NEWS LETTER OCTOBER 2013

 Branch Meeting Wednesday 16^th.

GODFREY (Geoff) SMITH.  BRANCH PRESIDENT.

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Geoff on Friday 20^th September at the age of 75 at the Macmillan Unit Christchurch Hospital.    The funeral took place on Monday 30^th September at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Catholic Church, Southbourne. with many friends, and family in attendance including

some who had travelled many miles to be there.   Then afterwards at the Bournemouth Crematorium,

where a good turnout of Members, Ladies and Guests were present.  Bert Martin paraded the Branch Standard.   Our message of sympathy goes to his wife Susan, Son Mark and all the family.

ABOUT GEOFF    He was born in Todmordon which is on the Lancashire - Yorkshire border. He served his apprenticeship as a weaver in the local mills.    He was called up for National Service in 1958 but signed on as a regular Soldier in the Royal Engineers staying on for over 9 years untill1967 .  During this time he was a member of 45 Field Squadron where he was trained on mechanical equipment which he enjoyed. He spent most of his Army life serving abroad, this  included Kenya at the time of the Mau  Mau.  Also Germany, still in construction using the same type of equipment.   It was here in Hamburg that he was awarded a medal for his work in flood relief and while posted  here he was able to play Cricket in Hitler's Berlin Stadium.  Then, Norway in freezing cold weather! It was here that he became frozen to the bulldozer and had to be thawed out using the hot water from the machine's radiator.  Other places listed are, Canada, Singapore plus Thailand from 1965 until 1966 where he worked on "Operation Crown"   (SEE FOOT NOTE)              

 Leaving the forces in 1967 he returned to the U. K. In the meantime his Mother had moved to Bournemouth He found employment first at MEXE, then as a printer at the Shand Kydd wallpaper Factory.   When this job ended he moved to Excelsior Holidays where he became their Print Manager.

After this company closed, he then worked at the law Courts as Security Officer, until his retirement. 

Geoff met and then married his wife Susan in 1971 They were wed at the very same Church as the Funeral service took place in Southbourne.

His association with Bournemouth Branch started in August 1984 when he joined as a Annual Member.

He then became a life member in 2011. During this time he held many committee posts.  Starting in 1994 by taking on the post of Social Secretary until 2004, also Vice-Chairman 1997-2006.  When the Branch needed a President in 2008—he was considered the most suitable person and he held the Presidency with honour and sincerity until September 2013. He was awarded the Group Directors Commendation in 2005.

(FootNote)

OPERATION CROWN.  LOENG NOK THA, MUKDAHAN, THAILAND MID 1960's.

,It was proposed that Britain construct an airfield and road in Thailand. This was to be known as "Operation Crown" and was to be carried out mainly by Royal Engineers.  The airfield was to be 5,000 foot long, complete with fencing, lighting and a control-tower and road. This operation lasted until 1968   

WELFARE.

RICHARD SILSBY is not in the best of health at this time.  Our good wishes go to him and any Member or Lady who may be unwell.

BIRTHDAYS OF NOTE.

Many happy returns this month go to the following four Members.  DON RICHARDSON  who will

celebrate his 90^TH on 29^th OCTOBER,   DEREK BARTLETT, 75 on 6^TH NOVEMBER,

TONY JENNINGS, 80 on 9^th NOVEMBER, and DAVID WATTS also 80 on 13^th NOVEMBER.

.ENTERTAINMENT.  Tonight our entertainment will be Colonel Torrent who will be informing us all about "The Edinburgh Tattoo".    At our Meeting in November on the 20^th we look forward to welcoming Bernard Palmer with his presentation entitled Lord Nelson (The Sailing Ship) followed by Cuckoo Fair at Downton.

INFORMAL  LUNCHES.

The next lunch will be held  on Tuesday 22^nd  October at the GURKHA RESTAURANT, SANDFORD.   In November our lunch is booked to take place at the  POOLE EX- SERVICEMEN'S CLUB, NORTH ROAD. on Thursday 7^th.   In December on Tuesday 3^rd at FERNDOWN ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, where our lunch will be a Christmas Meal.  It will consist of two courses with crackers at a cost of

£8.50 per person.   Lists on the table tonight. Don’t forget that if you are unable to attend meetings and would like to go to our lunches do contact Peter Piggott.

Please let Peter know if you need to cancel as this assists the caterers with food preparation.

PLEASE NOTE, THAT THE FOLLOWING TWO ITEMS ARE FROM 2012.

THE REASON FOR THIS IS THAT NO INFORMATION FOR 2013 HAS BEEN RECEIVED.  PLEASE CHECK IF INTENDING TO ATTEND.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY PARADES. 10^th NOVEMBER.

Details of local parades are as follows:

BOURNEMOUTH Service is at the War Memorial in Central Gardens at 10.57 Hrs.  Those parading should assemble at Exeter Crescent by 10.20 Hrs, ready to march off at 10.40 Hrs.

A wreath is to be laid on behalf of the Branch.

POOLE, The Service is to be held at the War Memorial in Poole Park starting at 10.50 Hrs.

To take part in the parade; meet at the cricket pavilion, POOLE PARK at 10.00 Hrs. If only taking part in the service, assemble at War Memorial 10.30 Hrs. Free parking is in the ground level and multi storey car park at the Civic Centre. A branch wreath will be laid.

Stop press. In the latest edition of THE SAPPER MAGAZINE the result of national Standard Bearers Competition is announced, it reads as follows: 1^st Place, John Ettles, Scotland &NI Group

2^nd Place, Kenn Rudd, South East Group. 3^rd  Place, Reg Cushion, South West Group.

Unfortunately there were only 3 contestants.

      

EVENTS   2013

FORECAST OF NATIONAL EVENTS 2013

  

  7       November    Field of Remembrance, Westminster.

10       November    Remembrance Sunday

                            

                  Branch Welfare:  Please contact Welfare Member,

                  Peter Piggott,