NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2014

Branch Informal Lunch,   Held on  First Tuesday of each month at  Ferndown  R.B.L. Club, at Noon.

 

NEWSLETTER - August 2014. Branch Meeting Wednesday 20^th.

WELFARE

John Miller has recently undergone major surgery.   Val Mantle attended hospital after suffering a broken hip.   Lily Easthope is now recovering at home after breaking her wrist.

Our good wishes go to them and any Member or Lady who may be unwell at this time;

BIRTHDAY OF NOTE.

Many happy returns this month go to JIM TONGS who will celebrate his 80^th Birthday on the 8^th September.

ENTERTAINMENT.  Tonight we be will learning all about "Police Driving" from Brian Chidley. 

Then at the September meeting on the 17^th we look forward to a visit from Frank Henson with his presentation all about "Pubs of Poole"

INFORMAL  LUNCHES.

The next lunch will be held on Tuesday 2^nd September at FERNDOWN, ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CLUB.   As all our monthly lunches are now held at  FERNDOWN on the First Tuesday of each month the October one is arranged for the 7^th  Lists on the table tonight. 

Don’t forget that if you are unable to attend meetings and would like to go to our lunches do contact  Mike Herbert  on 01202  674612.

Please let Mike know before Noon on the Sunday before the Lunch  if you need to cancel as this assists the caterers with food and seating.

BINGO WITH SUPPER

Our meeting on 15^th October will be our BINGO NIGHT, with FISH/ CHICKEN & CHIP SUPPER with VEGETARIAN OPTION.     John Griffiths is now responsible for the bookings and monies this year.   He has made the following arrangements:     The Cost of all food is to be £4.50 Per person.  This must be booked and paid for in advance.   You will be able to pay at tonight's meeting and also at September's Meeting.

To play there will be a charge of £2.00  to help finance the prizes.   For this you will get six games of Bingo.  All details next month.  

ALL MEALS MUST BE BOOKED AND PAID FOR IN ADVANCE.

Legion d'honneur

In conjunction with events to mark the 70^th Anniversary of the Normandy landings, the  Government of France has advised that it wishes to make this award to all surviving veterans; not only of the landings, but also the wider Battle for Normandy; the Invasion of Provence (Operation Dragoon); and the Liberation of Paris and France. If you qualify: our Branch Secretary has all the details.

 At the well attended  B.B.Q held on Sunday 27^th, July  at 22 Engineer Regiment, Tidworth the Branch was represent by 24 Members and ladies.

                                            THE ALBERT HICKS' MEMORIAL AWARD 2014

                                                                      

Was presented to Lance Corporal Hayde.

                               The photograph (that we are grateful to Peter and Jan Bridle For)                                                 shows Lieutenant Colonel Wilkinson, 

                our Branch President Major P. Webster, 

Lance Corporal Hayde

 and R.S.M. Pearson.

                                                         This is a copy of the citation :-

Sapper Hayde is a Class One Electrician in 52 Armoured Engineer Squadron, within 22 Engineer Regiment.  This citation is primarily related to his performance over the last year on Operation Herrick18 and exercise Griffin Herald, but also reflects a truly exceptional career to date.  Sapper Hayde is one the most talented sappers you will ever meet. He has a unique ability, along with an unquenchable enthusiasm, to take on any challenge and deliver the very best results.

Exercise Griffin Herald launched the Army's new Force Troops Command and the General Officer Commanding required an 'Earls Court' style exhibition to be  created on a disused airfield.  Sapper Hayde was responsible for the set up, maintenance and the strip out of the electrical supply.  The scale of the task was intimidating, nevertheless he immediately set about interpreting the requirements for a range of customers,  Field hospitals, kitchens, computer simulators, diving equipment, and marquee heaters all required connecting into his generator farms.  Without power the event would fail and he showed great foresight when he calculated the requirement for a reserve supply, and then created it from the existing equipment.  Working extended days and weekends he was an ambassador for the Regiment.

On Operation HERRICK 18 Sapper Hayde played a key role in the deconstruction of many of the British forward operating bases in Southern Afghanistan.  Often stepping up as second in command of his section, he worked tirelessly, in the most challenging climatic conditions and with the ever present threat of insurgent attack, to keep the base closure plan on target.  The example he set, coupled with his trade and combat engineer expertise undoubtedly achieved mission success.

Most recently Sapper Hayde was part of a community engagement team that conducted a reconnaissance of a scout hut in Andover.  His approach to the task was what you would expect of a senior non - commissioned officer,  He quickly built a warm rapport with client, confidently analysed the building's electrical appliances and supply, offered safe advice, and accurately reported his findings. Once again, he proved to be one of the Squadron's most vital assets.

These three examples are the tip of the iceberg; his performance this year has been second to none and he genuinely deserves formal recognition.  Sapper Hayde is the consummate professional and the epitome of a Royal Engineer soldier.  In July 2014 he will be promoted to Lance Corporal

For his determination and dedication to the Regiment

Sapper Hayde is awarded the Albert Hick's Memorial Award.

Lieutenant Colonel MR Wilkinson MBE RE  Director, South West Group, Royal Engineers Association

“CONGRATULATIONS”  FROM ALL AT BOURNEMOUTH BRANCH R.E.A.

R.E.A. A.G.M. and ANNUAL LUNCH.

This takes place At the Victory Services Club. Seymour Street, London   W2  2HF. on Saturday 11^th October    The A.G.M. starts at 1600hrs followed at 1800hrs for 1830hrs by the Annual Dinner. The cost for a 4 course meal with port and mints is £20.00.  Member's partners are most welcome. Booking required by early September.  The Branch is looking for a representative.

Also why not stay overnight for Sapper Sunday at The Royal Hospital Chelsea  on

  Sunday 12th October.   Booking not needed for this event.     Branch secretary has full details.

Branch Welfare:  Please contact Welfare Member,

Peter Piggott.