NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2016

Branch Meeting Wednesday 17^th

 PEGGY PIGGOT

Following the sudden loss of Peggy the funeral took place on 1^st February 11.30am at Poole

Crematorium.  Many Branch Members and Ladies were there to join Peter, family and friends at the

moving   service.  Peggy, a very special lady, will be missed by us all at REA meetings and events

Our sympathy and kind thoughts go to Peter and family.

 WELFARE

 Dennis Brown  has been into Hospital. Pleased to report that he is now at home recovering after    undergoing surgery.

BIRTHDAY OF NOTE.

This coming month we celebrate the birthday of Richard Montgomery who reaches the age of 90 on the 1^st March 2016.  We wish him "Good Health and Many Happy Returns of the Day"

A DIAMOND WEDDING

Our 60^TH  Wedding Anniversary greetings go to BILL and JOAN  MARKLEW who celebrate their Anniversary on 10^th MARCH.   Many Congratulations from all Branch Members.

ENTERTAINMENT

The speaker due from the R.N.L.I.  for tonight's Meeting has had to cancel.

Looking forward to our May meeting this will be a Quiz night with a Fish/Chicken supper. The cost of food will be £4.70 and must be booked and paid for in advance.  Money and bookings will  be taken at the March and April meetings.  Cheques are preferred but please note that  separate cheques are required if paying for the Annual Lunch at the same time.

BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.

This will take place at the Branch meeting on 16^th  MARCH.  At this Meeting the election of  officers will take place.  If you have any business you wish to be discussed please submit in writing to the Chairman by 1^st March.   STANDARD BEARER. Vacancy If you would be willing to be trained as a Standard Bearer Bert Martin will be more than pleased to give all the help needed.  Also the position of Newsletter Editor and Committee Member, must be filled as MIKE must stand down due to ill health.

NOTICE ABOUT BRANCH SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR 2016.

These are now due, The cost this year will be £15.00. The reason for this rise is the increasing cost of production and distribution of the monthly Newsletter and Branch expenses. Full details will be available in the Statement of Accounts in time for the Branch A.G.M in March.

Over the last few years payments of Annual Subscriptions  have been late in arrival so -  Please make payments as early as possible to John Cusack, Branch Treasurer. If paying by Cheque please make  payable to "R.E.A. Bournemouth Branch" Thank you

.BRANCH ANNUAL LUNCH

As notified in earlier Newsletters the 2016  Branch Annual Lunch will be held at the Cumberland Hotel. East Cliff. Bournemouth Saturday 7th  May 12.30 for 13.00 hrs.

Richard Silsby has agreed the menu with the Hotel at a cost of £17.00 per head.  Menu and order form were distributed with the January newsletter.  If you need extra copies of this form contact  Richard Silsby who has a limited number of these available.  Please return bookings to him with payment - no later than 1^st April.   Wendy and Gwen will be accepting bookings and money tonight and at the March meeting.  Raffle prizes will be needed and gratefully accepted.

MONTHLY LUNCHES

The next monthly lunch will be held on Tuesday 1^st March 12pm noon at R.B,L. Ferndown.  List on the table tonight.  Please state menu choice as well as name.  If you are unable to attend the meeting contact John Cusack to book your lunch.  Due to the Caterer's holiday the April lunch will be on the Second Tuesday 12^th April.

REA Gibraltar Weekend 2016 

Anyone wishing to attend the REA Gibralter weekend Sapper 300 on Friday 22nd April to Sunday 24th 2016, details from secretary

SOUTH WEST DISTRICT EVENTS 2016

.AGM. This will take place at WOs' and Sgts' Mess' 22 Engineer Regiment, Swinton Barracks. Perham Down.  (Tidworth)   Post code  SP21 9LQ  on Saturday, 19^th March.   All bookings before 1^st March.  Time table: Arrive / Coffee 1030- 11.00hrs.   A.G.M. 1130 Lunch 1300-1400hrs.  Bar closes 1600hrs.This year the lunch format will be a carvery Cost £12.00p.. .The new Colonel.  Lt  Col. D.J. Bickers  MBE RE  will be attending the meeting.   For booking, payment and full details contact  Branch Secretary.

STANDARD BEARDERS RALLY.  Takes place Saturday  4^th June.

BBQ.  Sunday 31^st July, to involve Branches in the SAPPER 300 celebrations with serving Members of the Corps.     All details from BRANCH SECRETARY

FORECAST OF NATIONAL EVENTS 2016

The following events of interest for 2016 have been notified to HQ REA

10--12   June            Chilwell Weekend*

28          May            Trooping the Colour - Maj Gen Review   (Applications by 17^th  February)

09          June            Royal Hospital Chelsea Founders Day Parade  (Bids by 16^th March)

04          June           Trooping the Colour - Colonel's Review   (Applications by 17^th  February)

08- 09    June           Beating the Retreat, London.

11          June           Queen's Birthday Parade   (Ballot close 28^th February)

29-31    July             Minley Weekend*

16-18    September  Corps Memorial Weekend*

08         October        REA AGM and Annual Dinner*

09         October        Sapper Sunday at Royal Hospital Chelsea.

10         November    Field of Remembrance, Westminster Abbey.

13         November    Remembrance Sunday

* National Events            Booking details available from Branch Secretary

Branch Welfare:  Please contact Welfare Member,

              Peter Piggott,