February sapper mag:Layout 1 21/1/09 16:22 Page 61
City of Swansea Branch, Mr A E Adams, Honorary Branch Secretary
The weekend got off to a brilliant start with our Bill Glover being invited as the principal guest at the Festival of
Remembrance held in the Brangwyn Hall on a rather damp Saturday night. Just to put this accolade into perspective, in past
years principal guests have included the military attaché from the US embassy, and the highest decorated soldier to have served
in the British Army Gen Sir Peter De La Billiere. Well done Bill. Turn out at the various events was a bit disappointing, but all
in all about 15 members were at one event or another. Thank you for your support.
On Saturday evening the Branch held their Christmas Dinner and Dance at John Chard VC House, seventy members and
guests sat down for a dinner prepared for us by our own Mrs R Jones and her staff. Our guests of honour his year was General
Sir John Stibbon KCB and Lady Joan, our other guests were Mr T Hillson and his wife and Mr Alan Bradley and his wife.
Our evening started well with everybody being on time, we made our way into dinner with a piper playing our entry. During
the meal Capt S Gadd PSAO of 108 Fd Sqn (M) read out the Queen’s message to the branch.
After the meal our Chairman Capt B Lawes MBE, read out his Christmas speech and thanked all Committee members for
their work during 2008. After the formalities we then started to get into the festive mood, a raffle was organised by our
Entertainment Officer Mr J Evans who also organised our excellent entertainment. It was a most enjoyable evening and a good
night was had by all. We finish by wishing HQ REA and all REA branches a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and
in Welsh, Nadilig Laiwen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda.
Members of the Bath & West Wilts Branch
Bath & West Wilts Branch, Mr B Steele, enjoying their Christmas festivities
Honorary Branch Secretary
The highlight of 2008 was the Dedication of the New
Standard on the 26th October at St James Parish Church,
Trowbridge. The service was taken by the Branch Padre, the
Rev Eric Littler. Twenty Standards attended along with a
congregation of 120. The collection at the dedication raised
£132.50 for the REA Benevolent Fund. Refreshments were
served at the United Church which raised £40.00 for the
National Children’s Home.
The year was rounded off with the Christmas Dinner on
the 12th December held at the Lovemead Conservative Club,
Trowbridge. 40 Members including the President, Brigadier
Stephen Gilbert, enjoyed the Christmas celebrations. At the
end of December 2008 membership has reached 52 Life
Members with more to follow in 2009.
Glasgow Branch, Mr H McGuiness,
Assistant Branch Secretary
Recently REA Glasgow celebrated its 75th Anniversary
Dinner at The Royal Marine Hotel in Dunoon. I would like
to thank the management and staff of the hotel for their
kindness and courtesy throughout our stay; to our guests of
honour Lady Joan & Sir John Stibbon for taking the time to
attend our Anniversary Dinner and to all our guests who
helped make the evening such a success. A special word of
thanks to Mr Reg Menzies who in his work with SSAFA has
been extremely helpful to our members. Finally to the
Lady Joan Stibbon and Gen Sir Sir John Stibbon KCB
members of our Committee and branch who worked so hard
enjoy an evening with members of the Glasgow Branch
to make the Anniversary Dinner such a success “well done”.
Brighton Branch, Mr P Andrews,
Honorary Branch Secretary
On 9th December 2008, 38 members and wives sat
down to the branch Annual Christmas function which was
organised by Peter Knight and his wife Ann. Thank you to
Peter and Ann. Amongst those present was our President
Willie Shackell and his wife Sue. Our Vice President was
enjoying a double celebration; his chair was decorated for
his 91st Birthday. Everyone had a good time. Towards the
end of the evening Willie Shackell called Peter Andrews
Brig Willie Shackell presenting Peter Andrews
February 2009 REA
with the Group Directors Commendation.
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