NEWSLETTER MAY 2015

NEWSLETTER - MAY 2015. Branch Meeting Wednesday 20^th,

 JUNE ADA GARNHAM,

 It is with sadness to report that June's funeral  took place on 29^th April  only 31 days after      she laid her husband Ron to rest.      Our message of sympathy goes to her Daughters  Carol and Pamela.  Also  to all her family and friends.

WELFARE.

It was good to have Col Jim Joiner and George Willby present at the Annual Lunch after their recent spell of poor health.

ENTERTAINMENT.

TONIGHT:    QUIZ  WITH SUPPER

 FISH/ CHICKEN & CHIP SUPPER with VEGETARIAN OPTION.     John Griffiths. Was

 responsible for the bookings and monies.   He has made all the arrangements:     This must have been booked in advance  Sorry no booking no food.

At our meeting in June due to be held on Wednesday 17^th we look forward to a visit from Mike Andrews when his subject will be "Christchurch a Smuggler's town".

Advance notice.     

Branch Meeting July.  To be held on Wednesday 15^th. July.      

This is to be a Skittles Evening with a Ploughman's Supper.   All food must be ordered and paid for in advance.   The cost is to be £2.50 Per person.  Money will be collected tonight and at the meeting in June. Help required in setting up scoring etc. and clearing up afterwards.  

INFORMAL  LUNCHES.

The next lunch will be held on 2^nd June at FERNDOWN, ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CLUB.   As all our monthly lunches are now held at  FERNDOWN on the First Tuesday of each month the July lunch has been arranged for Tuesday 7^th .

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  Mike Herbert  01202674612

Please let Mike know before Noon on the Sunday before the Lunch  if you need to cancel as this assists the caterers with food and seating.

CHANGE OF DATE.   SATURDAY 30th MAY.

The Standard Bearers Competition & Rally has been moved to this date. This now includes the Open Day.  Mini bus will depart Ferndown at 9.30, Gates open at 11.00. and event finishes 17.00.

BRANCH ANNUAL LUNCH.  2015.

This event was held on Saturday 9^th May at the Cumberland Hotel.  .Bob Hucklesby said Grace.    Vice President. Tony Edwards proposed the loyal toast.  Our President  Phil Webster presented engraved crystal tankards to Geoff Lord and Peter Piggott who have stood down from their Branch Committee places this year after many years service. The two ladies Sheila and Peggy who have helped them well during all this time each received crystal trinket dishes in recognition of their support..  All the ladies present each received buttonholes which had been made and donated by Mrs Susan Smith  (who was unable to attend this year) in memory of her late Husband and Branch President Geoff..    The Branch expressed their appreciation and sincere thanks to Peter who arranged this most enjoyable lunch, with special mention of his wife Peggy.  Also included in their thanks were the staff of the Cumberland Hotel. This was the last time Peter was responsible for our Annual Lunches as he stood down from the position of Social Secretary after the lunch. It was the 11^th time he had done this demanding job, 8 of them at the Cumberland Hotel.  Photographs are now on the Branch web site.  Thank you Hank for all the work you do in keeping the web site up to date.

BRANCH COMMITTEE VACANCIES. 

The Social Secretary's position and that of Branch Secretary need to be filled.

THE FILLING OF BOTH POSTS IS NOW EXTREMELY URGENT.

A WORD OF THANKS TO PETER PIGGOTT.

Thanks must go to Peter for all the work he has done for the Branch over the last 11 years as Social Secretary.   Not only the Annual lunches but also all of the entertainment held monthly over  all these years.  Not forgetting the coach outings, including overnight accommodation at Hotels.  Many hours were involved in finding suitable accommodation, plus arranging transport for members and then payment.   Various collections, raffles, monthly lunches and other events  which Peter has organised,  far too many to recall here

Pleased to report that Peter is to remain as Welfare Member and Branch Vice Chairman.

"Thank you from all Branch members."

Request for Branch Standard

This was made from Headquarters R.E.A. to attend the funeral of Major Reginald Mitchell

from New Milton who had served with Royal Engineers for over 30 years.    Although the Major was not a Branch member Bert Martin agreed to parade the Standard for them.. Thank you.

EVENTS 2015

FORECAST OF SOUTH WEST GROUP EVENTS 2014  .  

Group B.B.Q           Date to be announced.

FORECAST OF NATIONAL EVENTS 2015

The following events of interest for 2015 have been notified to HQ REA

30        May             Trooping the Colour - Maj Gen Review   (Applications now closed)

04       June             Royal Hospital Chelsea Founders Day Parade  (Bids now closed)

05-07  June             Chilwell Weekend *

06       June             Trooping the Colour - Colonel's Review   (Applications now close)

10-11  June             Beating the Retreat, London. 

13       June             Queen's Birthday Parade   (Ballot now closed)

01-02  August         Minley Weekend*  cost £30.00, Names to Secretary by 1^st June.

11-13  September  Corps Memorial Weekend*

10       October        REA AGM and Annual Dinner*

11       October        Sapper Sunday at Royal Hospital Chelsea.

05       November    Field of Remembrance, Westminster.

08       November    Remembrance Sunday

* National Events            Booking details available from Branch Secretary

Branch Welfare:  Please contact Welfare Member,Peter Piggott