NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2011



Branch Informal Lunches,  

Held on First Thursday on odd months at

Poole Ex-Servicemen’s Club, North Road, Poole. Starting at 12.30 p.m.

First Tuesday on Even Months at Ferndown R.B.L. Club. Starting at Noon.

Quarterly – Gurkha Restaurant, Sandford Road, Wareham, BH20 7AD.

NEWSLETTER – November 2011.          

Branch Meeting Wednesday 16

Peter John Aldridge It is with great sorrow that we report the passing of Peter on

7^th November at the age of 80.    Peter was a very active member at Branch meetings having run the monthly raffle with the help of his Wife Hazel for 29 years. (As reported in the October Newsletter)

Peter joined the branch within a month of its founding in March 1982.

He represented the Branch, proudly carrying the Standard for over 20 Years on numerous formal occasions. His Bearing and turnout was always excellent and the branch received countless comments and letters in appreciation of his work.

His efforts over the years earned him the award of two Group Director’s Commendations, the last in 1999, in recognition of his active, long sustained, outstanding work in support of the Association. 

He joined the Royal Engineers 8/12/1948. on a 5 year term followed by 7 years reserve.

During his Army life he served at Tidworth, Chickerel, Gilbraltar Barracks Aldershot, and Ripon

from where in 1951 he moved to Berlin. Here he served with 24 Field Engineer Regiment.

During his Army Service Peter qualified as a Carpenter and Joiner. He was also an excellent runner taking part in many team events for the Corps. He returned home in 1953 when he left full time service. In civilian life he worked at The Esso refinery before joining British Rail

The funeral took place at Bournemouth North Cemetery this afternoon at 2 p.m.followed by interment.  Bert Martin was due to parade our Standard.

Our message of sympathy go to Hazel and the family.

 WELFARE

Jack Francis.

Is in Poole Hospital recovering from a broken hip after having a fall at home.

We wish him and any Members who are unwell at this time a speedy return to good heath.

Remembrance Sunday Parades.

The Branch was well represented around the district. A wreath was laid at Christchurch by

Allan Grover.   At Poole, Jim Tongs paraded our Standard, Peter Piggott laid the Wreath and Bert Martin was the Parade Marshall..

Memorial Garden, Ferndown.

On Friday Remembrance day, a very well supported occasion took place at the recently completed Memorial Garden outside the R.B.L. Club, Church Road.   After the 2 Minutes silence the garden was dedicated in memory of all who have fallen over the years.

11 Branch Members and Ladies were in attendance.  The Committee expressed thanks, on behalf of all Branch Members to Jim Tongs who competently paraded the Branch Standard. 

ENTERTAINMENT

 Tonight we welcome Jacky Smith who will take us on tours of Alderney (Channel Islands)

 and Washington U.S.A.

 December Meeting is Christmas Party Night when we will welcome Wimborne Musical Theatre, who will entertain us with a selection of Christmas Songs and Songs from the Musicals.   A special supper will be provided our wonderful catering Ladies led by Peggy

Branch Informal Lunches

The December Lunch is to be held at R.B.L Club Ferndown on December 6 at 12 Noon. This will be a Christmas Lunch at a cost of £8-50 Per Person. With a choice of Turkey or Beef, and Xmas Pudding. List on table tonight.

If after booking you need to cancel, Do let Peter know.                                                         

At the Gurkha Lunch held in October, 19 were present. Our thanks once again to the restaurant management for their generosity in providing complimentary Coffee, Tea and Ice cream. At the November lunch held at Ferndown British Legion Club14 were present.

Monthly Raffle.

This will now be organised by Peter Piggott on a temporary basis with

David and Jean Watts taking on the task of selling tickets until a more permanent answer can be arranged.    You will note that the price of tickets will now be £1 per strip this is not a price rise but to sell fewer individual tickets.   The odds of winning will stay exactly the same but it reduces the work in separating and folding tickets.

New Members

It is again a pleasure to welcome new Life Members to the branch, where documentation has been completed by Headquarters,

Larry Adams (BH15)    Steven Maxwell (BH 31)

May they have a long association with the branch, and we look forward to seeing them at monthly meetings in the not too distant future. 

NOTES FOR YOUR JANUARY 2012 DIARY.      

The monthly lunch will be held at Poole Ex/ Servicemen’s Club on Thursday 5^th

Starting at 12-30.   At our Monthly meeting on Wednesday 18^th we look forward to welcoming Mr Maton with his presentation The Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne.

The Next Gurkha Lunch takes place on Tuesday 24^th of the Month.

       

  Forecast of South Group Events 2012

          31      March        Group A.G.M.

          27      May           Standard Bearers Competition and Rally

          22      July         * R.E.A. Centenary Celebration

        * Planned format is Beating the Retreat, with lunch and refreshments afterwards

          (this event is in lieu of the usual annual barbecue).

          All of these Events take place at 22 Engr Regt, Swinton Barracks, Pernham Down.

          Near Tidworth.          

   Branch Welfare:        Please contact Welfare Member,

        Peter Piggott,