Extracted from 2015 Newsletter

Newbury

2014 has slipped by at an alarming pace seeing members involved in a myriad of WW1 activities both in Newbury, Reading and at County events. The Branch did get away to Bournemouth on a very hot July day.

The year has seen Major Piers Dunn step down as Branch President and presented with the Association’s President’s Certificate of Appreciation for his long and energetic leadership of the Newbury Branch. He now hands the reins to John North. John and all his family have served the Royal Berkshire Regiment and thereby maintains the solid link to its legacy. Chris Green, Chairman, and Dell Milam, Secretary, continue in post and attempt to bring order to chaos even if it appears formulaic with business, bingo and skittles!

More seriously, the Committee assisted members George Ballard and Les Dudley in completing and submitting their applications of the award of ‘Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur’ – due recognition by the French Government for their efforts in Normandy 1944.

The annual ‘TOFREK’ dinner, named on request from the Royal Berkshire Regimental Committee and brought into line with the Maiwand Weekend and Brandywine Buffet, was organised by Sue Green and the manager of Newbury RBL Club at Pelican Lane. The Guest of Honour, Major Francis Brachley, late OC A Company 7 RIFLES based at Abingdon, delivered a talk on the Reserve Force concept, structure and how 7RIFLES fitted in which was well received.

On 21st September, a strong group travelled to the National Arboretum for the Northern Ireland Veterans Association (NIVA) parade. 22 members and wives made it into the photograph but there were considerably more – still buoyant for having been placed at the head of the official parade to the NI Memorial with John North and Dave Smith (Reading) carrying the Standards. On the way back, a small service was held at the RGBW Memorial where wreaths were laid.

Very sadly Mervin Rumble has died and our sympathy goes out to Jean and family. He was a staunch member of the branch and will be sorely missed.

Dell Milam