NEWSLETTER JULY 2021

Newsletter for  July  2021   Please note any news or information for the newsletter to be passed on to Jan Bridle anytime; also if anyone has changed their email address or set up a new one could they please let Jan know. Also, in this time of isolation, if anyone feels in need of a chat, please feel free to ring Jan or Bob (numbers above) any time.

 

Branch subs    there are still a few people who have not paid their subs for 2020. The committee have decided that all members who have paid their subs this year are exempt for 2021 to compensate for the lack of branch meetings and activities. Please support the branch by paying the outstanding amount of £17 either by internet banking or cheque made out to REA Bournemouth.  For bank account details please contact John Cusack phone or by email. 

 

Branch meetings and monthly lunches   The meet-up at Winton RBL on Wednesday 16^th June was very good with a dozen or so members and ladies attending. The next gathering/meeting at Winton RBL is Wednesday July 21st.  The full address is 593 Wimborne Road Winton,

Bournemouth BH9 2AR (next door to the Police Station). There are some parking spaces there but if you are able to walk please park in the adjoining side streets.

The monthly lunches and the Annual lunch were discussed with plans to investigate Broadstone RBL, who are open Wednesday to Sunday for lunches, as a temporary lunch venue, but unfortunately it is not suitable.  Any ideas for lunch venues that could take bookings of up to around 20 in a central area would be very useful.  It is also hoped to have the Annual Lunch at the Ocean Beach Hotel in Bournemouth at the end of September. 

 

Bob Hucklesby  His family have  got a couple things they’d like to donate. A very smart navy blazer with silver buttons(no badge),  a light grey suit & black coat (ideal for Remembrance day services) which might be of interest to REA members. Jacket 42 chest. Trousers 38 waist, 31 length. They are happy to donate with suggestion that any monies raised go to REA. If anyone is interested please contact Bob Perry.

 

Down Memory Lane

 

Sept 1986      Chelsea Hospital visit “after having been on our feet all day we needed to recover in the RBL club Romsey” (really? It only involved a visit to the Victory Services Club and the National Army Museum)

Oct 1986        Chatham Weekend.  Apart from one incident an “All thro’ the night” party which incurred hangovers, the  event was faultless. There was a visiting band in Napoleonic uniform, a tractor race, the R.E. parachuting team and a March Past along Rochester High Street to name but a few of the attractions.

Dec 1986       At the Christmas party and dance the music was provided y our branch member Doug Sherring and his band.

 

Useful Information from REA HQ

The Veterans Railcard, which is for anyone who has served at least one day in the 

UK Armed Force is available for the price of £30 for 1 – year or £70 for 3-years. The Railcard holder and their companion will be entitled to 1/3 off most rail fares and 60% off for up to four children aged 5-15 years. Visit www.veterans-railcard.co.uk  to get your Veterans Railcard.

 

Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) queries. If you have a question about your 

Armed Forces Pension you can call the Veterans UK JPAC Enquiry Centre on 0800 085 

3600 or contact by email at DBS-PensionsHelp@dbspv.mod.uk  or by post at Veterans UK,  Pensions Division, Mail Point 480, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow, G2 8EX.

 

Reporting a death using the ‘Tell Us Once Service’. This is a free service offered by  the UK Government, which allows a death to be reported to most government departments  and local councils at the same time saving additional effort during a difficult period. Veterans 

UK is part of the Service, which would be notified of a death and would cancel the Armed  Forces Pension Scheme, War pension Scheme and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme  payments. Using this scheme enables earlier notification of a death to Veterans UK which in  turn means processing of Dependant benefits can be started quickly and reduces the risk of  overpayments. For more information, please go to: www.gov.uk/after-a-death  This service is  not available in Northern Ireland. 

 

FORECAST OF NATIONAL EVENTS 2021

The following events for 2021 have been notified to HQ REA, however due to COVID 19 these could change:

17 -19 September   Corps Memorial Parade

21 September         REA Benevolence Committee Meeting

08 October             REA AGM

10 October             Sapper Sunday at Royal Hospital Chelsea

27 October              REA Recruiting Meeting

11 November         Field of Remembrance, Westminster Abbey

14 November         Remembrance Sunday

08 December          REA Benevolence Meeting