Light Infantry Regimental Association

THE RIFLES, LIGHT INFANTRY (SHROPSHIRE AND HEREFORDSHIRE) AND KSLI REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION

SH/122 NEWSLETTER SPRING 2011 16 February 2011

1. Happy 4th Birthday. Message from the 5. Training for the rest of the Company will be Colonel Commandant and Regimental Trustees focusing on Company level tactics, with the aim to “Best wishes to all Riflemen on the 1st February as build on the success of winning the Battalion we celebrate the 4th Anniversary of the formation of Patrols Competition last year. In addition, the The Rifles”. Company has also had a busy time supporting the FIRM BASE Concept, basically helping the local community and ensuring a high profile of the army THE FUTURE with the British public. One of the aspects most enjoyed by E (RIFLES) Company, was assisting 2 2. The Afghan cycle will start again in April when RIFLES in the Freedom of Telford on 29 May 2010. 1 RIFLES deploy with 3 Commando Brigade. They will be followed in the Autumn by 2 and 5 RIFLES 6. The Company has been retention successful, with reinforcements from our TA Battalions. however, in the past year a significant number of our Riflemen have seen the light and joined the 3. Much has appeared in the press about the Regular Armed Forces. It is a ‘big firm’, and as proposed draconian cuts in the Armed Forces over such any receiving unit will benefit from quality the next 3 years. There are numerous studies Riflemen. This has been to the credit of all the covering the future of Copthorne Barracks, the Company hierarchy and specifically the support of Rifles Office and the Shropshire Regimental our SPSI, WO2 Shaw, who will shortly be leaving Museum which receives MOD funding. To date, no us to continue his career with the RIFLES. Captain decisions have been taken. Keith Mahoney E Company PSAO has also had his excellent work as a Casualty Notification Officer E (RIFLES) Company 4 MERCIAN (CNO) and Casualty Visiting Officer (CVO) recognised in the New Year’s Honour List, resulting 4. E (RIFLES) Company has had a busy year, in the award of the MBE. with riflemen coming and going to and from operations. The Company currently has 7 Riflemen KEY FORTHCOMING EVENTS on HERRICK 14/15, with 1 RIFLES and 3 MERCIAN. Much of the training in the past year 2011 has been focused on the Current Operating 7. Bids to attend those Association events Environment (COE), specifically Afghanistan marked with an asterisk should be sent as soon as based, with training in the specially modified village * possible to this Office, using the proformae at in Thetford and the joys of Brecon. This was made Annexes A and C to this Newsletter. Further as realistic as possible, utilising the experience of details are given below: the many Riflemen that had been on operations in recent years. a. Sun 05 Jun 11 Shropshire Regiments' Trail

b. Fri 10 and Sat 11 Jun 11 * LI Regimental Reunion (Shrewsbury).

1 c. Sat 11 Jun 11 * THE LIGHT INFANTRY/RIFLES Bligny Church Service - 1030 hrs REUNION GRAND DRAW 2011 @ St Chad's Church, Shrewsbury. 11. Maurice (Doc) Halliday has been running the d. Sun 12 Jun 11 * draw since its inception. Unfortunately he is unable LI Memorial Dedication, NMA Alrewas, to do so this year and so I have stepped into the Staffordshire. breach, purely on a temporary basis. Please find enclosed 1 book of tickets for this year’s Reunion. e. Sat 16 Jul 11 12. I was involved in organising the Reunion (1) Sounding Retreat on The Grange, weekend when the manpower and catering were Leominster, incorporating the Freedom of supplied by 5LI at no charge. This is now all done Leominster. Details to follow. by contractors and although the event remains very popular, costs continue to increase. The draw (2) LI and Rifles Association cleared £4,700 last year, 10% of which went to the Herefordshire Reunion (RBL Club, Light Infantry and Rifles Benevolent Fund to help Leominster). Please check with Capt our soldiers. There are still many serving soldiers Terry Marsh. who need financial assistance to help them recover from injuries sustained during operations in Iraq f. Fri 12 and Sat 13 Aug 11 and Afghanistan. The rest of the draw money went Shrewsbury Flower Show. towards the cost of setting up and running the Reunion weekend. g. Sun 28 and Mon 29 Aug 11 County of Salop Steam Engine Society 13. There is never a good time to ask people to Rally (Bicton Heath, near Shrewsbury). contribute towards a charity, even more so in these austere times and we realise that there are so h. Sat 08 Oct 11* many demands on personal finances. LI Association Shropshire Autumn Dinner Nevertheless, without this financial help the (The Greenhous Meadow Football weekend may well suffer, and of course the prize Stadium, Shrewsbury). money is quite attractive.

i. Thu 10 Nov 11 14. If you are able to sell more books than the one Field of Remembrance (London). enclosed, please contact me and I will be more than happy to send you some more. j. Sun 13 Nov 11 Remembrance Sunday Church Service 15. Contact details are: and Parade (Shrewsbury). Capt Ron Gittings SHROPSHIRE REGIMENTS' TRAIL - c/o The Rifles Office Copthorne Barracks SUN 05 JUN 11 Shrewsbury SY3 8LZ 8. The trail will take place as it did last year at Adstone Farmhouse, near Wentnor with the kind Tel: 01743 262430 agreement of Brig Tim and Penny Bevan. e-mail: [email protected]

9. Another fairly challenging 11-mile course (with a few variations) will suit the reasonably fit and LIGHT INFANTRY POLO SHIRTS energetic. A gently undulating 3-mile course may appeal to those with small children and/or 16. We do not plan to purchase any more polo comfortably overweight dogs! shirts as we are unsure of the likely response. We are, however, looking at setting up an order system 10. So, please find some generous sponsors and at the Reunion. There are 30 (various sizes) left in send in your application to take part using the form stock at this office should anyone be interested. attached. If you cannot manage 5 June but would Cost is £10.00 each or £12.00 incl p&p, of which nevertheless like to help raise funds (a massive £1.00 will go to the Reunion Fund. £8,838.00 was raised last year) we would greatly welcome a cheque or postal order made out to: 'The Shropshire Regimental Museum'. 2 LIGHT INFANTRY ANNUAL (6) 1520 hrs. (immediately after the Association March Past) Sounding REGIMENTAL REUNION WEEKEND Retreat, Copthorne Barracks. 10-11 JUN 11 (7) 1930 hrs. Reunion Dinner, Copthorne 17. The Annual Regimental Reunion will be held Barracks (Shrewsbury) (ticketholders in its traditional format on Fri 10 and Sat 11 Jun only). and the Programme of Events is as follows: (8) 2245-2359 hrs. Shuttle service from a. Fri 10 Jun Copthorne Bks to Nesscliff.

(1) 1400-1800 hrs (latest). Bed and 18. Coach and car parking (for those with Car Breakfast Association Members arrive at Passes) will be allowed inside Copthorne Barracks the Reception Centre, Nesscliff Training on Sat (but not Fri evening). There will be a Camp (Male accommodation only). minibus shuttle service between Copthorne Supper available up to 1800 hrs. (Ticket Barracks and Nesscliff Training Camp on Fri holders only). evening and throughout Sat.

(2) 1800-1930 hrs. Shuttle service from 19. Younger Association Members (who were Nesscliff to Copthorne Barracks. serving after 1968) are particularly encouraged to take part in the Parade and March Past on Sat 11 (3) 1930-0100 hrs (latest). (No (when there will be a separate LI Contingent). Barracks entrance ticket required) Blazer/Jacket, ties and medals (where entitled) are 1, 2 and 3LI Reunions in the Main to be worn on parade. Marquee at Copthorne Barracks. The bar will be managed by Casey’s who will also 20. Those of you planning to attend the Reunion produce the usual food for which payment are asked to complete the proforma at Annex A to will be required from those who wish to this Newsletter and return it, with your payment, to eat. this Office by Thu 21 Apr at the very latest. You should note that it will be essential to have a Day (4) 2030-2115 hrs. Sounding Retreat in Ticket to enter Copthorne Barracks on Saturday Copthorne Barracks. and b&b ticket if stopping at Nesscliff Training Camp. You must also carry your Association (5) 2130-0130 hrs. Shuttle service from Membership Card throughout the Weekend. As the Copthorne Barracks to Nesscliff. Reunion Dinner is likely to be over-subscribed you are advised to send in your bids for tickets right b. Sat 11 Jun away. No Branch bulk bookings can be accepted and to save on postage, your applications will not (1) 0900-1630 hrs. Regimental Museum be acknowledged. You will receive your tickets and at the Castle (Shrewsbury) open to serving passes at the end of May (not before). and Association Members (free admission - No parking inside the Castle Grounds or outside Castlegates House). LI MEMORIAL DEDICATION – SUN 12 JUN 11 (2) 0930 hrs. Shuttle service from Nesscliff to Copthorne Bks starts. 21. The Light Infantry Memorial will be dedicated at 1230 hrs at the National Memorial Arboretum, (3) 1030 hrs. Bligny Church Service, St Alrewas. Please see Annex B for all the Chad's Church, Shrewsbury. information.

(4) 1100 hrs. Beer Tent and cash food LI AND RIFLES ASSOCIATION stalls open at Copthorne Barracks. HEREFORDSHIRE REUNION SUPPER (5) 1415 hrs. Association Parade and - SAT 16 JUL 11 March Past on the Main Square, Copthorne Barracks. 22. The Annual Buffet Supper will take place at the RBL Club, Leominster. Bids should be made direct to:

3 Capt Terry Marsh MBE, 15 Burwood Close, Venns Annexes: Lane, Hereford HR1 1DQ. A. LI Annual Regimental Reunion Application Tel: (Mobile) 07940 325825 Form. (Home) 01432 275997. B. Application to attend the LI Memorial Dedicaiton. C. Other Events Application Proforma. KSLI KENYAN REUNION - SAT 6 AUG 11 Enclosure:

23. The KSLI Kenyan Reunion will be held on Sat 1. 1 x LI Raffle Book. 6 Aug 11 @ 1400 hrs at the Woodberry Down Pub, Victoria Road, Bridgnorth. For further information please telephone: Distribution: Ray Gwynne - 01746 768273 or Vernon Davies - 01432 266011 All Association Members RHQ Rifles (Winchester) LI ASSOCIATION SHROPSHIRE 'E' (Rifles) Coy 4 MERCIAN Rifles Offices: AUTUMN DINNER - 08 OCT 11 * Bodmin Durham 24. The Annual Association Reunion Dinner will be Exeter held this year at the Greenhous Meadow Football Gloucester Stadium, Shrewsbury at 1930 for 2000 hrs on Sat London 08 Oct 11. Applications for tickets (£20.00 per Oxford person) should be made using Annex C to this Pontefract Newsletter. Salisbury Taunton NOTICES Shropshire and Herefordshire Branch Secretaries Hereford & Worcester ACF 25. Easter Office closedown. This office will be Shropshire ACF closed for Easter AD Wed 20 Apr – FP Tue 3 May CCF Schools 11. Horn Someren 26. Your e-mail Address. Please could you let the Rifles Office have your e-mail address so that future Newsletters can be hot wired to you.

27. Useful websites/email addresses.

Rifles Office, Shrewsbury - [email protected]

Light Infantry and Rifles Association - www.lightinfantryassociation.co.uk

The Rifles - www.the-rifles.co.uk

N A de C Jones

N A de C JONES Major (Retd) Rifles Regional Secretary

Tel No: 01743 262430

4 ANNEX A TO SH/122 DATED 16 FEB 11 To: RIFLES OFFICE FROM: COPTHORNE BARRACKS NAME: ...... SHREWSBURY SY3 8LZ BATTALION/PLATOON: ......

ADDRESS: ......

......

POSTCODE: ......

TELEPHONE NO: ......

E-MAIL: ......

LIGHT INFANTRY REGIMENTAL REUNION, SHREWSBURY 10-12 JUNE 2011

NAMES OF REGIMENTAL GUESTS (INCLUDING SPOUSE/PARTNER): ......

......

NAMES OF NON-REGIMENTAL GUESTS: ......

......

CAR MAKE AND REGISTRATION NO: ......

NAME OF DRIVER: ......

MY REQUIREMENTS ARE:

TICKET NO REQUIRED PRICE EACH TOTAL COST Sat 11 Jun – COPTHORNE BARRACKS No Charge ------DAY TICKET Sat 11 Jun - CAR PASS FOR No Charge ------COPTHORNE BARRACKS Sat 11 Jun – Coach from Copthorne Bks to No Charge ------St Chad’s and return (Bligny Church Service) Sat 11 Jun – Bligny Service Church No Charge/No ticket ------Attendance issued ACCOMMODATION AT NESSCLIFF (MALE ONLY) ADMIN CHARGE AND BREAKFAST 10/11 JUN £14.00 EACH ADMIN CHARGE AND BREAKFAST 11/12 JUN £14.00 EACH MEALS SUPPER (NESSCLIFF) FRI 10 JUN £7.50 EACH REUNION DINNER (SHREWSBURY) £28.00 EACH SAT 11 JUN PACKED LUNCH SUN 12 JUN £5.00 EACH TOTAL COST £

I ENCLOSE A CHEQUE/POSTAL ORDER FOR £ ...... MADE PAYABLE TO: RIFLES ADMIN ACCOUNT (SHREWSBURY)

I WISH TO PARK MY CARAVAN AT NESSCLIFF TRAINING CAMP (Please Tick) ......

Please return this form WITH A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE FOR YOUR TICKETS to reach this Office NO LATER THAN 21 APRIL 2011. A-1 ANNEX B TO SH/122 DATED 16 FEB 11

THE LIGHT INFANTRY MEMORIAL DEDICATION 12 JUNE 2011

1. Introduction. The Light Infantry will dedicate a new Memorial at 1230 hrs on Sunday 12 June 2011 at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire. See the NMA website at www.thenma.co.uk for further information. The Dedication will take the form of a simple but dignified Service on an area known as the ‘Mall’, SE of the main Arboretum Memorial. The Service will be preceded by light ‘ticket only’ refreshments at 1130 hrs.

2. Location. The Dedication will take place on the ‘Mall’ site at: National Memorial Arboretum Croxall Road Alrewas Staffordshire. DE13 7AR

3. Attendance. There is no limit to the numbers that may attend. Members of our former County Regiments, former members of The Light Infantry, Regular or Territorial, will be most welcome, as will our Elizabeth Cross recipients and their families. Families are encouraged to attend.

4. Parking. We are obliged to use the ‘Park & Ride’ system as the NMA Car Park must be kept for the general public. The ‘ Memorial Event’ signage will point you to the P & R Car Park which is about two miles from the NMA, open from 0930 hrs and although there will be a free bus shuttle you should allow a worst case 45 minutes to the NMA.

5. Coaches. They do not normally have to use the ‘Park and Ride’ system and may park as normal in the NMA coach park and do not pay a parking fee. If the Arboretum is very busy, coaches may be directed to drop off their pax and then park up at the P & R Coach Park to be called forward by the i/c Coach Party after the Service.

6. Reception. A regimental Reception Desk will be open inside the main NMA entrance from 0900 hrs to 1220 hrs. Free programmes and unallocated refreshment tickets will be available there.

7. Light Refreshments. Tea, coffee and biscuits for ticket holders only will be available from 1130 to 1215 hrs in the refreshment marquee to the east of the main building. Tickets will cost £2-00 each and be issued on a ‘first come first served’ basis. Any remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the ‘Reception Desk’ up to 1200 hrs.

8. Service. The Memorial Dedication Service will be taken by the Reverend Tim Daplyn. It will not be a parade and is designed to be simple and dignified. Standards will be paraded but there will be no shouted words of command or inspections. You are encouraged to wear beret and medals.

9. The general public are excluded from the Dedication Service but are however permitted to visit the NMA as normal during the time of our service. We are therefore under remit to ensure that our event does not prevent or impede them in any way.

10. Seating. There will only be seating for invited guests and disabled veterans/disabled family members.

11. Standard Bearers and Wreath Layers. Please ensure standard bearers report to the ‘Welcome Desk on arrival or by 1100 hrs and anyone wishing to lay a wreath may do so at the end of the Service. Please complete Appendix 1. Those wishing to purchase a wreath are to contact the RBL Poppy Factory Ltd, 20 Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6UR. Tel No: 020 8939 1820.

12. Picnics. With the exception of the limited refreshments before the Dedication, feeding is an individual responsibility. The NMA does provide a good standard of cafeteria food and drink but service will be really slow. You are advised to organise a picnic in the P & R Car Park after the Dedication Service.

B-1

13. Timings. The key timings for the day are:

0900 Reception in the NMA Building open

0930 Park & Ride open

1130-1215 Refreshment Marquee open for ticket holders only

1215 All move to the Memorial Site ¼ hr ‘Dress’ Bugle Call

1225 All to be at the LI Memorial Site LI Assy Bugle Call

1230 Welcome by Lt Gen Brims

1235-1335 Dedication Service conducted by Revd Tim Daplyn

1335 No more parades

1340 Wreath Laying by VIPs, Assns and individuals Open to all

14. Attendance Return. Please return the proforma at Appendix 1 if you want refreshment tickets, have a disabled seating requirement, wish to attend as a Standard Bearer or lay a wreath.

15. Summary. The memorial itself is impressive. All that is required is a really good attendance by our Light Infantry members and their families. At last we will be able to dedicate a lasting Memorial to our Regiment.

B-2 APPENDIX 1 TO ANNEX B TO SH/122 DATED 16 FEB 11 FROM: To: RIFLES OFFICE COPTHORNE BARRACKS NAME: ...... SHREWSBURY SY3 8LZ ADDRESS: ......

......

POSTCODE: ......

TELEPHONE NO: ......

E-MAIL: ......

LIGHT INFANTRY MEMORIAL DEDICATION – SUNDAY 12 JUNE 2011

1. * I wish to book tickets @ £2.00 per person for tea and biscuits, for which I enclose a cheque for £ ...... made payable to the Rifles Admin Account (Shrewsbury).

2. * I wish to reserve seats for disabled members of my party.

3. * I will be on parade as a Standard Bearer, representing Branch and will report to the Reception Desk on my arrival.

4. * I wish to lay a wreath on the Memorial after the Dedication Service.

* Delete as applicable

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM, WITH A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE FOR TICKETS NO LATER THAN 15 APR 11

A1-1 ANNEX C TO SH/122 DATED 16 FEB 11

To: RIFLES OFFICE FROM: COPTHORNE BARRACKS NAME: ...... SHREWSBURY SY3 8LZ BATTALION/PLATOON: ......

ADDRESS: ......

......

POSTCODE: ......

TELEPHONE NO: ......

E-MAIL: ......

LI ASSOCIATION SHROPSHIRE AUTUMN DINNER, PROSTAR STADIUM, SHREWSBURY - SAT 08 OCT 11

I wish to book ...... tickets @ £20.00 per person.

Names of Regimental Guests (including Spouse): ......

......

Names of non-Regimental Guests: ......

......

If possible I would like to be seated at the same table as: ......

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I enclose a cheque for £ ...... made payable to the RIFLES ADMIN ACCOUNT (SHREWSBURY)

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM, WITH A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE FOR TICKETS NO LATER THAN FRI 23 SEP 11

(THERE IS NO NEED TO RESPOND TO THIS FORM UNLESS YOU WISH TO ATTEND THE DINNER)

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SPONSORED WALK 2011 IN AID OF THE SHROPSHIRE REGIMENTAL MUSEUM

1. I am interested in taking part in the sponsored walk on 05 June 2011. There are likely to be …………….. (number) in my party. Please send Walk Instructions and sponsor forms for the following to me:

Name ......

(Put additional names on the back of this form if necessary).

2. Please send the above to:

Name: ......

Address: ......

......

Tel: ...... e-mail: ......

Signed: ......

3. For those unable to attend, but wishing to make a donation to the Museum, please make your cheque payable to 'Shropshire Regimental Museum'.

4. Send this form to:

The Secretary The Friends of the Shropshire Regimental Museum Shropshire Regimental Museum The Castle SHREWSBURY SY1 2AT

ANNEX A TO SH/122 DATED 16 FEB 11 To: RIFLES OFFICE FROM: COPTHORNE BARRACKS NAME: ...... SHREWSBURY SY3 8LZ BATTALION/PLATOON: ......

ADDRESS: ......

......

POSTCODE: ......

TELEPHONE NO: ......

E-MAIL: ......

LIGHT INFANTRY REGIMENTAL REUNION, SHREWSBURY 10-12 JUNE 2011

NAMES OF REGIMENTAL GUESTS (INCLUDING SPOUSE/PARTNER): ......

......

NAMES OF NON-REGIMENTAL GUESTS: ......

......

CAR MAKE AND REGISTRATION NO: ......

NAME OF DRIVER: ......

MY REQUIREMENTS ARE:

I ENCLOSE A CHEQUE/POSTAL ORDER FOR £ ...... MADE PAYABLE TO: RIFLES ADMIN ACCOUNT (SHREWSBURY)

I WISH TO PARK MY CARAVAN AT NESSCLIFF TRAINING CAMP (Please Tick) ......

Please return this form WITH A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE FOR YOUR TICKETS to reach this Office NO LATER THAN 21 APRIL 2011. A-1

ANNEX B TO SH/122 DATED 16 FEB 11

THE LIGHT INFANTRY MEMORIAL DEDICATION 12 JUNE 2011

2. Location. The Dedication will take place on the ‘Mall’ site at: National Memorial Arboretum Croxall Road Alrewas Staffordshire. DE13 7AR

6. Reception. A regimental Reception Desk will be open inside the main NMA entrance from 0900 hrs to 1220 hrs. Free programmes and unallocated refreshment tickets will be available there.

10. Seating. There will only be seating for invited guests and disabled veterans/disabled family members.

B-1

13. Timings. The key timings for the day are:

0900 Reception in the NMA Building open

0930 Park & Ride open

1130-1215 Refreshment Marquee open for ticket holders only

1215 All move to the Memorial Site ¼ hr ‘Dress’ Bugle Call

1225 All to be at the LI Memorial Site LI Assy Bugle Call

1230 Welcome by Lt Gen Brims

1235-1335 Dedication Service conducted by Revd Tim Daplyn

1335 No more parades

1340 Wreath Laying by VIPs, Assns and individuals Open to all

14. Attendance Return. Please return the proforma at Appendix 1 if you want refreshment tickets, have a disabled seating requirement, wish to attend as a Standard Bearer or lay a wreath.

B-2 APPENDIX 1 TO ANNEX B TO SH/122 DATED 16 FEB 11 FROM: To: RIFLES OFFICE COPTHORNE BARRACKS NAME: ...... SHREWSBURY SY3 8LZ ADDRESS: ......

......

POSTCODE: ......

TELEPHONE NO: ......

E-MAIL: ......

LIGHT INFANTRY MEMORIAL DEDICATION – SUNDAY 12 JUNE 2011

1. * I wish to book tickets @ £2.00 per person for tea and biscuits, for which I enclose a cheque for £ ...... made payable to the Rifles Admin Account (Shrewsbury).

2. * I wish to reserve seats for disabled members of my party.

3. * I will be on parade as a Standard Bearer, representing Branch and will report to the Reception Desk on my arrival.

4. * I wish to lay a wreath on the Memorial after the Dedication Service.

* Delete as applicable

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM, WITH A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE FOR TICKETS NO LATER THAN 15 APR 11

A1-1

ANNEX C TO SH/122 DATED 16 FEB 11

To: RIFLES OFFICE FROM: COPTHORNE BARRACKS NAME: ...... SHREWSBURY SY3 8LZ BATTALION/PLATOON: ......

ADDRESS: ......

......

POSTCODE: ......

TELEPHONE NO: ......

E-MAIL: ......

LI ASSOCIATION SHROPSHIRE AUTUMN DINNER, PROSTAR STADIUM, SHREWSBURY - SAT 08 OCT 11

I wish to book ...... tickets @ £20.00 per person.

Names of Regimental Guests (including Spouse): ......

......

Names of non-Regimental Guests: ......

......

If possible I would like to be seated at the same table as: ......

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I enclose a cheque for £ ...... made payable to the RIFLES ADMIN ACCOUNT (SHREWSBURY)

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM, WITH A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE FOR TICKETS NO LATER THAN FRI 23 SEP 11

(THERE IS NO NEED TO RESPOND TO THIS FORM UNLESS YOU WISH TO ATTEND THE DINNER)

C-1