NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2020

Newsletter for Branch meeting on 19^th February 2020 - Please note any information for the newsletter to be passed on to Jan Bridle by the last Saturday before the next meeting; also if anyone has changed their email address or set up a new one could they please let Jan know.

Branch subs   This year they are reluctantly increased to £17 and are due to be paid to the treasurer now if not already paid. Please send any cheques, made out to REA Bournemouth, to the above address for John Cusack.

Next meeting on date 18^th March 2020  will be the AGM. Please contact Bob Perry if you would like to join the committee in any capacity.

Vacancies    A Secretary is urgently required and also a new Social Secretary is still required.

Monthly Informal Lunches

As usual held on the first Tuesday, menu lists on the table at evening meetings. Contact John Cusack for any information or to book/choose from menu if not at meeting.

Birthdays of Note This month we wish a very Happy Birthday to Peter Piggot who will be 85 on 28^th February and to Roy Fripp who will be 85 on 11^th March.

Annual Lunch 30th May 2020 at Ocean Beach Hotel, Bournemouth

Maurice has been able to book this hotel again for us this year. The cost will be around £25-£30 which will include a raffle. Menu and more details to follow.

John Frampton  It is with great sadness that we report the passing of John Frampton on 5^th January 2020 at the age of 87. Our sincere condolences go to his wife Audrey and his family. The funeral, held at Bournemouth Crem on 24^th January, was attended by his many family and friends. Audrey Frampton thanked those attending from the branch and for providing a Guard of Honour.

Keith Butt  We also pass on the sad news of Keith Butt’s wife Roma who died on the 17th January and send him our sincere condolences.  The funeral will be held at Bournemouth Crematorium on Thursday 20th February at 11.30.am.

John Friberg’s  Diorama of Op Goodwood has been displayed at Bovington Tank Museum on 15/16^th February. Peggy is hoping it will find a permanent site.

Operation Goodwood was the name given to the Allies attempt to capture the city of Caen in Normandy. Operation Goodwood was on 18th -  20th July 1944 and by the time Goodwood was declared over the city of Caen was in ruins. It is called by some historians as ‘the largest tank battle in British Army’s history’. 

Social  The 90^th Birthday party for Ken Proctor, held at our January meeting, was a great success with a great buffet provided by Gill. Ken was most surprised when he turned up to find us all waiting to greet him and was presented with a certificate from Solent Branch. He was also given a cartoon of his bomb disposal exploits, drawn by Peter Bridle, as a gift from Bournemouth branch. A special cake was made for him which he cut at the end of the evening. His son Bill has kindly donated £1000 to our Branch Fund. We are also hopeful that Ken will be joining our Branch.

Forecast of National Events 2020.

15 – 17 May Gibraltar Weekend

30 May Trooping the Colour - Major General’s Review

04 June Royal Hospital Chelsea Founder’s Day Parade

6 June Trooping the Colour – Colonel’s Review

10 & 11 June Beating Retreat, London

13 June Queen’s Birthday Parade

TBC Chilwell Weekend*

24 – 26 July Minley Weekend*

12 - 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 Abbey

08 November Remembrance Sunday