HELPING HAND OF FRIENDSHIP HELPING

Legion
Events
2014
Issue 149
February / March 2014
HELPING HAND
OF FRIENDSHIP
Comradeship
Comradeship Activities
Activities Programme
Programme
www.rblscotland.com
Journal of The Royal British Legion Scotland
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SLN Feb / Mar 2014
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
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Letter from the Royal British Legion Scotland National Chairman
Legionnaires, I salute you all for the hard work that you undertook
during the Scottish Poppy Appeal 2013. We have not received the
final figures as yet but I am convinced that the funds, regardless of
amount, collected by you on behalf of Poppyscotland will make
life changing differences to members of the ex-service community
is Scotland. Well done and congratulations.
Patron
Her Majesty The Queen
Christie McMonagle
New Scottish Legion News Contact
Happy New Year! I am Christie McMonagle, the Royal British Legion
Scotland’s new Marketing and Communications Officer, based at Head Office
in Edinburgh working for Sheena Stone, Head of Marketing & Fundraising.
I started work at the beginning of this year, so am still getting used to all the
new faces and names but very much looking forward to getting stuck into a
whole set of exciting tasks and projects for the year ahead, and to meeting you
all.
Before moving to Edinburgh, I grew up and went to school in St Andrews, Fife.
Instead of playing golf, I played side drums in three different pipe bands
during my years living there, including at RAF Leuchars, so if you’re ever in
need of a spare drummer, I’m your girl!
I come from a background in online marketing and business development, so
as well as looking after the Royal British Legion Scotland website and getting
the organisation set up on social media to spread the word about all the great
work that the Legion does, I will also be looking after the Scottish Legion
News.
So, going forward from here, if you have anything you would like to put
forward for possible inclusion in the Scottish Legion News or across Facebook
or Twitter, please no longer send it to Shona at Global Media. Instead, please
now send it to me directly, ideally via email if possible on
[email protected]. However, you can also call me on 0131 550 1549, or
post photographs to me at the Head Office address.
The editorial deadline to keep in mind for the next Scottish Legion News is the
16th February. Please let me have any information for the Branch pages by
then. Or, if you have any ideas for articles or new features in the magazine, then
I would love to hear about those too.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Christie McMonagle
Marketing and Communications Officer
[email protected]
Tel: 0131 550 1549
President
Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin
KCB CBE MA
Chairman
Mr R T Allan
Vice Chairman
Mrs J Harvey
National Treasurer
Mr A Alexander
Chief Executive Officer
Kevin Gray MM
Editorial
Christie McMonagle Tel: 0131 550 1549
Email: [email protected]
Scottish Legion News is the official
journal of The Royal British Legion
Scotland. The opinions expressed
in Scottish Legion News do not
necessarily reflect the views of the
National Board of Trustees.
New Haig House, Logie Green Road,
Edinburgh EH7 4HR
Copyright © Royal British Legion Scotland
2014 All Rights Reserved.
Logie Green Road, Edinburgh. EH7 4HR.
Scottish Charity No SC003323
Cover picture: Veterans of all ages at the
Karting Comradeship event, December
2013. Photograph: Mark Owens.
SLN Deadline: 16th February 2014
SCOTTISH LEGION NEWS
is co-published by Global Media Ltd.
For advertising queries
Tel. 01292 525970 or
email: [email protected]
It’s in this vein that I write this article for Scottish Legion News.
The National Vice Chairman, Jan Harvey and the Chief Executive
wrote articles for the November edition that provided you all
with an update of what has been happened in the last year. I
want to focus on informing you of what is planned for the coming
year. The National Trustees at their meeting in November were
presented with detailed plans and budgets which I am pleased to
inform you were accepted by the National Board of Trustees. The
foundation has now been laid and it is now down to the CEO and
his team with support from all members of the Areas and Branches
to manage and take the plans forward to ensure the future survival
of our wonderful organisation.
We must focus on many areas of activity to bring about change,
however in this article I want to concentrate my efforts on my
single biggest objective – increased support to Branches. There
are some very affluent Branches in the Legion with large active
memberships who are thriving but we also have small Branches
who are struggling. We have brought about initiatives that will
support you all in your own separate ways.
What is absolutely clear is that Area Councils and Executives must
play their part as detailed in the Constitution, in support of their
Branches. They too must provide detailed plans and increase their
communication with Branches within their Areas; this works well
in some Areas but not so well in others. There must be better
engagement from all levels in the Legion to support our Branches,
Clubs, the membership and the veterans in Scotland. The Areas
exist to provide support to the Branches, in order to assist them
the National Board of Trustees return one-third of your capitation
money (£3.33 per non ex-service member and £3.17 per ordinary
member) to Area Councils.
Financial Assistance – various new assistance funds have been
setup by the National Board of Trustees, totalling almost £40,000:
1. Branch Assistance Fund. We are allocating considerable funds
that will allow Branches to apply to Head Office for immediate
needs assistance that could make the difference on whether the
Branch closes or continues to provide benefit to its members and
the wider ex-service community. The fund will also provide the
opportunity to apply for financial assistance for start-up costs
for new Branches.
2. Legionnaire Assistance Fund. An immediate needs fund has
been set up that members can apply to Head Office for funds
that will assist them, without which would see them enter into
difficulty and cause them hardship.
3. First World War Commemorations Funds. Funds have been set
aside that will provide financial assistance to Branches organising
events that will commemorate events of the First World War.
4. Sports Entry Fees. Sports entry fees will continue to be returned
in prize money for the winners and runners-up of the national
sporting events.
5. Welfare Coordinators’ Training. Funds have been allocated that
will provide guidance and awareness training to be delivered to
Branch and Area welfare coordinators.
I know you will agree that the allocation of these funds will be
a welcome opportunity for some of you that may experience
difficulty. These funds, hopefully with the success of the
fundraising campaign, will increase in the years ahead.
Branch and Area Trustee Assistance
1. Governance Training. We will continue the governance training
programme that was started in 2013, which will allow Branch and
Area trustees to be taught and advised by an external tutor about
their duties as trustees. Using the same tutor will also mean that
we have consistency in the way that trustees are operating.
2. Job Descriptions. Head Office will, with the assistance of Area
Secretaries, provide detailed job descriptions for all trustees.
3. Constitution. The constitution, as directed by the membership
at conference 2013, is in the process of being rewritten. The draft
will be circulated with the conference paperwork in March.
4. Branch Handbook. On acceptance of the constitution at
conference 2014, a new handbook will be provided which will
modernise and simplify the way we operate. It will also provide
clear guidance on complaints procedures.
5. Accounts evaluation and compliance team. We have increased
the accounts evaluation team so that a better service can be
provided to Branches and Areas, thereby ensuring that we have
better compliance with regards to the submission and accuracy
of accounts. As from April 2014, the team will comprise of a
North and South element which will also provide an independent
examiners function; this will negate the need for Areas and
Branches to pay for their own account examinations.
6. Rebranding. The biggest task in 2014 is the crucial move to
improve what we do for veterans. We have to make the Royal
British Legion Scotland more relevant to all ex-service people
today, to embody our brand values, to communicate better with
our members, potential members, stakeholders and with the
media. To do this we are undertaking to rebrand the Royal British
Legion Scotland. We are not doing away with the Royal British
Legion Scotland name entirely but rather we are adopting a more
relevant day-to-day face in all that we do. There is a huge amount
of work to be done by the Legion as a whole so that we are able to
embrace our rebrand by 22 May 2014, the first day of Annual
Conference.
As I mentioned at the start of this article, I have only given you
an update on just some of the many plans being introduced. It is
my intention to update you on a separate initiative in each edition
of the SLN. In return, I ask you all to continue your valued and
appreciated support to your National Board of Trustees, the CEO
and his staff at Head Office, and the organisation. If we can apply
and embrace our motto “Service not self”, we will achieve great
things in our quest to regain our place at the heart of the Scottish
veterans community.
Robbie Allan - National Chairman
The Royal British Legion Scotland does not make any representation as to the accuracy or suitability of any advertisments contained in this publication and does not accept any responsibility or liability for the conduct or content of those
advertisements and the offerings made by the third parties. Goods or services advertised are not endorsements or recommendations by The Royal British Legion Scotland (unless stated). Your access to or use of them is at your own risk.
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SLN Feb / Mar 2014
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
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Good to go
Adapted carts for wheelchair users
The happy party at extreme carting, Edinburgh
Helping Hand of Friendship
By Jolene Cargill
Interview with the CEO,
Kevin Gray MM on the
Royal British Legion
Scotland Comradeship
Activities Programme
What is comradeship?
In the military sense it means
brotherhood, companionship and selfless
commitment to a cause. It can be a very
different world in the Royal Navy, Army,
or Royal Air Force and servicemen and
women and their families create a very
unique and specific way of life with rules
and a structure that helps them all deal
with the sometimes difficult times that
military service will undoubtedly bring
into their lives. So it is very important
to be surrounded by friendship and with
people who understand this way of life
who are able to bring humour and spirit
into the toughest situations. When
you leave this relatively safe haven
surrounded by like-minded individuals
it can be a real issue for some to adjust
and effectively resettle back into the
civilian community. And in this sense,
comradeship within the serving and the
ex-service community is absolutely vital.
How much is comradeship part of
what the Royal British Legion
Scotland does?
It’s a vital part of our identity as a
charity. The Royal British Legion
Scotland was created following the
First World War with the aim of helping
the huge number of military personnel
coming home from war who needed all
kinds of practical support with money,
work, health, housing and other family
issues. Ninety three years later, we are
still assisting the ex-service community
in Scotland, albeit in a slightly different
way; we now endeavour to work
alongside other charities and
organisations with the shared aims
of meeting the needs of the Scottish
ex-service community.
What difference do the comradeship
activities make?
We see comradeship activities as one
of the ways we can make a positive
difference to the wellbeing of veterans.
The activities re-create that sense of
protection that can only be found from
being surrounded by like-minded
individuals who have only the best
interests of each other at heart. The
activities are a way to reach out to
the veterans’ community. Once exservicemen and women and their families
and supporters come along to take part
they meet new people, talk and share
experiences and ultimately make friends.
Getting involved in the activities gives
veterans of all ages a chance to be a
part of something fun with like-minded
people. And for some it’s much more
than that! Veterans can find a familiar
and supportive shoulder to lean on,
an ear that will listen without being
judgemental and have the opportunity
to get advice from others who understand
what they are going through and about
where to get practical help with specific
issues about how best we can support
ex-servicemen and women.
Is loneliness an issue when people leave
the services?
In some cases it can be hard being cut
off from your previous life and from
people who have become your family.
Taking part in the comradeship activities
can help ex-servicemen and women to
soften the blow of adjusting to civilian
life. Making that step to come along and
meet new people can give a real boost to
their self-confidence because they are in
familiar surroundings. One of the biggest
impacts is the new friendships people
develop through the activities. In civilian
life nobody looks after you in the same
way that the Armed Forces do. When veterans come along to our comradeship
activities they end up being the help that
each other needs by simply being able
to relate to each other in a way that is
familiar and not alien to what they are
used to. In other words, peer-help-peer.
What kind of activities can
veterans take part in?
As well as the established national
sports competition that the Legion runs
each year, there are a wide range of
comradeship activities on offer that are
more active. We hold indoor archery
sessions twice a month, clay pigeon
shooting, curling, outdoor bowls,
disabled fly fishing, Xtreme karting
and many more. Around 25 to 30 people
come along to every session. Simply
put, there’s something for everyone!
Success on the quad bikes
Are there any other
organisations involved?
We work closely with other charities
and organisations and a very special
thank you must go to the outstanding
support from the World Wide
Volunteering group, the Mark Wright
project, Scottish Veterans Residences,
Scottish Disabled Fly Fishing and
Lothian Disability Sports. They have
been instrumental in supporting the
various events. Veterans Scotland has
provided a huge amount of support, and
financial assistance has been provided
by both Poppyscotland and the Scottish
Government’s Scottish Veterans Fund
(administered by Veterans Scotland)
has been crucial to the current and
future success of the activities.
Going forward, we aim to apply for
more funding to extend the programme.
We are also talking to regimental
associations about how best we can
support ex-servicemen and women.
Into the home straight: Ian Spence, Edinburgh
Central Branch
Charlie Brown, Forfar Branch and NBT, looking
apprehensive about quad biking
Three archers ready for action
Checking out the competition
Who can take part?
The activities are open to all veterans
and their families, serving military
personnel, and those in transition
from the services to civilian life. Any
individuals or organisations supporting
veterans are also invited to take part.
It can be a really special experience
for ex-servicemen and women to bring
a family member along with them.
Concentration on the rifle shooting range
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SLN Feb / Mar 2014
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
■ Anne Fraser, mother of injured Scots
veteran Robert Fraser, says taking part in
the Comradeship activities has been a
valuable support to Robert.
“Activities provide an opportunity to
relax and socialise in a comfortable,
non-judgemental and accepting
environment with fellow veterans.
This is invaluable. Robert really enjoys
all the 'banter' with like-minded people,
who accept him for who he is regardless
of his injuries.
Page 7
We have had the opportunity to hear
how others are living and to share our
own experiences in supportive friendly
surroundings; there has been valuable
ongoing support for those who maybe
have been experiencing difficulty in
coping. The opportunity to share
services, links and information with each
other that is available to access within
our local community has been valuable.
The ability to interact with others and
develop new skills as a team, it's so
rewarding to see others become more
relaxed and confident when achieving
new skills. There is no added pressure
from the group or from anyone to
participate, just really an acceptance
of a fellow comrade’s choice.
Even as Robert’s mother and carer I to
look forward to and enjoy the events. I
also feel relaxed and comfortable when
Robert and I attend the organised events,
as his fellow veterans just seem to
provide almost a protective haven.
We all look forward to future events”.
The team between events at Piperdam
Are the activities promoted as
part of resettlement?
Taking part in the activities gives people
a chance to speak to others who have
been through the transition process.
The majority of people who deliver
resettlement training have not been
through it personally. By coming along
to the comradeship activities those in
rehabilitation and transition can air
concerns, ask questions and put their
mind at ease. There is no one better
placed to talk to about resettlement
than a veteran who has been there and
experienced what it is really like. The
activities can also bring huge benefits
for the physical and mental wellbeing
of those who have been wounded,
injured or sick.
What’s planned for 2014?
We intend to expand the comradeship
events programme in 2014. We are
extending the reach of the events by
taking them to other areas around
Scotland, and successful events have
already been held in both Perthshire
and on the Isle of Bute. Now we are
planning events in a number of different
towns across Scotland. We have already
started working with an organisation in
Inverness to replicate the activities we
have done in Edinburgh. We are seeking
funding for a temporary coordinator post
to bring the comradeship activities to
more areas of Scotland and to help
hundreds more veterans to get on with
their lives. We are also widening the
range of activities so that we can appeal
to veterans of all ages so that we can
cater for an ever increasing and complex
array of issues affecting the ex-service
community in Scotland.
With a network of nearly 170 branches,
members and volunteers and in
partnership with other charities and
organisations, we work at the heart of
the veterans’ community in Scotland.
So far there has been a large demand
for the programme. We want to do
even more for veterans through the
comradeship activities
in 2014 and beyond
to help hundreds
more veterans
get on with
their lives.
COMRADESHIP EVENTS RUN TO DATE
Learning to cast
Taking a break from fly fishing.
Reeling in a fish.
Got one!
Number of sessions
Event
Location
Indoor Archery
Curling
Green Bowls
Fly Fishing
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Xtreme Karting
Activity Day
Sports Day
Golf Day
Comradeship Day
Comradeship Event
Archers Hall, Edinburgh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ten sessions
Meadowbank, Edinburgh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Three sessions
Scottish Veterans Residence, Whitefoord House, Edinburgh. . . . . Three sessions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . One session
Edinburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Four sessions
near Edinburgh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two sessions
Angus & Perthshire area (quad biking, target shooting, golf). . . . One session
Riders Branch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . One session
Isle of Bute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . One session
Organised by the Queens Own Highlanders Association.. . . . . . . . One session
Turriff Branch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . One session
Erskine residents and carers tee-off along with Isle of Bute Branch members
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SLN Feb / Mar 2014
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Ex-paratrooper Alan
pledges support
to Voices of Veterans
campaign
Following time with the Territorial
Army and Reserves, Alan came out of
service in 2005. Alan has been awarded
for his time served and was invited to
Buckingham Palace to receive the
Military Cross. It was another very proud
moment that he shared with his family.
Alan Fee Great-grandfather 1916
Alan Fee's grandfather and his brother
Alan Fee served all over the world in his
30 years as a paratrooper. From Northern
Ireland and the Falklands to the Gulf
War.
Now the 53-year-old trained Scottish tour
guide and owner of Motherwell-based
MCT Group Travel is gearing up for a
very special tour.
This year, his coach company will
conduct two excursions taking veterans
on a tour of the battlefields of Ypres, the
Somme and Passchendaele. And for each
ex-serviceman or woman who signs up
who has a connection with the Legion,
he will make a donation of £5 to the
Royal British Legion Scotland.
He said: “I’ve always wanted to visit
these battlefields – especially as my
great-grandfather and grandfather were at
the Somme. I’ll be experiencing them for
the first time along with fellow veterans,
which is very special. It is even more
poignant as this year is the centenary
of the start of the First World War”.
He added: “I want the tours to be
unforgettable. They will be done in
comfort and at a slow pace so everyone
can participate”.
Alan, from Edinburgh, is married to
Kerry. The couple have three children
and four grand-children with number
five and six on their way! Family is very
important to Alan and military service
runs in his family history. He is proud to
share his story in support of the Voices of
Veterans campaign, launched by Royal
British Legion Scotland to commemorate
the centenary of the First World War in
2014.
the Guards like him. My great uncle was
a Paratrooper during WWII and there
was a bit of family rivalry between him
and my father. I remember seeing him
for the first time after gaining my
commission, and walking into his house.
Dad stood up and saluted me. That was a
very emotional moment.”
“My great-grandfather, grandfather and
father all served in the Army,” he said.
“Granddad signed up at 16 and lied
about his age. My great-grandfather
didn’t know at the time. They both went
to fight in the First World War and met
each other in the trenches in Somme!
That was when my great-grandfather
found out”.
He spent six months at Sandhurst and
18 months in Germany. He also joined a
course at the Open University and gained
his first degree in Business Management.
To this day, Alan treasures the bible
that his grandfather carried with him
throughout the war. He said: “I took the
bible with me everywhere I went during
my own service”.
When he was 22, he was sent to the
Falklands. He said, “I was a trained
paratrooper but we went in as
infantrymen as they knew we were
highly trained troops.” He remembers,
“No one thought it was going to get to
the stage that it got to. It wasn’t until we
were on the stopover at Ascension Island
that we all realized. It was really going to
happen!”
Alan stayed until the Argentinians
surrendered in June 1982. He remembers
that it was a stressful experience, “Our
feet were never dry as it was winter
there at the time and most of us got
mild trench foot. It was wet and cold
but this only made us more determined.
I wouldn’t say it was exciting but it was
definitely an adrenalin rush.”
“I was told I couldn’t jump
from a plane again.”
He reflects: “No one involved thought
But undeterred by his injury he went
WALK IN THE
FOOTSTEPS OF
HEROES
Ypres,
The Somme,
Passendale
£256
MCT Group Travel, Nethan
Street Depot, Nethan Street,
Motherwell ML1 3TF.
Tel: 01698 253091
Alan Fee at work
we were going to fail. I was very proud
to be part of it. We lost lots of good
friends though. One casualty is always
one too many.”
Following an operational incident in
1990, he sustained injuries to his left
leg and hip and spent the next year
recuperating. “I was told I couldn’t jump
from a plane again. I had to be able to do
at least two jumps a year to remain fully
trained,” he said.
Prices from
Alan was 15 when he signed up as a
junior soldier and spent two years in
training. He remembers; “I felt at the
time that I didn’t have much choice.
Either stay in the Army or get into
trouble”.
It turned out to be the right choice for
Alan. And one that made his family very
proud. “When I told my father I was
joining the Paratroopers he said he’d
never forgive me. He wanted me to join
Page 9
onto serve in the first Gulf War on
secondment and served at the beginning
and at the end of the conflict.
He said: “I asked my mum if she wanted
to come with me and she said wild
horses wouldn’t keep her away! She
wanted to sit right at the front but I t
old her she’d have to sit where she was
allocated. When I went to receive my
award from the Queen I looked out to
the audience and saw that she was at the
front smiling up at me. She was dressed
in red, white and blue – very patriotic!”
The battlefield tours will run from the
13–17 March and 9–13 October 2014.
To find out more or to book a place, call
01698 253091. Note to members: please
don’t forget to mention that you heard
about the tour through the Royal British
Legion Scotland so that the Legion
receives a donation for your booking.
Mark 100 years since the start of “The War To End All
Wars” and join us on our journey visiting three of the
most infamous battlefields in history where so many
heroes fell.
Day 1 : Depart the UK: Overnight P&O ferries (with accommodation),
Hull – Zeebrugge
Day 2 : Ypres: Begin the day at the In Flanders Fields Museum presenting the story
of WW1 in the Flanders region. In the afternoon, a tour guide joins the group
for a tour of the 14-18 route and its major sights including Essex Farm, Tyne
Cot Cemetery and the Irish Peace Tower. We remain in Ypres for the evening
to witness the emotional Last Post
Day 3 : The Somme: We visit the Carrière Wellington Museum in Arras, Northern
France. The museum commemorates the soldiers who built the tunnels and
fought in the Battle of Arras in 1917. Visitors are taken on a guided tour
along some 350m of tunnels learning about the soldiers who built them and
various aspects of the campaign
Day 4 : Passendale: The village of Passchendaele (now Passendale) and
surrounding area were associated with every phase of the First World War
and were under both German and Allied control during the war. We also visit
the Commonwealth War Graves.
Day 5 : Arrive back in Motherwell in the late afternoon.
Departs: March 13th-17th 2014 and October 09th- 13th 2014
Price includes:
• Return overnight ferry travel with accommodation 2 night B&B hotel
accommodation.
• Entrance into In Flanders Fields Museum 3 hour tour guide for 14-18 route
near Ypres
• Return coach travel throughout Local pick up points
• Full day tour guide for Somme battlefields Visit to the Commonwealth
War Graves at Passendale
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SLN Feb / Mar 2014
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Page 11
LEGION DATES FOR THE DIARY 2014
The Royal British Legion Scotland has a number of national events planned throughout 2014.
❂
THE MINIBAND PIPING COMPETITION
❋ SATURDAY 5 APRIL 20144
THE ARMY SCHOOL OF BAGPIPE MUSIC &
HIGHLAND DRUMMING, REDFORD BARRACKS,
EDINBURGH
Royal British Legion Scotland Pipe Bands compete across
six disciplines for 19 prizes. Branch members as well as
members of the public are welcome to attend to hear at
least eight different participating bands. Any band that
wishes to enter should contact John Lau (see below) by
the 7th of March 2014.
❂
ANZAC & GALLIPOLI DAY
❋ FRIDAY 25 APRIL 2014 – 12 NOON
SCOTTISH NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL,
EDINBURGH CASTLE
This service of remembrance is in commeration of the role
that Australasian troups played at Gallipoli during the First
World War. Entry is restricted to invited guests and those
with tickets, which will be available from members of the
Legion staff on the morning at the Castle Esplanade.
❂ BEATING RETREAT
❋ SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014 - 7pm
EDINBURGH CASTLE ESPLANADE
This showcase of Legion Pipe Bands and Standard
Bearers from across Scotland will provide a fine polished
spectacle of precision drill marches with Edinburgh Castle
as the backdrop. Not a bad feat to achieve in the space
of six hours rehearsal time! Spectators are welcome.
Any standard bearers who wish to participate should
contact John Lau, and pipe bands should contact
John Simpson, Senior Pipe Major on 0131 661 9750 or
[email protected] for information
about the music.
❂ SILVER POPPY GOLF
❋ FRIDAY 2 MAY 2014 FROM 08:30
THE NEW GOLF COURSE, ST ANDREWS
Entry forms with full details are available from John Lau
at Head Office. Please submit your form as soon as
possible.
❂ THE SOLO PIPING COMPETITION
❋ SATURDAY 10 MAY 2014
THE ARMY SCHOOL OF BAGPIPE MUSIC
& HIGHLAND DRUMMING, REDFORD
BARRACKS, EDINBURGH
By John Lau, Admin & Events Support, Head Office
It is hoped that in 2014 this competition will run after a
three year break. Local Branches have been sent entry
forms, so please encourage all pipes to enter. This
includes Legion members and Branch Pipe Bands.
Spectators are welcome. Anyone wishing to enter
❂
should contact John Lau by the 11th of April 2014.
In a service reminiscent of those staged on the front line
throughout World War One, a Drumhead Service will be
held on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, where the
altar will be formed of a pile of drums.
❂
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2014
THURSDAY 22 TO SATURDAY 24 MAY 2014
DEWAR’S CENTRE, GLOVER STREET, PERTH
As well as the discussion of Legion affairs, there will be
opportunities for comradeship, the conference dinner, the
Standard Bearing Competitions for adults and cadets, and
stalls from selected ex-service organisations. Registration
forms for the nomination of delegates will be sent to all
Branches soon.
❂ NATIONAL SPORTS FINALS 2014
❋ TO BE CONFIRMED (INDOOR EVENTS LIKELY TO BE
IN MAY, AND OUTDOOR EVENTS ACROSS THE SUMMER)
VARIOUS LOCATIONS ACROSS THE
ANGUS & PERTHSHIRE AREA
This annual competition is open to all Legion Areas
across Scotland, with monetary prizes for the winners.
The finalised schedule of events is not yet available but
the indoor events finals are usually on a Saturday in May
with the outdoor events finals over the summer months.
❂ ARMED FORCES DAY 2014
❋ SATURDAY 28 JUNE 2014
STIRLING
Scotland will host this national event where we give
thanks for the role of HM Armed Forces. This is the
culmination of a week of events which is marked with
a flag-raising at the start of the week. The Legion’s role
in this event will be reported in future editions.
www.armedforcesday.org.uk.
❂
GLASGOW COMMEMORATION OF THE
COMMENCEMENT OF WORLD WAR ONE
❋ MONDAY 4 AUGUST 2014
GLASGOW CATHEDRAL & GEORGE SQUARE,
GLASGOW
A special service to commemorate the start of World War
One will be attended by Heads of State and
representatives of the Commonwealth countries followed
by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph outside
Glasgow City Chambers.
EDINBURGH COMMEMORATION OF THE
COMMENCEMENT OF WORLD WAR ONE
❋ SUNDAY 10 AUGUST 2014
EDINBURGH CASTLE ESPLANADE
❂
FORCES IN THE FIELD AT CULZEAN CASTLE
❋ WEEKEND OF 30 & 31 AUGUST 2014
CULZEAN CASTLE, MAYBOLE, AYRSHIRE
These will be a small-scale Beating Retreat on the
Sunday afternoon. The Legion will be represented by
Standard Bearers and Pipe Bands.
❂
THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF SCOTLAND
AT MUSSELBURGH RACES
❋ SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2014
MUSSELBURGH RACECOURSE, MUSSELBURGH,
EAST LOTHIAN
The Legion will be present at this family day-out. Previous
days have featured a march led by the Regimental Pipe
Band, Army displays, climbing towers, the regimental
mascot Cruachan IV, the Shetland Pony and the Legion
Riders Branch.
_______________________________________
The First Minister announced at the Legion’s
Annual Conference in 2013 that the following
dates will be marked during the centenary of
World War One.
BEST KEPT WAR
MEMORIAL 2014
The Best Kept War Memorial
is the Legion’s annual event
to bring together the local
authority, which has an obligation
to maintain the local war
memorial, with the local Legion
Branch. The aim is to maintain
the memorials in a good condition
and to foster public awareness.
Prize giving for this event is
generally held in September.
With the anniversary of the start of the First World War
in 2014, if your Branch has never entered an event,
this is the perfect year to have a go for the first time.
Branches are also encouraged to adopt war memorials
in neighbouring areas that perhap requires some
attention. To find out more about the event please
contact John Lau.
Remembrance 2014
❂
Monday 3 November 2014 –
The Opening of the Garden of
Remembrance in Edinburgh,
Scott Monument
❂
Tuesday 4 November –
The Opening of the Garden of
Remembrance in Glasgow,
George Square
❂
Saturday 9 November –
The London Festival of Remembrance
at the Royal Albert Hall
❂
Sunday 9 November –
Remembrance Sunday
❂
Tuesday 11 November –
Armistice Day
❋ 25 April 2015 – The Gallipoli Operation
❋ 22 May 2015 – The Quintinshill Train Crash
near Gretna
❋ 25 September 2015 – The Battle of Loos
❋ 31 May 2016 – The Battle of Jutland
❋ 9 April 2017 – The Battle of Arras
❋ 11 November 2018 – Armistice Day
commemoration of the end of World War I
❋ 1 January 2019 – The HMY Iolaire Disaster
100 years on
Legion involvement at each of these events
will be announced once the full details are available.
Best Kept War
Memorial 2013 –
Champion of Champions
For more information about any of these events, please contact John Lau, Admin & Events Support, at Royal British Legion Scotland Head Office on 0131 550 1583 or [email protected]
Page 12
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
The work of the Disablement
Pensions Department
The Royal British Legion Scotland offers
a special service to support ex-service
people, as well as serving Armed Forces
personnel, to claim compensation for
conditions received as part of their
service. This department, run by Neil
Robinson and aided by James Johnston,
gives advice to over 2,000 people per
year as well as representing 200 people
at disablement pensions tribunals.
Neil Robinson tells us more about the services provided by the Disablement Pensions Department.
The Royal British Legion Scotland’s Disablement Pensions
Department assists any veteran or serving member of the
Armed Forces, whether or not they are a member of the
Legion, to pursue a disablement pension. Length of service
is irrelevant, with the only requirement being that the
claimant must have suffered a disability or condition which
is attributed to or aggravated by his or her service. There
are, depending on the type of claim, certain time limits for
making a claim but any award granted will only be payable
from the date of the claim. The Department provides free
pensions advice and can help people with the completion
of claim forms. Veterans can also be represented at
disablement pensions tribunals.
Case study: Tony’s appeal
A good example of such a case is Tony who served as a
Corporal in the Army for nine years. He was discharged
almost immediately following the discovery that he was
suffering from three very distinct conditions all of which
arose whilst he was in service. Tony’s service-related
conditions were ‘permanent loss of hearing in his right
ear’, ‘weakness of the right side of his body, arm and
leg’ and ‘no use of his right hand’. In order to qualify
for an award from the Armed Forces Compensation
Scheme, Tony would have to fit various generalised
descriptors. The Pensions Department works with a
client to help him or her through this complex process.
This scheme was introduced to compensate people for
any injuries or conditions that can be shown to have a
direct relationship to a ‘service- caused occurrence’,
and which arose on or after the 6th April 2005. It does
not allow Tony to be compared to a person of similar age
and gender. Nor does it take into account the impact
these injuries have had on his life, or any future potential
deterioration in his condition. Effectively, a person either
fits the descriptor or they don’t.
One of the most difficult types of tribunals which the
Royal British Legion Scotland attends are those where
the Legion is supporting a serving member of the Armed
Forces or a veteran in relation to the Armed Forces
Compensation Scheme. This scheme has tight criteria to
rigorously assess whether the person is entitled to either
a claim or any additional increase above that which they
were originally awarded by the Service Personnel and
Veteran Agency following their being medically discharged
or whilst they continue in service. Over the years, the Royal
British Legion Scotland Pension Department has built up
considerable expertise in successfully representing
people at these tribunals.
Applicants for the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
complete a form which is then assessed and an award
may or may not be made. If the applicant is unhappy
with this result they may wish to appeal. The appeal is
heard at a tribunal, and it is at this tribunal that the client
may request the Disablement Pensions Department to
represent them. The tribunal is normally made up of
a senior solicitor or QC, a doctor and an ex-service
person, and whilst the panel has considerable
knowledge and expertise, they are restricted by
the rules governing this scheme.
During the course of Tony’s tribunal, submissions were
made, arguments put forward and extensive reference
made by the Legion’s Pensions Department to the
paperwork, especially the medical reports and the various documents that came from the time that Tony was in
service. Tony was actively encouraged to take part in the
proceeding and spoke at length about the treatment that
he was receiving. A final submission was made and after
a short interval the tribunal found in Tony’s favour and
gave him an increased financial award on all of the three
conditions. Indeed, he is now on a weekly pension for
two of the conditions and received a substantial lump
sum and back-dated pension from the time that he left
service.
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Unlike an award given under the Armed Forces
Compensation Scheme, the criteria for a successful
increase in the existing pension under the Service Pension
Order Disablement System is based on percentages, i.e. a
higher percentage might be awarded if a person had lost
a whole leg compared to an injured toe. This scheme only
applies to those people where the injury or condition arose
before the 6th April 2005, and the applicant must be a
veteran and not still be serving in the Armed Forces.
Under this scheme it must be shown that the veteran’s life
is substantially worse than a normal healthy person when
compared to someone of a similar age and gender. This
is undertaken using medical documentation and verbal
or written evidence about their life.
This sounds like it should be straight forward, but this is
often not the case. The Service Personnel and Veteran
Agency consider the case initially. If it is rejected or if it
awards an increase which is unacceptable in the eyes
of the veteran, the person has the right to appeal. This
is what William did. He left the Army in 1990 and was
subsequently given a low financial award for post-traumatic
stress disorder which resulted in a lump sum payment
only. William felt that this fell short of what he saw as the
substantial effects that the condition was having on his life.
Case study: William’s appeal
William was only 53 at the time of the appeal hearing and
yet he had many restrictions on his life, which he saw as
non-existent due to the effects of the various experiences
he had had whilst serving in the Army. These had caused
him to become withdrawn, anti-social, very angry, and
occasionally violent. His marriage had broken down as a
result of this. Flashbacks and nightmares were all part of
his condition and he had received extensive psychiatric
treatment which was on-going. William did not feel that the
Ministry of Defence’s award reflected the severe impact of
this on his ability to live a normal life. William decided to
appeal and asked for representation from the Royal British
Legion Scotland.
With the Disablement Pensions Department acting as
his representative, a lengthy and detailed investigation,
sometimes quite invasive in its content, was carried out
during the hearing. From this and the questioning of
William, which brought him on occasion to tears, the
Department managed to get him to explain just how bad
his condition really was. William was willing to explain
to the tribunal how he was feeling and the anger issues
which he had, and as discussed with him prior to the
tribunal, William tried to be focused. He was thus able to
give an excellent and credible account of his emotions
and feelings, of his treatment with both Combat Stress
and his local clinical psychiatric nurses.
The result, following the deliberations of the tribunal,
was that he was suffering very severe post-traumatic stress
disorder and that the original financial assessment was too
low. William had his financial award increased to a higher
amount which resulted in a weekly pension for life although
reconsideration would occur at regular two- or three- yearly
intervals to see if his life had improved or worsened. Under
this scheme, if his condition continues to worsen, William
can seek to review the award at any time providing he can
produce evidence to show that it has grown worse and
that he continues to receive treatment.
Page 13
To find out more about how the Royal British Legion
Scotland Disablement Pensions Department can help
you please visit www.rblscotland.com/how-we-can-help,
email: [email protected], or call James on
0131 550 1566.
As staff are often out of the office supporting clients at
tribunals, please do leave a message if you are not able
to speak to James or Neil when you call. Alternatively
you can leave a message with the admin department
on 0131 550 1562/1583.
Pensions department staff profiles
Neil Robinson,
National Pension Appeals Officer,
has worked for the Royal British
Legion Scotland since 2007. As
well as managing the department
and representing clients at
tribunals, Neil also plays a role
on various committees and
steering groups where he aims
to improve the situation for
future disablement pensions
clients. Amongst others, this includes sitting on the
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on
Armed Forces Veterans Reform. Neil is also a qualified
counsellor with specialisations in cognitive behavioural
therapy and gestalt. Prior to joining the Legion,
Neil worked in both the logistics and utility sectors.
James Johnston,
Deputy Pensions
Appeals Officer,
has worked in his current role
for over two years. As well as
providing background support
for complex cases, James provides advice by telephone, email
and letter for up to 2,000 clients
per year. He also represents
clients at tribunals. James has
personal experience of disability.
“We assist any veteran, whether
they are a Legion member or not”
Page 14
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SCOTLAND GIFTS
ITEM
Code
Cost
(inc vat)
BADGES
HONORARY PRESIDENT ........MB7HP...............£4.00
PRESIDENT ...............................MB7P..................£4.00
PAST PRESIDENT .....................MBPP .................£4.00
CHAIRMAN ................................MB7C ................£4.00
TREASURER ..............................MB7T..................£4.00
SECRETARY ..............................MB75 ..................£4.00
COMMITTEE ..............................MB7CT...............£4.00
RBLS PIN ....................................MB8 ....................£4.00
RBLS BUTTERFLY ...................MB9 ....................£4.00
RBLS BROOCH ..........................MB10 ..................£4.00
MOBIILE PHONE CHARM ......M155...................£2.50
RBLS ZIP PULL..........................M157...................£2.50
CAP ............................................MB3 ..................£10.00
BELT ...........................................MB4 .................£10.00
CLOTH BLAZER .......................BB1...................£12.00
GOLD BLAZER ..........................BB2...................£10.00
SILVER BLAZER .......................BB3...................£19.00
SILK BLAZER ............................BB4.....................£5.00
ASSOC MEMBER BLAZER......BB6...................£10.00
HON MEMBER BLAZER ..........BB7...................£10.00
LIFE MEMBER BLAZER ..........BB8 ..................£10.00
ORD MEMBER BLAZER ..........BB9...................£10.00
RBLS CLOTH BADGE & POPPY.BB5.....................£3.50
RBLS NEW CLOTH BADGE ....BB10...................£3.50
RBLS WOMEN’S STICK PIN ...WS3 ....................£2.00
STANDARD BEARER BADGE MB15 .......................£6
GOLD HACKLE .........................MB13 .......................£5
BLUE HACKLE ..........................MB14 .......................£5
CLOTHING
RBLS LADIES POPPY SCARF .MI60 .................£10.00
ORDER
FORM
Code
Description
RBLS GREEN TIE .....................GR5...................£10.00
RBLS BROWN TIE ...................GR6...................£10.00
RBLS NAVY TIE .......................GR7...................£10.00
RBLS MAROON TIE ................GR8...................£10.00
LEGION BLACK TIE .................GR9...................£10.00
CLIP ON - (NAVY) TIE..............GR16.................£10.00
MULTI MOTIF - (NAVY)...........GR17.................£10.00
POPPY GIFTS
POPPY TEA TOWEL..................MI63 ...................£2.50
TOTE BAG .................................MI53 ...................£2.50
POPPY CHINA CUP ..................PCOO1................£7.00
CHINA CONDIMENTS .............PCOO2................£7.00
CHINA THIMBLE .....................PC003 .................£2.00
CHINA VASE ..............................PC007 .................£7.00
TRINKET BOX ..........................PC005 .................£5.50
TEA BAG HOLDER ...................PC004 ................ £5.50
PLAQUES
WOODEN SHIELD.....................MI11 .................£26.00
POPPY JEWELLERY
LARGE BROOCH.......................PJ039 ................£15.00
DOUBLE BROOCH....................PJ182 ................£12.00
SMALL BROOCH.......................PJ395 ................£10.00
SILVER STEM ............................PJ107 ................£13.00
STUD EARRINGS .....................PJ1207 ..............£10.00
STICKPIN....................................PJ3461 ............... £8.00
TRIO STUD EARRINGS............PJ1531 ..............£10.00
LAPEL PIN..................................PJ507 ..................£8.00
SMALL LAPEL PIN ...................PJ4461 ............... £8.00
PENDANTS.................................PJ556 ................£10.00
SILVER DROP EARRINGS .......PJ548SD ...........£10.00
GOLD DROP EARRINGS .........PJ548GD...........£10.00
TRIO LAPEL PIN .......................PJ4531 ................£8.00
RBLS CUFFLINKS.....................MI54 ...................£8.00
RBLS TIE SLIDE ........................MI56 .................. £4.00
RBLS BUCKLEY BROOCH (MEDIUM.PJ4 .................. £15.00
RBLS BUCKLEY BROOCH (LARGE) PJ5 ....................£25.00
RBLS BADGE WITH
POPPY WREATH ....................PJRBPOP..........£10.00
POPPY CHARM..........................PP1......................£1.00
GIFTS
MILITARY WALL MAP .............MI66 ...................£5.00
RBLS WRISTBAND ...................MB1 ....................£1.00
BRASS BOOKMARK.................MI18 ..................£0.50
TROLLEY COIN.........................M168...................£1.00
LEGION DIARY (2014)..............P2 ........................£5.00
RBLS PENNANT ........................MI61 .................£10.00
90TH ANNIVERSARY PENNANTMI62 .................£10.00
MUSIC CD .................................MI62 ..................£2.00
MISCELLANEOUS
TRANSFER (A3).........................P17 ......................£3.50
TRANSFER (ROUND) ...............P18 ......................£3.00
A4 POSTER.................................P14 ......................£0.50
A3 POSTER.................................P13 ......................£0.50
AREA CERTIFICATE .................P11 ......................£2.50
BRANCH CERTIFICATE ...........P12 ......................£2.50
GENERAL RECEIPT BOOK......B3........................£2.50
MEMBERSHIP CARD ORD ......MC5 ....................£2.50
MEMBERSHIP CARD ASS .......MC6 ....................£2.50
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Page 15
Charity shop success in Annan
In April 2013, the Royal British Legion Scotland Annan
Branch opened a charity shop in the town, having identified
not only a need to raise money to support veterans but
also to provide a physical point of contact for local
veterans, there being no Legion club in the Annan area.
The shop, which is run on a daily basis by David Paterson
and his wife Barbara with help from, amongst others, their
future son-in law Steven Partlett, is proving to be a good
fundraiser. It has been very successful in attracting
donations of stock, and despite only being at its widest
around 13ft by 31ft it is filled to the rafters with
no-longer-wanted items looking for a new home.
As well as actual charity shop sales, there are a number of
other closely related initiatives to further the work of the
Legion which the husband and wife team run. Any stock
that does not sell after a period in the shop is sold as ‘rags’
for a rate of 50p/kg. David and Barbara periodically take
a stand at car boot sales in order to sell the stock to a
different audience at which they also run a tombola. The
shop sells new Royal British Legion Scotland branded
products. But importantly it is also a contact point for local
ex-service people. It carries a notice board and leaflets
with information of interest to veterans, and staff are always
happy to talk with visiting ex-service people to sign-post
them to local help if necessary or just to chat.
The Annan Charity Shop is managed by a sub committee
of the Branch Committee and its income is a restricted
fund, i.e. it does not go into general club funds. Funds
raised have been used, for example, to take veterans from
the area to the Forces in the Field event at Culzean Castle.
Monthly sales income to date ranges from £700-£1,000
from the shop, with additional sales of up to £400 from
the car boot sale and tombola.
Any Branch interested in finding out more about setting up
a charity shop is invited to contact Sheena Stone, Head of
Marketing & Fundraising at Royal British Legion Scotland
Head Office on 0131 550 1554 or [email protected].
Title ........................ Name ..................................................................................................
Address ...............................................................................................................................
Key learnings from the Annan charity shop
Town.................................................................Postcode ....................................................
Telephone number........................................Email ..............................................................
Colour
Size
Qty
Total Price
When asked what he had learnt from setting up the
charity shop David mentioned the following:
- When deciding whether to set up a charity shop,
consider how many other charity shops there are –
can your town support another one?
- Don’t tie yourself into a long rental contract as you don’t
know how sales will go in the first year.
- Allocate an area where new Legion stock is sold as
gifts; stock for this can be supplied on a sale or return
basis. For more information and a printed catalogue
contact Hayley Brownlie at Head Office on 0131 550
1586, or view the range at www.rblscotland.com/shop
- Find the right premises:
Order your gifts by: Phone 0131 550 1586 (Mon-Fri 9-5pm), fax 0131 557 5819,
email [email protected], or visit www.rblscotland.com/shop
Orders by postal should be sent to: Royal British Legion Scotland,
New Haig House, Logie Green Road, Edinburgh, EH7 4HR.
Sub Total
£
Donation to RBLS *
£
Postage & packaging
£
Total Payment
£
Postage and packaging charges apply: UK: £3.50 EU: £6.00 Outside the EU: £7.50. For special delivery extra changes may apply.
Please phone/email for details.
Payment method: I would like to pay by ❑ cheque (please make cheques payable to Royal British Legion Scotland) ❑ credit card ❑ debit card
NB Overseas orders by card payment only.
Card no................................................................ Start date............. End date.............. Security No.......... Switch Issue No.............
Signature..........................................................................................................................
If the address at which the card is registered is different to the delivery address given above, please state the card registration address.
Card registration address...............................................................................................................................................................................
* Gift Aid Declaration: Make your donation worth more with Gift Aid. By signing the following declaration the Royal British Legion Scotland is able to claim
an extra 25p from HM Revenue & Customs for every £1 you donate. From the date of this declaration I wish the Royal British Legion Scotland to treat any
donations I make, until I notify you otherwise, as Gift Aid donations.
Signature............................................................................................................................................................................. Date..........................................................
I understand I must pay an amount of UK tax at least equal to the tax the charity reclaims on my donation in the tax year.
Please note that your information may be stored on a database, and we may contact you with information about the Royal British Legion Scotland in the future.
This information will not be shared with any other organisation but may be shared within the Royal British Legion Scotland group of charities. If you do not wish
to be contacted please tick here ❑
• The location is important, ideally with lots of
passing trade. These sites are likely to have higher
rent, so these two factors need to be balanced.
• Look for a shop where people can park nearby when
dropping off stock: if they have to carry it a long way
they may donate it to another shop that’s easier to
access.
• A low rent: if the shop is empty, the owner may be
prepared to provide it for a low rent, particularly if
they have some connection with the military.
• Don’t pick too large a premises. Not only will it cost
more but it may be difficult to fill with stock and to
staff. Better to start small then expand if the shop
is very successful.
• Make sure there is enough backroom storage space
for stock awaiting sorting.
• As you are more likely to get volunteers if you provide
good conditions, make sure that the premises has at
least a toilet and somewhere to make tea.
- Provide a space where you can promote the work of
the Legion to customers, perhaps with a display of
photographs of the Branch’s local work (Head Office
can also supply images). Include information about
other organisations that help ex-service people such
as Poppyscotland as well as other local charities. If
possible, also provide a space where you can talk to
ex-service people should they be in need of help or
advice.
- People: Think carefully about how you will staff the shop
before committing any finances. Ideally look for a team
of people who are prepared to do a small amount of
time each week as this will give greatest flexibility.
Consider what training they may need.
- Costs: When putting together the business case for
setting up a charity shop, consider the following costs:
rent, water and sewerage, heat and light, publicity,
liability insurance, shop expenses, shop fittings/
decoration, and a fascia board. If car boot sales are
part of the plan then include costs for the pitch and
petrol.
Page 16
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Lochalsh
New contact for
submitting
articles &
Branch notes
To submit your branch
notes/article for future
issues of the SLN please
email your text along with
any scanned photographs/
images (including both
captions and author) to
our new Marketing and
Communications Officer
Christie at:
[email protected]
However, you can also call
her on 0131 550 1549,
or post your notes and
photographs to Christie at
the Head Office address.
Christie McMonagle
Marketing and
Communications Officer
New Haig House, Logie Green
Road, Edinburgh, EH7 4HR.
[email protected]
Tel: 0131 550 1549
THE Lochalsh Branch held their
Armistice Day Parade and service
at the Lochalsh war memorial with
around twenty members on parade,
led by the Lochalsh Junior Pipe Band
under Niall Stewart. Also on parade
were Kyle cadets, Kyle RNLI, Kyle
Fire Brigade, Kyle Ambulance, Red
Cross and the 1st Lochalsh Scouts.
Parade commander was Captain
Lloyd Burt of the Cadets and the
salute was taken by Captain John
Newton, Royal Engineers, son of
Branch Vice-Chairman, Paul Newton.
Wreaths were laid on behalf of the
Royal British Legion Scotland by
Captain John Newton, on behalf of
the Lochalsh Branch by Terry Grant,
for the Royal Navy by Lt Cdr Andy
Will, for the Seaforth Highlanders by
Richard Talbot, for the Cadets by
Captain Lloyd Burt, on behalf of the
Red Cross by Jim Eadie, and on
behalf of the Highland Council by
Councillor Audrey Sinclair.
The church collection, which raised
£263, was in aid of the Earl Haig
Fund.
Wreaths were also laid at the
Plockton war memorial by the Branch
Secretary, and at the Glenelg war
memorial.
THE Lochalsh Branch AGM was
held on the 4th December with 11
committee members present. Various
business was discussed. A Glasgow
firm which recently renovated four
war memorials on Skye is to be
contacted. Donnie Gordon is to
distribute 22 Christmas parcels in the
area. Branch funds are in a healthier
state than usual mainly due to bingo
sessions. One person is to be given
some financial help. During 2013
Lochalsh, Glenshiel, Glenelg and
Achmore raised £4,057 for the
Scottish Poppy Appeal which was
slightly down on last year. Thanks
go to all of the collectors, especially
the Kyle Cadets.
CM Macrae
Secretary Lochalsh Branch
Helensburgh
THE Branch held its AGM on Friday
6th December 2013 and the Office
Bearers for the year were installed,
President: Mike Kinsey, Chairman:
Irene White, Vice Chairman and
Treasurer: John Webster, Secretary:
Susan Cameron, Committee
Members: Maureen McCormick
and Margaret Gilbert. The Chairman
then informed the Branch that their
committee meeting will be held on
Tuesday 7th January and the Branch
meeting on Friday 10th January, the
change of dates being due to the
Christmas holidays.
The members were asked to attend
a coffee morning and tombola stall
organised by non-member Mrs Rita
McLaren to be held in Kiel Court,
Helensburgh from 10am till 4pm
and all proceeds will go to the local
Helensburgh and District Branch
with the unsold items being donated
to the Branch to go towards its stall
at the Helensburgh and Lomond
Highland Games in June 2014. The
grand total raised was £400, a great
vote of thanks go to Rita and her
helpers for their time.
The first engagement for 2014 is our
annual invite to the K13 Service at
Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde
Clyde to be held on Sunday 26th
January 2014.
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Creich and Kincardine
THE Kincardine/Ardgay Memorial
won the 2013 Highlands and Islands
Area Best Kept Memorial Without
a Garden competition and came
second in the National Finals.
Congratulations and thanks to all the
helpers in the local community.
The main Remembrance Sunday
service and parade was held in
Ardgay this year, on 10 November.
A short wreath-laying ceremony took
place at the Creich Memorial in
Bonar Bridge first, with the main
wreath-laying ceremony and church
service in Ardgay. Wreaths were laid
at the Kincardine Memorial by the
Legion, Fire Service, Boys Brigade,
the MSP and Community Council. It
was great to see so many people
from the local community there,
especially all the children who
placed crosses at the Memorial.
Assembly at Criech memorial. Colin Gilmour (our
Branch President) is on the left of the picture.
Graham White
Standard Bearer
NEW DEER & MAUD
Gladstone Terrace, New Deer, AB53 6TU
Extends a warm welcome to all
Legion members and visitors.
Opening times:
Mon-Thur 7pm-11pm / Fri-5pm-12am
Sat-11am-12pm / Sun-12.30am-11 pm
Bingo every Sunday-8pm
Occasional live music/disco/Pool/Darts/Dominoes
Bus parties welcome on application
To Alice Gillespie, Club Secretary
07789 849880
Page 17
Our standard bearers in front of the very beautiful
Creich memorial, Davy Livingstone (our Branch
Chairman) has the Queen’s Colours and Eric Porter
(our Welfare Officer) the Branch Standard.
of the Bonar Bridge War Memorial in
the main meeting. Partial funding has
been obtained from E-On Foundation
Scotland and the Highland Council.
A further bid has been submitted to
the Centenary Memorials Restoration
Fund to secure the remainder. The
plan now is to replace the railings.
like-for-like, in advance of the 2014
commemorations.
Fiona Porter - Branch Secretary, laying the wreath at
the Kincardine memorial.
An impressive £982 was raised for
Poppyscotland this year. Huge
thanks go to Nellie Mackay and
Isabel McAughtrie who managed
the collection again this year, as they
have done for many years. Their
personal effort, including visiting all
houses in the area, is very much
appreciated.
The AGM was held on 2 December.
All the current office bearers and
committee members were re-elected
and David Hannah was elected as
a new member. There are now 10
committee members and the
Chairman (Davy Livingston) thanked
us for our hard work which has
ensured the continuing existence
of the Branch. The Secretary
(Fiona Porter) outlined what we
have achieved in the year including
organising the very well attended
Remembrance Parade and our
fundraising efforts. The Treasurer
(Aldie Calder) identified reducing
numbers of members as an issue;
a concern that is being tackled
nationally across the Royal British
Legion Scotland. We currently have
around 75 members and widows.
Additional fundraising will be needed
in future to ensure we can continue
to deliver Christmas parcels to our
pensioner members and widows;
this year’s were delivered around
mid-December and were very much
appreciated as always. The Welfare
Officer (Eric Porter) reminded us of
the help we have provided, including
visiting those in hospital.
The President (Lt Col Colin Gilmour)
provided an update on the upgrade
The whist night in the Bonar Bridge
Village Hall on 18 December raised
£145 for the Branch. We are very
grateful to the community for their
support at these twice-yearly events.
Meetings next year will be held on
3 Feb, 5 May, 4 Augt, 6 Oct and
1 Dec. The latter will include the
AGM and will be held at the Ardgay
Village Hall. The remainder will be
in Bonar Bridge Village Hall. Anyone
wishing to attend is welcome.
Anyone interested in helping or
joining the Branch or becoming a
Committee member, should contact
the Branch Secretary on 01863
766349.
We are very pleased that the 2014
Highlands and Islands Area Royal
British Legion Scotland Golf
competition will be held at the Bonar
Bridge/Ardgay Golf Club on Sunday
15th June. We hope this event will
be well supported by members
across the Area. Anyone wanting
to register an early interest should
contact the Branch Secretary.
The Branch would like to thank
everyone in the local community for
their support throughout the year. We
wish you all a very Happy New Year.
2014 will be a really important year
for the Branch, so anyone with ideas
on how we could best commemorate
WW1 or wishing to volunteer to help,
should also contact the Branch
Secretary.
Fiona Porter
Secretary
Check out our website:
www.rblscotland.com
Page 18
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Maybole
REMEMBRANCE Sunday in Maybole
began with an ecumenical service
in the Town Hall conducted by Rev.
Brian Hendrie.
During the first hymn, the flags of
the local branch of the Royal British
Legion Scotland were accepted from
standard bearers Stephen Sinclair
and Alex Gemmell.
Following the service, Maybole
Pipe Band led the parade to the
war memorial for the traditional Two
Minute Silence and a wreath-laying
service led by Rev. Hendrie,
chaplain to the local Legion Branch.
Pipe Major Gavin Nicol played the
lament and Alex Kelly recited
Binyon’s Lines and the Kohima
Epitaph.
Livingston
signing of the armistice between the
Allies and Germany at 11am on 11
November 1918 – the eleventh hour
of the eleventh day of the eleventh
month. Although hostilities continued
in some areas, the armistice
essentially brought an end to the
First World War.
Armistice Day, held on 11 November
every year, commemorates the
Members enjoyed a cuppa and some
delicious home-baking (donated by
the Branch members), a raffle, and
some happy banter. £162 was raised
during the event for SSAFA.
Branch members handed over
the monies raised to SSAFA West
Lothian Treasurer, Riki Gillespie.
Maybole remembered its war dead
with two services. On Monday
November 11 at 11am, there was
the traditional Two Minute Silence
during a service led by Rev. Arrick
Wilkinson.
The first was on Remembrance
Sunday, November 10. The second
was the following day Monday
November 11 at the Greenside at
11am.
Taking part in the parade and laying
poppy wreaths were many local
organisations including the local
branch of The Legion; the Women’s
Section of the Branch; Adam Ingram
MSP representing the Scottish
Parliament; South Ayrshire
Councillors Brian Connolly,
Ann Galbraith and William Grant;
Maybole Community Council;
families and friends; Maybole Town
Twinning Association; Maybole
Community Association; Maybole
Council of Churches; Army Cadets;
Scouts, Cubs; Brownies; Carrick
Academy; Masonic Lodges;
Apprentice Boys of Derry; Carrick
Round Table; and the Fire Brigade.
After the service, the pipe band led
the parade back to the Greenside
with the salute being taken at the
golf course’s 9th tee.
THE Royal British Legion Scotland
Livingston Branch held a BIG BREW
UP in aid of SSAFA following their
Branch meeting on Wednesday 30th
October 2013.
This service was attended by the
Maybole Branch of the Royal British
Legion Scotland and several other
local organisations and all schools.
The service was led by Rev. Brian
Hendrie, Scott Barrie played the
lament and Alex Kelly recited
Binyon's Lines and the Kohima
Epitaph.
After the service, wreaths and poppy
crosses were laid.
David Kiltie
We then held a St Andrew’s Dining In
Night on Saturday 30th November
2013, hosted at the Army Reserve
Centre, Livingston.
Seventy-three diners enjoyed a lovely
three-course meal, prepared by the
Army Reserve Chefs, and served by
members of the Army Cadet Force.
We were entertained by the very
talented St Kentigern’s Academy
Ceilidh Band and our guest speaker
was Karl Cleghorn, former RN
Officer, current Police Officer, and
Officer with the Musselburgh Sea
Cadets – Karl entertained us with
some informative stories re.
St Andrew and the Saltire and his
witty charm. A great night was had
by all, and a fantastic £644 was
raised for the Branch.
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Prestonpans
ON Sunday 10th of November,
Remembrance Day, we gathered
outside our Club for our parade to
the town’s war memorial. After the
service and in front of a large crowd
consisting of the public and local
dignitaries including the Deputy
Lord Lieutenant Patrick Gemmel,
the family of Jim Galloway were
presented with the Artic Star by the
Deputy Lord Lieutenant.
Jim was granted the Star just one
week before he died and his family
and fellow members of Prestonpans
Legion Branch are immensely proud
of our hero. Jim, who served on
HMS Tracker, was protecting the
Merchant Navy ships that delivered
vital supplies to the Soviet Union in
the Second World War, a mission
Churchill acknowledged was “the
worst journey in the world”.
Tommy Thomson,
Treasurer of the Prestonpans
Legion Branch
Page 19
Kilwinning
THE Royal British Legion Scotland
members of the Kilwinning Branch
recently collected for Poppyscotland
in and around the Kilwinning area,
including Morrison's, B&M, B&Q and
the town centre raising a staggering
amount of just over £13,000.
The members of the Legion would
like to extend a huge gratitude of
thanks to all those who donated
especially Morrison's store who
supplied them with lovely cups of
tea and where they raised £6,400
alone.
St Winning primary school joined
members of the Legion Kilwinning at
The Abbey where they sang songs
around the cenotaph and laid
wreaths. The school helped to clean
up the graffiti on the cenotaph.
Also enclosed are photos taken on
Remembrance Day in Kilwinning.
Mrs Suzanne Fernando
Branch member ex RMP
THURSO
Welcomes all Legion visitors to our Clubrooms:
First class facilities including lounge with soft music
Large function hall and games room
George Taylor, chairman of
Maybole Branch of the Legion
Ladies branch
Some of the Branch Members and guests (left to right)
George Orr (Secretary), Frank McCue (President),
Marie McCue (Treasurer), Alan Hamilton MBE
(Chairman), Angela Constance MSP, Graeme Morrice
MP, and Tony Hooman (Parade Marshall & Almoner).
Check out our new &
improved website:
www.rblscotland.com
Bingo Every Sunday At 7.30pm
Bingo Every Wednesday At 7.30pm
Northern Nashville Country Music Club
last Fri of month
Saturday evenings Sing Song in lounge
Bar lunches Saturdays - Dancing on occasions
Memorabilia Display
Come and visit us when in this area,
a warm welcome awaits you
Riverside Road, Thurso. Tel 01847 893417/893377
Open Seven Days a Week
Page 20
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Inverness
AS part of this year’s Remembrance
activities, the Branch took part in a
Wreath-laying Ceremony for a C/Sgt
John Munro VC. C/Sgt Munro served
with the 93rd Highlanders (Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders) and won his
Victoria Cross at Lucknow on the
16th November 1857.
The Ceremony was attended by
members of the following Regimental
Association’s: the Argyll & Sutherland
Highlanders led by Hugh Mackie;
the Black Watch; the King’s Own
Scottish Borderers; and the Gordon
Highlanders. The Branch Standards
were carried Stephen Campbell
(Queen’s Colour) and Shirley
Carmodie (Branch Colour). A Wreath
was laid by the Branch Chairman on
behalf of the Royal British Legion
Scotland.
Back in 2002 a memorial stone for
Colour Sergeant James Munro was
dedicated at a Service held on the
14th September 2002 at the small
derelict cemetery at the Craig
Dunain Hospital, near Inverness.
The service was conducted by the
Regimental Padre, the Rev. John
Shields MBE and was attended by
representatives of the Regimental
Association; Regular Army; the
Lord Lieutenant; Highland Council;
Highland Health Board; the local
Hospital Trust; as well as members of
Clan Munro, who made a generous
contribution to the ceremony.
This year, Inverness started our week
of Remembrance by the opening of a
new Poppy Field. This is the first year
this has happened in the Highland
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Badenoch
capital. This was achieved by
The Branch in conjunction with
Poppyscotland and the Highland
Council . It is hoped this will be a
regular item in our Act of
Remembrance as it is the only one
north of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The field was opened by Mrs Binnie
accompanied by her husband (who
lost their son in Afghanistan) who laid
the first poppy cross. Also attending
was the Provost Alex Graham along
with Branch Members and the
Poppyscotland team both from
Inverness and Edinburgh. Also in
attendance were members of our
local battalion, the Black Watch,
Military Police and MOD Police.
Mr and Mrs Binnie who laid the first poppy cross.
large crowd of locals and visitors to
the city lining the route and they followed on down to Cavell Gardens for
the ceremony which was conducted
by the Rev Alistair Murray, our
Branch Padre. This year, we had two
pupils from Milburn Academy read
out Binyon’s Words and the Kohima
Epitaph at the service. Again, a most
resounding turn out that ended in a
good old chin wag over a few
refreshments and eats in the Club.
On Monday 11th November at 11.00,
we had a Two Minute Silence at the
Town House and a small Act of
Remembrance, again conducted
by the Branch Padre where we
again had two pupils from Milburn
Academy read out Binyon’s Words
and the Kohima Epitaph. This was
supported by the local members of
the Highland Council and staff of the
Town House along with Royal British
Legion Scotland members and our
local military units and recruiting
office staff. Yet again the public
turned out in their numbers to
support this short service, as traffic
came to a standstill as a mark of
respect for the fallen.
THE Badenoch Branch held five
Remembrance Services in November
2013 and placed crosses on one
memorial to the Highland Fieldcraft
Training Centre in Glen Feshie and
nine graves of the Royal Indian
Army Service Corps Soldiers buried
in Kingussie cemetery. It was the
Royal Indian Army Service Corps
who provided the animal transport
for the trainees in Glen Feshie.
Our new Colours were present for
the first time at Newtonmore,
Dalwhinnie and Laggan.
The first service which was at
Laggan was attended by 35 local
people. The standard bearers, Mike
Munro with the Queen’s Colour
and Andrew Mackintosh with the
Badenoch Colour, stood out well
with the surrounding hills making
a good background, and the piper
was Chris Thomson. Wreaths were
laid by George Gibson, Branch
secretary and local school boy
James Slimmon. The next service at
Kincraig was held at the memorial on
the B9152 roadside, requiring police
to direct and halt traffic during the
Two Minute Silence. Piper Sandy
Macdonell played the lament, with
Branch committee member Simon
Newbury laying the wreath in front
of around 50 people.
The new field of remembrance in Inverness.
The Remembrance Day parade went
well under the control of David Taylor
and was again very well supported
by veterans along with Branch and
Club members along with numerous
units and associations including a
detachment from the Royal Navy at
Faslane, our local Cadet Units,
Scouts, Girl Guides and many other
youth organisations along with local
schools. On the day, there was a
The Service at
Cavell Gardens
Tesco Inches Sam Warden a
Gordon Highlander Vetran with His
Son and Grandson and two wee
girls putting money in the poppy tin.
The Poppyscotland team with the
manager at Lidl supermarket.
Our Poppy Week collections this
year, under the guidance of our
Poppy Convener, George Davidson
assisted by Roddy Wood, has been
a resounding success with the local
population getting involved in raising
money for the Scottish Poppy
Appeal. We have passed our last
year’s figure of over £35k and the
final figure for this year is in excess
of £40k. A big thank you to all those
who helped and took part in events
to raise this fantastic sum of money
for the Scottish Poppy Appeal.
The Colours also went to
Newtonmore. Legion members
marched from outside the church to
Newtonmore memorial which is up
on a hill with poor access and limited
space. Sir Tommy Macpherson was
carried up to the memorial in his
wheelchair by members of the Fire
Service. James Mackintosh piped
the lament, with wreaths laid by
Branch President James Matheson,
Dave Fallows on behalf of the
Highland Council, and by John
Russell for the Community Council.
Several Crosses were laid by those
attending. More than 40 people
were in attendance.
Kingussie is always the largest
Page 21
service, with the number of visitors
from the local hotels bringing the
numbers up to 60-plus. The parade
marched behind the pipe band from
the station car park to the Gynack
Memorial Gardens. Wreaths were
laid by Simon Newbury for the
Branch, Len Brazier on behalf of the
Malaysian Veterans, Gregor Rimmel
for the Highland Council, and Sgt.
Crawford for the Police.
Dalwhinnie was the last service with
about 15 people attending along
with the Colours which were a great
addition to what is usually a bland
service. Branch Chairman laid the
Branch Wreath followed by the
remainder placing crosses round
the memorial.
George Gibson - NBT, Area Chair, Secretary
Livingston
A joint initiative was set up last year
by the Royal British Legion Scotland
Livingston Branch and the Royal
Navy Association’s Bathgate Branch
to place a poppy cross on every
war grave in West Lothian in time for
Remembrance Sunday. While
manning a poppy stall, a lady
approached to buy around 20 poppy
crosses and told us the story of the
WW1 war graves at Ecclesmachan.
Tony Hooman and John Thompson,
Livingston Branch, decided to visit
the cemetery to have a look for
themselves. As the Branch were
about to do a sponsored walk it
was suggested that they could raise
funds to provide a poppy cross for
all the war graves in West Lothian.
Tony Hooman Livingston Branch and
David Liddell RNA Bathgate Branch
started making enquiries into how
many war graves were in this area.
Mr Liddell also knew of some in
South Queensferry. It was decided to
take in these war graves as well as
those in West Lothian and in all it
was discovered there were around
450. Both branches donated the
initial funds for the poppy crosses
and they were placed with respect
on each war grave last year.
Both branches agreed to make this a
yearly event and after a successful
sponsored walk this year, taking in
many war memorials in West Lothian,
the veterans raised enough funds to
enable them to start laying the poppy
crosses. Over 500 crosses were
laid on the week running up to
Remembrance day. It is appreciated
that on Armistice Day each war
memorial is given its due respect
and it is hoped that this respect can
be given to these individual graves
too as many of them no longer have
any living relatives.
We completed a very busy month of
November successfully. Firstly over
500 poppy crosses were laid on the
war graves in West Lothian and
South Queensferry in the week
leading up to Remembrance Day as
part of the War Graves Project set
up last year. On Friday 8th November
a great night was had by all who
attended the Branches 2nd Festival
of Remembrance at Deans High
School in Livingston. The audience
were entertained by a variety of local
talent such as Central Scotland Ballet
School, soloist Heather Gourdie and
the West Lothian Schools Wind
Ensemble.
There was also a surprise for the
audience with the appearance of
The Poppy Singers. This was a group
of wives and family of members that
had got together to form a military
wives choir. The singers received a
surprise of their own when a letter
from the military wives themselves
was read out wishing them luck and
telling them how proud they were of
them. Then the finale, of course, on
Sunday 10th was Remembrance Day
which was very well supported by
the local people. A big thanks is
given to Mr Sandy Henderson and all
his volunteers for the sale of poppies
in Livingston. All members wish to
give a vote of thanks to the branch
president Frank McCue who is
retiring from his position this year.
Tony Hooman – Branch Parade Marshal
and Almoner
Page 22
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Inveraray
Ellon
THE Remembrance Day Parade in
Ellon had an excellent turnout,
helped by the lovely sunny weather.
Deputy Lord Lieutenant Major Mike
Tait took the salute at the marchpast that followed the wreath laying
at the war memorial. The parade
Commander was Norman Fraser,
Queens Colour Bearer was Peter
Stephen, with George Bowman as
the Legion Colour Bearer and Bill
Fraser and Doug Blair as escorts.
Many organisations attended,
including the Women’s Section, the
Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corp,
the Boys and Girls Brigades, the
Girl Guides, the Boy Scouts, and
members of the Community Council
and local Fire Brigade. The event
was led by Ellon District Royal British
Legion Scotland Pipe Band.
Nora Innes
Did someone remember to water the garden over the festive break?
Inveraray and District Branch Memorial Garden
Lossiemouth
Castle Douglas
THE Castle Douglas Branch of the
Royal British Legion Scotland
recently held their St Andrews Night
Celebration in The Market Inn where
an excellent meal was enjoyed by all.
The Top Table comprised Chairman,
Martin Fortnum and guest speaker
Derek Crichton.
George Wilson, Secretary,
Lossiemouth Branch.
Turriff
ON the 30th November, the Women’s
Section of the Turiff Branch held a
Christmas Bazaar with stalls and a
raffle for a hamper. Around £600 was
raised for Royal British Legion
Scotland charities.
Muriel Clark
KNIGHTSWOOD BRANCH
Mr Ian Ritchie,chairman of the
Lossiemouth Branch, at the cheque
presentation ceremony, where he gave
the pupils an insight of the work at the
Poppy Factory.
Women’s Section Turriff –
the Christmas Bazaar 2013.
Check out our new &
improved website:
www.rblscotland.com
Page 23
Milngavie & Bearsden
IT is with the greatest regret that the
Branch has to report the passing of
our President Alex Esson on the
early morning of Thursday 19th
December 2013. Alex has been
an enthusiastic leader and an
excellent guide and adviser to all the
committee and members of the
Milngavie and Bearsden Branch for
the whole tenure as a member of
committee through his Chairmanship
appointment and recently as Branch
President.
Alongside the 2013 Lossiemouth
Scottish Poppy Appeal the pupils of
Primary 7 of the towns' Hythehill
Primary School carried out a Poppy
Project. They manufactured their own
poppies and sold them to parents,
relatives and neighbours. The
amount raised was an impressive
£140.
Ellon Branch Remembrance Day Parade
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
WELCOMES ALL LEGION
VISITORS AND FRIENDS
Fri Evenings: Dancing/Bingo
Sat Evenings: Dancing/Bingo/Cabaret
Sun Evenings: Dance/Sing-along
Bus parties may be accommodated
by prior arrangement
via Branch Club Secretary at
17 Cairntoul Drive, GLASGOW
or by calling: 0141 954 4103
Alex took much interest in Glasgow
Area and Western Counties matters,
assisting whenever required or being
invited to other Area Branches when
organisational concerns were to be
addressed and required to meet and
conform the Royal British Legion
Scotland constitutional rules and
regulations. His gentlemanly and
officer-like approach was ever
present, no matter how simple or
complicated the subject happened
to be.
Alex’s participation as a National
Board Director was another
responsibility he took extremely
seriously, travelling from the West to
Edinburgh promptly and regularly
in taking his place in that Board’s
regular matters of business. His
Branch Committee and Members
wish to let the Esson family be
comforted in the assurance of
companionship and support
whenever readily required from our
Membership.
At the funeral on Monday 30th
December, Branch Standard
Bearers, Queen’s Standard Lee
West and Branch Colour Ross
Wilson saluted out the late President
in formal fashion and manner.
During Remembrance season, again
the Branch managed the successful
four-week Garden of Remembrance,
Dedicated and solemnised by
Branch Padre Rev Andrew Lees
in conjunction with the gentlemen
and ladies of Milngavie in Bloom.
Again, many poppy crosses were
laid with caring and remembering
thoughts of loved ones who did not
return, suitably inscribed. Both
Milngavie & Bearsden Remembrance
Parades were attended by Branch
legionnaires and the public along
with local youth organisations and
school children laying wreaths.
Sunday 10th November was a
glorious cold, clear sunny morning
in our locality, bringing out record
numbers of public as well as those
being led in Milngavie by Milngavie
Pipe Band and in Bearsden by the
1st Bearsden, The Boys’ Brigade
Pipe Band. Branch Colours were
present and led both parades.
On November 11th, Armistice Day,
Padre, Rev Andrew Lees, led Branch
Members in the Two Minute Silence
at 11.00am at Milngavie
war memorial.
During the past number of months,
new member recruitment has been
active and we wish to record our
sincere welcome to the Branch to
Lindsey Weir, recent serving L/Cpl
now Legionnaire, Helen Watt, current
local Poppyscotland organiser, Jim
Burnett, former RAF and two further
names awaiting to place their
signatures on the Membership
Application form.
On the morning of Wednesday 18th
December, Chairman with Branch
Colour and Queen’s Standard Bearer,
Iain Sinclair attended the interment
at the request of the daughter for her
92-year-old Legionnaire father David
Lewis, formerly of the neighbouring,
now closed, Kirkintilloch Branch and
Club, to have Royal British Legion
Scotland ‘Saluted Honours’ at his
local Baldernock Cemetery by
Milngavie.
Branch PRO
New contact for
submitting
articles & Branch
notes
Our Branch Committee at a recent
meeting confirmed the date for our
AGM for Wednesday 22nd January
2014 at which office bearers for
2014 will be confirmed along with
our programme of Autumn and
Spring social evenings and our three
summer outings. These three latter
events being proposed are to: The
Flight Museum, East Fortune on 11th
June 2014; The Royal Yacht Britannia
on 13th August 2014; and Dumfries
House, Ayrshire and after at Culzean
Castle for lunch on Wednesday 10th
September 2014.
To submit your branch notes/
article for future issues of the SLN
please email your text along with
any scanned photographs/ images
(including both captions and
author) to our new Marketing and
Communications Officer Christie
at: [email protected]
However, you can also call her on
0131 550 1549, or post your notes
and photographs to Christie at the
Head Office address.
Christie McMonagle
Marketing and
Communications Officer
New Haig House, Logie Green
Road, Edinburgh, EH7 4HR.
[email protected]
Tel: 0131 550 1549
Page 24
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Riders Branch
2013 was a very exciting, embracing
and challenging year for the Riders
Branch in which we have built on
our membership numbers, offered
comradeship to many Branches
around Scotland, and brought
friendship and support to many of
our own members.
At our 2012 Branch AGM, we
restructured into 9 “Districts”,
to enable us to reach out across
Scotland, in a more locally focussed
and coordinated manner. This
resulted in us becoming more
inclusive to the Legion and
presented us with numerous
opportunities raised by the Branches
to join together and foster strong
links. During this process we have
supported events from Stornoway to
Aberdeen, and Inverness to
Jedburgh and Ayrshire. A selection
of events follows.
SPRING
During early Spring, the Branch
attended the Scottish Motorcycle
Show in Edinburgh and, a strong
group make their way North to join
in the Commemorative Service of the
Battle of Culloden. This event, our
first in attendance, was conducted
in glorious but cold weather and
reaffirmed the Branch’s aspiration to
“pay our respects” to veterans, even
though it was from 276 years ago.
The day ended with 70 members
joining together at Aviemore Royal
British Legion Scotland, for a “meet
and greet” event hosted by Donna
Walker Highlands District Rep.
In the latter part of Spring we
supported the Forres Motor Show
and a group descended upon
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Page 25
Thurso
Campbeltown, Argyll for their Armed
Forces Day weekend celebrations.
SUMMER
The main Branch activity during the
summer was supporting Armed
Forces Day Aberdeen in June, an
excellent event managed by Mike
Barclay and his dedicated team.
We also supported Armed Forces
Day events at Arbroath, Stirling,
Coldstream, Inverness, Jedburgh
and Glasgow over the period and a
large Branch turnout was recorded.
Well done. During the rest of the hot
period known as “Summer”, we
attended the Legion’s events at
village fetes and a Branch group
headed North-West to enjoy the
spectacular Isle of Lewis and Harris.
All Districts were very active and
enjoyed biking in superb weather
around the beautiful countryside of
Scotland.
AUTUMN
The Branch started by supporting
the Royal Regiment of Scotland’s
day at Musselburgh Races with
Michael Murphy supporting
Edinburgh Area and Royal British
Legion Scotland Head Office. This
interesting event did much to bring
awareness of our Branch to the
Royal Regiment of Scotland
Association and the horse-racing
community.
The Remembrance period is always
a frantic time for the Branch as we
endeavour to support many events,
starting with Ride to the Wall (NMA
Lichfield – picture below) and ending
with a respectful ride in Edinburgh
supporting War Torn Troops
Remembered in Princess Street
Gardens. The weather begins to
turn at this point and many choose
sensibly to park the bikes until next
Spring, however, a few hardy
souls still meet the challenges of
supporting events at this time and
the draw of friendship.
SUMMARY
To those members of the Branch
reading this article I apologise if
you are not mentioned but our
events are too many to record all
of them, however, your support
and contribution is recognised as
“second to none”.
Easdale
THE Senior Members Dinner/Dance
took place on Saturday 7th
December. Members enjoyed a
lovely meal, a dram and the ‘craic’.
Johnnie Bremner played for the
dance. On Thursday 12th December
the AGM was held in the Clubrooms.
The highest attendance for some
time was recorded. The Guest
Speaker was Matthew Reiss late of
Northern Constabulary who gave an
interesting talk on his time as a
To those who have kindly stood up
we thank you: President Sandy
David, Vice-President Harry Waugh,
Michael Murphy, Chris Low, Gary
Cameron and David Nixon. As we
finish, our membership sits at around
750 members.
C Macnab, Chairman.
OUR Vice Chairman Jim Watson and
his wife Treasurer Christine, were in
Malta on Remembrance Sunday, and
sent this photo taken at the Malta
war memorial. Jim said lots of
Legion members from the UK were
there and they had a very moving
ceremony. It is good to know that
Remembrance is remembered in so
many places around the world.
Jean Alexander, Secretary, Easdale
Branch, Seil Island.
Mrs Betty Ross and Paul Carris.
Recent AGM was held in the Clubrooms
During the year the Branch donated
£21k to veteran charities and the
Personnel Recovery Centre
Edinburgh, for those soldiers
earmarked for discharge. At our
latest AGM 2013, we said farewell
to our President Tony Collins and
District Representatives Andrea
Mellor, Mike Barclay, Dez Urban,
Frank Healy.
policeman. A L Sutherland was
returned as Secretary. R T Allan, W
Smith, R Galloway and D Logie were
all returned to the Branch
Committee.
Group photo at the recent AGM.
A large crowd enjoyed the Christmas
Eve dance, dancing to Manson
Grant and the Dynamos. An even
larger crowd attended the
Hogmanay dance, dancing to Fusion
whilst John Macrae gave a selection
of pipe tones. The New Year was
brought in in style with a dram here
and there. Mrs Betty Ross, a cleaner
for 23 years, retired at the AGM.
Paul Carris, Branch Chairman made
a presentation.
A L Sutherland, PRO
Jim Watson and his wife Treasurer Christine
Moffat : Moffat Branch Chairman awarded British Empire Medal
William (Billy) Duncan, chairman of
the Moffat Royal British Legion
Scotland Branch, has been awarded
the British Empire Medal (BEM) in
the New Year’s Honours list for his
contribution and commitment to
promoting the Legion’s aims and
ideals.
The British Empire Medal is awarded
by the Queen for meritorious civil or
military service that is worthy of
recognition. Billy has held his Legion
Chairman appointment for 15 years,
being re-elected every three years,
and during this time has been
instrumental in bringing the Branch
from a point where they only had
one meeting a year with very small
attendance to monthly meetings
with up to 70 members. The Branch
is now flourishing with a full programme of activities for its members,
and with many members involved
in its management. Under Billy’s
leadership the Branch has raised
many thousands of pounds for veterans charities and he tirelessly strives
to promote the good work of the
Legion at every opportunity.
Billy started in service with the
Merchant Navy when he was 16
and received just six weeks of basic
seamanship training before sailing to
Bombay. Following this he served in
the Royal Navy for seven years
before joining the Territorial Army
based in Hamilton’s Royal Army
Service Corps where he was a
member of the pipe band and
learned to play the bagpipes.
Following his years in service, Billy
was a quality control inspector for
Caterpillar Tractors in Uddingston
and worked there for 30 years until
he retired.
Billy was surprised and delighted to
receive the British Empire Medal. He
said “I was humbled and honoured
to be awarded the BEM as an
ex-serviceman, not just for myself,
but for the Branch as a whole and
also for my family. I have received
calls from as far away as Egypt and
Cyprus and was presented with a
lovely citation from the Branch as
a congratulation for the award.”
The BEM is, in fact, not Billy’s only
award. He also won a Citizen of the
Year Award in Mid-Lanarkshire in
1983 for his organisation of a concert party to raise money for charity.
Page 26
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
NAVY NEWS… NAVY NEWS… NAVY NEWS… NAVY NEWS
the name. Lieutenant Aaron Williams,
24, from Bradford, came up with the idea
of adopting the animal. “We wanted to
do something quirky to mark the
naming ceremony,” he said.
L-R: Lieutenant Aaron Williams, Commander
Scott Bower Commanding Officer of Artful, and
Able Seaman Leon Stewart with some of the
lemurs at the Wild Animal Park.
■ CREW members from the Royal
Navy’s newest submarine marked the
official naming of their sophisticated
vessel with a spot of monkey business
recently.
Astute-Class attack submarine, Artful,
had her official naming ceremony at
BAE Submarine Solutions’ Barrow
shipyard on last year.
“When I did a little research into the
crest, I found out that it was chosen
to represent the quality of artfulness,
monkeys having the reputation of being
clever and resourceful creatures. Having
walked around the wildlife park with my
wife last year, I remembered they had
little monkeys and thought that adopting
one as a mascot would be a good idea.”
Almost as soon as humans first took to
the oceans animals have accompanied
them, often as companions or pestcontrollers. The Royal Navy itself has a
long and illustrious history of animal
mascots, some even going to sea in
times of war.
As well as the ever popular ship’s cat,
brought on board to control the numbers
of rats and mice, other historic mascots
have included: Barbara, a polar bear
rescued as a cub from drifting ice off
Greenland and who was ship’s mascot
until growing too large and re-homed in
Portsmouth; and Winnie, another monkey mascot who travelled with British
Torpedo Boat HMS Velox during the
First World War.
In 1972 the navy banned animals on
board on hygiene grounds so Artful the
lemur monkey will have be content
with remaining a landlubber, or should
that be treelubber!
Artful the lemur with the
ship’s crest.
Lieutenant Williams
meeting the primates
at the Wild
Animal Park.
To celebrate the occasion, nine crew
members travelled to a nearby wildlife
park for an official naming of their own.
A ten-month-old baby ring-tailed lemur
at South Lakes Wild Animal Park was
adopted as the crew mascot and formally
christened “Artful” by staff and
submariners.
The inspiration behind the adoption
came from the submarine’s crest – the
unique badge given to each ship in the
Royal Navy. Artful’s crest shows an
unspecified species of primate, chosen
in 1945 by the Admiralty Advisor on
Heraldry for the first vessel to hold
“We won’t be able to get Artful on
board, but the crew will still take an
interest in him and no doubt a few of
the guys and their families will be
visiting the wildlife park in the future to
see how he is doing,” said Lieutenant
Williams.
During the visit to the Animal Park the
nine crew members also offered a hand,
helping to refurbish a spider monkey
enclosure.
Some of the crew helping at the Animal Park.
“We will be putting our seamanship
skills with knots and ropes to good use,”
said Aberdeen sailor Petty Officer Lee
Sinclair, 33. “I love monkeys, but
let’s hope they don’t complain about
my decorating skills as much as my
wife does!”
Today there are nearly 100 species
of lemur with most of them either
threatened or endangered in their
native Madagascar. Most lemurs live in
trees and spend the majority of their time
at the top of the rainforest canopy, eating
fruit, leaves and sometimes insects.
Last year South Lakes Wild Animal
Park managed to donate nearly £200,000
to various conservation projects all
over the world.
Astute Class submarine, Artful, is the
third of the seven new attack submarines
being constructed at Barrow for the
Royal Navy. The first two vessels,
HMS Astute and HMS Ambush, are
based at HM Naval Base Clyde and
will be joined by their sister vessels
over the next few years.
The largest, most advanced and powerful
attack submarines ever operated by the
Royal Navy, the Astute Class combines
world-leading sensors, design and
weaponry in a versatile, potent vessel.
The second Royal Navy submarine to
hold the name, the first HMS Artful
was an Amphibian Class submarine
constructed by Scotts Shipbuilding and
Engineering in Greenock in 1947.
Crew members helping to
refurbish the monkey enclosure.
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Page 27
NAVY NEWS… NAVY NEWS… NAVY NEWS… NAVY NEWS
■ NEPTUNE Sailors gather to
remember wartime tragedy. Personnel
from HM Naval Base Clyde travelled to
Litchfield in Hampshire on Saturday,
November 2, to take part in a memorial
service at the National Arboretum.
Captain of shore establishment HMS
Neptune, Captain Alistair Willis, Chief
Petty Officer Steve Losh, Leading Writer
Susan Cochrane, Leading Regulator
Charlene Groves and Writer Lee Kearney
were there to honour the 837 Service
personnel who lost their lives during the
sinking of wartime ships HMS Neptune
and HMS Kandahar in 1941 off the
coast of Tripoli. The Arboretum, which
describes itself as “not a cemetery but a
place of life”, features over 200 dedicated memorials, as well as 50,000 trees
planted throughout its 150-acres. This
makes the site the ideal place for people
to visit and remember their loved-ones,
especially those who made the ultimate
sacrifice for their country.
A remembrance service was conducted
at noon on the day by the Chaplain of
the Neptune Association, Archdeacon
John Green, who was accompanied by
a bugler and two standard bearers.
Captain Willis also conducted a reading
at the memorial during the moving
service. The service was organised by
the Neptune Association, founded in
2002 by relatives of the crews of both
HMS Neptune and HMS Kandahar.
“For many years there has been a close
link between HMS Neptune at Clyde and
the Neptune Association,” said Captain
Willis. “I am pleased that Royal Navy
personnel currently wearing the Neptune
cap tally were able to attend this service
for those who lost their lives on board
the previous HMS Neptune.”
Founded in 2002, the Association aims
to unite all those with an interest in the
ships and to commemorate those who
died in the wartime tragedy, one of the
worst losses suffered at sea by the British
during the Second World War. HMS
Neptune was part of “Force K”, a
squadron of ships given the task of
intercepting and destroying Axis
convoys on their way to Libya to supply
Rommel’s Afrika Korps.
On December 19, 1941, HMS Neptune
encountered an Italian minefield off
Tripoli and struck two mines and then a
third as she attempted to reverse out of
the danger area. This third mine left
the ship dead in the water with HMS
Kandahar and HMS Lively going to her
aid. Tragically, Kandahar also struck a
mine during the rescue attempt and
Neptune signalled the other ships of
Force K to keep clear. Neptune soon
hit a fourth mine and capsized.
Of the 767 crew on board the
Leander-class light cruiser only 30
survived the initial sinking. After five
days adrift in the Mediterranean waters,
exposed to the elements and without
food or fresh water, only one survivor
remained.
Twenty-year-old Able Seaman Norman
Walton put his survival down to his
physical fitness. He was picked up by
an Italian Torpedo Boat and after
clambering on board soon collapsed with
exhaustion. He woke up on Christmas
Day in a Tripoli Hospital to be told that
he was now a prisoner of war. In 1943
Norman was released and went on to
take part in the Russian Convoys and
service on board a minesweeper before
being demobbed in 1946. He later
became a professional boxer and
re-joined the Royal Navy during the
Korean War. Norman Walton sadly
passed-away on April 20, 2005, aged 84.
“The story of HMS Neptune and of the
bravery and sacrifice of her crew is one
which still resonates today,” said Captain
Willis. “It is an honour to be able to join
members of the Neptune Association in
remembering these brave and tenacious
men.”
■ MINE hunting crew head to
highlands for remembrance. Sailors from
the Royal Navy’s First Mine Counter
Measures Squadron (MCM1), based at
HM Naval Base Clyde, had the honour
of meeting and accompanying veterans at
Inverness’ Remembrance Day march.
On Sunday, November 10, the sailors
from Crew 1 of the First Mine Counter
Measures Squadron took part in the
annual service at Trinity Church,
Inverness, and the march through the
city headed by two pipe bands.
Attending the event was Inverness native
and Royal Navy warfare rating, Able
Seaman Steven Sturrock. During the
ceremony Steven accompanied 87-yearold Navy veteran Jack McLennon in
laying the first wreath during the day.
Speaking for the entire crew, Steven
said: “It is an honour to accompany
Jack in remembering the men he served
alongside. I can’t image the conditions
that he had to live and work in during the
Second World War. This opportunity to
march with Jack and his fellow veterans
allows us all in the modern Royal Navy
to remember those who have served and
paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
Members of Crew 1 and veterans in Inverness
Also attending the event was Gunnery
Officer Sub Lieutenant David Lee who
had the privilege of leading-off Crew 1,
who formed the lead of serving Armed
Forces personnel marching to Inverness
cenotaph for the Service of
Remembrance.
MCM1 Crew 1 has recently returned
from a six-month deployment on operations in the Arabian Gulf where they
were embarked on board HMS Ramsey.
Next for the crew will be a tour on HMS
Blyth where they will prepare for future
deployment as part of the Standing
NATO Mine Counter Measures Group
in the Mediterranean before a further
eight-month deployment to the Arabian
Gulf. The First Mine Counter Measures
Squadron, based at HM Naval Base
Clyde, operated seven Sandown Class
mine hunters and eight crews which
they rotate amongst the ships.
Built of glass reinforced plastic so as not
to trigger magnetic mines, the Sandown
Class vessels boast the latest in mine
hunting technology. Each ship is
equipped with the Seafox mine disposal
system and a team of expert Royal
Navy clearance divers.
Page 28
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
ARMY NEWS… ARMY NEWS… ARMY NEWS… ARMY
■ 1ST Battalion The Royal Regiment of
Scotland (1 SCOTS) has taken over the
UK's commitment to the EU stabilisation
mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
"UK armed forces have a long-standing
and excellent tradition contributing to
multinational peacekeeping and
stabilisation operations.
1 SCOTS has taken over from the
1st Battalion Irish Guards to deliver
the European Union Force (EUFOR)
Operation Althea,
which delivers
capacity-building
and training to
the armed forces
of BosniaHerzegovina.
"1 SCOTS will continue the UK armed
forces contributions to the EUFOR
deployment which will place 1 SCOTS
at the forefront of the UK’s extensive
defence engagement activities overseas,
which project influence, help to
safeguard peace and security in
countries affected by conflict or
instability, and tackle security threats
before they reach the UK."
The regiment will also retain the
capability to intervene to help maintain
the safe and secure environment in the
event of a security crisis in
Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Prevent conflict
The Irish Guards have completed a
12-month period where they were held
at high readiness in the UK ready to
respond should EUFOR require it.
During 2013 they also took part in a
two-week training exercise with
Bosnian armed forces.
'Safeguard peace and security'
The Minister for International
Security Strategy, Dr Andrew Murrison,
said: "1 Irish Guards have supported the
EU/NATO partnership and EUFOR to
retain its capacity to react throughout
Bosnia to any possible security
challenges as part of the UK’s
commitment to regional security.
The UK armed forces contribute to a
number of stabilisation and humanitarian
operations and initiatives in fragile and
conflict-afflicted states across the
world. The UK is fortunate to have the
resources and military capabilities to deal
with multiple operations concurrently
and is able to respond rapidly to support
conflict prevention and resolution and
humanitarian crises.
As a European nation, and a leading
member of both NATO and the EU,
the UK engages in numerous bilateral
and multilateral initiatives that provide
regional security. The Ministry of
Defence and UK armed forces regularly
work with partners from the Foreign
and Commonwealth Office and the
Department for International
Development, with allies and partner
nations, and with non-governmental
organisations and others to prevent
conflict in unstable countries.
As part of EUFOR’s over-the-horizon
reserves, 1 SCOTS will ensure UK
armed forces continue to play an
important part on behalf of the UK in
the international community’s
commitment to maintaining a safe
and secure environment in
Bosnia-Herzegovina.
FORFAR
OLDEST BRANCH IN
SCOTLAND
ACADEMY STREET
Welcomes all Legion Visitors
Tel: 01307 463204
BINGO: Thursday & Sunday
DANCING: Selected Saturdays
Open every evening & all day Sat & Sun
Bus Parties Welcome
Arrangements can be made
for meals, bingo and bar
COLDSTREAM
Drill Hall, High Street, Coldstream
A warm welcome assured to all
Legionnaires and friends
Bingo – Sunday & Tuesday evenings
Occasional Saturday evening dances
Bus parties welcome by arrangement
Contact Vice Chairman on
01890 882014
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Page 29
ARMY NEWS… ARMY NEWS… ARMY NEWS… ARMY
■ SCOTTISH cavalry bids farewell
to tanks
After 75 years of being an armoured
regiment The Royal Scots Dragoon
Guards formed up in three different
locations to mark the moment in history
when they finally bid farewell to the
tanks and welcomed in the Jackal
Armoured Vehicle.
With 60 percent of the Regiment
deployed on operations in Afghanistan it
was the Rear Operations Group in Bad
Fallingbostel, northern Germany, led
by Officer Commanding Major Steve
Walters, that formed up to pipe the last
of the tanks out of the barracks, which
has been their home for nearly 30 years.
This is one of the first significant steps
as part of the Army 2020 programme
which sees the formation of the Adaptive
and Reactive Forces. The Royal Scots
Dragoon Guards are currently serving
as part of 7th Armoured Brigade, The
Desert Rats, but under the re-roling, and
move to Leuchars in 2015, the Regiment
will become part of 51st Infantry Brigade
in Scotland.
Britain’s leading Light Cavalry
Regiment
Commanding Officer, Lieutenant
Colonel Ben Cattermole, spoke to his
soldiers in Kabul with a message of
fond sadness at the departure of the
Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank but also
of the great opportunities that will come
as they re-role to Light Cavalry. The
same message was read out in Karga
and Bad Fallingbostel.
Lieutenant Colonel Cattermole said:
“Today marks an historic day in our
335 year history as our three remaining
Challenger 2 tanks will leave Wessex
Barracks, Bad Fallingbostel.
"Since our last deployment on
Challenger 2 in 2008, the Regiment has
continued to conduct armoured training
but has frequently re-roled to fulfil
counter-insurgency and training
operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"So, today, 75 years from when our
predecessors first took to tank soldiering
we will hand over our tanks and focus
entirely on our future as Britain’s leading
Light Cavalry Regiment. We will
integrate fully with the new Scottish
and North Irish Yeomanry and shall
stand together as Scotland’s Cavalry.”
Corporal Stevie Barrett (26), from
Boness, Falkirk, a qualified Challenger
2 driver, operator, gunner and most
recently a crew commander, said: “It’s
a sad day for the Regiment, to be fair, as
the tanks have been around for a very
long time but it’ll be good to go on to
something new and a new role. The
Regiment is very capable of doing that
and so it will be good to step up and
move on.
"I’m looking forward to the challenge
ahead and doing something new will
keep the guys interested. As part of the
Rear Operations Group we will be doing
instructors courses and commanders
courses and so that when the guys come
back we can go into teaching them.”
Regiment moves into the future
Corporal Andy Stewart (28), from
Mauchline, Ayrshire drove the first
Jackal into Wessex Barracks to signify
the Regiment’s new start.
He said: “This is a big part in the
Regiment’s history. It’s a big part in my
history as well, as when I came I started
on tanks and I have been on operations
in the Challenger 2.
"However, it’s quite exciting to be part
of this whole new transition working on
a new platform (vehicle) and being here
on the day when the Regiment will move
into the future. I’ve had good times with
the Jackal on operations and in my
training.
"It is one of the few vehicles in the Army
that genuinely gave me a smile on my
face when I have got to drive it. People
think it looks vulnerable but it's the
mobility of it. It’s really quick and really
effective. It is a really reliable piece of
kit and you can tell a lot of money and
preparation has been put into it to make
sure the vehicle is ready for us.
"We’re moving on and everybody likes a
challenge - that’s why you join the
Army.”
Page 30
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
RAF NEWS… RAF NEWS… RAF NEWS… RAF NEWS...
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Page 31
RAF NEWS… RAF NEWS… RAF NEWS… RAF NEWS...
■ A new exhibition entitled ‘Pilots of
the Caribbean: Volunteers of African
Heritage in the RAF’ was recently
formally opened by Baroness Floella
Benjamin.
and our selected charities by visiting our
donation website.”
If you would like to donate to the charity
event, please donate at Virgin Giving at
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/
12sqn
In two World Wars black people from
the Caribbean, Africa and from Britain
volunteered to serve in the Royal Air
Force. These volunteers fought, and died,
for the mother country and for freedom,
and thereby helped to preserve the values
and the heritage they shared with their
white comrades. The tradition of service
to the Crown continues today, and the
RAF is proud to welcome new generations of black volunteers into its ranks.
■ SECOND Female Two – Star Soars
To The Top
The Armed Forces have appointed their
second female two-star officer in yet
another historic move that shows women
really can reach for the sky in the
military, the Ministry of Defence has
announced.
Wing Commander Simon Strasdin, Officer Commanding 12 (Bomber) Squadron
handing over the summit flag for the Exercise to Sergeant Lee Birbeck.
■
WHO, Where, When
and What the RAF is up
to around the globe…
83 Expeditionary Air Group, based in
the Middle East, provided command
of the air component of fast jets and
enabling aircraft of 7 types across a
Joint Operating Area of over 8 million
square miles, including Afghanistan,
Cyprus and the broader Middle East.
Aerospace battle managers with 1 Air
Control Centre and E3-D Sentry
aircraft from 8 Squadron, operating from
RAF Akrotiri with 121 Expeditionary
Air Wing, along with the Royal Navy’s
advanced Type 45 destroyer HMS
Dragon, provided a recognised air
picture of the Eastern Mediterranean
to support regional security.
A detachment of Typhoon FGR4 air
defence fighters from XI Squadron,
also serving with 121 EAW, continued to
maintain a quick reaction alert capability
at RAF Akrotiri to deter any air threat to
the Sovereign Base Areas.
904 EAW’s detachment of Tornado
GR4s from 12(B) Squadron continued
to fly every day in support of Afghan-led
security operations. As RAF News went
to print, 12(B) Squadron was handing
over to 617 Squadron; for the
Dambusters this will be their last
operational tour as a Tornado GR4
Squadron before they disband and then
re-form in 2016 to fly the Lightning II.
903 Expeditionary Air Wing supported
the first use, at Bastion, of an Afghan Air
Force C-130 Hercules aircraft. During a
period of particularly bad weather the
aircraft completed a combined tasking of
an aeromedical and VIP flight, and 903
EAW personnel were on hand to ensure
the efficient passage of the aircraft and
its passengers.
Also at Camp Bastion, RAF Regiment
gunners with 5 Force Protection Wing
took over control of security at the base
from 3 Force Protection Wing.
Sentinel R1 surveillance aircraft from
V(AC) Squadron, serving with 902
Expeditionary Air Wing in the Middle
East, further supported operations in
Afghanistan by delivering detailed
imagery and intelligence for Coalition
commanders.
906 Expeditionary Air Wing, from its
base in the Middle East, continued to
support the strategic air bridge between
the UK and Afghanistan, supported by
C17 Globemasters from 99 Squadron
and XXXII (The Royal) Squadron’s
BAE 125 and BAE 146 aircraft.
Photography: Ed Marshall
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013
■ ON 5 Jan 2014, 12 personnel from
12(Bomber) Squadron departed RAF
Lossiemouth on Exercise Rampant Fox.
In a brand new exhibition, curated in
partnership with the Black Cultural
Archives, the Royal Air Force Museum
will tell in ‘Pilots of the Caribbean:
Volunteers of African Heritage in the
Royal Air Force' the inspirational story
of these volunteers, commemorating
and celebrating their vital contribution to
the defence of Britain, her Empire and
Commonwealth. The exhibition will also
highlight the RAF's success in embracing
diversity and also demonstrate how the
rich, cosmopolitan nature of modern
Britain owes much to the black men
and women who wore air force blue.
Isle of Bute
Branch
Shop and Drop in centre
RBLS Merchandise
Welcome to Legion
members and friends
8 Deanhood Place, Rothesay
Website: rblsbute.webs.com
Email: [email protected]
Their aim is to travel to the Hinku
Valley area of the Makalu Barun
National Park, Nepal, to ascend the
highest trekking peak in Nepal, Mera
Peak (6476m/21,247ft). This expedition
is the culmination of 12(Bomber)
Squadrons charity event which has been
running for the last 6 months and started
upon their deployment on Operations
earlier in the year.
The expedition will take place during
one of the coldest months in Nepal at the
very end of the winter climbing season,
when the average temperature at summit
altitude is expected to be around minus
40?C. The team will experience an
arduous 11 days of ascent, all the
while keeping vigil for signs of Acute
Mountain Sickness and Pulmonary or
Cerebral Oedema – both of which are
fatal if not treated immediately.
The Expedition Leader, Sergeant Lee
Birbeck said, “Exercise Rampant Fox is
a major overseas expedition to summit
Mera Peak in the Himalaya mountain
range which has been a year in the
planning. The high risk and remote
nature of the trip is designed to develop
all team personnel whilst they are in the
high end of the 'comfort - stretch - panic'
spectrum. The expedition will enhance
each team member’s attributes of team
work, planning and leadership, and
reinforce their emotional intelligence,
bolstering their ability to make cool,
calm and collected decisions whilst
under extreme physical and mental
stress.”
Sgt Birbeck added, “The experiences
gained undertaking an expedition of this
nature will be a defining point in many
of the younger team members lives and
demonstrates the true expeditionary
nature and fortitude of Service
personnel.”
Wg Cdr Strasdin echoed his views
saying, “The skills, camaraderie and
mental agility these individuals will have
to develop and then deliver during the
expedition are key individual and team
competencies that they will be able to
employ in their leadership roles when
they return to their duties in the Spring
and I am sure that they will all be
focussed on delivering an extremely
successful and safe expedition. Truly
demonstrating the very best the Royal
Air Force has to offer and enhancing the
spirit and Service ethos in the process.
We are on track to complete the physical
challenge before we leave Afghanistan
but we desperately need your help
raising the donations, please support us
Sue Gray, 50, has been promoted to the
rank of Air Vice-Marshal and appointed
Director of Combat Air at Defence
Equipment & Support. Having twice
served her country on the frontline
she will now be responsible for the
procurement and maintenance of all
combat aircraft, training aircraft and
remotely-piloted air systems for the
Armed Forces.
Air Vice-Marshal Gray joined the
RAF in 1985 and was commissioned
into the Engineer Branch. During her
career she has deployed to Iraq on both
the First Gulf War in 1991, and again on
Operation Telic in 2003 when she was
Chief Engineer for the Joint Helicopter
Force.
Air Vice Marshal Sue Gray
She is the second woman in the RAF to
be promoted to Air Vice-Marshal after
Elaine West was appointed Director of
Projects and Programme Delivery at the
Defence Infrastructure Organisation in
August.
Page 32
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
POPPYSCOTLAND NEWS
Raising funds for veterans
Thank You
Poppyscotland extends a huge thank you to members and
branches of the Royal British Legion Scotland for their
unstinting support to the 2013 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
As we go to print, money is still coming in and
Poppyscotland looks forward to updating you in
the next edition.
Flash mob fame
Have you ever seen a flash mob? Flash mobs are when
groups of people come together spontaneously at a
location to perform. Flash mobs have become hugely
popular in recent years on social media and YouTube.
Poppyscotland’s Inverness flash mob video in the
Eastgate Shopping Centre has proved a hit around the
globe, notching up over 600,000 views since going
online. The performance, which was started by Piper
Major Gordie Straub, featured both the Royal British
Legion Scotland Inverness Pipes and Drums and the
Inverness Youth Pipe Band.
The flash mob attracted an audience of hundreds of
curious shoppers and diners, with a collection during the
concert raising over £1,000 for the Poppy Appeal. A huge
thanks must go to the Eastgate Management Team and
both Pipe Bands for their part in making the start of the
Inverness Poppy Appeal such a memorable occasion.
Ladies from Legion and Rotary join
forces to raise funds
Ladies from the Royal British Legion Scotland Inverness
Branch and Inverness Riverside Rotary Club have raised
£3,200 for Poppyscotland. The ladies joined forces to run
a rotary shop for two weeks and organised a successful
prize bingo night. Poppyscotland is extremely grateful
to the ladies, with the initiative proving to be a great
example of how community groups can join together
to make a difference.
Poppyscotland and Rotary volunteers showing their support
Volunteer opportunities
Band members entertaining shoppers at the Eastgate Centre in Inverness
Success for WTTR
War Torn Troops Remembered have had a hugely
successful first year, raising over £3,200 for
Poppyscotland. The motorcycle fundraising group
showed their support for Scotland’s veterans at a
number of fantastic events, including an impressive
250 rider convoy to Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
and the unveiling of a custom-branded Poppy motorbike.
Attending the event were standard bearers from the
Royal British Legion Scotland and members of the
Riders Branch.
Poppyscotland relies on the year-round commitment
and hard work of its volunteers to support Scotland’s
veterans. We are currently recruiting for a number
of Area Organisers around the country, with these
volunteers playing a crucial role in the organisation
of collectors and the distribution of poppies in their
local area.
Please get in touch on 0141 338 6580 or
[email protected] if you can help
in Anstruther, Auchenblae, Clydebank, Eday & East
Island (Orkney), Edinburgh (Marchmont), Glenlyon
and Keltneyburn, Glasgow (City Centre), Glasgow
(Clarkston Toll), Glasgow (Summertson), Kinross,
Cleish & Carnbo, Luss, Milnathort, Newtonhill or Rhu.
Page 34
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
LAST POST
As well as wishing to make changes to
Pensions and Welfare, Alex was a
member of the Operations Team and a
strong supporter of the need for change
within the Legion to help us survive in
the modern world.
His dedicated commitment to the Legion
was unquestionable; I cannot recall him
missing a meeting or other important
appointment despite having severe
mobility problems. Sometimes the best
way to describe a person is by what
people say from the heart when they are
upset by the loss of a friend. Below are
some comments made by my fellow
National Board of Trustees members
when saddened by Alex’s passing.
The following comments made by his
colleagues when they heard of his
passing are a tribute to him personally
and his work with the Legion. They say
so much about the man and describe
how well respected he was by his fellow
colleagues on the Board of the Royal
British Legion Scotland:
Alex was born in Aberdeen in May
1933. On completing his education at
Aberdeen Grammar School, he trained
at Robert Gordon’s, and in hospital to
qualify as a radiographer. He was
drafted for National Service in 1952
spending most of his time in Germany.
It gave him a great and lasting
enthusiasm for all things military.
He later took a Certification in Social
Work. Alex also served with the
Territorial Army, based in Walcherin
Barracks in Hotspur Street, Maryhill,
first in the Royal Army Medical
Corps and then in the Royal Army
Ordnance Corps, and ventured all
around the world. He spent most
of his employment years in social
work, retiring eventually from
East Dunbartonshire Council.
“Alex took me
under his wing
on my entry into
the NBT and gave
freely of his time
and considerable
knowledge. Alex
was dedicated to
the principles
and ideals of the Legion, and the
organisation will miss a man of his
calibre greatly.”
There was a strong turn-out at his
funeral on the 30th of December,
including two principle standard bearers
with Our Queen’s Standard and Branch
Standards for the Milngavie & Bearsden
Branch. Alex is survived by his wife
Isabel and his sons Alasdair, Mairi and
Callum, and also his sister Edith.
When I became National Vice Chairman
I was pleased to see that he had been
selected by his Area to serve on the
National Executive Committee, now
Page 35
LAST POST
IT is with great sadness that
the Royal British Legion
Scotland announces the passing
of Alex Esson, long-time
member of the Legion, part of
the National Board of Trustees,
convenor of the National
Welfare committee, and
President of the Milngavie &
Bearsden Branch. He died on
the 19th of December 2013
after a short illness.
Tribute to Alex Esson by Jan Harvey,
Royal British Legion Scotland Vice
Chairman
I have been given the honour to write a
few personal words about Alex. It is not
as if I had known Alex for a long time
but he and I had been working together
for the good of the Legion since 2010,
initially with The Glasgow and Western
Counties Area and more recently as part
of the National Board of Trustees.
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
A TRIBUTE TO ALEX ESSON
known as the National Board of
Trustees (NBT).
Alex had served many years in local
government, firstly as a Probation
Officer and later as a Principal Officer
in the Social Work Department of
Strathclyde Council, so it is not
surprising that the National Board of
Trustee members recognised his
personal qualities and the skills he had
gained from his civilian employment
and considered him to be the ideal
person to be our Pensions and Welfare
Convener. I never had any doubt that
Alex would excel in this role, he was
committed to working with people and
helping them to solve their problems.
He had a sympathetic and caring nature,
as well as the ability to empathise with
people and to win their trust. He had
ambitious plans for Pensions and
Welfare at national level and by
working together with the Pensions
and Welfare staff and members of his
committee there have already been
notable significant improvements to
the way that the department works.
“Alex was indeed all that epitomised
a Legionnaire. I will remember him
always as a man of principle and
dedication to all that he was involved
with. I am sure that the Royal British
Legion Scotland is the poorer for his
passing, and we must try to ensure that
his thoughts and dreams for the Legion
are realised. What better testament to a
true gentleman who I personally will
miss terribly.”
“I have known Alex for a long time
through rugby and most recently through
the NBT. He was a tremendous man and
will be sadly missed.”
The final tribute says it with few words
but for me it says it all:
“The word gentleman could have been
invented for him.
Recollections of Alex Esson by Neil
Robinson, National Pensions Appeals
Officer
My first recollection of, and indeed
introduction to, Alex was almost two
years ago when he was appointed to the
Convenership of the Pension and Welfare
Committee. Within days of meeting him,
it was obvious that Alex had above all
else an ability to take up the baton and
to very quickly master what was being
required of him. I remember all too
clearly that he took home with him the
Pensions Handbook, all 100-odd pages
of it. He actually not only read it within
a matter of days but made pertinent and
thoughtful suggestions where he felt that
it did not clearly reflect what he believed
was ‘Plain English’. This was a pet
hatred of his, as he felt that any written
work, be it a letter or a manual, should
be clear, precise and especially to the
point. He was a gentleman in the truest
sense of the word, a man who held a
dedication and adherence to the duties
that he had been given and equally high
ideals and principles and believed that
others should do so as well.
Besides the dry humour and wit that he
displayed to such good effect upon many
occasions, Alex also believed that there
was a proper way of doing things and
applied this principle to everything that
he did throughout the time that I had the
pleasure of working with him.
Alex once invited me to his home in
the middle of winter so that we might
go over a large number of matters and
whilst I never had the pleasure of
meeting Isabel, his wife, I can recall
with considerable warmth the memory
of sitting in his living room at lunch
time, consuming a sandwich and a bowl
of soup whilst conversing on the ways
of the world and how his career both in
the military and within his business and
private life had created the man that he
was.
Alex did not ask for much and equally I
always felt did not expect much but he
was a man who excelled in everything
that he did and was both focused and
motivated by what he felt needed to be
done. Alex was the kind of man who
only wished for the simpler things in
life and for his family. He once
expressed the view that he only wished
for the continued happiness that he
experienced within his family life. He
was in every way the type of bloke that
once existed in abundance but are, in
this modern day and age, increasingly
difficult to find, and with Alex’s demise
another one has moved on, for old
soldiers never truly die.
With Alex’s departure I feel that we
have lost yet another individual from
within our ranks who had a passion
and understanding for his life and work,
who had a breadth of knowledge and
intelligence that he applied modestly to
his everyday life and who gave so much,
asked for very little and who held that
the ‘old ways’ are normally the ‘best
ways’ and in this he was right at so
many levels.
Alex dedicated many years to the
Royal British Legion Scotland, and was
indeed involved long before I joined the
organisation. The impact he made will
be felt long after his departure and if I
had to make one statement about Alex
I believe it would be that ‘he was one
hell of a gentleman and will be a hard
act to follow’.
A further tribute to Alex can be found
in the Branch section of this magazine
as part of the Milngavie & Bearsden
Branch entry.
DUNKELD & BIRNAM
Welcomes Legion Members
FRI, SAT, SUN,
Usual Club games
Bus Parties by arrangement
TEL SEC
01350 728884
DINGWALL
High Street, Dingwall
Welcomes all Legion
members and friends
OPEN ALL DAY EVERY DAY
Sky Sports Live
Excellent food served in Marches Restaurant
Functions, conferences &
meetings catered for 01349 863278
ww.rbls-dingwall.org.uk
Page 36
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Plant Engineer could be completed.
After basic training in the Royal
Engineers, he realised that it wasn’t the
way forward for him. He then signed on
in the regular Army, transferring to the
RMP. Jim passed out from Royal
Military Police (RMP) training at
Woking in 1961 and then went on for
dog training at Melton Mowbray. From
there he was posted to 5 Dog Coy in
Singapore where he met his future wife
Diane at a dance in 1962 and they were
married the following year 1963 at
St John’s Church in Singapore.
Jim was born in June 1939 just before
the outbreak of WWII. He was born in
Falkirk and grew up in Bonnybridge
until he was called up into National
Service in 1960. His drafting had been
deferred so that his apprenticeship as a
Page 37
LAST POST
LAST POST
GALASHIELS
JIM ROY
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
The Gurkhas took over Mowbray Camp
and it became 5 Gurkha Dog Coy and
Jim was the last member of the RMP
to serve there. The Gurkhas provided a
guard at the wedding reception which
was held in the Mess at Mowbray Camp.
Jim was then transferred to 200 Provost
Coy, Singapore before a posting home
to London District Provost Coy in
Kensington in 1964. In 1965, he was
posted to Edinburgh. One of his duties
there was at the Edinburgh Military
Tattoo, nightly for the duration.
Time served in 1966 and demob.
Civvy street brought jobs as an engineer,
insurance agent, and many years down
the pit as an engineer with the NCB.
After the crippling one-year strike, a
new future as a shopkeeper at Roy’s
Mini Mart in Galashiels was then
followed by retirement.
Jim was a long-term member of the
Galashiels Royal British Legion Scotland
and for the final two years served as the
Chairman. He will be sorely missed by
committee, staff and members alike.
______________________
GALASHIELS BRANCH
& SOCIAL CLUB
22 Park Street, Galashiels
Tel: 01896 752457
Extends a warm welcome
to all Legion members.
Club facilities include - Main Lounge, Games
Room - darts, dominoes, pool etc. Saturday Dancing to live bands Bus parties welcome
by arrangement with Club Secretary
UPPER DONSIDE
DAISY TINDAL
UPPER Donside Branch mourns the loss
of one of our lady members, Margaret
(Daisy) Tindal. Daisy died on 28th July
2013 aged 90 years. Daisy Morrison was
born on 28th April 1923 at Corgarff;
after leaving school she went to London
and joined the Auxiliary Territorial
Service (ATS) where she was a cook in
the Officers Mess.
She met her husband Fettes Tindal, who
was also in the Army, and they married
in December 1943 and had twin girls,
Maureen and Audrey, born in 1947.
Sadly, Audrey died at the age of 17
years. Daisy's husband Fettes died in
1995 and her daughter Maureen died in
2001. Daisy never got over her great
loss. Daisy loved her garden and was
very good at all handicrafts. She was a
lifelong member of our Branch and
will be sadly missed.
____________________________
UPPER DONSIDE
MARY DUTTON
MARY Dutton passed away on 19th
September 2013 aged 92 years, after a
Cuddly
Toys
Stuff your own soft toys
with our fun Legion bear
and animal sew kits. Each
kit contains a bear or animal
plush, a bag of stuffing, fabric
hug and kiss, birth certificate
and set of instructions. Plus
they come in the Legion take
home navy paper tote bag.
Price
£9.95
* Suitable for age 3+
Orders can be made by post, telephone or fax.
Post to: Royal British Legion Scotland, New Haig House,
Logie Green Road, Edinburgh EH7 4HR.
Telephone: 0131 550 1586 Mon - Fri : 9.30am - 16.00pm
Fax: 0131 557 5819 Email: [email protected]
period of failing health. She was a wellknown and respected member of the
community. Mary Dutton (nee Grant)
was born at Corgarff, where her father
was the village blacksmith. Mary served
for six years in the Wrens with
the Bomb Defence at Rosyth, and the
Fleet Air Arm at Fearn, Rosshire.
Her husband was a Submariner during
the war. Mary returned and spent her last
years in Strathdon. She had a great
interest in the Royal British Legion
Scotland and loved to get her Scottish
Legion News magazine. She will be
sadly missed by all and our sympathy
goes out to her family.
___________________________
UPPER DONSIDE
BILL DAVIDSON
IT is with deep regret that we report the
death of Bill Davidson, Upper Donside
Branch, on Friday 18th October 2013
in his 90th year. Bill was born at
Candacraig Cottages, Strathdon on 9th
December 1923, and after leaving school
he went to work at Tornashean Gardens
until he started his military service.
During the war, Bill served in the Royal
Artillery Division and after the war he
served for two years in the Royal
Military Police. Bill returned to
Strathdon and worked for Candacraig
Estate. He was also a part-time fireman
in Strathdon. Bill was an active member
of the
Royal British Legion Scotland and
particularly enjoyed the whist drives.
Bill was predeceased by his wife Violet
in 1998 and will be sadly missed by all
his family and friends. We send our
condolences to the family.
Page 38
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Gardening Leave Update......
THE CHARITY
GARDENING Leave is a mental
health charity that tends to the
invisible wounds of conflict by
providing Gardening Therapy for
veterans.
AUCHINCRUIVE
By Peter Myers
www.gardeningleave.org
AUCHINCRUIVE
TV gardener and BBC Beechgrove
Garden presenter Jim McColl helped
Gardening Leave officially launch
Phase 2 of its project to renovate a
large Victorian ‘ Stovehouse’ greenhouse next to its horticultural therapy
garden at Auchincruive, near Ayr.
When complete, Gardening Leave
will be able to offer Armed Forces
veterans with mental health issues
more space to work inside on
therapeutic gardening and
woodwork tasks, particularly over
the winter months. It will also allow
the charity to offer a broader range
of activities to a greater number of
veterans.
Jim McColl is a former student
at the old agricultural college at
Auchincruive and as a youngster
worked in the Stovehouse before it
fell into disrepair. Gardening Leave
has restored the first half of the listed
Stovehouse building but urgently
needs to complete this second
phase to ensure the building is
restored back to its former glory.
Pilgrim Trust is making this possible.
Jim McColl’s visit will mean the world
to our veterans and the cadets who
are helping us. When the building is
finished it will be something for all
of Ayrshire to be proud of.”
Provost Helen Moonie with Jim McColll
Jim McColl said: “I studied and
worked at Auchincruive from 1954
to 1959. During the last three years
I lived with three others in the Bothy
right on site. With the glasshouse
foreman, we formed a team to
perform weekend duty rota which
entailed looking after thousands
of plants. It was our responsibility
to look after them, in various
glasshouses, including the
Stovehouse. That included stoking 5
different boilers (three of them by
hand!).
“Two words there stick out a
mile - duty and responsibility. These
values, which I learned at that time,
have stayed with me till this day.
The guys who work in this same
environment today have ably displayed their duty and responsibility
and now the restoration of these
glasshouses to full working order,
for their use, is surely an apt
metaphor for our present duty
and responsibility to them. Needless
to say, I am delighted to have the
opportunity to help publicise this
invaluable initiative,” he added.
Heather Budge-Reid with Jim McColl
Gardening Leave’s Chief Executive
Heather Budge-Reid said: “I can’t
tell you how excited we are that the
Page 39
Life in Harry Tate’s Navy
£50,000 funding from the Pilgrim
Trust will allow this final phase to
start but the charity still needs to
find a further £40,000 to complete
the work.
Local Provost Helen Moonie and a
group from the Army Cadet Force
lent a hand to help launch the
project.
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Director at the Pilgrim Trust,
Georgina Naylor, said: “The Pilgrim
Trust is delighted to be able to
contribute towards the repair of this
important listed garden building
particularly as, once restored, it will
be used for its original purpose,
horticulture, and also will support
the work Gardening Leave does
with veterans.”
South Ayrshire Provost Helen Moonie
said: “Gardening Leave does a great
job, some veterans needs are highly
visible, and others are not, but, in
the end, with the right support,
every veteran is helped to be the
best they can be. When you take
a cutting from a plant, or have a
young seedling, it needs the right
surroundings, nourishment and
encouragement to grow and flourish
– that is what Gardening Leave
provides.
“The work that has been carried out,
and the work that will be carried out
is transforming the Stovehouse into a
multifunctional area that can be used
to meet the needs of veterans,” she
added.
Jim McColl, Gardening Leave chief exec Heather
Budge-Reid, horticultural therapist Pamela Smith,
Prof George Marshall SRUC, Provost Helen Moonie
and Gardening Leave's Alan Middleton MBE
Harry Tate’s Navy was the unofficial
name of the Royal Naval Patrol Service
(RNPS), a fleet of armed trawlers and
drifters whose crews performed heroic
service throughout World War II. Their
crews were made up mostly of tough
fishermen of the Royal Naval Reserve
except for communications ratings,
who came from a white-collar world.
One such rating was George Ritchie,
of Aberdeen, who volunteered for the
Royal Navy in September 1940 to train
as a wireless telegraphist. He did his
basic training at HMS Royal Arthur
at Skegness before learning about
wireless telegraphy at the Wireless
School in Aberdeen. He completed his
training at Sparrow’s Nest, Lowestoft,
the municipal pleasure gardens which
became the site of the Royal Naval
Patrol Service’s wartime headquarters.
The RNPS’s nickname was inspired
by music hall comedian Harry Tate
who was always baffled by modern
gadgets, the embodiment of the
ordinary man struggling with
irritations he couldn’t control.
George’s first draft was to Scapa Flow
in Orkney, and it was at Perth he joined
an overcrowded train for the long haul
up to Thurso. At the Caithness town
they were given a meal in a local
hotel’s hall before embarking on the
Morialta at Scrabster for the often
dreaded passage across the Pentland
Firth to Scapa Flow. George was
initially accommodated on the Dunluce
Castle, an old liner which had been
spared the breaker’s yard in 1939 after
being requisitioned by the Admiralty
to serve as a depot ship.
He was glad to leave the privations
of that ship’s forward hold and its
cockroaches and join his first trawler,
the Aberdeen-built Northman of 1911,
where George and his wireless set
were accommodated in the skipper’s
former cabin. She had been fitted
initially as an anti-submarine trawler
but she was so slow that there were
fears the depth-charges would blow
her stern off and she was switched to
convoy escort duties.
The Northman helped escort a convoy
to Thorshavn in the Faroe Islands,
where a British garrison was established and where the elderly armed
trawler spent most of the war serving
as a guardship and convoy escort.
In 1942 at the age of 19, George
was drafted to the anti-submarine
trawler Leicester City, built in 1934 for
Consolidated Fisheries, of Grimsby,
whose distant-water trawlers were
named after English football teams.
In pre-war days they had been a
familiar sight in the Pentland Firth
while on passage to and from the
Icelandic fishing grounds.
George remembered her as a happy
ship which was kept busy escorting
convoys round the Scottish coast,
especially between Loch Ewe in
Wester Ross and the Fife port of
Methil, the assembly points for many
wartime convoys. It was from Loch
Ewe that the Arctic convoys sailed
for northern Russia with vital supplies
for the Soviet Union. The Leicester
City shared escort work with other
“football team” naval trawlers,
including Preston North End, Spurs,
Stoke City and Wolves.
The Leicester City sometimes went to
the aid of merchant ships in distress
as she did when she stood by the
tramp steamer Empire Brutus off the
Aberdeenshire coast. On another
occasion she towed a disabled coaster
to Thurso Bay, but George’s hopes of
receiving a handsome salvage bounty
were dashed after his share was a
paltry £1 2s 8d (£1.13p) which wasn’t
even enough to pay for a secondhand bike he had his eye on.
Another task for the Leicester City was
escorting the French submarine Junon
from Lerwick to the sub’s base at
Dundee, which was the home of the
19th Submarine Flotilla. The Junon
had been damaged while operating
off Norway and was unable to dive.
A more mundane but still important
duty for the Leicester City, which she
shared with the naval trawler Scalby
Wyke, was escorting the lighthouse
tender Pole Star while she supplied
the isolated lighthouses in Orkney
and Shetland as well as disembarking
relief keepers.
Coastal convoys were at risk
from attack by enemy aircraft and
HM Trawler Leicester City in which George Ritchie
served as a wireless telegraphist
submarines, but they were still also
vulnerable to the wrath of winter
storms. George recalled the great
storm of late January 1942 when the
steam coaster Lesrix, which was in a
convoy, was driven ashore at Hackley
Head, near Newburgh, Aberdeenshire.
The Newburgh lifeboat tragically
capsized in a rescue attempt and two
lifeboatmen were lost. Farther along
the coast, the cargo ships Fidra,
Runswick and Saltwick went ashore
while seeking refuge from the storm
at Peterhead harbour, where the local
lifeboat rescued their crews.
George was later commissioned as
a sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval
Volunteer Reserve and did two years
as a watch-keeping officer in Algerine
class ocean minesweepers, the first
of which was HMS Cheerful which he
joined at Belfast, the city where he
met and married his wife, Dorothy.
George retained his deep interest
in ships and the sea after his return
to civilian life where he qualified in
accountancy and served several
firms, latterly as company secretary
and director. George, who lived at
Stonehaven, retired in 1984 and was
able to devote more of his time to
maritime research. He became a
recognised authority on Aberdeen’s
steam trawling fleet and in 1991 his
book, The Real Price of Fish, Aberdeen
Steam Trawler Losses 1887-1961,
was published. In 1983 George gave
a fascinating talk to the Aberdeen
Maritime History Group about his
experiences in the Royal Naval Patrol
Service and which forms the basis of
this article. George died in July 2003.
The minesweeper HMS Cheerful which George
joined after being commissioned
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
GRANGEMOUTH
4 Dundas Street, Grangemouth
Extends a warm welcome to all
Legionnaires, friends and visitors.
OLDMELDRUM
We welcome Members, Guest and Visiting
Bus parties welcome and catering
available by arrangement.
Saturday - Bingo & Live Bands
Contact the Secretary or Chairman
Legion Members
Dancing Sat Night
Bingo Wed & Sat
Bars Open Daily
Other Facilities Available
Bus Parties by Arrangement
01324 485359
Market Square, Oldmeldrum
Te: 01651 872527
MILLPORT
PAISLEY COMRADES
Isle of Cumbrae Branch & Club
4 Reid St, Millport.
Tel 01475 530052
13-19 RENFREW ROAD
0141 889 9281
Welcomes all Legion visitors and Guests
●
Open all day every day
●
Open for lunch & dinner every day
except Wednesday
Bingo- Folk Nights - Parties catered for
Fully equipped Games Room, Function
Suite and Lounge - all with own Bar
A warm island welcome awaits you
Bingo & Dancing Sat/Sun to live music
TURRIFF & DISTRICT
www.turriffroyalbritishlegion.co.uk
Extends a warm welcome to Legion members
and friends. Take advantage of our well
appointed Club when visiting the North East.
Single, Double & Twin Bedrooms
Newly refurbished and all en-suite
Dining room to seat 60. Bed & Breakfast
Usual Club Activities and Entertainment
Coach parties catered for
Reservations and terms:Contact Club Manager Yvonne Massie
Tel: 01888 563231 Fax: 01888 569155
OLDMACHAR
BRANCH CLUB BRIDGE OF DON, ABERDEEN
Extends a warm welcome
to all Legion visitors
Bingo Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday
Dancing Saturday Meals Saturday night &
Sunday lunchtime Sports include snooker,
darts, dominoes etc
Weekend Bus Parties on application to:
Club Secretary, 23 Balgownie Road, Bridge
of Don, Aberdeen Tel: 01224 704717
●
Burnside Edge, Aviemore, PH22 1SG
Welcomes all Legion Members
North end of village by ambulance station
We are open Monday - Thursday from 5pm,
Fridays from 2.30pm, Saturdays from 12pm and
Sundays from 12.30.
Tuesday Bingo, Sunday Quiz & Bingo
Tel: 01479 810 892
KEITH &
& DISTRICT
DISTRICT
KEITH
Legionnaires and visitors are all welcome
Fri & Sun - Bingo. Sat - Dancing
Lounge Bar, Pool, Snooker & Darts.
Hall is available for functions &
parties. Catering for bus parties
by arrangement
Balloch Road, Keith AB55 5EN
Branch Tel: 01542 882320
Secretary Tel: 01542 832638
ARBROATH BRANCH
2 West Road, Irvine
Extends a warm welcome
to legion members and friends
wheelchairs available to visitors
Saturday : Dancing
Sunday : Bingo
Bus parties welcome
Helen Street DD11 3AP
Bingo/Pool/Lounge and Main Bar
Dancing every weekend
Bus Parties Welcome
By Arrangement with Club Secretary
Contact Hon Secretary for prior arrangements
Tel: Secretary 01294 313164
TEL 01241 873964
JEDBURGH
LEWIS BRANCH
57 High Street
WELCOMES LEGION VISITORS
Club facilities include Games Room, Lounge
and Large Dance Hall. Legion bus parties only
on application to Hon Secretary.
Bingo every Friday night,
Dancing every other Saturday,
Call in and see us when in this Area.
Tel: Jedburgh 01835 863200
30 South Beach Street, Stornoway,
Isle of Lewis
Tel: 01851 703756
Welcomes all Legion Members
Club Facilities include 2 Lounges, 1 Bar
Live Music every Saturday Night
Games Room: Snooker, Darts.
Experience a warm and friendly welcome
CUMBERNAULD
INVERURIE
EDINBURGH CENTRAL
SouthMuirhead Road
Blackhall Road
0131 557 8164
Entertainment & Bingo Thursday,
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Jubilee Function room Wedgeworth
Lounge and Recreation room.
BUS AND PARTIES WELCOME BY
APPOINTMENT
Telephone Secretary: 01236- 726728
Welcomes all Legion members and
guests to their Clubrooms
Bingo every Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday
Evenings and occasional Friday nights.
Occasional live music in Main Bar Friday
Nights and Sunday afternoons.
One full-size snooker table, 1 pool table, darts
Bus parties welcome by prior arrangement with
Hon Secretary 01467 620567 01467 621936
Page 41
AVIEMORE &
ROTHIEMURCHUS
IRVINE
We extend a warm welcome
to all Legion members
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
33 Rodney Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4EL
www.rblsedinburghcentral.org.uk
Tuesday-Thursday 6.30pm-10.15pm
Bingo Wednesday Evenings
Friday-Saturday 12.00pm-11.30pm
Bingo, Singing and Dancing
Hall Available for Functions
VISITORS WELCOME
MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRY
Name .......................................................................................................
Address. .................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................
SERVICE DETAILS
Date of joining
Rank
.......................... Date
of Discharge ..................
.............................................. Official
Anyone can become a member of the Royal British Legion Scotland. By joining you
show your support for ex-service people across Scotland whether you completed your
service yesterday or as part of the First or Second World Wars. And you will be helping
a caring organisation dedicated to aiding veterans to get on with their lives.
With your support we can continue providing advice, community and friendship to
ex-servicemen and women and their families. As a member you help us to fund
remembrance, comradeship, and disablement pensions advice and welfare support.
We provide indoor and outdoor sporting and social activities as well as an opportunity
to help those in need.
WHAT YOU GET FROM MEMBERSHIP
You get:
• A caring organisation dedicated to the ex-Service community
• Bi-monthly issues of the Scottish Legion News available at Branches
• The opportunity to play an active part in the Legion’s work
• Eligibility to compete at National Level in over a dozen sports
• Opportunity to participate in World Standard Piping Competitions
• Free help and advice on all pensions and welfare matters
No ..................................
HOW TO APPLY
I wish to enquiry about becoming a member of the
following branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland:
(tick box)
❏ Headquarters Branch
❏ Local Branch at (or nearest)…………………………
❏ Associate Member
Applicant’s signature........................................................................
Date..........................................................................................................
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SCOTLAND
New Haig House, Logie Green Road, Edinburgh EH7 4HR
A Local Branch: Application to join the Royal British Legion Scotland is made
to the Branch nearest to the applicant’s home address or direct to National
Headquarters for onward transmission. The current capitation fee is £9.50
(ex-Service) plus a small Branch subscription. Do not send any cash until
you hear from the Branch Secretary.
The Headquarters Branch: For those who wish to join the Royal British Legion
Scotland but not wish to take an active part in its activities, application should be
made direct to National Headquarters. The current capitation fee is £9.50 plus a
Branch subscription of £8.00 for ex-Service people, and £10.00 plus £8.00 for non
ex-Service people. Other rates apply for overseas members, please liaise direct with
John Lau on 0131 550 1583 or [email protected]. Transfer to a local Branch
can be made at any time.
Please note that your information may be stored on a database, and we may contact
you with information about the Royal British Legion Scotland in the future. This
information will not be shared with any other organisation but may be shared within
the Royal British Legion Scotland group of charities. If you do not wish to be
contacted please tick here ❑
By entering the Royal British
Legion Scotland lottery you are
helping the Legion to support
veterans across Scotland. Fifty
percent of all receipts are allocated
to prizes, the other fifty percent,
after deductions for administration
costs, are used to further the aims of
the Legion. The Lottery is drawn on
the last working day of each month
from January to October inclusive.
Additionally a major prize is
allocated for March and
August draws.
Winners will be notified immediately
by post. Area secretaries will
receive a full list of winners by the
end of the first working week of
each month.
Royal British Legion Scotland Private Lottery
PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY IN
BLOCK CAPITALS.
PLEASE DEL Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms
Name: ...........................................
* Insert number of chances
STAKE £1 PER ENTRY PER MONTH OR
MULTIPLES THEREOF
I enclose my cheque, made payable to
Royal British Legion Scotland, for
Address:.......................................
£......................................
......................................................
......................................................
......................................................
Postcode: .....................................
Tel: ................................................
The promoter is the Chief Executive
Officer, Royal British Legion
Scotland, New Haig House, Logie
Green Road, Edinburgh, EH7 4HR.
The RBLS Lottery is a private lottery
administered in accordance with
Section 4 of the Lotteries &
Amusement Act 1976, and open
ONLY to paid members
of the Legion.
I wish to take .............* chances, in
each of the following draws, please tick
each month below
......................................................
2014
Page 40
Email:............................................
Branch:.........................................
......................................................
Membership No. ..........................
PLEASE ENCLOSE YOUR
CAPITATION FEE RECEIPT
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
❑
❑
❑
❑
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
❑
❑
❑
❑
Oct ❑
Please return your form no later than
the 25th of February 2014: for the first
draw, to: Accounts Depart (Lottery),
RBLS, New Haig, House, Logie Green
Road, Edinburgh, EH7 4HR.
Please note that your information may
be stored on a database, and we may
contact you with information about the
Royal British Legion Scotland in the future.
This information will not be shared with
any other organisation but may be shared
within the Royal British Legion Scotland
group of charities. If you do not wish to
be contacted please tick here ❑
Winners who prefer no publicity
please tick here ❑
Page 42
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Page 43
Veteran News
SCOTTISH VETERANS
MINISTER CELEBRATES
TOPPING OUT AT NEW
GLASGOW HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT
The Scottish Government Transport
and Veterans Minster was in Glasgow
recently to mark a key stage in the
building of a new housing development
for ex-military personnel. Keith Brown
MSP laid the final roof tile to mark the
topping out stage of the £6.7 million,
51 flat project being built in the city's
east end.
The Cranhill-based development is
due to open next summer and will be
run by the charity, Scottish Veterans
Residences (SVR), providing UK
military veterans with a combination
of independent and supported
accommodation. The key focus of the
new facility is to help younger veterans,
many of whom will have served in
Afghanistan and Iraq, who are struggling
to make the transition into mainstream
housing and civilian life. It will provide
training, education, employment and
recreation facilities for its residents.
Working with local authorities and a
number of charity organisations, SVR
will also coordinate a range of additional
services to help younger veterans.
It is estimated that over 2,000
servicemen and women leave the
SVGCA TO BUILD MORE
HOUSES FOR DISABLED
EX-SERVICE PERSONNEL
The Scottish Veterans’ Garden City
Association (SVGCA) has been
housing disabled ex-Service personnel
in Scotland since 1915. In 2007, they
identified a need to build an additional
60 houses to meet the demand arising
from current conflict. In 2008, the First
Minister launched their Houses for
Heroes Scotland appeal and in those
more economically buoyant times raised
£3 million, including from Royal British
Legion Scotland Branches and were
able to build 22 houses. Meanwhile,
SVGCA also built up a strong working
relationship with the Army Personnel
Recovery Unit (PRU) and since the PRU
came into being three years ago, SVGCA
have housed 87 young disabled service
personnel transiting from the Services
following disabling injury.
Armed Forces every year in Scotland.
While most make a successful transition
to civilian life, a number of veterans
struggle with addictions, aggression,
unemployment, family breakdown and
homelessness. As a result vulnerable
veterans are being sent to bed and
breakfast accommodation or poor quality
social housing where they do not receive
the required support.
understand and admire the dedication
and courage of the young men and
women who serve in the UK's Armed
Forces. Regardless of where they are
in the world, they never complain
about having to engage in difficult and
dangerous situations. It is therefore right
and proper that we should continue to
support them after they've risked their
lives in defence of our nation.
"While most people can successfully
move on after life in the military, some
of our veterans do not adjust well and
can experience a range of issues
including joblessness, depression
and substance abuse all of which
can lead to homelessness.
Veterans Minister Keith Brown MSP and construction
worker Thomas Hughes. Thomas is an Army vet who
served in Afghanistan with the Royal Dragoon Guards
and now works with the firm McTaggart Construction
which is building the new veterans housing
development in Glasgow.
The new housing development will be
the first in the west of Scotland for
SVR which currently operates veteran
housing facilities in Edinburgh and
Dundee.
Scottish Veterans' Residences Chief
Executive Phil Cox said: "Throughout
my 30 years in the RAF I have come to
Due to the economic downturn funds
were no longer available from Trusts,
so SVGCA took the unusual step of
approaching the Scottish Government
and after a series of negotiations were
gratefully awarded an unprecedented
one-off grant of £1.3 million towards the
remaining 38 houses. At the same time,
the Charity developed a strong working
relationship with six local authorities in
the areas of greatest demand. Those
local authorities are all signatories to the
Armed Forces Covenant and anxious
to make a tangible contribution, have
either long-leased or donated land to
the charity at no cost, upon which the
balance of the houses can be built.
At the end of 2013, the Chancellor
announced that SVGCA would be
awarded £1.94 million of LIBOR funding.
This will enable the charity to begin
building 28 of the remaining 38 houses
and it is hoped to complete all by 2015.
The priority is to house younger disabled
"The Cranhill development is being
built to provide a safety net in the west
of Scotland for those veterans who
need support and will offer a range
of facilities and resources to help
them back on their feet so they can
successfully move on with their lives."
Scottish Veterans Minister Keith Brown
MSP said: "This marks an important
milestone of an exciting future in
providing affordable housing for
ex-service personnel and acknowledges
the great contribution made by the
people who serve in the Armed Forces.
__________________________________
Anyone wishing to make a donation
to support Cranhill can do so by visiting:
www.svrglasgow.org
BUCKIE AND DISTRICT
Welcomes Legion visitors to their
spacious clubrooms and hall
Facilities include:Wed (Oct-Apr) 2-4pm, Tea, Dancing
Bingo - Frid 8.30pm, Sun 7.30pm
Sports - Snooker, Darts, Bowls etc
65 High Street, Buckie
Tel: 01542 832636
STROMNESS
9-11 John Street , Tel 01856 850731
We extend a warm Orkney welcome to
all visiting Legion members and guests.
Club facilities include two lounges. Games darts, dominoes, pool tables, Saturday bingo
Music on special occasions
SVGCA Chairman Lt Col Richard Callander, Keith
Brown MSP Veterans Minister and Angus Council
Provost Helen Oswald at the start of site clearance in
Carnoustie 5th November, 2013
ex-Service personnel with families who
may be facing homelessness following
discharge from the Services.
For more information about Scottish
Veterans Garden City Association, please
contact: Peter Minshall, SVGCA CEO,
0131 557 1188, [email protected]
BEAULY & DISTRICT
Mid Street, Beauly IV4 7DP
Welcomes all Legion
members and friends
Function room & Lounge bar
Bingo - Wednesday
1st Saturday of month - Dancing to live bands
Tel: 01463
782650
Page 44
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
NAIRN
MONTROSE
EAST KILBRIDE
3 CAWDOR STREET, Nairn
16 Wellington Street
Welcomes all Legion members
and guests to our comfortable
Club and entertainments
Members & Guests Welcome
Bus parties welcome, contact us
for prior arrangement.
Tel: 01667 453201
Extends a warm welcome to all
Legion visitors to their clubroom
Adjacent to football park and close to bowling green
Welcomes all Legion members
and bus parties
Meals available by arrangement
Open all day – Thursday, Friday,
Saturday and Sunday
Bingo Thursday Night
Snooker-Dominoes-Darts
Tel:01355 233545
BANCHORY
DUNBAR
CROSSGATES
Welcomes all members and friends
Bingo - Fri, Sun & Mon
Dancing & Cabaret - Sat
Gamesroom - Pool, Darts etc
Bus parties catered for by arrangement
Meals on request
Telephone 01383 511478
KELSO
In the Beautiful Scottish Borders
You’re always sure of a warm welcome in
our friendly Club
• Pre-book an excellent home-made meal
for your coach party
• Bingo etc every Saturday and by arrangement
• Camping and Caravan Site within easy access
• Trout Fishing on the Tweed and the Teviot
• Golf Course, Swimming Pool and Ice Rink
Be sure to visit us soon
66 Roxburgh St, Kelso TD5 7DH 01573 224506
Dancing to CDs every three Saturdays
And to a live band once a month (Saturdays)
Tue and Sun evening bingo
Catering and bus parties on application
To Club Secretary Tel. 01674 676 604
website: www.banchorylegion.com
email: [email protected]
We extend a warm welcome to Legion Members
and Guests to Ravenswood Residential Club
when visiting Royal Deeside.
Single & Double Rooms : Bed & Breakfast
Lunches & Evening Meals Available
Dancing & Bingo every weekend
Bus parties by arrangement
For reservations Tel - 01330 822347
LEVEN
North Street, Leven Tel 01333 426058
Email: [email protected]
The function suite is available for private
parties every night (except Sat). To book, please
contact the Secretary at the above address.
For catering, please contact Bar Steward
Jimmy Reynolds, 0131 663 3235
Welcomes all Legion members and friends
Bingo - Wed nights and Sun afternoons
Sat nights - Bingo / Dancing to live bands
Country & Western every fourth Friday
Disabled and Catering facilities
Functions & Bus Parties welcome by arrangement
Contact Club Steward Maureen Boyd
INVERNESS
FORRES
BATHGATE
SANQUHAR ROAD
58 North Bridge Street
BRANCH & CLUB
10 Huntly Street TELEPHONE: 01463 233710
Tel 01309 672131
An open invitation is extended
to all Legionnaires
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.legion-inverness.com
Welcomes Club members and
friends to their Clubroom.
Bingo every Friday and
Saturday evenings.
Two full-size snooker tables
Lounge, games room, function suite
Open every day for bar lunches
Bingo and cabaret every Friday
Legion members and parties very welcome
Contact Secretary 01506 652723
GALASHIELS BRANCH
& SOCIAL CLUB
DUNFERMLINE BRANCH
22 Park Street, Galashiels
Tel: 01896 752457
Wed - Bingo • Sun - Dancing
Also game of Bingo - Sing Song
Hall available for functions & parties on
Fridays & Saturdys. Catering can be arranged.
Conferences and Meetings also welcome.
Also Bus Parties catered for on prior
application to Hon Secretary.
60 New Row, Dunfermline, Fife KY12 7EF
Tel: 01383 723921
Extends a warm welcome
to all Legion members.
Club facilities include - Main Lounge, Games
Room - darts, dominoes, pool etc. Saturday Dancing to live bands Bus parties welcome
by arrangement with Club Secretary
The Auld Grey Toun
Legionnaires and Visitors Welcomee
Book Review
Heroic
Measures
by Jo-Ann Power
More than 10,000 American Nurses
Faced Violence and Inequality on
the Battlefield in World War One
Tel: 01368 863275
DALKEITH
❥ Entertainment every Sat & Sun afternoons
❥ Visitors welcome
Page 45
147 HIGH STREET
Legion Visitors Welcome
Bingo on Wednesday,
Saturday & Sunday
Dancing every Saturday & Sunday
Live Music
Bus Parties Welcome
26-30 Buccleuch Street, Dalkeith
❥ Function suite, lounge bar, games room
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
All Legion members and friends can be
assured of a warm welcome in our club.
Dance to live music on Saturday or
play Bingo on a Tuesday, Friday and
Sunday in the lounge.
Relax with a game of Dominoes,
Darts and Pool in the Main Bar.
Snooker is available on four tables.
If you prefer to have peace and quiet
then enjoy our riverside Cocktail Bar.
Lunches are from
12 noon Tuesday - Sunday
Evening Meals from 6pm Friday & Saturday
Planning a coach trip to the beautiful Highlands?
Then contact our Secretary who will be happy
to help with catering and entertainment
in our Function Suite.
For exceptional friendship, quality
and value contact us now!
IN Heroic Measures (The Wild Rose
Press, 2013), award-winning author and
historian Jo-Ann Power pays homage
to the brave women who served their
country during the First World War as
members of the US Army Nurse Corps.
Power brings their bravery, thoughts,
and emotions to life with main character
Gwen Spencer, a young nurse who joins
the Army Nurse Corps to serve on
American front lines.
For Gwen, fighting battles is nothing
new. An orphan sent to live with a
vengeful aunt, Gwen picks coal and
scrubs floors to earn a living. But when
Gwen decides to become a nurse, she
steps outside the boundaries of her aunt's
demands and into a world of her own
making. After leaving her hometown
for France, Gwen helps doctors care
for thousands of brutally injured
“doughboys” under shocking conditions.
As she faces bombings and the madness
of men crazed by the hell of war, Gwen
is stunned to discover, above all else,
love.
“Prior to researching this book, I had
one narrow view of heroism. As a former
Army wife, I considered fighting on
the front lines to be the ultimate form
of courage,” Power says. “Now I know
heroism during war wears many faces.
The soldier who volunteers. The medic
who carries a wounded soldier from the
field while under fire. The doctor or
nurse who sees the most horrific
destruction of the human body and
pushes away the repulsion to find the
quickest, most efficient way to repair
the soldier’s wounds.”
Fascinated by what she calls their
“grace under pressure,” Power began
researching this group of women in
1985. At that time, few records were
catalogued or available in any organized
form for a researcher; she sifted through
hundreds of boxes of jumbled letters,
photos, and artefacts to make sense of
the nurses’ experiences.
Power explains, “Many times, the
records I had access to contained nothing
more than a date or a hastily scribbled
note. Pictures had no descriptions; letters
were missing pages and envelopes. But
as I researched these nurses’ experiences,
I found a remarkable story that was
missing from most textbooks. These
women were supremely heroic for
their time and circumstances.”
The result of Power’s research is a
historically accurate novel. Heroic
Measures illustrates concepts still
very relevant today, including:
• Examples of heroism, loyalty, and
patriotism in times of war
• Gender inequality as it relates to the
work place, rank, and competitive pay
• “Modern” warfare, Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder, plastic surgery, and
military healthcare
• The rapid rate of medical advances
and how they impact everyday people.
“For women in this day and age to
agree to not only go abroad, but also to
volunteer to go to the front lines and see
the horrible wounds these men endured,
seems an enormous commitment of
heart, hope and love,” adds Power.
“I want Heroic Measures to help readers
fully appreciate how much these women
sacrificed to perform a service above and
beyond the call of duty.”
Would you like to
write a book review
for Scottish Legion
News?
Royal British Legion Scotland Head
Office often receives books with a
military connection that might make
for interesting reading. If you are a
keen reader and think you might
like to read a book with a view to
writing a short article (up to 600
words) about it for this magazine
then please get in contact with
Sheena Stone, Head of Marketing
& Fundraising on 0131 550 1554,
or [email protected]
Page 46
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
KIRKWALL
Junction Road Tel: 01856 873297
Functions / Facilities include:
Dancing to live music - Saturday •
Bingo - Wednesday & Sunday
Lunches - Saturday & Sunday
Snooker • Pool • Darts
All Legion visitors are assured of a
good old-fashioned Orkney welcome.
See www.rbls-kirkwall.org.uk
NEW PITSLIGO
Gives a warm
welcome to Legion Visitors
Dancing - Saturday
Bingo - Sunday
TV, Dominoes, Darts, Pool
Bus Parties by arrangement
COCKENZIE & PORT SETON
Harbour Road, Cockenzie, EH32 OHX
Welcomes All Visitors
Bingo Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Saturday - Dancing to live bands
View overlooks the Firth of Forth
Tel: 01875 810103
Carnoustie Branch
88 Dundee Street, Carnoustie DD7 7PH
Opening hours:
Mon-Thurs 5pm - 11pm
Fri & Sat 12.30pm - Midnight
Sun 12.30pm - 11pm
Hope to see you soon
CRIEFF
FRASERBURGH
ELLON
Tel 01358 720512
Visiting Rosslyn Chapel?
ROSLIN
Wallace Crescent, Roslin EH25 9LL
Welcomes Legion Members,
Friends & Groups by arrangement
Contact: J Clyne on 0131 440 0061
Bingo & Dancing - Saturday Evening
Bingo - Sunday Lunchtime
Bingo - Monday Evening
Welcomes all Legionnaires
and friends
Monday - Friday: 7pm - 11.45,
Saturdays - Sundays: open all day
Saturday night: live bands and dancing
Bus trips arranged through Secretary
LONGNIDDRY
LINKS ROAD, LONGNIDDRY
Tel: 01875 853241
Lower Victoria Hall, Station Road
We welcome Members, Guests and
Visiting Legion Members
We have dancing on alternate Fri & Sat nights 8.30pm
Bingo every Fri 7pm
Bar opens Mon & Tue 4.30pm-11pm,
Wed, Thu & Sun 11.30am-11pm
Fri & Sat 11.30am-11.45pm.
Lunches: daily Wed-Sun, 11.30am-2.30pm
Suppers: Fri, Sat, Sun, 4.30pm-6.30pm
Usual Club facilities
Bus parties welcome by arrangement
Tel: 01356 622562
2 BANK STREET, BRECHIN,
DD9 6AX
An open invitation is extended to all Legion
Members when visiting or on holiday.
46 High Street, New Pitsligo
Extends a warm welcome to all Legion
visitors. Club open every evening.
Function Hall, Lounge Bar,
Games room, snooker, pool & darts.
Bus Parties by arrangement with
Branch Sec.
Tel: 01764 652937
BRECHIN
Welcomes all Legion members and friends
First class club facilities
Saturday: Lounge entertainment & dancing
Sunday: Bingo
Bus Parties welcome by arrangement with Secretary
Tel: (01346) 518964
STRATHSPEY
31 The Square, Grantown on Spey
A warm welcome to all Legion
Members and their guests
Bingo – Mondays at 8pm
Free live music most Sat 9.30pm - 12.30am
Pool and darts
Hall & catering available for functions and parties
Bar meals available Fridays & Saturdays
Bus parties welcome by prior arrangement
Contact Secretary on 01479 873690
Blairgowrie, Rattray & District
9 George Street, Blairgowrie
Welcomes Legion Visitors
Club facilities include Games Room,
TV Lounge. Bingo – Thurs and Sat nights
Monday-Thursday Open Daily 7-11pm
Friday 4-11.00pm
Saturday 11am-Midnight
Sunday 12.30pm-9pm
Tel: 01250 876497
Extends a warm welcome to
Members and Visitors
Dancing most Saturdays
Bingo every Sunday
Bus parties will be made welcome.
Application to Branch Secretary
Tel: 01241 854940
PRESTONPANS BRANCH
Bingo Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday Sunday
Live Band Dancing - Saturday and Sunday
Club Refurbished - Bus Parties welcome on
application to Secretary. Smaller groups of
visitors welcome anytime
Rope Walk, Prestonpans
T: 01875 810264 / 811446
F: 01875 811446
Website:www.prestonpanslegion.co.uk
E Mail:[email protected]
STONEHAVEN
26 Market Square, AB39 2AB
Home of the Fireballs
Welcomes all Legion members & friends
Open all day – all week
Dancing/Music alternate Saturdays
Bingo Tuesday & Sunday night
Legion Bus Parties by arrangement
Tel Secretary 01569 763655
LERWICK
Welcomes Legion Visitors to the
Shetland Isles
This large Club has a Public, Lounge
& Games Bar with regular Bingo,
Live Music and Disco.
Facilities include Full Sized Snooker
& Pool Tables and 8 Dart Boards.
Bar Meals ony on Saturdays
Tel: 01595 692325
SLN Feb / Mar 2014
Page 47