NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2015

 

MERRY XMAS and A HAPPY NEW  YEAR                                             
NEWSLETTER - December  2015.  Branch Meeting Wednesday 16^th

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: JANUARY MONTHLY LUNCH IS CANCELLED

 John Cusack has kindly agreed to take over responsibility for the planning and organising of  these lunches, and time is needed for this to happen Thank you John,

 

WELFARE

Peter our Welfare officer, has been busy with visits.   Visiting Arthur Hardiman who is  in Bournemouth Hospital with eye problems.  Jack Francis  in Poole following a fall.  Then delivering Christmas cards to members whom we have not seen for some time,  John Miller,  Tony Edwards, Ted Young and George Wilby, who were all pleased to see him.  Thank you Peter.  

 

BIRTHDAY OF NOTE.

This coming month we celebrate the birthday of Bob Hucklesby who reaches the age of 95 on the 3^rd January 2016.  We wish him "Good Health and Many Happy Returns of the Day"

 

ENTERTAINMENT

Tonight we welcome Alan Chitty (Magician).  This will be our Xmas Party night with a special supper from our wonderful catering ladies, including Peggy's delicious Christmas cake!   Thank you very much.  An excellent early start to Christmas.

In January at our meeting on WEDNESDAY 20^th an evening of  entertainment from

"RERO  RITO  ENTERAINERS"  This will be their first visit to us.  They are Vintage Vocalists..

 

A WORD OF THANKS FROM THE BRANCH COMMITTEE.

Thanks go to David & Jean Watts for their hard work in running the monthly raffle.  Also to those members who contribute prizes for the raffles.   Thank you to all members and ladies who are on hand in setting up microphone, tables, chairs etc at the start and finish of our monthly meetings.  Next a mention of thanks to Wendy Grover and Gwen Griffiths  for recording bookings and collecting payments for events. Many thanks go to Bert Martin our Branch Standard Bearer.  It is greatly appreciated.    If you would like to join Bert as Standard bearer, Bert is willing to give you all the instructions.    (apologies to any one who has been overlooked)

 

CONGRATULATIONS GO TO DON RICHARDSON

On being awarded the "Legion D' honneur Medal" This is France's highest award for bravery,

Don served in France from 1942 until the end of the war.  He was employed during this time in the "Royal Engineers "as a railway surveyor looking for bombs and other traps.  When he left the armed forces he had reached the rank of Corporal.  He has been a branch Member since January 2008 and coming to our meetings until quite a short time ago.

 

CHRISTMAS MONTHLY LUNCH

Quite a disappointment this year!  The food and service were poor!   Redeeming factors were the good company of Members (31) and the Raffle.  Thanks to Joan Herbert who organised the event - and - her thanks to Hazel, Dot and Jean for assisting with the Raffle -  which made a profit of £30 for Branch funds.   Special thanks to Peter for negotiating with the Caterer a re-adjusted price for an unsatisfactory meal.  "Thank You" Hazel for donation of crackers in memory of Husband Peter - a loyal REA Member and former Standard Bearer.

 

 BRANCH COMMITTEE VACANCIES.  

The Post of Minute Secretary needs to be filled.   John Griffiths, who is now Branch Secretary needs some one to take the Minutes as soon as possible, please help.

Newsletter.   Mike Herbert reluctantly needs to  relinquish his post as Newsletter Editor, plus the postal and email monthly distribution.  Please consider this position.  Mike needs this post to be filled as soon as possible .  It is hoped that with the help of his wife Joan he be able to continue  until our A.G.M in March when he  will stand down.

 

ADVANCE NOTICE BRANCH SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR 2016.

These will become due on 1^st JANUARY. The cost this coming year will increase to £15.00. The reason for this rise is the increasing cost of Production and Distribution of the monthly Newsletter and Branch expenses. Full details will be available in time for the Branch A.G.M in March

Over the last few years payments have been late in arrival so -  Please make payments as early as possible at the beginning of the New Year.                                       

 

EVENTS 2016

BRANCH EVENT. Saturday 7th  May      

The Branch Annual Lunch will be held at the Cumberland Hotel. East Cliff. Bournemouth

 

  FORECAST OF NATIONAL EVENTS 2016

The following events of interest for 2016 have been notified to HQ REA

10--12   June            Chilwell Weekend*

28          May            Trooping the Colour - Maj Gen Review   (Applications by 17^th  February)

09          June            Royal Hospital Chelsea Founders Day Parade  (Bids by 16^th March)

04          June           Trooping the Colour - Colonel's Review   (Applications by 17^th  February)

08- 09    June           Beating the Retreat, London.

11          June           Queen's Birthday Parade   (Ballot close 28^th February)

29-31    July             Minley Weekend*

16-18    September  Corps Memorial Weekend*

08         October        REA AGM and Annual Dinner*

09         October        Sapper Sunday at Royal Hospital Chelsea.

10         November    Field of Remembrance, Westminster Abbey.

13         November    Remembrance Sunday

* National Events            Booking details available from Branch Secretary

 

 Branch Welfare:  Please contact Welfare Member,

              Peter Piggott, 84,