NEWSLETTER MARCH 2026 

Newsletter for March 2026 

Please note any news or information for the newsletter to be passed on to Jan Bridle anytime; also if anyone has changed their address, email address or telephone could they please let Jan know.

Branch subs 

Subscriptions for 2026 will remain at £20, 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 now held at the Owls Nest Pub 196 Christchurch Rd Parley BH22 8SS 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 their car park free and this month it is on Saturday the 14th March. The lunches are also held at the Owls Nest Pub. This is for REA members and their wives, serving Sappers and widows of ex members, and will now be on Thursdays as the pub is only open Thursday to Sunday. This month it is on Thursday the 26th March. The lunch can be ordered from the pub’s menu …….. Please contact Maurice Pearson to book your place.

Branch News and Messages To All Royal Engineer Groupies - 

May I thank you all for making my 90th Birthday so very special. It was a really enjoyable occasion (and the cake was so good). Thanks to all my good friends, Bert would have been so proud. Dot Martin

AGM 2026 

It is hoped to hold this after the brunch meeting on the 11th April at around 12.30 -1pm. All paid up members are encouraged to attend this to try to determine the way forward for the branch. All suggestions for the coming year are also welcomed. Please do try to attend, meeting for the brunch beforehand is not compulsory to joining the AGM afterwards.

Olive Joiner

We are sad to announce the passing on 3rd February of Olive Joiner at the age of 100. She was the widow of Col. Jim Joiner, founder of our REA Bournemouth branch. Condolences go to her family and many friends.

Welfare

We are sorry to say that Hazel Aldridge has been admitted to Poole Hospital and is expected to be there for a while. We wish her a speedy recovery and if anyone would like to visit her she is in Ward 4.

Saturday Brunch

14 MAR 11 APR 9 MAY 13 JUN 11 JUL 8 AUG 12 SEP 10 OCT 14 NOV DEC. TBA

Thursday Lunch

26 MAR 23 APR 28 MAY 25 JUN 23 JUL 27 AUG 24 SEP 22 OCT 26 NOV DEC XMAS LUNCH TBA

National Events 2026 8th November Remembrance Sunday 11th November Remembrance Day