ROYAL AIR FORCE REGIMENT ASSOCIATION www.rafregt.org.uk BIRMINGHAM BRANCH – Branch Appeal Goodies for Our Injured Boys Page 2 Further Support for the RBL Page 2 “Poppy Day” by Amanda Prowse Page 2
GOODIES FOR OUR About the Authoress Page 3 – INJURED BOYS Page 2 The Authoress a Picture Page 3 Dedicated to Joe Ward ex-Regt Page 3 “Battle Back” “POPPY DAY” Page 3 Branch Birthdays Page 4 BY AMANDA PROWSE RAF Regiment News Page 4 Page 2 RAF Regiment hands at Kandahar to the Afghans Page 4 Armed Forces Minister Visits RAF Regiment Page 5 RAF REGIMENT NEWS Whalley boy travels to Italy to honour hero uncle Page 6 Page 4 Wing Commander G J (Gerry) Wilson MC Page 7 An Obituary Page 7 National Memorial Arboretum Update Page 8 £3 Million NATIONAL MEMORIAL National Memorial Arboretum gets Page 8 ARBORETUM UPDATE Air Loadmasters Remembered at NMA Page 8 Page 8 The Para who fell to earth and found art Page 9 Future Events at the NMA Page 9 FROM THE RAF REG.T From the RAF Regiment Secretary Page 10 Deaths Page 10 SECRETARY Page 10 Ex-Sergeant Royston Jones Page 10 Ex-LAC Arthur Paice Page 11 STOP PRESS: Ex-Wing Commander David Sharples Page 11 Page 12 New Notices Page 10 Corps Diary Dates Page 12 STOP PRESS: from the National Secretary Page 12 From the National Secretary Frank Xavier Page 12 “Straw Man Paper” issued 28th ‘11 Oct Page 13 Membership 1-11 Page 13 Add to these concerns Page 14 Solutions? A-F Page 14 – Have a history teacher explain this if he can! Page 15 Joke Time Page 15 Dates for Your Diary Page 16 Birmingham Branch Committee Page 16 “STRA W MAN PAPER” ON PAGE PLEASE READ THE The Best Fighters in the RAF 13 AND LET ME HAVE YOUR OPINIONS BY FRIDAY Operate on the Ground 23rd DECEMBER 2011 AT THE LATEST. THIS PAPER IS OF GREAT IMPORTANTANCE FOR THE FUTURE OF The Royal Air Force Regiment OUR ASSOCIATION SO PLEASE TAKE PART Ground-based specialists, NEWSLETTER NO: 269 protecting RAF assets from Politicians and their foibles Page 14 Letter to David Cameron PM Page 15 enemy attack. The Pa tNrioOtic RVetiEremMent BPlaEn R 2 011 Page 15
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THE BIRMINGHAM BRANCH NEWSLETTER NUMBER 269 NOVEMBER 2011
1 Dear Readers. As a nation, we have a regard for the Goodies for our Injured Boys Armed Forces that is the highest it has been for It is most important that we remember the generations so please support Poppy Day, as part dangers that our young men and women serving of the RBL 90th anniversary year Poppy Appeal. “Poppy Day” on operations are all facing, so please remember by Amanda Prowse the appeal your Branch Committee have set up. “How far An original story of love and war Please send any donations you may wish to make, would you go to bring home the one you love? to the Branch Treasurer Tom Magee and he will “I love this book, Poppy Day had me crying one ’t put it down” pass them on to the right place. minute and laughing the next; I couldn We still need money for the injured lads - Carol Vorderman and lassies so see what you can do. It may be that ’s The book is moving and also very funny in due to the article that I published in last month places and it is a book that would appeal equally newsletter, some of you might have got the wrong to men and women. Every penny raised by this idea that we have stopped collecting money for book goes direct to helping the Battle Back centre our injured troops. Nothing could be further from at Lilleshaw which helps service personnel the truth. complete their rehabilitation following treatment We have stopped collecting for the at RAF Headley Court. Military Ward Welfare Fund as it has plenty of “How far would you go to bring home the one money. We are still collecting money for the you love? This is the question posed in this further support of our injured troops. contemporary love story that spans half the globe However, it will be no good if we forget from East London to Afghanistan. Poppy Day is all about them after they leave Selly Oak Hospital a twenty one year old hairdresser, devoted to her or Headley Court, for those badly injured may husband Martin and blessed with a sunny need support and or assistance for the rest of their disposition. lives. The Royal British Legion is the best option ’s Martin is the one constant in her life, her for this and this year our new Lord Mayor “Home for the Brave Appeal” is the best one for protector and best friend since they were six, but when Martin joins the army, in search of us to support this year. fulfillment and a better life for them, things take a Further support for the RBL dramatic turn. Martin and Poppy are an The following article is about a new book ‘ordinary’ couple who find themselves in an “Poppy Day” – called no not that one, a fictitious extraordinary situation, when Martin is taken young lady called Poppy Day instead, and hostage while on tour in Afghanistan. although the publicity material says that it will Battling against army culture and appeal to both men and women, I have the feeling procedure, Poppy decides to try and bring her that my wife will love it. ‘Mart’ home herself and enlists the help of Miles, As all the proceeds from this book will go “Battle Back Centre” which a journalist, in favour with various Middle Eastern to helping the terrorist organisations. Frustrated by a bungled rehabilitates would ex-service men and women, rescue mission, Poppy uses deception to jump on please help this worthwhile cause by buying the a plane to try and find her husband. book. It is printed by the Royal British Legion Fuelled by naivety, she feels that nothing and every penny raised will be donated to them. is impossible when doing it for the man she loves. Add to this the fact that you will be Her journey forces her to pay a very high price … helping service personnel who have experienced and incurs some heartbreaking consequences ‘Poppy Day’ gives an insight into life life changing injuries in Afghanistan to get their ’s like to be lives back to normal, and you have a package beneath the uniform, a peek at what it which will capture the hearts and imagination of the one left at home, ticking off the days until everyone who reads it. your loved one returns and what happens when
3 there is the knock on the door that every forces organisations that they belong to. Every book … wife, husband, mother, father or lover dreads sold helps a wounded serviceman take a step ABOUT THE AUTHORESS closer to getting his life back on track. The An army wife writing about an army wife, authoress Amanda will be visiting Camp Amanda lives in Bristol with her husband Simeon BASTION with Carol Vorderman MBE who and two boys Josh and Ben. She started writing wrote the foreword and Mr Russell Thompson in earnest four years ago, having always OBE, who is the Director of National Events and obsessively crafted short stories and scribbled Fundraising for the Royal British Legion, to ’s, partners and notes for potential books. promote the role of service spouse ’s novels follow the theme of Amanda families in conjunction with the excellent work of ordinary women in extraordinary situations and the Legion. While they are there, they will visit explore how human nature reacts when RAF Regiment personnel and I am hoping to have individuals are tested to the very edge of their pictures and stories from them to publish in later limits. newsletters. The Authoress Amanda Prowse Battle Back For the second year in succession and on 12 previous occasions, Joint Service Parachute Centre Weston-On-The-Green (JSPC (W)) has hosted the Battle Back programme. The Battle Back programme was launched in 2008. It is not a charity - it is an MOD initiative based at DMRC Headley Court. It exists to ensure that the seriously injured have access to the same
opportunities in sport and adventurous training that are currently available to the able bodied. www.poppyday.co.uk Its aims are to identify, facilitate and encourage adaptive Adventurous Training (AT) Amanda is married to Major Simeon and Sport opportunities for wounded Service Prowse MBE, who has served for 26 years and is personnel. The objectives of the programme are currently training soldiers to deploy on Op to introduce and integrate our wounded heroes Herrick with the land warfare centre in into a variety of Adventurous Training disciplines. Warminster. Simeon has been deployed on 8 As part of the remit at JSPC (W) the Battle operational tours including Northern Ireland, The Back students are trained parallel to the Joint Balkans and Middle East; he has been honoured Services Adventurous Training (JSAT) Basic, with 9 medals. Intermediate and Advanced Freefall Parachute The book has been published and is courses on a 6-week rotation. Each Battle Back available on www.amazon.co.uk in paperback for £4.50 and Kindle for £4.02. student arrives with a full medical certification It can also be ’s and Waterstone’s from the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Unit, obtained from Sainsbury ’s Headley court (DMRC) and after 20-minute bookshop. It is part of this year Royal British parachutists brief, they are escorted to waiting Legion Official Poppy Appeal in their 90th aircraft before being securely attached to their Anniversary year. experienced Tandem Instructor. Dedicated to Joe Ward ex-RAF Regiment On the ascent to 12,000 feet they are The book is dedicated to her grandfather shown the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside Josiah Ward who served in the RAF Regiment and before long it is their turn to make a parachute during WWII. Joe died last year on 6th December descent. Each student and Tandem Instructor is aged 89 but was a keen RAF Regiment assisted on board the aircraft and after a full Association member. It is a story about a parachute systems check the student and serviceman taken hostage in Afghanistan and Joe Instructor are exiting and in freefall. During the helped to edit it. It would be very much 45 seconds of freefall the tandem descents are appreciated it if you could all encourage people to filmed by extremely competent camera flyers support the project and advertise it amongst their whilst plummeting towards the earth at 120 mph. friends, families, workmates and any clubs or
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Parachutes are then opened. All the challenge at Camp Bastion. Speaking during his “the participants then enjoy the thrill of a 5-minute ministerial visit to RAF Honington he said: canopy ride before arriving back to earth with a rest of the British Armed Forces could learn a lot pinpoint arrival and the most accurate of landings, from the RAF Regiment. They perform a crucial All the instructors feel extremely role which sometimes goes uncelebrated. They privileged to take part in this event and humbled are very fleet of foot and will continue to play a by the courage and bravery shown by these vital role in the ISAF Campaign and operations at individuals. Now with over 100 tandems Camp Bastion. I am glad that I have the completed for our injured service men and women opportunity to come here and meet members of 15 we look forward to continuing to work alongside Squadron and pay tribute to them for what they ”. the Battle Back Scheme in the future. have achieved Battle Back's work makes a huge That achievement has come at a price for difference to lives, physically, mentally and 15 Squadron, who returned from their last tour at emotionally and JSPC (W) is only too glad to Kandahar recently. There were no casualties assist. By undertaking this project it enables during their last tour at the air base but four hundreds of wounded servicemen and women to gunners have died since their first deployment to experience an activity where there is no divide the region in 2006. Crude IEDs that litter the between the able bodied and the amputees countryside and the small communities caught up JSPC (W) has been admirably supported in the conflict remain the biggest threat, throughout this project by personnel from The accounting for 80% of all Coalition casualties. ADW and The Joint Air Delivery Test and OC 15 Squadron, Squadron Leader Ed Evaluation Unit. Cripps said: things have changed since 2006. BRANCH BIRTHDAYS Kandahar is now six times the size it was then. ’s tactics have always been to separate A very Happy Birthday to the following The Taliban Birmingham Branch members whose birthdays us from the local population and IEDs are the best are this month, may you all have many more. way to do that. It is difficult to maintain contact 5th November Alan Addis Cannock Staffordshire with local people when you spend most of your ”. 8th November Jeffrey Johnstone Cannock Staffs time in an armoured vehicle 22nd Nov Peter Swash Rowney Green Worcs Patrolling and policing rural communities 24th Nov Paul Acres Swadlincote South Derbs beyond the air base has been a key element of the 25th November Norman Prince Wem Shropshire campaign. The Gunners have taken a lead role in 26th Nov Brian Stanier Stourbridge West Mids the battle for hearts and minds of the ordinary 28th Nov Ian Hart Wolverhampton West Mids Afghans caught up in the struggle, often RAF Regiment News deploying beyond the wire for weeks at a time from remote forward operating bases. RAF Regiment hands over duties at Kandahar RAF Force Protection Teams have taken to the Afghans the ISAF message deep into what was previously For five years the RAF Regiment has thought to have been Taliban territory. Often protected Kandahar air Base against Taliban arriving in villages just hours after Taliban attack. As Afghan Forces take on the challenge of commanders have brought their own message of policing their own people, defence chiefs have division and intimidation, the Gunners have paid tribute to the Gunners who have held the line worked hard to rebuild trust with locals jaded by since 2006 in the fight to bring peace and stability years of war and the threat of violence. to the country. Squadron Leader Cripps said: mounting After years of mentoring by Coalition foot patrols and engaging with local people are forces, the Afghan military is preparing to step out vital. Having the Afghan Air Force with us has from the NATO shadow mounting their own foot been a real deal changer. They make a massive patrols in former Taliban strongholds where they difference. Their own people are delighted to see previously feared to tread. It is an event which them and they notice things we cannot see. They marks a tipping point in the conflict as politicians ’t fit and have a better know if a face doesn prepare for the transition of power in 2014. ”. understanding of what is going on For twenty- Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey paid tribute ’s last one year old SAC Sam Brown 15 Squadron to the Gunners as they prepare for their next
5 tour at Kandahar was his first tour of duty with "I have come to see the RAF Regiment to “once you g the Gunners. He said: et out on the understand what they do, a lot of it is very ground and get on with doing your job you can specialised work but very important. But also to see how things work. Some places are welcoming pay tribute to 15 Squadron RAF Regiment who but others can be more difficult for us. Working had a very successful winter tour at Kandahar with the Afghan Air Force has made a huge where the RAF Regiment has performed difference. There is a sense that things are really wonderfully over several years. The role of the ” changing RAF Regiment is absolutely crucial, as Mr Harvey added: the role of the RAF maintaining air power over Afghanistan is integral Regiment is absolutely crucial, as maintaining air to everything that we do." power over Afghanistan is integral to everything The RAF Regiment has been involved in ”. that we do Operation Herrick, the code name under which all British operations in the war in Afghanistan have Armed Forces Minister visits RAF ’s initial Regiment been conducted, since the UK Last August the Minister for the Armed involvement in 2002. Forces, Liberal Democrat MP Nick Harvey, Since 2006, until May this year, the visited RAF Honington recently with the purpose regiment continuously provided air operations at of familiarising himself with the RAF Regiment. Kandahar Airfield as part of the International RAF Honington is home to three of the RAF Security Assistance Force until duties were Regiment's operational field squadrons as well as handed over to US Forces as part of the transfer of supporting elements. It also houses the regiment's strategic air operations to Camp Bastion. Training Wing, which oversees the entire process The minister spent the morning being of training a recruit to be a highly effective, briefed on the role of the base, before taking the operational RAF Regiment Gunner. chance to speak to members of 15 Squadron RAF The Force Protection Centre is responsible Regiment who had returned from deployment to for ensuring that all members of the Regiment as Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan in March this well as wider RAF personnel are equipped with year. the skills and knowledge necessary to deploy on They briefed him on various pieces of operations worldwide. Also present on base is a equipment, including a general purpose machine Regional Rehabilitation Unit which is responsible gun and mortar fire, before moving to some of the for the physical recuperation of personnel vehicles used. 15 Squadron RAF Regiment, including those injured on operations. which has recently returned from Afghanistan, The Minister toured all of these facilities, hosted the Minister for a capability display and viewed equipment and spoke to personnel. He gave the view of life on the ground whilst spent most of the day at the base, near Thetford, supporting air operations. which he praised for the speed in which lessons Group Captain Andy Hall, Station “cutting edge” technology were learnt and the Commander at RAF Honington and RAF being used. Regiment Force Commander, said: "We have “I came to see what the Mr Harvey said: enjoyed having the opportunity to demonstrate to RAF team needs and to learn more about its work, the Minister the extent of our capacity, the which is complex, and a lot of which is at the significant output of current operations, and our cutting edge of technology. I wanted to pay preparations for likely future tasks." Squadron Leader Ed Cripps, Officer particular tribute to those who have done their Commanding 15 Squadron RAF Regiment, stint in Kandahar. They perform a remarkably “The guys have done a ” praised his men and said: important role which sometimes goes uncredited . “ really good job. Seeing the Afghan Air Force The focus of their work will be at Bastion able to take on some of that responsibility was now but will remain crucial. There are a number ’s a sense of satisfaction really important and there of specialist skills here and I have seen lessons at the development amongst the local community learnt being fed back into what they do. I think ” ’re very flee and that their standard of learning has increased . they t of foot in that sense and the rest of the armed forces could probably learn ” something from them.
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“ Today is a good opportunity for the guys 1942. He was later posted to 2712 Squadron, to be able to tell their story and for the minister to serving in North Africa and winning the Africa ” – see the capability and to get that understanding. Star a medal his sister Mrs Betty Crouch still RAF Regiment Force Commander, Group treasures. Mrs Crouch attended the naming “It’s about recognition Captain Andy Hall, added: ceremony in Italy with her son Martin, grandson of the considerable effort and extent of training Alex and members of the RAF Regiment. “I felt very proud of my great we put people through to go into operation. We Said Alex; have enjoyed having the opportunity to uncle, and a very important man in the RAF let ” said Alex, who also played his demonstrate to the Minister the extent of our me wear his hat, capacity, the significant output of current violin at the ceremony in Italy. operations, and our preparations for the future." ******************** ******************** th Leading Aircraftsman Reginald Barton On Saturday 15 October 2011 the Stratton died in November 1944 as he fought to following article was published in the Clitheroe liberate the town of Classe Fuori near Ravenna. Advertiser and Times that I was very pleased to He was member of the 2721 Squadron of the read as it honours a member of the RAF Royal Air Force Volunteer Regiment involved in Regiment. the operation together with a troop of the 27th Whalley boy travels to Italy to honour Lancers and Italian Partisans. war hero great uncle Sadly he was killed during the fighting and A Ribble Valley youngster has attended a Reginald was buried in Cesena War Cemetery and ceremony in Northern Italy in which a local park his name is also recorded on Wisbech War was named after his war hero great uncle. Eight- Memorial. Classe Fuori resident Rossano Novelli year-old Alex Crouch, from Whalley and a pupil managed to track down information about ’s Hall, was proud to honour at Stonyhurst St Mary Reginald and had a dream of naming a public park his great uncle Reginald, a RAF Regiment Gunner after the brave British servicemen, who is still who died in 1944 in a daring attack on German remembered by some of the older residents. positions as Allied Forces battled to liberate Italy. And on Saturday September 24th 2011 that Reginald Barton Stratton was killed by a dream came true when a ceremony was held to shrapnel blast as 2721 Squadron of the RAF name a park at Classe near Ravenna took place. – ’s groun – ’s younger sister Regiment the RAF d fighting force Among the guests was Reginald joined forces with Italian partisans to storm a Betty Crouch, who was traced with the help of the sugar factory held by the Germans in the town of Citizen to her current home town of Blackpool. Classe Fuori near Ravenna, in Northern Italy. Betty was accompanied by her daughter The bravery of the young Leading Aircraftman Susan Taylor and son Martin Crouch together ’s husband Ian, ’s wife Tina and his colleagues in the RAF Regiment has never with Susan and Martin been forgotten. and their son Alex (8). A campaign to pay tribute to Reginald has Betty, who is extremely proud of the been led by Italian war historian Rossano Novelli, honour given to her lost brother, made a speech of ’s who was so moved by the young serviceman thanks during the ceremony which named the park sacrifice to liberate his town, that he visited LAC Reginald Barton Stratton. ’s grave at the War Cemetery at Cesena Reginald The RAF Regiment was represented by ’s and contacted his elderly sister (Alex Wing Commander Carl Michael West, who grandmother) in the UK. arrived from Rome for the occasion and David “Reginald was a young Rossano said: Kelley of the RAF Regiment Association, from British man who fought and died for our freedom. Chatteris. I managed to contact his surviving family in A special commemorative postcard was England and they were astonished. They could issued to mark the occasion. Later in the not imagine that in a remote village in Italy afternoon, family members, representatives of the someone was trying to recover the memory of a RAF Regiment and some citizens of Classe went ” ’s long-lost relative. to Cesena War Cemetery to visit Reginald LAC Stratton joined up in 1941 and joined grave. the RAF Regiment following its formation in ********************
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The following Obituary was published in duties. Awarded his wings in 1954, he flew the Telegraph on Tuesday 18th October 2011. Meteor jet fighters with No 245 Squadron. Wing Commander G J Wilson MC After his tour in Aden he returned to the RAF Regiment Depot and, aged 36, successfully Wing Commander Gerry Wilson, born August ’s notoriously passed the Parachute Regiment 14 1926, died August 23 2011 “P” Company, Wing Commander Gerry Wilson, who has tough training course, known as died aged 85, ended his unusual career with after which he commanded No 2 Squadron, RAF ’s wings, a Military Cross and parachute pilot Regiment, successfully leading it through wings. Wilson was seconded in 1958 to the Aden conversion to the parachute role. His uniform now bore the RAF Regiment Protectorate Levies (APL), a long-established ’s wings, a Military Cross force that supported air control of the turbulent shoulder-badge, pilot tribal states of the Protectorate in what is now and parachute wings. In this, he was unique in the Yemen. RAF, in so far as every one had been earned as an Command of the force had recently passed officer of the RAF Regiment. In 1963, as fighting broke out in Cyprus, to the British Army, but a number of posts had ’s command, was been retained for RAF Regiment officers. Wilson No 2 Squadron, under Wilson was second-in-command of No 2 Company, 1st flown at very short notice to the island, where, with other units of the RAF Regiment, they held Battalion APL, based in the Sheikhdom of Upper “Green Line” which separated the warri Aulaqi. the ng In the later months of 1958 it was sides until an uneasy truce was established. continuously in conflict with dissident forces, He later served as second-in-command of which were financed and armed by the communist No 3 Wing, RAF Regiment, an anti-aircraft unit ’s Egypt. bloc in league with Nasser of three Bofors Gun squadrons at RAF Akrotiri, On September 29th, in the absence of his the main airbase on Cyprus, where he also company commander, Wilson became Military commanded the Near East Air Force parachute Commander of the area of Musseina. Under his rescue and recovery team. leadership many deep penetration patrols and In 1968 Wilson was appointed Chief pursuits were carried out in particularly difficult Instructor at the RAF Regiment Depot, Catterick, terrain. and subsequent appointments took him to the By pursuing and harrying the enemy by United States and to the Defence Nuclear, day and night, leading nearly all the actions Biological and Chemical Centre (DNBCC). He ’s himself, Wilson was able to secure Musseina served at the Nato Weapons School in recently established government. He was Oberammergau, Germany, before returning to the awarded an MC. DNBCC as Deputy Commandant. He retired in Gerald James Wilson was born on August August 1984. 14 1926 at Warrington. He joined the RAF in A natural leader, Wilson was short but of April 1944 to be a pilot but, with fewer pilots powerful build. Throughout his service career he required as the war drew to a close, he was played polo, rugby and enjoyed cross-country withdrawn from flying training. skiing. His nature was benign (unless roused) and After the war some overseas RAF bases he was invariably impeccably tailored, whether in became vulnerable to attack from guerrilla uniform or plain clothes. movements and needed an effective self-defence In retirement, Wilson was treasurer for capability, a role for which the RAF Regiment seven years of the Army Air Corps Museum at had been created in 1942. Middle Wallop, Hampshire. Wilson was commissioned into the RAF He learned calligraphy, producing Regiment in 1946, and his first appointment was beautifully inscribed bookplates, and also excelled with the RAF Levies Iraq, an infantry force with as a cook after taking a Cordon Bleu course. He indigenous troops commanded by British officers. was a strong Anglican and a fine singer (both in After three years he returned to Britain. church and in amateur opera and dramatics). In 1952 he was selected, with a number of Gerry Wilson is survived by his wife Molly, other RAF Regiment officers, to undergo pilot whom he married in 1950; their daughter training for a five-year secondment to flying predeceased him.
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’ Square NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM Centre; The Veterans Pavilion; Heroes . (NMA) UPDATE There are 200 memorials at the NMA dedicated to £3m NMA gets illion the memory of people who have served their Staffordshire gives big support for National country. Since the dedication of the Armed Memorial Arboretum Forces Memorial in 2007, visitor numbers have increased from about 60,000 a year to 300,000. In Staffordshire County Council will make a £12m major contribution to the future of the National 2009, the NMA launched an appeal to raise – Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield investing to develop new facilities and "build a world-class £3m into the UK’s year -round centre of centre for remembrance". ’s cabine Remembrance. The council t has Andrew Baud, spokesman for The Royal £500,000 a year for the approved an investment of British Legion, said predictions suggested that, next six years to support a major appeal to help with the right facilities, the number of visitors make the landmark even more central to the would grow to 500,000 a year. collective memory of the nation. Air Loadmasters Remembered at NMA Following an increase in visitors to the site The Air Loadmaster Association is one of each year, an appeal was launched by HRH The only a few associations remaining which is for Duke of Cambridge in April 2009. Featuring members of the Royal Air Force who have served greatly improved facilities, the goal is to make the as Air Quartermaster or Air Loadmasters. (AQM National Memorial Arboretum a world class and ALMs). On Friday 14th October 2011 at centre of Remembrance. Staffordshire County 1330 hrs; ten years from the inauguration of the ’s cabinet member for economic growth Council Association, members were at the National and enterprise Ben Adams said this was an Memorial Arboretum to attend a Service in the ’s national and investment in Staffordshire Chapel and then proudly watch the dedication of international reputation. He said: an AQM/ALM Memorial to all those killed in Staffordshire County Council leader, action, or in the course of duty. The officiating Councillor Philip Atkins, said the NMA was an Padre, the Reverend Tony Guilfoyle, was himself ” "essential part of the Staffordshire success story . a former Air Quartermaster. “The National Memorial Arboretum is at The Service took place in the Arboretum the heart of our collective sense of identity. It is a Chapel at 13.30 hours at 13.55 hours and symbol of remembrance for the sacrifices that past attending Servicemen paraded to ALM memorial and present generations make to protect our for the dedication and wreath laying. At 14.15 freedom and prosperity. hours the flypast took place. The memorial has “ We know this will continue to be a been built with white Portland stone which symbolic place to learn, remember and celebrate. mirrors that of the Armed Forces Memorial. Its – It is now attracting 300,000 visitors a year and base comprises granite setts with blue slate chips. will be pulling in visitors from across the world. The funding was donated by members and ’re proud that Staffordshire is a focus for the We the base has been excavated and laid by retired ’s pride.” nation Squadron Leaders Derek Smith and John Watson. Councillor Atkins said it was also It has already received a Royal accolade when it important for economic growth in the county. He was admired by the Duke of York on a recent visit added "it's forecast that the NMA will contribute to the Arboretum. £25m into the wider economy a year and about During the Service, retired Squadron £6m of ’s nearly that will come into Staffordshire Leader Brian Jopling, a recipient of the Queen next year." Gallantry Medal read out the names of branch Major General Patrick Cordingley, chair members who have been killed in the course of of the Appeal, said: "This generous support from duty or on active service. Staffordshire County Council will give our plans The service was attended by serving to create a National Centre for Remembrance an branch aircrew from RAF Brize Norton, RAF enormous boost. It is fantastic news for the Benson and RAF Odiham, and trainee cadets from ” county, its residents and the country as a whole. RAF Cranwell, possibly the largest serving RAF The National Memorial Arboretum is contingent the Arboretum has seen on parade. planning to develop: A Remembrance Learning Also, at 14.30 hours a flypast from a C17
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Globemaster, a C130 Hercules and Chinook took accused me of being vague and artistic and in art place, representing a few of the diverse roles school I was too military. I didn't have that shock members have flown in. of capture with civilian street. I didn't really miss The para who fell to earth and found art a beat." Published by Terri Judd in the Independent on Now his former and current lives have Saturday, 8th October 2011 collided. To mark its 70th anniversary, the The son of former Army chief Sir Mike Parachute Regiment has commissioned its first- Jackson tells Terri Judd how a terrible parachute ever national Airborne Forces memorial. It will accident led to a new life. "He is a bit of a be sited in the tree-lined avenues of the National ruffian," explains sculptor Mark Jackson, smiling Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, which up at the giant paratrooper towering above him. commemorates military lives lost since 1948. The worn features of the clay sculpture, with his Together with friend and fellow sculptor, Charlie Langton, he is creating an image of Pegasus with broken nose, stares back as he bends to complete – Bellerophon astride to reflect the traditional his parachute container. – It could be one of numerous war zones, for airborne forces logo and beneath will be a this nameless soldier represents every man who paratrooper fresh from a jump. has served in the Airborne Forces in the last 70 Future Events at the NMA years. For the first time in its history the Friday 11th November 2011 Parachute Regiment has commissioned a national The annual Armistice Day Service of memorial. The burden of portraying a body of Remembrance will be held on the Armed Forces men with such a famous history has fallen upon Memorial on Friday 11th November. Venue: Mr Jackson, Jacko to his friends. He says with a Armed Forces Memorial. Time: at 10.30am for grin: the start of service at 10.45 a. m. Due to expected "I have given him a worn countenance. visitor numbers we suggest visitors allow ample He looks like he has been about a bit. He is a journey time. paratrooper and I didn't want it to be anything that A limited number of tickets will be didn't properly represent the regiment. They are allocated for this special outdoor service on a not a beautiful bunch of boys," first-come-first-served basis. Applications should Jackson, 38, may dismiss himself as an only be made to the Arboretum using the form "ex-soldier" and shrug off his many tours as (limit of four per application) which is available irrelevant, but his language is peppered with the to download on the NMA website. Successful catch phrases of an officer and he cannot hide the ticket holders should then receive confirmation personal connection he feels for his former unit. and instructions no later than Monday 31st He was literally born into the Parachute October. Once issued, the tickets are not Regiment, the son of a man who is one of its most transferable. famous modern officers, former Chief of the The Armed Forces Memorial will be General Staff, General Sir Mike Jackson. closed to the general public until 12.30 p. m. A He followed in his father's footsteps, screen beside the Visitor Centre will relay the becoming an acting major in nine years. Then a proceedings for non-ticket holders who are very devastating parachuting accident in 2000 forced welcome to attend. Seating will not be provided him to "take a year off work". Eleven months of in this area. Standard bearers wishing to take part recuperation for a smashed pelvis and hip, should contact Lynne Barkas on 01283 792 333 convinced him he could never get back to the for details of how to register. A free park and ride same level of fitness, so he left. It was simple, he shuttle will operate via the Catton Hall estate says. Having been an "art geek" at school, he which is approx 2 miles from the NMA. simply put "Plan B" into action. All visitors on the day should allow "Dad was more gutted than I was... When sufficient time to park and transfer to site ready you have non-problematic injuries you can deal for the start of the service. There will be no with it. But it is different when it happens to your parking on the roadsides surrounding the child. He had an inflated idea of what my military Arboretum as this will be enforced by career would have entailed. I was quite aware of Staffordshire Police. For more information call my limitations. When I was in the Army people 01283 792 333 or email
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Sunday 13th November 2011 Hereford Branch of the RAF Regt Assoc. The Remembrance Sunday is commemorated funeral was held in Pontypridd, South Wales, on each year at the National Memorial Arboretum. 26 Sep 11. He is survived by his wife, Angie, of In 2011 it falls on Sunday 13th November, after 49 Heol Seward, Beddau, Ponypridd CF38 2SP, Armistice Day. Join us for our special outdoor to whom the Corps extends its sincere commemorative service beside the Visitor Centre. condolences. At present arrangements are provisional, however PAICE ARTHUR. Founder Member. the service is expected to commence around Former RAF Gnd Gnr and RAF Regt Gnr Arthur 10.45am. The parade will form up to start from F PAICE, born 15 Oct 21, died on 13 Sep 11 aged – the Millennium Shelter at 12pm standards 89. He enlisted in 1940 as a Gnd Gnr and was welcome. assimilated into the RAF Regt when it was – Cost: The event is open to all no booking formed in 1942. He served on 2781 and 2874 required, however donations are welcomed. Car Sqns RAF Regt before being demobilised in 1946. parking arrangements are yet to be confirmed. The funeral took place in Hucclecote on 28 Sep Due to expected visitor numbers we suggest 11. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor, of 15 visitors allow ample journey time. For additional Hammond Way, Barnwood, Gloucester GL4 4QJ, information please contact 01283 792 333, or to whom the Corps extends its sincere email 11 The funeral was held at 12.40 on Wed 2 will assume the appointment of ACOS Trg - HQ Nov 11 at Gorlestone Crematorium, Norfolk. 22 Gp Dec 11. Family flowers only were requested but donations NEW CG RAF REGT ANNOUNCED may be made to the RAF Regt Fund via the It has been announced that Gp Capt Nick Funeral Directors, Brundish & Son, 154 Nelson BRAY is to be promoted to the rank of Air Cdre Road Central, Gt Yarmouth (BT no 01493 and that he will assume the appointment of CG 842768). He is survived by his wife, Rita, of 2 RAF Regt and Assistant Chief of Staff (ACOS) Connaught Avenue, Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk FP, HQ 2 Gp. The date has yet to be confirmed NR31 7LU, to whom the Corps extends its sincere but is likely in Dec 11. condolences. 1 SQN RAF REGT STANDARD NEW NOTICES: PRESENTATION - UPDATE ’S COMMANDANT GENERAL The presentation of a new Standard to 1 COMMENDATIONS 2011 Sqn RAF Regt, scheduled for Wed 2 Nov 11, is The following individuals have been likely to be postponed until early 2012. Further ’s Commendations for awarded the RAF Regt CG details will be issued in due course. The Sqn will 2011, for their outstanding service in support of celebrate its 90th Anniversary on 19 Nov 11. ’ DINNE the Corps: RAF REGT OFFICERS R CLUB – - Mr Stephen HORTON For services to the SUBSCRIPTIONS ’ Dinner Club annual Essex Branch of the RAF Regiment Association. The RAF Regt Offrs – - Mr Tom JOY For services to the RAF subscriptions were, in fact, rescinded in 1994, Regiment in support of Regimental events. when the Club was opened up to all RAF Regt – – - Mr Iain PURVES For services to the officers serving and retired. However, a Canadian Chapter of the RAF Regt Association. generous few continued to pay their annual – - Mr Tom RENSHAW For services to the RAF Standing Orders (SOs) despite regular notices Regt Association. advising their cancellation. With the change of – - Mr John ROLPH For services to the RAF bank from Lloyds to Holts Military Bank this Armoured Car Association year, those with still-active SOs will find their – - Mrs Jacqui THOMPSON For services to the donations being declined when they are submitted RAF Regt and associated Military Charities to Lloyds. There is no action required other than – - The Rev Frances WILSON For Services to to enjoy the increase in the annual bank balances. ’s, Catterick ’ 90TH the RAF Regt Chapel in St Anne RAF ARMOURED CAR COMPANIES Village. ANNIVERSARY SERVICE Congratulations are offered to all A Service of Commemoration to celebrate recipients for this prestigious award. The the 90th Anniversary of the Formation of the RAF Commendations will be presented in accordance Armoured Car Companies (ACCs) in Nov 21 will ’ wishes at a with the individuals later date. be held at the RAF Central Church of St Clement ’ DAY 1 SQN RAF REGT FAMILIES Danes at 11.00 on Fri 18 Nov 11. The Sqn will celebrate its 90th Anniversary The Service will be attended by AVM ‘Baz’ North, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff on 19 Nov 11 with the holding of a Families and Friends Day at RAF Honington. The day will (ACAS), representing the CAS, and various include an opportunity to experience RAF Regt senior officers and dignitaries. Force Element operations past and present, meet current sqn support will be detailed separately; however, members and celebrate the anniversary. veterans and civilians with a connection to the To confirm individual or group RAF ACCs, Armoured Car Squadrons (ACSs) attendance, contact FS Andy Brown on (Tel) and/or the RAF Regt are invited to attend. 01359 236022 or (Email) Dress for serving personnel will be [email protected]. No1SD with medals and, as appropriate, neck CHANGE OF CG RAF REGT decorations; civilians should wear jacket and It has been announced that Air Cdre R W (Regtl) tie, with the ladies in equivalent dress. La Forte CBE MA BA RAF, Assistant Chief of Official and State medals and awards, and neck – Staff (ACOS) FP and CG RAF Regt HQ 2 Gp, decorations, should be worn where appropriate. All attendees should be seated by 10.45. 12 és and drinks A Reception, where canap RAFA is launching a tribute to all those who have will be served, will be held at the RAF Club served, and continue to serve, on the frontline – £18 pp, afterwards from 1245 1445 at a cost of with the Regt. They would like to hear your to cover the catering costs. stories or anecdotes from your time serving with Those wishing to attend are asked to notify the Regt, past & present, for inclusion in the – ’s Air Mail magazine and on the Assoc Fg Off John Waring (FP HQ SO3 J6) by Email Assoc at [email protected] , indicating numbers website (www.rafa.org.uk). Please send your and names, and whether attending the Reception. stories and anecdotes to Nicola Short at RAFA ½ Loughborough Road, Applications should be sent no later than 4 CHQ Leicester, 117 Nov to ensure participation. Group attendees, Leicester, LE4 5ND, or e-mail them to such as the RAF AC Assoc or RAF Regt Assoc [email protected]. branches, are asked to coordinate their respective CORPS DIARY DATES: responses where possible to ease the * Provisional Dates administrative burden. 10 Nov Garden of Remembrance (Westminster For those attending the Reception, a UK Abbey, London) Sterling cheque for the due amount - payable to 13 Nov Remembrance Day (Nationwide) RAF HONINGTON SERVICE FUNDS (203350) 18 Nov RAF ACC 90th Anniversary – should be sent with an accompanying letter, Commemoration Service (St Clement Danes) ’ names, to the Regtl Sec th providing the attendees 19 Dec - 90 Birthday of 1 ACC/1 Sqn RAF Regt. at HQ FP Force, RAF Honington, Bury S 2012 Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 1EE. 26 Jan Presentation of new 58 Sqn RAF Regt Std. Cancellations to Reception bids after 4 1 Feb 70th Ann of the Formation of the RAF Regt. Nov may attract an administrative charge; refunds 2 Feb RAF Regt Op Review (RAF Honington). will not be made for cancellations notified after 11 3 Feb RAF Regt 70th Anniversary Nov. Commemoration Service (Bury St Edmunds). ’ Briefing and Corps PRESENTATION OF NEW 58 SQN RAF 3 Feb Corps Officers REGT STANDARD Formation Dinner 2012 (RAF Honington). The presentation of new 58 Sqn RAF Regt 7 Apr 90th Birthday of 2 ACC / II Sqn RAF Regt. Standard at RAF Leuchars, scheduled for 26 Jan 11-14 May RAF Regt Assoc Spring Social (Nidd 12, has been postponed until a date to be decided H0all, Nr Harrogate) in May 12, owing to the non-availability of the 12 May Annual RAF Regt Chapel Reviewing Officer. Further details will be issued Commemoration (Catterick). in due course. 30 May RAF Regt Offrs' Dinner Club Annual CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR THE Reception 2012 DEPLOYED TROOPS 2011 4 Jun * Naming Ceremony (for those killed in As achieved in 2009-10, we will be 2011) at the National Armed Forces' Memorial inviting donations towards a Christmas Cheer NMA Alrewas. fund for the operationally deployed RAF Regt 15 Jun 63 Sqn RAF Regt Assoc Reunion (Union – personnel this year. The main objective is apart Jack Club, London). ’s well from enhancing our personnel -being - to 30 Jun UK Veterans' Day + RAF Regt Annual reduce the loading on the critical logistics chain at Memorial Commemoration NMA that time of year and to encourage people to 19 Jul II Sqn RAF Regt 90th Anniversary ’ Day (RAF Honington). support this venture, rather than try to send Families parcels to the deployed personnel at a time when 1 Aug Centurion Journal 2012 - Article Deadline ’ Dinner Club Annual families are also trying to send gifts to them. It 26 Oct RAF Regt Offrs also means that precious money is not wasted in Dinner 2012 RAF Club London postal charges. Any donations may be sent to the 11 Nov Remembrance Day (Nationwide) Regtl Sec at RAF Honington. Cheques should be 2013 ‘RAF REGT FUND’ made payable to the 31 Jan Corps Op Review RAF Honington. RAFA REQUEST FOR ANECDOTES 1 Feb 71st Anniversary of the RAF Regt. The RAF Regt will celebrate its 70th 1 * Feb Corps 71st Anniversary Commemoration anniversary in 2012. To celebrate this milestone Service Bury St Edmunds (Provisional). 13 1 Feb RAF Regt Operational Review and Corps actively encouraged as is viewing some of the Formation Dinner 2013. issues raised for ex Regiment personnel who are 11 May Annual RAF Regt Chapel not members of the Association. Commemoration (provisional date, Catterick). First thoughts should be fed back to me by STOP PRESS: From the National 11th January 2012, so I can staff them for the Secretary NEC meeting. Further issues may be fed back to The next article is from our National you from this meeting and a cut-off for further Secretary Frank Xavier, it is so important that feedback will be 1 April 2012. This will allow us although my November newsletter was full and to digest and formulate a plan that can be ready to send off for photocopying, I re-edited it approved by the NEC and recommended to the to make room for it. Following his article is a AGM in October 2012. “RAF Regiment Association document called I would urge you and your members not to ”. Straw Man Paper become too bogged down on what has gone ’S NOTE: “teaching my EDITOR I may be before. Look at all angles, and consider the ” but as I didn’t grandmother to suck eggs impossible if you get stuck. This needs to be done “straw man paper” know what a was, I and we need to handle this sympathetically and looked it up and for the benefit of those innovatively so we can make sure we continue to ignoramuses like me, here it is. foster the esprit de corps we had when serving, A "straw-man paper", also known as an over into our later lives. I am sure you will Aunt Sally, is a brainstormed simple proposal deliver the goods and we can have a good debate intended to generate discussion of its and produce solutions that will work. disadvantages and to provoke the generation RAF Regiment Association - Straw Man Paper of new and better proposals. (issued 28 Oct 2011) Often, a straw man document will be The RAF Regiment Association as it is prepared by one or two people prior to presently constituted and structured will be extinct within 15 years, irrespective of the status of the kicking off a larger project. In this way, the ’s team can jump start their discussions with a Corps. The Warrant Officers and SNCO document that is likely to contain many, but Association will probably follow the same course. not all the key aspects to be discussed. The Officers Dining Club will survive as will the From the National Secretary RAF Regiment Fund in a much changed mode. The main areas of concern and, therefore, need for Frank Xavier change are:- The following article is a discussion Membership – document commissioned by the Association 1. Demographics old age is claiming a Chairman Peter Drissell which follows on from ’s huge number of our members who served as War debate at the July 2011 NEC and the Chairman Time Gunners and National Servicemen up to Address and Report at the AGM in October. 1960. Almost 50 members died this year alone; Basically the paper outlines the problems 4% of our strength which combined with the we face over the next few years and some avenues number of lapsed members meant that despite a for discussion. It would be appreciated if you recruitment of 100 new members, we lost almost would circulate and discuss the issues contained 10 % of our strength. – with the branch members as well as considering 2. Recruitment whilst we have recruited the answers to some of the questions posed. 100 new members this year, we have made little The feedback will go towards further impact on the potential recruitment pool. Ad Hoc discussion at the NEC and the formulation of a meetings at Catterick and Chippenham regularly new development plan for the Association. This attract 100 plus ex gunners, a lot of whom are non plan will be presented to the AGM in October members. Face Book statistics measured over 2012 with a view to having a 3 / 5 year rolling 2000 people viewing posts on the Association programme that will ensure our Association has a page, in some cases in less than 48 hours. Most of bright future beyond the next 10 years. these viewings are from retired gunners in the 35 – Feedback can come in written or verbal 55 age bracket and who are not members of the phone, by Area Rep or by conversation with any Association. one of the NEC members. Wide consultation is 14 – 3. Relevance the Association has little or remain so. The payment of subscriptions should no relevance to the serving gunner or recently be directly to the Association and whatever retired gunner. This is why, despite a huge branch levy set should be gathered by the branch. upsurge in the regard for the Armed Forces The present onerous procedure puts severe strain latterly, there is zero recruitment. This is on shrinking branches and is a cause of non ’s organisations. common to a range of veteran renewals itself. – 4. Structure - Branches the model of a 8. Performance at branch level - Little branch led subscription organisation was created Governance is exercised at local level by the ’s and was the model for the time. in the 1990 National Association. Some branches have had Because of a range of factors, not least the falling serious problems because of this, with members numbers in the Association, branches are being unaware. There is provision for the ’s but in shrinking. Age also makes a significant monitoring of local branches in C&R contribution to Branch membership shrinkage reality it has never been exercised. In future this because of transportation difficulties and a cannot be ignored as the branch is the most reluctance to drive especially in the winter. tangible form of Association presence and in – 5. Governance the model of a National order to parade a standard it must meet a certain Executive Council with Area representation has level of performance. – past its sell by date. Unelected appointees with 9. Funding/Costs the main item for costs – little mandate can shape and fashion Association annually is the Association magazine the Flash. policy and operation, whilst nationally elected Already this is a moveable feast and the budget is officials are regarded as mere functionaries. The shifted around to accommodate it. For many maintenance of this structure has become the older members, it is the only way they can receive primary objective of the Association and news from the Corps. Many older members lack disregards the objectives set down in its either the IT hardware or skills to go on line. It ’s). These C&R’s Constitution and Rules (C&R therefore follows that we need to have a continued call for a concentration on serving and past hard copy delivery to the membership. However, members of the Corps and NOT simply on other parts of the Corps Support organisations and ’s) also deliver printed members of the Association who have paid a Groupings (CSOG subscription fee. NEC governance concentrates communication e.g. The Centurion. The on those who are already members to the Association must off set its costs by sponsorship exclusion of those who are not. from commercial enterprises. This has been 6. Scrutiny - While the Association mooted previously but the changing face of both Accounts are scrutinised annually by the Audit public opinion towards the Armed Forces and the Committee, this is confined to the financial drive to have visible and tangible Community prudence of the Association. No further scrutiny Interest programmes from major enterprises mean is undertaken but if it were it would illuminate that it is now a much more feasible option. – significant issues at areas below the NEC, at 10. Income as membership falls so does Branch and Area level and would have difficulty income. Other sources of income need to be in defining audit trails and decision points for exploited. Merchandising is one way of doing this some proposals. as is applying for grants from funders particularly 7. Bureaucracy - Undue stress is placed to enhance the physical assets of the Corps. upon Branches due to the mechanism for the These costs at present come from the Corps payment of annual subscriptions by members. budget, but I would suggest that it is implicit on Whilst non payment of fees is covered in the our Association purpose to enable as big a ’s for individuals, there is no provision for C&R contribution as possible to assisting the Corps in the suspension of branches because all their this. – subscriptions have not been forwarded to the 11. Legal Status grants will normally only Treasurer by a specific date. It is unreasonable to be forthcoming to organisations with a legal suspend a complete branch because of one or two entity. Our association does not have one, ’s tardy payment. Additionally, members member although the establishment of a company limited have joined the Association and not a branch. by guarantee to do charitable work would be Branches are virtually autonomous and should relatively simple. It would require modifications 15 to the governance in that a Board of Trustees a. Should the Association become a Charity? rather than an NEC is required. A wholly owned C. Governance merchandising and trading company limited by a. Should the NEC or a Board of Trustees be share could then be established to allow it to trade elected? and then deed gift any profit back to the charity b. How would such a structure work? ’s annually, taking advantage of the Charity c. Should the NEC control the editorial Corporation Tax exemption . oversight of the Flash Add to these concerns, the almost meteoric rise d. How closely will the various organisations ’s and SNCO’s Association be in technology and social networking means. like the WO Information is on peoples desk tops within linked. a day as opposed to the old style of information D. Structure briefings the Branch meetings had. These a. Should the branch remain as the only entity networking sites reach far beyond the local within the Association or is there room for geographical area and turn the virtual website into other types of groupings e.g. Sqn an Association Village. The impact that this will Associations or even event clubs? have on veterans Affairs in the next few years b. Should branches collect the national cannot be overestimated subscriptions? Unfortunately, the history of the c. Should branches be licensed from the Association since the early 90s has managed to National Association? sour some relationships within the Corps itself. d. Should branches have to produce an annual There are some perspectives which do not put the statement of Health including basic Association in the prime coordination role simply accounts to be licensed? because of the behaviour of some of our e. Should only licensed groups be able to forebears. With these individuals we will have to parade a standard? demonstrate our strengths, but additionally we E. Funding will have to define our relevance to the Corps so a. Should we ensure that reliance of that we can be fully accepted into the extended membership fees ends within 5 years? family of the Regiment. b. Should the Association play a greater part Solutions? in maintaining Corps Assets? It would be wrong for the NEC or any c. Should the Magazine be self funding group of members to lay down what shape and through advertising? format we go forward in. What can be said is that F. General the following should be the objectives of the a. Do we need expensive 3 day reunions in Association over the next few months :- Identify this time of financial austerity? the possible solutions to the issues outlined b. Do we need to expand the commercial arm previously and produce a detailed set of of the association? objectives and strategies to achieve these c. Should we pay honorariums to working objectives. This goal leads us to a series of officials of the Association? questions which need to be debated and resolved Frank Xavier, Nat Secretary - for National so we can shape the future of our Association and Executive Committee, RAF Regiment achieve the first part of this broad objective. Association. A. Membership ******************** Should every gunner who completes his The above document needs our serious basic course or JROC automatically become a consideration so would you all give it some member or should we maintain the current status thought and let me have your opinions by Friday quo and get people to join? 23rd December at the latest, so that the Branch a. Are the current categories of membership Committee can discuss them. I can then collate enough or do we need other divisions like them and pass them on to the National Secretary. ’s all for now, keep smiling if the RBL? Well that b. Should we only have to join one you can and stay happy. organisation for membership of all? B. Legal Status Malcolm 16 Wednesday 1st Feb 2012 Branch Subs Due Thursday 9th Feb 2012 Branch Night and AGM DATES FOR Thurs 8th March 2012 Branch Night MAKE Thurs 12th April 2012 Branch Night YOUR th A Thursday 10 May 2012 Branch Night th th DIARIES DATE Fri 11 -Mon 14 May 2012 Spring Reunion Nidd Hall Saturday 12th May 2012 Annual Chapel Comm. Thursday 14th June 2012 Branch Night th th th ’ham Branch Thursday 10 Nov 2011 Branch Night Saturday 16 June 2012 24 Ann B Thursday 10th Nov 2011 Field of Rem London Sunday 24th June 2012 National Service Day th ’ham Poppy Ball Saturday 12 Nov 2011 B Sunday 24th June 2012 Mem Service Plymouth Ho Sunday 13th November 2011 Remembrance Sunday Sunday 24th June 2012 Allied Air Forces Mem th ’s Day Wednesday 30 Nov 2011 St Andrew Saturday 30th June 2012 Regt Ann Comm NMA Thursday 8th December 2011 Branch Night Thursday 14th July 2012 Branch Night Thursday 12th January 2012 Branch Night Thursday 9th August 2012 Branch Night Saturday 21st January 2012 NEC Mtg Venue TBA Thursday 13th Sept 2012 Branch Night Wednesday 1st Feb 2012 70th Ann RAF Regt Sunday 6th October 2011 Merchant Navy Day CHAIRMAN SECRETARY TREASURER Ron Sharp Malcolm A Baldwin Tom Magee 46 Lightwood Road 61 Pear Tree Crescent 11 Pavilion Avenue Yoxall, Burton on Trent Solihull Lodge, Shirley Smethwick, Warley Staffordshire DE13 8QE Solihull, B90 1LE West Midlands, B67 6LA Tel No: 01543 472411 Tel: 0121 608 3791 Tel: 0121 429 5635 e-mail [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] PRESIDENT BRANCH VICE-PRESIDENT Dave Gooding QUARTERMASTER Peter Swash ‘Mdina’ Rowney Green Lane 31 Queen Elizabeth Road Tom Magee Rubery, Rednal 11 Pavilion Avenue Rowney Green Birmingham Smethwick, Warley Redditch West Midlands B45 0NE West Midlands, B67 6LA Worcestershire, B48 7QF Mob: 07982 425539 Tel: 0121 429 5635 e-mail Tel No: 01527 60870 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] MINUTE SECRETARY RBL LIAISON OFFICER STANDARD BEARER Ken Bridgwood Dave Gooding Dave Gooding 29 Claverdon Drive 31 Queen Elizabeth Road 31 Queen Elizabeth Road Great Barr Rubery, Rednal Rubery, Rednal Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham West Midlands, B45 5HR West Midlands B45 0NE West Midlands B45 0NE Tel: 0121 357 4242 Mob: 077597 36879 Mob: 077597 36879 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] RESEARCH CO-ORD/ PUBLIC RELATIONS FINANCIAL AUDITORS LINK-UP DATA BASE OFFICER/SOCIAL SEC Trevor and Joan Round Hughie Cooper Michael Beard 7 Board School Gardens 11 Sandringham Close 21 Abingdon Road Dudley Baswich Lane Bloxwich, Walsall West Midlands Stafford, ST17 0AB West Midlands DY3 1XA Tel: 01785 242269 WS3 2SX Tel: 01902 672597 [email protected] Tel: 01922 491453 THIS NEWSLETTER IS PHOTOCOPIED AND BOUND BY KIND PERMISSION OF WRAGGE AND CO SOLICITORS