April 2015 - The Royal British Legion
Transcription
April 2015 - The Royal British Legion
KENT COUNTY NEWS TRBL South East Area Office (Kent) Royal British Legion Village Aylesford, Kent ME20 7NL Membership Support Officer Mobile - 07554 553263 e-mail - [email protected] Registered Charity 219279 Welfare & Fundraising via Contact Centre - 0808 802 8080 General e-mail: [email protected] County website: www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/kent April 2015 BRANCH SECRETARIES: PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ITEMS IN THIS MONTHLY CIRCULAR SHOULD FORM PART OF THE REPORT TO YOUR BRANCH COMMITTEE URGENT Kent urgently needs a new County Treasurer to replace Ray Mann who is retiring in June. The role is not arduous but the incumbent should ideally have at least a basic understanding of accounts and should be computer literate. If you are interested please contact the Membership Support Officer (phone and email details above) as soon as possible. If you know someone who may be interested please let us have the contact details. COUNTY CHAIRMAN`S REMARKS We had a very good attendance at the Branch Officers and Committee Seminar on Saturday 28th, and my thanks go to all who attended and also to our two new Training Officers Richard Graham and Roy Bingham for their work in preparing and running the day. Not forgetting our MSO Tony West who helped us to understand as much as was known of the changes to membership joining, renewal and payments and how the Membership Secretaries will need to deal with them. Richard and Roy now plan to run the seminar in other locations within county. Therefore if you were unable to attend look out for a new date and location near to you. At some time in the near future we are planning to hold seminars covering branch responsibilities to Welfare and to the Poppy Appeal. Ideally these should be attended by the Branch PAO and the Welfare Rep plus the Chairman. There are a few unknowns that need to be resolved first but as soon as the planning is complete we will arrange one or more dates. I will also be working with Richard and Roy to run a combined Treasurers and Secretaries Course so that we can cover more detail with these important roles, giving help and advice about how they can best be operated. The Branch Officer seminars, like that held on the 28th, only allows time to give a brief overview. Some feel that the changes in the way membership fees will be paid by the members may cause some difficulties this year due to the new way it operates. I can assure you we at County have fully accepted the new methods and just await the amendments to the Membership Handbook so that all will be fully au fait with the new system. Remember though if you have problems contact the MSO. As we move closer to the Celebrations and Commemorations for VE Day, VJ Day, Armed Forces Day and the Anniversary of Dunkirk, I trust your branches will be involved in most of these. If so please let the MSO have details so that we can update the Legion’s Master Events List. If you pen a few a words for inclusion in the County Web Site so that others can see what we are up to and a short article and picture(s) after the event will show how active we are in Kent. At County level we are still seeking a replacement for Ray Mann, the County Treasurer, who is standing down at the end of June. His successor should ideally have at least a basic understanding of accounts and should be computer literate. They will be required to attend a Branch Treasurers Course and a LOMAS Course, both National courses, and will be a member of the County Committee. We still have vacancy for a Public Relations Officer to present the Legion - in particular membership and County and Branch events - to the media. The person would not need to sit on the County Committee but would need to work with the MSO, the County Webmaster and through them obtain information and events from the Branches that can be placed in the public domain. May I wish you all happiness, at this the start of Spring. Richard Cast County Chairman MEMBERSHIP UPDATE Please ensure this information is passed to the Branch Treasurer and the Membership Secretary Head Office is still on track to implement the first phase of the Comradeship Services Project in May. MS4 Applications • The final MS4/13s were accepted on 27th March. No further applications can be submitted. • The system is now closed until mid May when the new membership database becomes operational. • A PDF version of the new MS4 will be available early April and printed versions will be available from Poppy Appeal some time mid-May. • Letters will be sent from Head Office to all members explaining the new process including renewal and payment methods. Membership Fees • There was no fee collection from branches in March. • Treasurers will be sent invoices during April. DD branch collections will commence at the beginning of May and branches that pay by cash are to settle by the end of May. • All Branches must have a zero balance by 31st May. • After this date all responsibility for membership fees lies with the member, not the branch. • Head Office will pay joining and branch admin fees to branches at regular intervals. What Next • The MSO will forward PDF versions of the new MS4 to branches when received. • Branches will be informed when they can order printed versions from the Poppy Appeal. • Updates will be sent to Branches when received from Head Office. • Systems will go live again on 18th May, including On-Line Joining for all branches. • Read County News and Legion magazine for updates and pass the information on to branch committees and members so that everyone understands what is happening. DONATIONS TO COUNTY FUNDS The following donations have been gratefully received: £416.40 Hawley & Sutton Active Retirement Association COUNTY WEBSITE We are pleased to announce that the County has a new webmaster, Barry Larner. He is keen to publicise not only County matters but Branch news and events too so please let him know what is going on in your Branch by emailing him at [email protected]. The County website can be found at www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/kent. SOUTHEASTERN TRAINS DONATION A Southeastern train dubbed ‘The Victoria Cross’ made a special stop at London St Pancras International to deliver over £25,000 for the Legion. The money was raised when the high speed ‘Javelin’ ran as a commemorative service in November last year. Unit 395014 was named to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War and given a unique design featuring The Victoria Cross and the Legion’s Poppy. More than 280 passengers boarded the sell-out charter which took in London, East Kent and parts of the network it would normally bypass. Last week the train arrived back on Platform 13 at London St Pancras International, selected in reflection of 13 years of UK military operations in Afghanistan. On board were members of the Legion who were handed a cheque by Southeastern staff for £25,385. The final sum includes all proceeds from ticket sales, donations and funds raised through on board raffles. The money will go to the Legion’s Poppy Appeal. Andy Harding, fleet engineering manager for the high-speed service at Southeastern, said: “This was a real team effort with many Southeastern staff getting involved in the project on a voluntary basis and our suppliers providing their time and expertise for free. Together we wanted to raise as much money as possible for the Legion to help support the British Armed Forces past and present, and their families.” Julie Roper, the Legion’s Community Fundraiser in East Kent, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Southeastern for raising such a significant sum of money. The poppy is about remembrance but it also symbolises hope for the future of the living. Donations like this enable us to continue to provide the care so many of our Armed Forces community need.” COUNTY TRAINING OFFICER The Branch Officers and Committee Members seminar held at the Capel Morris Centre on 28th March was well supported with 60 plus delegates from across the County. It was pleasing to see a good number of new members to Branch Committees taking part and that many more experienced Officers took the opportunity to update their previous training. The day was both an opportunity to learn and listen, enjoyable for all and clearly worthwhile to update the requirements of the Branch and its Officers in the changes that the Legion is going through. For those who could not partake of the opportunity at Capel Morris the County Training Team will be holding a repeat Seminar in both West and East Kent, date and venues to be advised in the County News shortly. Thanks once more to all who attended, to Mrs Pauline Cast for providing such excellent refreshments and for the welcome support of the County Chairman plus the Youth and Recruiting Officers and Tony West our Membership Support Officer. Richard Graham County Training Officer TONBRIDGE TO MARK VE DAY IN STYLE On 7th May 1945 at 2.41am the President of the Third Reich, Grand Admiral Donitz, surrendered unconditionally to senior allied officers in Reims France and Winston Churchill was informed at 7am. The nation had to wait for the news however because Joseph Stalin had differed with Churchill on how it should be broadcast, so not until 7.40pm on the 7th May did the Ministry of Information broadcast a brief announcement; “This evening the Ministry of Information has confirmed that an official statement declaring the end of the war will be made simultaneously in London, Washington and Moscow tomorrow. The day has been declared a national holiday to mark Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).” That was good enough for many to roll out the barrels and start the celebrations. Church bells rang across the country some for hours and the revellers continued to celebrate into the small hours. Author, historian and Tonbridge resident Dr John Ray was a Judd school boy at the time and remembers going up to London to join the celebrations. “The pubs ran out of beer after just a couple hours.” The next day, 8th May, saw the start of street parties and Churchill’s speech at 3pm was listened to by hushed crowds across the nation. 70 years on and Tonbridge and surrounding villages are invited to mark the start of peace in Europe with various events beginning on Thursday 7th May at the River Centre in Tonbridge. There will be two nights of dancing and singing with The Clefhangers Big Band. The 1940s style events will feature guest performances from the community and a forces sweetheart. Those attending are invited to dress in 1940s attire and bring their own rations. If you would like to join what promises to be an uplifting and moving event, visit www.theclefhangers.com or call 01580 893313. Come and enjoy the evenings’ entertainment at the River Centre, book your tickets now. Church bells will be rung at 7.40pm just as they were 70 years ago. There will also be a display of historic local pictures and articles from the time, researched by Pam Mills of The Royal British Legion. Tributes to the Fallen and fund raising will take place during the evenings for The Royal British Legion and Emilia’s Little Heart Foundation. On the afternoon of Saturday 9th May, Tom Carredine will be performing wartime songs in the Town also to raise money for the RBL. Finally, on Sunday 10th May Reverend Mark Brown will hold a special service of Thanksgiving in the Parish church Tonbridge, with a guest speaker Dr John Ray. THE BOWATER’S KEMSLEY MILL CAMPAIGN A bronze plaque commemorating the memory of workers from the old Bowater's Kemsley Mill who died during WWII has been rescued from the former Kemsley Arms public house and is now looking for a new permanent home. The plaque which measures almost 4 feet by 3 feet and weighs over 100 kilos, lists 91 casualties all of whom were employees of the Mill and there is a campaign to find out more about them. The Sittingbourne Branch Chairman, Mr Steff Jordan, who is leading the campaign in association with Swale Borough Council and the present owners of Kemsley Mill said: "This is an absolutely beautiful bronze plaque and I am delighted we have had the foresight to rescue it from what would have been a great loss to the families of those listed and the people of Sittingbourne and surrounding districts. We are now looking to find the stories and histories of those people who are listed on the plaque and would love to hear from any of the families or people that knew anyone listed, of how these gallant Bowater’s staff members who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our country during WWII". He has listed all the names for download at http://www.sittingbournerbl.info/kemsleymill.html for family members to check and contact him on 07801 344680 with information, such as; 1). where they were living when they worked for the mill? 2). what service did they enlist into? 3). their service number? 4). their regiment, ship etc.? 5). what rank they obtained if any? Any information, no matter how small will be greatly appreciated. With the information received, he is also aiming to have the names added to a war memorial from where they were living, so that their names can be honoured and remembered for the future, which they surely deserve at the very least. The next question is; where to permanently house it? We have already had approaches from interested parties and we are considering every option. These include returning it to the current mill, now owned by DS Smith plc, Kemsley Community Hall or even a local church. If anyone has any other ideas we would also be delighted to hear from them. The bronze plaque is currently being looked after by Swale Borough Council where it sits on public view outside the main Chamber. Anyone wishing to view the plaque in temporary situ at the Council should contact Martin Goodhew at [email protected] or via Swale Borough Council reception desk on 01795 417850. ROYAL ENGINEERS MUSEUM - 2015 LECTURES With reference to the programme given in the March issue of County News the talk that was to be given on 25 June will now take place on Thursday 4 June at 1900hrs. The speaker remains Professor Michael Clarke (Director General of Royal United Services Institute) who will be speaking on Waterloo: The People Who Made the Strategy Work. The human experience of historic battles is easily overlooked and is difficult to imagine for those of later generations who live in a different time and culture. Literature is as important a source of understanding as formal histories when it comes to understanding the human experience of a battle 200 years ago. This lecture discusses the main phases of the Battle of Waterloo through the human endeavours that each phase demanded. As in sport, battles frequently turn on the tiny margins of performance between one group and another that determine the difference between victory and defeat. £5.00 per ticket includes refreshments. Call 01634 822312 to book. BIRCHINGTON BRANCH The Branch is pleased to announce that it raised £592.84p at its Boot Fayre on Saturday 14th March. Thanks go to all those that supported the event. OPERATION DYNAMO The 75th Anniversary of the Dunkirk Evacuation (Operation Dynamo) will be celebrated in Ramsgate during 23rd-25th May with many ships re-enacting the Channel crossing on 21st May. This will be preceded with a parade and service on Wednesday 20th May. The Church Service is a meet at 11am in a huge marquee on the Commercial Quay at Ramsgate Royal Harbour for an 11.30am start and the Parade will start at approximately 12.20pm. In the afternoon at about 2.30pm there will be a VIP Inspection of the Dunkirk Little Ships with hopefully a flypast of a Spitfire and a Hurricane. All personnel who go on parade will be offered some light refreshments at approximately 1.30pm. There will be parking available reasonably nearby including a coach park. I attach a registration form for anyone who wishes to attend the Church Service and Parade. Anyone who attends the Service should be marching in the parade as otherwise seats will be allocated to someone who is not local which, say the organisers, is not quite the point of this particular event. The completed form should be e-mailed to the event organiser at [email protected]. There will also be a free family weekend 23rd -25th May with lots of re-enactors, trade stands, traditional funfair, 1940s tea dances and of course the Operation Dynamo Museum. On the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings there will be 1940s Big Band Open Air Concerts on Government Acre in Ramsgate and any profit from these evening will help pay for the event itself. All the tickets free and otherwise can be booked through the website for people to attend the various events. Tickets for the tea dances and the Big Band Nights will also be on sale through the website at www.operationdynamo75th.co.uk or through the Visitor Information Centres at Ramsgate and at Margate. VE DAY QUESTIONNAIRE A VE Day questionnaire has been created by the Regional Public Relations Officer, Tristan Nichols, in order to collate some case studies/stories about VE day and those who experienced it. The idea will be to generate a file of VE Day memories which the Legion can pass to the media (with the permission of those interviewed of course!) around VE Day in May. The questionnaire is attached and can be copied and passed to anyone whether they are members of the Legion or not and whether they were service or civilian. Completed returns should be scanned and forwarded to Tristan at [email protected] GURKHA OPEN DAY As all are aware the Gurkhas have been an integral part of the British Armed Forces carrying out various operations around the world. This year Gurkha Regiments up and down the country are celebrating the 200 years of Gurkha Service (G200) to the British Crown and on 24th April 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles (2RGR) based at Shorncliffe Barracks, Folkestone is celebrating with various activities inside the barracks. The entrance is FREE and manned by active soldiers at the entrance. Attached is information with a small history at the back of the leaflet for your perusal. This is the invitation for all general public by 2RGR to see and meet them in person on the day. For further information please visit: http://www.gwt.org.uk. THE SPINNING JENNYS The Spinning Jennys musical group, based in East Kent, originally got together to perform at a Victorian Day on the Bandstand in Broadstairs during the summer of 2012. It proved so successful that the group stayed together. We play Victorian and Edwardian music hall songs and tunes and also popular songs of the 1st World War - all in costume. We play a variety of musical instruments including guitar, mandolin, banjo, piano, flute, violin, bass and bodhran. Since forming we have entertained at various re-enactment events in the south-east. We have also played at various local functions and fund raising events in Kent. You can find us on Facebook as Spinning Jennys where you will find links to some of our videos. Should you have an event or function that you would like us to perform at, please contact Sheila on 07789 511430 or Email: [email protected]. It would be appreciated if you would kindly consider us should you have a suitable event. Thank you for your consideration. Regards to you all Tony West Membership Support Officer Email: [email protected] LEST WE FORGET Notification has been received that the following members have passed on: Mrs Helen Foster Ashford Mr Charles Touzel Birchington Mr Michael Webb Gillingham Mrs Joyce McAughtry Halstead Mr Charles Saunders Hawkhurst Mr Phil Letchford Herne Bay Mr Anthony Hart Leeds, Hollingbourne & District Mrs Pauline Manwell “ Mr Albert Rutter Orpington Mr Leonard Gillard Whitstable Our deepest sympathies go to their families and friends KENT COUNTY DIARY OF EVENTS - 2015 APRIL Sun Wed Sat Sun 5th - 6th 15th - 16th 25th 26th Medway Steam & Transport Rally - Chatham Historic Dockyard * WS Annual Conference - Bournemouth 100th Anniversary of Gallipoli Campaign - the Cenotaph Standard Bearer Training - Capel Morris Centre (10 am) MAY Fri Sat Sun Sat Wed 8th - 10th 9th 10th 16th - 17th 24th - 26th VE Day Celebrations (see below) WS Rally - Seasalter Poppy Walk - Whitstable Castle (10 am) Annual Conference - Southport 75th Anniversary of Dunkirk Evacuation (Op Dynamo) - Ramsgate * JUNE Sat Sat Sat 13th - 14th 20th - 21st 27th Folkestone & Ashford Military Show - Sellindge Show Ground * Hellfire Corner Weekend - Pencester Gardens, Dover * Armed Forces Day * JULY Sun Sat Wed 5th 11th - 12th 22nd - 26th County Parade - RBL Village (2.45 pm) Thanet at War - Ramsgate War & Peace Revival - Folkestone Racecourse, Westenhanger * AUGUST Sat Sat Sat 15th 15th - 16th 29th - 31st VJ Day Celebrations Headcorn Combined Ops Military Vehicle & Air Show * Military Odyssey - County Showground, Detling * SEPTEMBER Sat Sat 12th - 27th 19th - 20th Membership Support Officer (CSec) on Annual Leave Salute to the ‘40s - Chatham Historic Dockyard * OCTOBER Sun Wed Fri Sat Sun 11th 21st 23rd 24th 25th County Standard Bearer Competition - Ditton Poppy Launch - County Hall, Maidstone Thanet Festival of Remembrance - Winter Gardens, Margate County Poppy Lunch - Brompton Barracks Public Poppy Launch - Bluewater NOVEMBER Sat Sat 7th 8th Festival of Remembrance - Royal Albert Hall Remembrance Sunday DECEMBER Sat 12th Carol Service - Capel Morris Centre (3 pm) JANUARY 2016 Sun 16th County Conference - Headcorn Village Hall (12 noon) * County Recruiting Stall Updated: 10th March 2015 VE & VJ DAY CELEBRATIONS MAY Fri 8th Service to mark the 70th Anniversary of VE Day - Buttermarket, Canterbury at 11 am Fri 8th 40's/50's themed charity night with live band, disco, buffet and raffle in aid of TRBL - Kennington Carvery, Ashford at 7 pm Fri 8th 40's themed charity night with the Clefhanger Big Band with music and dancing in aid of TRBL – The River Centre, Tonbridge at 7.30 pm AUGUST Sat 8th Rochester & Strood Branch VE/VJ Day Poppy Appeal fundraising event (more later) VE Day memories Name: DOB/age: Telephone number: Address: Service Connection: Where were you on VE Day? Can you remember what you were doing VE Day? Do you remember how you felt on VE Day? Any unusual stories from the day? Do you have any photographs of the time (or indeed taken around the time?): Please scan and email responses to [email protected] (0330 011 4227) Thank you so much for your help! Gurkha History In 1815, the Anglo-Nepal war between the British and the Hill people of Nepal came to an end. Both sides were filled with a mutual respect, and after the Peace Treaty had been signed, Gurkhas were invited to join the British Army. So began a long relationship that was to produce some of the finest troops in the British Army, with a reputation that is as strong today as at any time in its history. In the nineteenth century, the Gurkha regiments of the British Army saw service in Burma, Afghanistan, the North-East and North-West Frontiers of India, Malata, Cyprus and China. During the First World War, they built on their status as loyal but fierce troops, seeing action at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. In the Second World War, the Gurkhas again performed with fierce determination, most notably in Burma and in Italy. During these conflicts they won 2734 awards for bravery, including thirteen Victoria Crosses, a figure that is testament to their exceptional courage and motivation. Since the Second World War, the Gurkhas have been involved in almost every major action undertaken by the British Army. They played a pivotal role in Borneo in the 1960s, and had a decisive impact in the Falklands War of 1982. More recently, their professionalism and bearing on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan has proven that the latest generations of Gurkhas is comfortably living up to the proud reputation of its forebears. Royal Gurkha Rifles in Folkestone The Royal Gurkha Rifles have been stationed in Shorncliffe since the Summer of 2000. The relationship between the Gurkhas and the local community has been strong from the start. Every year, the Gurkhas take part in the annual Folkestone Santa Charity Fun Run, with the traditional Gurkha bagpiper sending the lightfooted Santas off at the startline. They also play an important part in the Remembrance services that take place in Folkestone each November. Gurkha 200 2015 marks the bicentenary of the Gurkhas’ service in the British Army, and celebrations will go on throughout this summer. You can come and meet the Gurkhas yourself on 24 April this year, when the Battalion opens its doors to the public in its much anticipated Open Day. As well as showcasing a range of exciting cultural performances, the Open Day is a unique opportunity to meet the Gurkhas, find out about their history, and discover what gives the Gurkhas their world-renowned reputation. The Albion Ex-Service Club The Albion Pub Albion Way South Willesborough Ashford TN24 0BU Monthly meeting for all ex-service personnel. A chance to get together for a chat and a drink No joining fee £1 off a pint for all ex-service personnel and British Legion members (proof of service required for the first meeting) Free Tea and Coffee Meetings to be held on the second Tuesday of each month from 13.00 hrs onwards 10th March, 14th April, 12th May For any further information please contact Jenny Harbert 07727 285995 or see The Albion website thealbion-ashford.co.uk REQUEST TO ATTEND THE CHURCH SERVICE AND PARADE AT THE OPERATION DYNAMO 75TH ANNIVERSARY ON RAMSGATE ROYAL HARBOUR CT11 9FT ON WEDS 20 TH MAY 15 ORGANISATION/GROUP NAME……………………………………………………………………. CONTACT’S Name………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Address…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Tel:............................................................................................................................... Mobile:………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Email…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. WE WOULD LIKE ……………………………OF OUR ORGANISATION TO ATTEND THE CHURCH SERVICE WE WOULD LIKE ………………………..OF OUR ORGANISATION TO GO ON PARADE WE WOULD LIKE TO PARADE …………… (NUMBER) OF STANDARDS DOES THE STANDARD OR STANDARDS HAVE ANY RELEVANCE TO OPERATION DYNAMO (JUST FOR PR PURPOSES) YES/NO EXPLANATION………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Please arrange to arrive at the big marquee on the commercial quay at ramsgate royal harbour by 11am for a 11.30 am start to the church service. Further details including parade orders,maps and parking arrangements will be sent to you about 6 weeks before the event Signed………………………….………………… Name in Capitals……………………………………… Date……………………………. POPPY APPEAL Patron: Her Majesty The Queen ROYAL BRITISH LEGION ISLE OF THANET FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE WINTER GARDENS MARGATE 7-15 PM FRIDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2015 BAND OF THE CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS PARADE OF STANDARDS AND SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES ADDRESS BY NATIONAL OFFICER CABARET TO BE CONFIRMED ‘ON WITH THE DANCE’ ALL SEATS RESERVED Applications to From April to July Mr Austin Walker 46 Hertford Road Margate Kent CT9 3SH Tel: 01843 224805 July onwards Box Office Winter Gardens Margate Kent CT9 1HX Tel: 01843 296111 …………………………………………………………………………………………………. THANET FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE 2015 PLEASE FORWARD No. Table Seats @ £8.50 each No. Balcony Seats @ £7.50 each No. Rear Seats @ £6.50 each BLOCK CAPITALS Name ……………………………………………………………………………… Branch/Organisation ……………………………………………………………………………… Address ……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… Wheelchair facilities (limited) Branch Standard attending Women’s Section Standard Other Standards attending (please name) YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO REMITTANCE AND S.A.E. WITH YOUR ORDER PLEASE. SEATS ARE NOT RESERVED UNTIL PAYMENT IS RECEIVED. CHEQUES AND POs PAYABLE TO THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 219279