to be posted to an unknown destination, and had been chosen for very special and top secret work. I didn’t want to go but it was all arranged – I was taken to the Railway Station, given a travel warrant, and ended up on Loughborough Station surrounded by all my worldly possessions.

An army truck picked me up and took me to The Lodge where I had a meal before being taken to another old house and given a bed for the night (no sleep, I cried all night!)

Next day, and interview with the CO, dire threats about secrecy, signed the Official Secrets Act and I was a member of WO “Y” Service. I was allocated to C Watch and a billet in “The Mount” in Barrow on Soar.

So began a new chapter in my life. It was all so strange, being ferried day and night to Beaumanor Hall. The TP hut (“The Cricket Pavilion” was a shock to me – two long rows of teleprinters chattering away, the endless stream of messages in code to be transmitted to BP. After Derby it was a nightmare, and coping with all the code work was tiresome. But with practice the speed came back and it was even possible to hold a conversation during transmission. The midnight to 8 am watch was gruelling. During a lull you put your arms across the T/P, head down, longing for a little sleep, until “Serge” shouted from her desk or shook you and plonked a message on the T/P. Such a relief when the next watch arrived and the Troop Carrier took us back to our little wooden beds in Barrow.

Occasionally snippets of news reached us from the CO to encourage us in our work, and we would often see Major Ellingworth in the grounds. He was very friendly.

One day the US Paras descended upon us – great excitement! We first met up with them at The Boathouse café where we spent lots of our time – the door burst open and in they came. They were grat chaps and some friendships developed into happy marriages. They were of course preparing for D-Day – one day they all disappeared & we know the rest. The T/P room and the “set” huts were busier than ever.

The main switchboard was in the Hall, and sometimes one of us would have to relieve the operator for her break. As I was conversant with the equipment it fell to me, usually on nightwatch. Quite a nightmare to walk from the T/P hut across the grounds in the black out.  Then througha side entrance, along a sort of tunnel, up a spiral staircase and through a green baize door, across the hall and into a large bare room with the switchboard in the middle of it. Spooky!

D-Day came and went, and then came VE Day. At that time about 20 of us TP Ops from Barrow were at Kedlestone Hall on an upgrade course, so we celebrated in Derby. Gradually work began to run down at Beaumanor, and in the autumn quite a lot of us were transferred to WO Whitehall where we worked in an underground room prior to demob. It was a pleasant end to my 4 years 3 months with the ATS. I look back with great affection for all the people that I rubbed shoulders with, and it’s good to have two friends from C Watch that I still meet occasionally. There must be quite a few still in the land of the living – it would be good to be in touch with them.

We lived together in Spartan conditions that would not be allowed nowadays. In spite of all the secrecy and hardship it was exciting to know that we were engaged upon very important work, and it was a great privilege to have played our small part in it. 

Armed Forces Veterans Lapel Badge

The badge is now available to veterans who served up to 31^st December 1994

To get an Application form :-

Visit www.veteransagency.mod.uk/vets_badge/vets_badge.htm

Or Call Veterans Agency Freephone Helpline:
Free: 0800 169 2277 (UK only)
Free: 0800 169 3458 (Minicom UK only)
         +44 1253 866043 (Overseas)

Email: help@veteransagency.gsi.gov.uk

LONDON MARATHON

Congratulations to member Ruth Martin, who ran the race in a personal best time of 4.56.19 an in so doing raised over £3000 for the Kidney Wales Foundation. She thanks all who sponsored her.

ROYAL SIGNALS ASSOCIATION

RSA have decided to erect a Memorial, in the form of a full size “Jimmy” on a suitable plinth, at the National Memorial Arboretum.

The project will cost around £30,000, and the Memorial will be in place by the end of the year. If you wish to make a donation, cheques, made payable to the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund, should be sent to Admin Officer, RSA, Blandford Camp, Dorset, DT11 8RH.

DEPUTY STANDARD BEARER This position is still vacant. Money for training and expenses is available. If you are interested, please contact the Hon Sec.

.-.- --.- HELP WANTED (Please let us know if you can help any of these – Ed)

FROM THE EDITOR

Last month I sent out an email to everyone on my list re a meeting at RAF Digby. As usual, a considerable number of them bounced back to me as “undeliverable”!   Please please enter my name and email address (johnaskipper@hotmail.co.uk) in your address book, so you will be reminded to let me know when you change address. If you have changed recently, then please let us have details of the new one.   A special welcome to a new “Veteran” member, Vic Outen, of Sidcup in Kent. Vic was in the RAF 370 WU from 1942 – 46, and is a member of the Burma Star Association. He has had several letters published in the 5 Ack Newsletter. I hope he will allow me to recount some of his exploits in a future issue. In the meantime he’d love to hear from other 370 WU old boys. I’ll put you in touch with him.   Skip

BOOK CHOICE     Our Gwendoline has published yet Another book – this time about memories and facts about the 2 decades between the two World Wars. A glimpse of life in the 20’s and 30’s for ordinary people who had to live their lives in the light of decisions taken by politicians, scientists and inventors of the time.   ISBN 9780900616 776   £12.50 from bookshops or from Gwendoline at 2 Church Mews, Pit Lane, Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 7DU

Gwendoline has also told me that the Editor of the Bletchley Park Newsletter is interested in hearing of some memories of Ex Wrens, who served at BP’s outstations and at “Y” Service during WW11, for his Friends Reunited column.   If you wish to get in touch with friends you remember, or have made such contact in recent times, let Gwendoline have the details at the address above.

JOAN NICHOLLS   Our best wishes to Joan, who is recovering from an eye operation which didn’t go too well. She sends best wishes to all who remember her, and apologies that she won’t be able to make the AGM.

Our regards to her and to all who will not be able to be there for one reason or another – our thoughts will be with you.

 

GARATS HAY TIEPIN/BROOCH

A reminder that the Treasurer still has a good stock of the "Garats HaY Branch" badge suitable to be worn on a TRBL tie by male members or as a brooch by the lady members of our Branch. The cost is £2.00 per badge, or £5.00 for 3, post free.     Cheques should be made payable to "Garats HaY Royal British Legion Branch" and forwarded to the Treasurer :- WO1 J R Farrell JSSU (V) RAF Digby Lincoln LN4 3LH

Who remembers being seasick on HMT Empire Parkeston  between Harwich and The Hook?

LAST POST   We are sad to have learned of the death in January of Vic Simmons, who was a founder member and Hon Secretary of the Tel (S) 1942-45 Association. He was 83 years old.  Our condolences have been sent to his  family and to the Association.

	REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND 10 / 11 NOV 2007 – RETURN BY FRI 12/10/07
	From:      ……………………………......................		To: Mr N Watton, 12 The Oval, Ashby de la Launde, Lincoln LN4 3JE
	I will / will not be attending the Remembrance Weekend 10/11 November 2007.
	I  will be accompanied by ……………………………………………………….
	I will / will not be attending the Annual General Meeting.
	I will / will not be attending the Annual Dinner. Please book …… places.
	I will / will not be attending the Church Service on 11 Nov 07. I will be accompanied by .................................................................................
	I will / will not be attending the Sunday Lunch.  Please book ……………. places.

MENU

(Remember: Cheques made payable to Mr N Watton)

TEAR OFF SLIP

We normally leave this page blank, so as not to spoil your copy of the Newsletter when you return the AGM / Remembrance Weekend Booking form.

However, this time I will use the space for a few thoughts.

First of all, thanks to all who have contributed items and made my job easier, and hopefully made this Newsletter more interesting.  Please keep them coming.

Secondly, our usual nagging to ask you to keep us up to date with changes of address. When I posted the last issue I put my return address on the envelopes and literally dozens were returned to me by Royal Mail marked “Gone Away” – many of these were serving soldiers and airmen. That’s a real waste of effort and postage. Do please let us know when you move.

I send emails to all members with email addresses in our records. Each time several bounce back to me as undeliverable. When that happens I will post a copy of the Newsletter to the snail mail address if I have sufficient spares. So if you receive a printed copy despite being on email then please make an effort to keep our costs down by emailing me your details.

Mine is johnaskipper@hotmail.co.uk

Thanks to all

Skip

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