NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2024

Newsletter for December 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. Please note the change of phone number.

Branch subs Subscriptions 

For 2024 will be £20. This is the first rise in many years and they are due now. 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, children and guests are also very welcome. This is also now open to all service and ex-service personnel and their families. 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, but for December there will not be a Saturday Brunch. The lunches are also held at the Barrington Centre Café, and this month it is the Christmas Lunch which is on Thursday 19th December. This is for REA members and their wives, serving Sappers and widows of ex members. The menu is similar to last year, 3 courses, Prawn Cocktail, then Roast Turkey, followed by Christmas Pudding or Mince Pie and Custard and includes a glass of wine or beer. If you do not like prawns please let Maurice Pearson know. The cost is £15 a head in advance. Names and cheques must be sent to John Cusack or ask him for the branches bank details to transfer the money. All names have to be in by the 6th December so Maurice can advise the Barrington Centre of numbers.

Branch News and Messages 

It was announced in the Echo that Joan Collins, widow of the late Brian Collins has passed away. Brian was Bournemouth branches’ first Standard Bearer. Joan and Brian worked hard for the branch in the first few years taking on the monthly raffle. Ill health stopped them from continuing and Peter Aldridge took over the standard bearing. Peter and Hazel Aldridge took over the monthly raffle which has now sadly ceased after covid and an aging membership stopped the evening meetings.

The Lunch in November was well attended to welcome RSM Aarron Butterworth and his oppo Chris from 26 Engr Regt, Tidworth. Aarron is visiting all the branches in his area to get to know us and to give us news about the work of Chatham and changes in the association, one of which is a move to allow wives and widows to become full members of the REA. He also wants to encourage younger soldiers especially those about to leave the RE’s to join the REA and participate in meetings.

Maurice and Gill at this year’s Remembrance Day at the Ferndown Memorial Garden

National Events 2025

8-9th February Birmingham Military Tattoo 11th May Sapper Sunday Royal Hospital Chelsea 6-9th June Gibraltar Weekend 28th June Armed Forces Weekend 26th July Families Day Tidworth 19-21st Sept Dove Cup, AGM, Annual Dinner, Freedom P