ISSUE TWO-APRIL 2016

FEDERATION OF AND DISTRICT EX-SERVICES ASSOCIATIONS CEREMONIES, ANNIVERSARIES AND EVENTS 2016

This list of Anniversaries, Ceremonies and Events for 2016, of interest to the Ex-Services Community, is compiled from best available information by Commander Charles Crichton OBE , Patron of the Federation. Event organisers are invited to send input and update information to Charles by email: [email protected] . A third issue will be distributed later in the year.

Federation Standards. Requests for parade of standards will be annotated against events along with the “ assemble” time. Confirmed events are shown in BOLD. Events awaiting information for 2016 are shown in normal type. Completed events are shown in ITALICS See: Note 1 with information on entry to the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre Open Days (dates in the events list) Note 2 with the dates and information on the Evening Talks at the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre.

FEBRUARY Mon 22 0730 Plymouth East Girlguiding World Thinking Day Celebration. Plymouth Hoe. Sat 27 HMS EXETER Association members and guests attend Civic Reception (1000-1050) by the Lord Mayor of Exeter. Veterans will parade (1100-1120)) and there will then be a Remembrance and Standard Dedication Service (1130-1230) at Exeter Cathedral. Veterans and families from the Macassar Association and the Battle of the River Plate Association will be joining in both the parade and the Dedication Service. For information contact the Association Secretary on [email protected] MARCH Mon 14 1000. Commonwealth Day Flag Raising at the Guildhall Flag Pole Sat 19- Ford Park Cemetery. An exhibition to commemorate the 75 th Anniversary of the Sun 10 July Plymouth Blitz. Admission free-donations welcome. Mon 21 1400. Ford Park Cemetery. The 75 th Anniversary of the Plymouth Blitz. A Service of Remembrance at the Victoria Chapel. For the full list of other events at Ford Park see www.ford-park-cemetery.org/events

Sun 27 1400. Ford Park Cemetery. The Plymouth Blitz. A walk with the Heritage Team .

PATRONS of THE FEDERATION 1

THE LORD MAYOR OF PLYMOUTH. FLAG OFFICER SEA TRAINING PLYMOUTH. COMMANDER C W CRICHTON OBE ROYAL NAVY.

APRIL

Sat 2- 1100-1500 Exhibition describing the history of RAF HARROWBEER at the End of Oct. Museum, Court Gate, Guildhall Square, Tavistock. For school party visits call the museum during opening hours on 01822 611264. For history about RAF HARROWBEER see www.rafharrowbeer-.org.uk

Sun 3 Devonport Naval Heritage Centre Open Day. See note 1. Theme – History of the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre.

Sat 9 1400-1700. Plymouth Argyle Football Club Armed Forces Day 2016. Static displays outside Home Park by Armed Forces units, the Corps and Service Charities. Displays on the pitch before the match by the Devonport Field Gun Association Junior Field Gun teams, HMS HEROES Military Kids Choir and the Volunteer Cadet Corps of Drums. Match kick off 1500.

Thur 21 2000 Lighting of the Beacon on the battlements of the Royal Citadel to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s 90 th Birthday . The celebration hosted by the Commanding Officer of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery in partnership with the City of Plymouth.

Sun 24 1315. Annual Memorial Service at the Tank Memorial Site at Torcross, , for those who lost their lives during Exercise Tiger at Slapton Sands on 28 April 1944. Conducted by the Royal Tank Regiment Association, Plymouth Branch. For further details contact Mr Dave Taylor [email protected] See www.Exercisetigermemorial.co.uk STANDARDS REQUESTED: ASSEMBLE 1245

Sun 24 1500. Civic Church Service – 75 th Anniversary of the Plymouth Blitz, Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth.

Sun 24 1500. Plymouth District Scouts St George’s Day Service, the Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface, Wyndham Street, Plymouth.

Sat 30 1900. Spring Concert in support of the Poppy Appeal, Dartington Hall, Totnes. Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra, Plymouth Music of the Night Choir, Sam Fearon/Brothers in Arms and Colin Bache. Tickets: £15. Students and under 16 years of age £12. Book at the Dartington Box Office 01803 847070 [email protected] MAY

Sat 30 April 1100-1630. RAF HARROWBEER ARCHIVE WEEKEND Sun 1-Mon 2 WORLD WAR II MEMORABILIA. May Knightstone Tea Rooms, Road, Yelverton. Operational record Books of RAF HARROWBEER and the Squadrons that served there. Military vehicles. World War II artefacts. Free entry and parking. For information contact Michael Hayes 01822 853679

PATRONS of THE FEDERATION 2

THE LORD MAYOR OF PLYMOUTH. FLAG OFFICER SEA TRAINING PLYMOUTH. COMMANDER C W CRICHTON OBE ROYAL NAVY.

Sat 7 to PLYMOUTH HISTORY FESTIVAL MONTH the 5 June See www.Plymouth.gov.uk/whatson Includes a substantial programme of events at the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre

Sat 7 1930 St Mary’s Church Plympton. A concert by the Plymouth Military Wives Choir in aid of the Royal British Legion (Plympton Branch) Poppy Appeal. Tickets £10.

Sat 7-Sun 8 Ten Tors, Dartmoor National Park.

Sun 8 2000. Ford Park Cemetery. The Plymouth Blitz. An atmospheric evening walk.

Wed 11 1930. Ford Park Cemetery. The Bombing of Plymouth. An illustrated talk with Laurence Axworthy. Victoria Chapel. £2

Thur 19- Devon County Show, Clyst St Mary, Westpoint, Exeter. Sat 21 See www.devoncountyshow.co.uk

Fri 20 1030. Lord Mayor of Plymouth Choosing Ceremony, Plymouth Guildhall

Fri 20 1930 for 2000. Lord Mayor of Plymouth Choosing Dinner HMS DRAKE.

Sun 22 1030. Lord Mayor of Plymouth Civic Church Service, Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth. STANDARDS REQUESTED. ASSEMBLE AT 1000 tba Joint Services Hosanna House Group Pilgrimage to Lourds incorporating International Military Pilgrimage.

Sat 28 1200. At the Belvedere Memorial Garden, Plymouth Hoe, the Plymouth and Southwest Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association will hold a Commemoration of the 50 th anniversary of the ending of hostilities. STANDARDS REQUESTED. ASSEMBLE AT 1130

Sat 28 1200. Lord Mayor of Plymouth’s Festival - Plymouth City Centre.

Mon 30 1000-1700. Devonport Naval Heritage Centre. Open Day. See note 1 below. Specials displays: Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of Jutland and Forgotten Wrecks of the First World War

Tue 31 1100. A Service to Commemorate the 100 th Anniversary of the Battle of Jutland. Royal Naval War Memorial, Plymouth Hoe. Managed by the Royal Navy. (Lt Cdr M Burke RN 01752 286065) STANDARDS REQUESTED. ASSEMBLE 1000. JUNE

Fri 3 1200. Memorial Service at the US Naval Memorial, Tamar Bridge, Car Park. STANDARDS REQUESTED. ASSEMBLE 1130

PATRONS of THE FEDERATION 3

THE LORD MAYOR OF PLYMOUTH. FLAG OFFICER SEA TRAINING PLYMOUTH. COMMANDER C W CRICHTON OBE ROYAL NAVY.

Sat 4 1930. SSAFA Fundraising Ball. Commando Forces Officers’ Mess, Royal Marine Barracks, Stonehouse, Plymouth. Plymouth is the oldest SSAFA branch being founded in 1885 (as SSFA) at the start of the Boer War and has been active in the City of Plymouth ever since. Tickets £50 each. For details contact SSAFA Plymouth Branch on 01752 553414

Mon 6 1100. D-Day Memorial Service at the Normandy Veterans Memorial, Belvedere Gardens, the Hoe, Plymouth. STANDARDS REQUESTED. ASSEMBLE 1030

Thur 9- The Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge. Sat 11 see www.royalcornwallshow.org

Sat 11 Her Majesty the Queen’s Official Birthday

Thur 16 1400. Door of Unity Service, Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth. RN, RM & MN STANDARDS REQUESTED. ASSEMBLE 1330 .

Sun 19 1000 (To be confirmed) Royal Navy Mass with the RC Bishop of the Armed Forces. Roman Catholic Cathedral, Plymouth.

Mon 20 1000. Plymouth Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony, Plymouth Guildhall STANDARDS REQUESTED. ASSEMBLE 0930

Sat 25 PLYMOUTH ARMED WEEKEND-PLYMOUTH HOE -Sun 26 A big “Thank You” to the Armed Forces, their families and our veterans. To raise awareness of and support for our Armed Forces community and celebrate the outstanding contribution it makes to our country. Programme includes:

Sat 25 (1000-1030) 0930-1030. The RAF and Allied Air Forces Monument Service. 1100. Parade of ex-service standards, veterans and across the Hoe. 1100-1500 Plymouth Youth Music Service on stage. 1400. The Rifles Freedom of the City Parade. The parade (250 from the 4 th Battalion and 6 Rifles Reservists) will step off from the Royal Citadel led by the Band of the Rifles then Citadel Road, Elliot St and then across the Hoe returning to the Royal Citadel. Arena displays. Royal Navy, Army, RAF and veterans villages. Emergency Services. Royal Citadel “Open day”. Large Pipes and Drums Band. 1700-2230 Evening stage live music entertainment.

Sun 26 (1000-1600) 1130-1230. 29 Cdo Regiment Royal Artillery will hold a “Feu de Joie”, a military spectacle by the residents of the Royal Citadel. 1300-1400 and 1500-1600 Air Displays. In the afternoon the Devonport Field Gun Association will host a new Junior Field Gun Tournament. See www.visitplymouth.co.uk/whats-on/armed-forces-weekend for programme detail.

SAT 25 STANDARDS REQUESTED: ASSEMBLY TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED

PATRONS of THE FEDERATION 4

THE LORD MAYOR OF PLYMOUTH. FLAG OFFICER SEA TRAINING PLYMOUTH. COMMANDER C W CRICHTON OBE ROYAL NAVY.

Note: With apologies to the Mayor of Torpoint, Issue one OF THE events list incorrectly announced that there would be a Cornwall Armed Forces Day at Torpoint on Sat 25 June. There will NOT be a Cornwall Armed Forces Day at Torpoint this year.

Mon 20 SEAFARERS AWARENESS WEEK will promote UK maritime job opportunities, at -Sun 26 sea and ashore. It will also focus on increasing young people’s knowledge of the UK’s historic and ongoing dependence as an island nation on seafarers. See WWW.seafarersawarenessweek.org

Thur 23 – Supporting Seafarers day – A national fundraising day.

JULY

Fri 1 0715. (Assembly time) COMMEMORATION OF THE CENTENARY OF THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME on Plymouth Hoe led by 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery. 0730:Whistles along the line preceding two minutes silence and Lament by a piper from the City of Plymouth Pipe Band. 0735 Act of Commemoration. Attended by the Lord Lt of Devon, the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Senior Naval and Military Commanders, Church leaders, young people, Cadets, Scouts, Parade Troops from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, Ex-Service Association Standards and the City of Plymouth Pipe Band. STANDARDS REQUESTED: ASSEMBLE 0645

Fri 1 to SOMME 141-Marking each day of the Battle of the Somme Centenary. Fri 18 Nov In addition to special events on 1 July and 18 November to mark the 100 th anniversary of the start and end of the Battle of the Somme, the Royal British Legion will host a daily service at the Thiepval memorial to commemorate each day of the battle. For further details see www.britishlegion.org.uk/remembrance/ww1-centanary/somme-141

Fri 1- Devonport Field Gun Association Reunion Weekend. Sat 2 See www.devonport-command-fieldgun.co.uk

Sat 30- Ford Park Cemetery. People of Plymouth 1916. Sun 11 Sept Exhibition: Local perspective on the life of families in Plymouth during the third year of the Great War. Admission free-donations welcome.

Sun 10 SEA SUNDAY. 1100 The congregation of the Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth, will welcome everyone to join together in a Service to give thanks for our Seafarers. STANDARDS REQUESTED:ASSEMBLE 1030

Sea Sunday is the day set aside for us to come together to remember the brave and dedicated Merchant Seafarers who we rely on to sustain our global economy, all those who go down to the seas in ships, and the work of the Royal Navy. For information on National Sea Sunday see www.seasunday.org PATRONS of THE FEDERATION 5

THE LORD MAYOR OF PLYMOUTH. FLAG OFFICER SEA TRAINING PLYMOUTH. COMMANDER C W CRICHTON OBE ROYAL NAVY.

Tue 19 1200-2000. Armed Forces Corporate Covenant Jobs fair, Plymouth Guildhall. Employers wishing to book exhibition space apply to: [email protected]

Sun 24 Devonport Naval Heritage Centre open Day. Theme-Cadets Day. See note 1 below .

AUGUST

Sat 13-Sun14 1000-1700. 1940’s Event, RAF HARROWBEER, Crapstone Road, Yelverton.

Mon 15 1130. VJ Day. Short Service of Remembrance at the Rowan Tree, the Minster Church of St Andrew Plymouth. Organised by the Plymouth Branch Far East Prisoner of War Association (FEPOW).

SEPTEMBER

Sat 3 1900. Mount Edgecumbe Park “Proms on the Peninsula” by the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra. Gates open at 1630. Proms start at 1900 with fireworks at the finale. Tickets £15.

Sat 3 MERCHANT NAVY DAY Local authorities requested to fly the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day, the day on which we remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy . Arrangements for the hoisting of the Red Ensign on the City Flagpole (Guildhall) at 1000 and a Commemoration of Merchant Navy Day (possibly at the Mayflower Steps) under discussion. STANDARDS REQUESTED: ASSEMBLEY DETAILS TO BE ANNOUNCED.

Thur 8 National Heritage Open Days. A four-day festival celebrating local history and giving -Sun 11 access to thousands of places usually closed to the public. www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Sat 10- 1400. Ford Park Cemetery. Heritage Open Day walks Sun 11

Sun 18 1100. Battle of Britain Day Memorial Service, Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth. STANDARDS REQUESTED: ASSEMBLE 1030

Wed 20 1930. Ford Park Cemetery. WWII Concert and Singalong. £7

OCTOBER

Thur 20 1930. Royal British Legion Torpoint Branch Poppy Appeal Concert. St James Church, Torpoint. STANDARDS REQUESTED. ASSEMBLE 1900.

PATRONS of THE FEDERATION 6

THE LORD MAYOR OF PLYMOUTH. FLAG OFFICER SEA TRAINING PLYMOUTH. COMMANDER C W CRICHTON OBE ROYAL NAVY.

Sun 23 Devonport Naval Heritage Centre Open Day. Theme - Bombs and Bullets. See note 1 below.

Mon 24 1100. Captain Henry VC Commemoration at Ford Park Cemetery. Organised by the Royal Artillery Association. STANDARDS REQUESTED: ASSEMBLE 1030

Thur 27 Royal British Legion Devon County launch Poppy Day at the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre. Details to be announced.

NOVEMBER Tue 1 SSAFA Christmas Fair (details from SSAFA 01752 553414)

Mon 7 1800. Federation Remembrance Festival Rehearsals- Plymouth Pavilions (Availability of the Pavilions to be confirmed) STANDARDS REQUESTED: ASSEMBLE 1800

Wed 9 1930. Plympton Royal British Legion Annual Band (Soundhouse Brass) Concert, St Mary’s Church, Plympton. Tickets £6.

Fri 11 1900 for 1930. FEDERATION ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE FESTIVAL. Plymouth Pavilions. Ticket information to be announced. STANDARDS REQUESTED: ASSEMBLE 1900 tba 1100 Armistice Day Commemoration Burrow Hill Monument, Plymstock. tba 1100 Armistice Day Commemoration Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth.

Sun 13 1100 Remembrance Day Parade-Plymouth Hoe STANDARDS REQUESTED: ASSEMBLY TIME AND PARKING ARRANGEMENTS TO BE NOTIFIED.

Sun 13 1500. Remembrance Ceremony at the Rowan Tree, Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth. Organised by the Plymouth Branch of the Far East Prisoner of War Association (FEPOW).

Sun 13 1030 for 1100 Royal British Legion Remembrance Day Parade Ivybridge.

Thur 24 Thanksgiving Day. Details to be announced. For other Barbican Waterfront 2016 events see www.barbicanwaterfront.com/events

DECEMBER

Sat 3 Royal British Legion Carol Concert. Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth

Sun 4 or 1000 Devonport North Corner Commemoration Service. Sun 11 tbd Organised by the Royal Marines Association STANDARDS REQUESTED: ASSEMBLE 0930

Fri 16 1930. The Lord Mayor of Plymouth’s Carol Service-Minster Church of St Andrew, STANDARDS REQUESTED: ASSEMBLE 1900 PATRONS of THE FEDERATION 7

THE LORD MAYOR OF PLYMOUTH. FLAG OFFICER SEA TRAINING PLYMOUTH. COMMANDER C W CRICHTON OBE ROYAL NAVY.

Sat 31 1100. Hinkley VC Commemoration at Ford Park Cemetery. Organised by the Royal Naval Association. STANDARDS REQUESTED: ASSEMBLE 1030

NOTES .

1. DEVONPORT NAVAL HERITAGE CENTRE – OPEN DAYS

Entry off Granby Way, Devonport, Plymouth PL1 4HG Visit the Naval Heritage Centre and discover how the Dockyard of the 1690s has grown into the largest Naval Base in Western Europe. Take a guided tour of the decommissioned nuclear powered submarine COURAGEOUS. Free entry and nearby free parking off Granby Way. For information call 01752 554200 or email [email protected]

2. DEVONPORT NAVAL HERITAGE CENTRE – EVENING TALKS

On the second Thursday of each month. Gates and Café open from 1815 with talks starting promptly at 1900 followed by questions, and informal discussion with refreshment option. Entry by ticket only. No late entry. Free on-site parking. Bookings should be made either by email to [email protected] or by phone to 01752 554200 Tickets should be claimed on arrival at the event by 1845 in return for donation of £3 (to include hot/cold drink and biscuits).

Programme of talks: Thur 14 April. Will Stirling – Sailing a wooden boat to Nelsonaya.

Thur 12 May. Devonport Dockyard’s Women Workers.

Thur 19 May. Sail to Steam; the industrialization of craftsmen.

Thur 9 June The Life and Times of HMS EXETER 1927-1942; Pride of the West Country. David Verghese-Naval Researcher period 1920-60

Thur 14 July The RN Submarine M2, 75 th Anniversary Project. Mike Williams, Honorary Secretary of the Nautical Archaeology Society. The history of the RN’s only aircraft carrying submarine and the commemoration of its loss.

Thur 11 Aug “A-Hunting we will go” Norman Simpson ex Charge Chief WEA, Royal Navy. The life and times of Captain Frederic John Walker RN, Britain’s most successful anti-submarine captain during World War II.

There will be talks (titles to be announced) 8 Sept, 13 Oct, 10 Nov, and 8 Dec (a charity event).

Federation Events Diary 2016 Issue 2 Feb 2016 PATRONS of THE FEDERATION 8

THE LORD MAYOR OF PLYMOUTH. FLAG OFFICER SEA TRAINING PLYMOUTH. COMMANDER C W CRICHTON OBE ROYAL NAVY.