NEWSLETTER APRIL 2024

BRANCH MEETINGS

BRUNCHES 2nd SATURDAY 10.00 AT BARRINGTON CENTRE CAFÉ

LUNCHES 4TH TUESDAY 12.30 AT BARRINGTON CENTRE CAFÉ

Newsletter for April 2024 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 any new addresses could they please let Jan know. 

Branch subs 

Subscriptions for 2024 will be £20. This is the first rise in many years and they are due now. There are a few members who have not yet paid their subs so please support the branch by paying the £20 either by internet banking or cheque made out to REA Bournemouth. For bank account details please contact John Cusack by phone or by email, numbers above. 

Branch monthly Lunches and Brunches 

These are informal, social meetings where any news etc. can be passed on to those attending, and added to the newsletter for others to read. The brunches are held at the Barrington Centre Café in Penny's Walk, Ferndown BH22 9TH - Wives and children and guests are also very welcome. This is also now open to all service and ex-service personnel. You can park in Tesco’s car park free and the centre is just past Tesco’s on the other side of Penny’s Walk, and this month it is on Saturday the 13th April. The lunches are also held at the Barrington Centre Café, and will be on Tuesday the 23rd April. As with the brunches, wives and children and guests also welcome. There are, however, not the choices we had at the RBL and this months’ lunch will be notified later at a cost of only £7 a head. Please contact John Cusack or Maurice Pearson to book your place. 

Annual Lunch 2024 

A reminder that the REA annual lunch this year will be on Saturday 1st June at the Ocean Beach Hotel, on Bournemouth’s seafront, 32 East Overcliffe Drive, Bournemouth, BH1 3AQ. Please arrive at around 11.30 am for a 12 noon start. This is earlier than usual because we have to vacate the room by 3pm. The cost per person is confirmed at £28 for the 3 course meal, including wine. As usual friends and other family members are all very welcome to join us. Please let John Cusack or Maurice Person know as soon as possible if you plan to attend, and how many will join you. All menu choices and cheques must be in before the Saturday brunch on 11th May.

Birthdays of Note

This month we wish a very happy birthday to John McDermott who will be the grand old age of 50 at the beginning of this month. Many happy returns of the day to John. 

Branch News and Messages 

The AGM was held after the lunch on the 26th March. All current officers were re-elected. The accounts were presented and agreed upon. It was noted that Phil and Ann Webster were unable to attend due to continued ill health and best wishes are sent to them. At the meeting it was discussed if we could make a donation towards the Ukraine appeal. At present there is a big push on to highlight the need for support for children in Ukraine. In particular there is a need for baby food. The members were happy to donate and the total raised was £120 which was matched by a donation from branch funds, total £240, and used to purchase food which was donated on behalf of REA Bournemouth branch. Thanks to everyone who contributed.

Branch Dates for 2024

Saturday Brunch

Apr 13, May 11, Jun 8, July 13, Aug 10, Sept 14,Oct 12, Nov 9, Dec Tbc.

Tuesday Lunch

Apr 23, May 28, Jun 25, Jul 23, Aug 27,Sept 24, Oct 22, Nov26, Dec Tbc.

National Events 2024

11-13 May Monte Cassino, 80th Anniversary

19 May Sapper Sunday

24-26 May Gibraltar Weekend

6 June Founders Day, Royal Hospital Chelsea

Corps Memorial Weekend

80th Anniversary of D-Day

13-15 Sep AGM

Annual Dinner

Freedom Parade, Brompton Barracks

5 Oct The Sapper Charity Dinner, London TBC

18-21 Oct Ijzendijke, Holland, 80th Anniversary

10 Nov Central London Cenotaph Parade