NEWSLETTER MARCH 2014

Branch Informal Lunches,   Held on  First Thursday on odd months

 at  Poole Ex-Servicemen’s Club, North Road, Poole, at 12.15 pm.  First Tuesday on Even Months at Ferndown R.B.L. Club, at Noon.     Quarterly – Gurkha Restaurant, Sandford Road, Wareham, BH20  7AD.

NEWSLETTER- MARCH 2014.   Branch Meeting Wednesday 19^TH.

MAJOR R. FINCH.

We sadly report the death of RON, who passed away on 3^rd March, at the age of 85.  He was born 26^th August 1928.      The funeral is due to take place on Friday 21^st March at Bournemouth Crematorium at 11.45 A.M.   The Branch Standard will be paraded, and a Guard of honour is due to be formed.   Ron was commissioned into the Corps in 1946 and served for 32 years. After service in Germany he obtained a degree at Shrivenham and went on to become a Technical Staff officer, serving in many parts of the world, including a tour at MEXE.

 After He retired he spent many years promoting the sales of military bridging equipment for British firms in many parts of the world.

 He was a life time member of the  REA, and joined our branch in 2012 when he moved south to be near his family.

 Our message of sympathy goes to all family and friends

BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

This will take place tonight.   At this Meeting the election of  officers will take place, nominations are required.   The post of Treasurer is to be up for election.  Also Welfare Member needs to be filled. Peter Piggott,  is to stand down after tonight's meeting.   Jim Tongs will also stand down as one of our Standard Bearers.  All very important positions which must be filled if our Branch is going to carry on as present.   Please consider taking on one these important jobs.  Also at this Meeting the Branch accounts will be presented.  One item that will be raised is that our monthly meetings Should Start at 7.30 P.M with effect from April 2014.

EDIE OSBOURN.

A special word of thanks go to Edie, who has stood down from her catering duties after over 20 years work.  She is noted for making some of the best Salmon sandwiches around.    We shall miss them.   We welcome Wendy Grover joining our first class catering team who will now not only help them, but is also involved collecting monies for events along with Gwen Griffiths.   

CONGRATULATIONS:

Go to Don Richardson and his Wife Pam who be celebrating their 65^th Wedding Anniversary on 26^th March 

ENTERTAINMENT.  At the meeting on the 16^th April Edna Dawes is booked to tell us the Story behind the story. Then in May on the 14^th.  We look forward to a visit from Phil Holt who will be telling us about Donald Campbell.

SOUTH WEST GROUP A.G.M. 2014.

This will take place at WOs' and Sgts' Mess' 22 Engineer Regiment, Swinton Barracks. Pernham Down.  (Tidworth)   Post code  SP21 9LQ  on Saturday, 29^th March. Bookings now Closed.

INFORMAL  LUNCHES.

The next lunch will be held on Tuesday 1^st April at FERNDOWN, ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CLUB.   On Tuesday 22^nd APRIL our meal at the GURKHA RESTAURANT has been arranged.

Then on Thursday 1^st May we return to the POOLE EX-SERVICEMEN'S CLUB, NORTH ROAD.  NOTE The times for North Road are changing (Club will not be open before NOON, Meal to start at 12.15).

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.

BRANCH ANNUAL LUNCH.   This will take place on Saturday 3^rd  May 12 Noon for 1P.M. at the Cumberland Hotel, West Cliff, Bournemouth.   The cost will be £16.00 for Members

Ladies and Guests.   The menu and form for your food choices was attached to the Newsletter that was distributed in January.     Please provide all written names and numbered menu choices, including payment to : Peter Piggott,  ( Please make sure that each diner has an individual Menu choice listed). There are a few menus and food choice forms available if you should need one. If you would like to donate a raffle prize the Social Secretary will be pleased to receive them.

Final date for bookings and payment is  1^st April.

SOUTH WEST GROUP ANNUAL STANDARD BEARERS RALLY

Will be held on Sunday 25^th May at Swinton Barracks, Pernham Down, (Tidworth)  22 Engineer Regiment. A lunch with wine will be provided at cost.  No further details yet received from Group.

Last years timings for the event was 10 30 Hrs Arrival (Tea/Coffee).   15 30 Hrs. Depart.   

Booking,  April Meeting.   Bookings to Secretary before  the end of APRIL.

TRANSPORT TO GROUP B.B.Q.

Both the Social and Branch Secretaries are arranging transport to Tidworth, for this event on

27^th July, the cost will be £8.00 per passenger.    If you will be using this service please let them know.

CHILWELL WEEKEND.

This takes place on 16^th to 18^th May, at Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell. Nottingham.

Numbers restricted to 250.  Accommodation at nil cost,  All meals on a pay as you dine basis,

Cost is: Breakfast-£2.95,  Lunch-£2.95,  Dinner-£4.71.  Booking to Secretary by 20^th April.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS     The Treasurer has reported that 24 Members still have to pay their 2014 Subscriptions. Will these Members please forward the £8 payment, to him as soon as possible.

                  Branch Welfare:  Please contact Welfare Member,

                  Peter Piggott