***10th Anniversary Edition***
The
Royal
British Legion
(Registered No. 219279 under the Charities Act 1960)
Garats HaY Branch
(BR 3502)
Branch Patron: Gen Sir Sam Cowan KCB CBE
Newsletter Number 21
September 2006
President: Lt Col D Whimpenny
Chairman: Mr JA Clark
Vice Chairperson: Mrs JM Farrell
Secretary: Mr RJ White
Treasurer: Mr JR Farrell
Web site: www.garatshay.org.uk
CHAIRMAN’S NOTES
Again it seem no time since I sat down to put pen to paper for the Newsletter. At least we have been able to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.
As you all know, this is the 10th anniversary of our Branch, and we have had some major events in the history of the branch. First of all, and as reported in the last edition we had a change of President.
At our last committee meeting we learned of the resignation of our Secretary, Bob White. Bob was the first, and in fact, only, Secretary since the inception of the Branch, and he worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that everything ran smoothly. He certainly helped me along the way. I would like to offer my thanks, and that of all Branch members, to Bob, and of course, his long-suffering wife, Joy.
On 7 April a Y Services Dinner was held at RAF Digby, and although this was not open to all members of the branch, it was attended by our patron, General Sir Sam Cowan, the president and four members of the committee
On Saturday 22 July the annual Party in the Park was held at RAF Digby, where John Farrell and his wife Jackie, our Vice Chair, ably assisted by John Neal, Dennis Weir and various others organised and staffed a British Legion marquee. We all owe John F a large thank you for all the work he put in. We also manage to recruit some eight new members for the Branch. All in all, an excellent day.
We now look forward to Remembrancetide. Again, because of the peculiar setup of the Branch, we are unable to do as much as other Branches, so I urge you to go out and assist your local Branch in their Poppy Appeal. As for our AGM we look at pastures new for the venue, and details can be found elsewhere in this edition.
A year of change and surprises. Let us look to the future.
God Bless.
John Clark
RESIGNATION OF BRANCH SECRETARY
At the committee meeting held on 7 April 2006 at RAF Digby, the Branch Secretary, Bob White, announced his resignation with immediate effect. Bob had carried out his duties since the inception of the Branch in 1996 and had seen the Branch grow ten-fold over this period. As in most organisations, the office of Secretary is one of the most important, and Bob proved to be such a stalwart. We are all very sorry to see him go. Bob’s swansong will be to organise the 2006 Remembrance Weekend, featured later in this Newsletter.
It is with much pleasure that we are able to announce that we have had a volunteer to take over as Branch Secretary. This is Captain Nigel Watton, who is currently serving at RAF Digby. He can be contacted on 01526 320915 (h) and 01526 327804 (w). His email address is nigeclaire@hotmail.com.
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| CHANGE OF BRANCH NAME |
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At the Annual General Meeting in November 2005, a motion was passed to change the name of the Branch to keep up with the times. Many new members have never served at Garats Hay, and now associate the name with the Defence Sixth Form College situated there. It was felt that "Y Services" more properly describe the customer base of the Branch. It is also noteworthy that, when the Branch was first formed this was the favoured name, but this was turned down by HQ. The motion passed at the AGM incorporated both names to form Y Services (Garats HaY) Branch.
Approval has been received from the District Conference and the Membership Council of the Legion. Alterations have been made to our Standard to reflect this (see back cover).
BRANCH 10th ANNIVERSARY
Y SERVICES DINNER
On the evening of Friday, 7 April 2006, a dinner was held in the Officers' Mess RAF Digby by kind permission of the Station Commander, Gp. Capt. A S Corbett MBE. The guest of honour was our own Branch sponsor, General Sir Sam Cowan KCB CBE.
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As can be seen from the photograph, some Branch members attended, including our President, David Whimpenny, Chairman, John Clark, and his wife Cathie, the out-going Secretary, Bob White, and his wife Joy, Canon Derek Buxton, Dave Street, Farmer Vaughan, Dennis Weir, Ian Farquharson, Alan Tuck, Chris Lowish, Debbi Lomax, Clive Saunders and Nigel Watton.
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PARTY IN THE PARK |
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On Saturday, 22 July 2006 a very special day was hosted at Royal Air Force Digby in aid of two charities - The Royal British Legion and the RAF Music Charitable Trust. Click here for the full report |
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REPORT ON THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2006
HELD AT THE OPERA HOUSE THEATRE,
THE WINTER GARDENS, BLACKPOOL
27, 28 and 29 May 2006
Our Delegate: Martin Foster
Click here for the full report
(Many thanks to our Delegate for this report – Ed)
BRANCH MEMBERSHIP.
Membership now stands at over 450
We welcome the following new members who have joined since the last Newsletter:-
Leslie Beane Ian Buckley
Gp Capt Sean Corbett Robert Crockart
James Jones Spider Kelly
Roy Lee Neil Mapp
David Marrs Olive McEntyre
John Plaskitt Henry Richards
David Whittaker
(the list doesn’t include any who have joined in the past few weeks – the paperwork is in the pipeline and you’ll appear in the next issue- Ed)
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My last year as organiser for this event, coincides with a change of venue. This is due to the problems encountered with the Ramada Loughborough last year.
The location for this
years Remembrance Weekend is THE FIELD HEAD HOTEL, MARKFIELD,
LEICESTERSHIRE. Telephone: 01530 245454. This Hotel is situated just off
J22 of the M1, heading into Leicester on the A50. The arrangements are
as follows:
Rooms: £65 B & B per double occupancy - £55 single. Please book before 31 Oct 06, quoting Garats Hay TRBL (the rates have been dropped for us for that weekend).
The Charnwood Suite has been booked for the duration of Saturday. The Committee meeting will commence at 1100 hours, followed by Lunch between 1300 – 1400 hours. The AGM is scheduled between 1400 – 1600 hours. We will then need to vacate the room so that it can be made ready for our Annual Dinner, 1930 for 2000 hours.
The Dinner will cost £18.75 per person, and the Table d’Hote Menu is excellent value for the cost. However, cheques for the Dinner will be required prior to the date, and should be made out to Mr R J White. Cheques should be returned to: Mr R J White, The Old Manse, 211 Forest Road, COALVILLE, Leicestershire. LE67 3SP. Any queries and I can be contacted on 01530 834271 or email bentleywhite@supanet.com. They should reach him by Friday 30 October 2006 latest.
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, Ashby Road, Loughborough commencing at 1230 hours. There is a slight increase in cost for this year, with the three course Lunch costing £9.95 per person, (£4.50 per child – there is a children’s menu if they do not wish the Carvery).
PLEASE complete the return at the end of the Newsletter, and return it to me, along with your cheques if necessary, by 30 October 2006. Many thanks and I look forward to seeing you all.
BOB WHITE |
REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND – 11/12 NOVEMBER 2006
Did you serve in HM Armed Forces?
Service before and during World War II
Men and women who Served in HM Armed Forces before and/or during World War II are entitled to a Veterans Badge.
There are other groups who Served during World War II who are included, these are:
- Cyprus Regiment
- Home Guard
- Polish Forces under UK Command
Please note, that Veterans who served in Armed Forces of other Countries and those who served alongside HM Armed Forces are not eligible. Examples of these are Canadian Navy or Royal Australian Air Force etc
Service after World War II
Men and Women who enlisted in HM Armed Forces between 3 September 1945 and 31 December 1959 are entitled to a Veterans Badge. There is no qualifying length of Service.
Posthumous requests
It is regrettable that the badge cannot be issued posthumously. The badge is a survivors’ badge, which is to be worn on civilian attire. The only exceptions are War Widows and Widowers who are in receipt of a War Widows/Widowers Pension paid by Veterans Agency.
Extensions to the criteria
Once it is known when the eligibility is to be extended for those whose Service began after 31 December 1959, details will be issued.
How to apply:-
If you would like a Veterans Lapel badge you can obtain an Application form by the following methods:
Visit www.veteransagency.mod.uk/vets_badge/vets_badge.htm
Fax:
01253 330561(UK Only)
+44 1253 330561 (Overseas)
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
Please ensure you provide all the details asked for on the application form.
(I applied for mine and received it within a week!!! It’s great to have something given to me at last in recognition of my 2 years’ National Service! Nice to see at last that the Bevin Boys are also to be recognised – Ed)
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BLETCHLEY
PARK VETERANS
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If you served at Bletchley Park, or one of it’s “Y” or Bombe Outstations during WW11, you are entitled to apply for one of the badges pictured here.
Request an application form by emailing info@bletchleypark.org.uk,
By writing to: Veterans’ Recognition Scheme,The Mansion, Bletchley Park, MK3 6EB, or tel: 01908 640404
HELP WANTED
John Harcourt-Rigg is looking for Hugh Dixon, with whom he served at Little Sai Wan between 1974-77. He retired from the RAAF 5 years ago at Penrith, New South Wales.
John’s address is 7 Neptune St., Brisbane, Australia QLD 4069.
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John Butler is looking for anyone who knew his father, George Henry Butler. He served in the RN as a Telegraphist during WW1, and for the Y Service during WW11 in Northern Ireland. During that time he was seconded from the Post Office and attached to R Sigs and helped run the Toc H in Belfast.
Merv (Taff) Davies is looking for Dave Powell and Phill Willicot, with whom he served in the 60’s at 225 Signal Squadron. Dave served at Garats Hay in the 70’s, and Phil became a civvy op.
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Alastair Brockbank is researching the service history of his great-grandfather, Frederick James Maggs. He is believed to have served at Chicksands, Cheadle and Waddington amongst other locations.
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Bryan Wyndham is interested in learning more about this derelict hut at Guarlford, Worcestershire. It is believed to be an RAF listening post which obtained information leading to the discovery of the location of Peenemunde V2 base. |
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LAST POST We regret to record the death in May of Stan Kerry. Our condolences have been sent to Dorothy and the family.
May he rest in peace
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Corporal Peter (Jock) Christie was a Royal Signals OPEW who served in Berlin in and around 1972/1974. He died tragically young from cancer in 1976. His widow, (now remarried), Margaret has made contact with me via the Wire magazine with a request for historical information about Peter’s career in the Royal Signals and about their time together in Berlin. Her letter to you all is published below. Please try and help her put together this information for her son, Scott.
To see the rest of this article, please click here
BOOK REVIEW
England
Needs You' describes the work of the War Office Y Group at Beaumanor Hall in
Leicestershire during World War 2. The Hall was one of the United Kingdom's most
important wireless intercept (Y) Stations. 'England Needs You' represents
excellent value for money, since it is really two tales in one. The first is a
very touching and personal account by Joan Nicholls, then a teenager, of her own
experience of joining the Army, undergoing selection for secret service and
working, in the most demanding circumstances, as a morse intercept operator
tasked against German military targets. The second goes into
some detail about the organisation of a wartime
Station, briefly discussing its technical features
and considering its place in the overall, national, Signal Intelligence effort.
The authoress, who dedicated several years of research to the preparation of her
work, has consulted widely and drawn on a multitude of sources to paint a lively
and readable account of a fascinating 'secret society'. The book is richly
illustrated with original photographs and drawings, most of which are published
for the first time. The recollections of Y Group members who served at Beaumanor
provide an intriguing insight into the unusual and challenging work of a site
that, with its counterparts, underpinned the intelligence campaign run so
successfully at Bletchley Park. The book tells many interesting tales of local
liaisons and the relationships of the secret army with the neighbouring civilian
community, amongst whom most people were billeted. It recounts the impact too of
the arrival of large numbers of American airborne soldiers at nearby training
and concentration areas in the build-up to D-Day.
The publication of this work in A4 format gives the graphic designers who have collaborated in its production scope to show off the excellent artwork and photography that lend so much to the well-crafted text. An excellent and attractive cover (reproduced above) invites the reader to pick up a book that, once they do, will prove difficult to put down. It shows a wartime photograph of the principal building on the Beaumanor estate and the badges of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the Royal Corps of Signals and the Intelligence Corps. Military staff of the Station from all of these bodies served with quiet distinction throughout the War alongside civilian engineers, researchers and support staff.
To order this book, which the authoress has published privately, please contact her directly at: 3 Merrylands Farm, Church Road, Bookham, Surrey, KT23 3ES. Payment may only be made in Sterling and each copy costs £17-50 (with £3-00 Post and Package in the United Kingdom)
It should also be possible to order the book from any good bookseller, quoting the ISBN 0-9538186-0-8.
(We featured this book in the Newsletter several years ago. It’s one of my favourites, and I know that Joan, who is one of our Branch Members, still has several copies to sell. Why not treat yourself to this fascinating book, or put it on your Christmas list? – Ed)
CRYPTOGRAM
Keep that old brain working! Solve the following cryptogram of a well known phrase. Send your decrypt to Skip - first correct answer to be drawn at the AGM will win an autographed copy of Joan’s book.
BXIY GXNJJ QWB EFWT WJZ NG TI BXNB NFI JISB EFWT WJZ. NB BXI EWAQE ZWTQ WS BXI GCQ NQZ AQ BXI MWFQAQE TI TAJJ FIMIMOIF BXIM
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Thanks to Dennis Underwood for these pics of their 60th reunion. 25 were present (only 6 males – the others were wives, widows and daughters! |
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They are looking forward to the 61st next year |
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
(John tells me that a few tiepins have been damaged in despatch by the postal franking machine. If it has happened to yours, don’t bother returning it – just give him a ring on 01480 374088 and he’ll be happy to replace it – Ed)
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If you have broadband access, you might like to try out the free download of this program from http://earth.google.com/ . It really is amazing to be able to fly around the world by satellite to look at old familiar places, like that above of the old 13th Sigs camp at Birgelen (now a golf course, but the outline of the old buildings stand out clearly, top left) |
Rod Maunder
Those of you who know Rod will be aware that he is now living in New Zealand. I recently received an email from him. He tells me that he helps out at his grandsons’ school, works at a hospice writing biographies for terminally ill people, is Treasurer for the local Ratepayers & Residents Association, and delivers Meals on Wheels. And there we were thinking he’d get bored out there!
Rod sends his regards to all.
FROM THE EDITOR
Although we print the web address (www.garatshay.org.uk) on the cover of each Newsletter, I’m told that some members have never visited it! Webmaster John Clark has worked wonders creating and keeping up to date this mine of interest and information – more than could ever be printed in this Newsletter. One visitor to the site has commented……… “I have visited every RBL site listed on the HQ site and without doubt yours is truly outstanding – none is as comprehensive, as professionally designed or as interesting.” (Take a bow, John!)
Give it a look from time to time to stay in touch with the Branch and its activities.
Don’t forget to keep us up to date with your email addresses – I cannot believe that only 50 % of our members are connected to the internet! And do please keep me supplied with any interesting items for the next issue. Contact me by email at skip@honingham75.freeserve.co.uk, or at 14 Norwich Rd, Honingham, Norwich NR9 5BS
Tel (S) 1942 – 1945 Association
Our Naval friends now swap Newsletters with me on a regular basis. If you are interested, let me know and I’ll pass them on to you.
FINALLY………………………….
As it’s our 10th Anniversary, why not make a special effort to come along to the 2006 Remembrance Weekend and AGM?
You and your spouse will be most welcome, and enjoy a super weekend. Just fill in the form on page 23 and send it to Bob White.
REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND 11/12 NOVEMBER 2006 – RETURN BY 30 OCT LATEST
From: ……………………………...................... To: Mr R J White
The Old Manse
……………………………………. …… 211 Forest Road
COALVILLE
…………………………………………. Leicestershire
LE67 3SP
…………………… Tel: ………………
I will/will not be attending the Remembrance Weekend 11/12 November 2006.
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 12 Nov 06. I will be accompanied by
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I will/will not be attending the Sunday Lunch. Please book ……………. places.
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MENU
(Remember: Cheques for £18.75 per person payable to Mr R J White)
| Starter: | Chef’s Homemade Cream of Tomato Soup | No: ………. |
| Smoked Mackerel Mousse with Melba Toast |
No: ………. |
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| Apple, Prawn and Celery Cocktail | No: ………. | |
| Melon Parisienne (Melon splashed with Ginger Wine) |
No: ……….
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| Main Course: | Grilled Salmon with Parsley Butter | No: ………. |
| Roast Sirloin Beef Forestiere (Sirloin of Beef served with a Mushroom, Bacon, Tomato and Red Wine Sauce) | No: ………. | |
| Chicken Princess (Breast of Chicken cooked in a White Wine Sauce garnished with Asparagus) | No: ………. | |
| Lamb Cutlet Reform (Breaded Lamb Cutlet, pan-fried and served with a Red Wine Sauce, garnished with Ham and Boiled Egg White |
No: ……….
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| Vegetable Stroganoff served with Rice | No: ………. | |
| Main courses are served with a selection of fresh market vegetables and potatoes of the day | ||
| Sweets: | Fruit Crumble | No: ………. |
| Profiteroles | No: ………. | |
| Fresh Fruit Salad |
No: ………. |
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| Cheese and Biscuits | No: ………. | |
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Freshly Brewed Coffee or Tea with an After Dinner Chocolate |
TEAR OFF SLIP
Our New Branch Standard
Printed by Dovecote Press
Unit 3a
Cumberland Trading Estate
Loughborough, Leics.