February sapper mag:Layout 1 21/1/09 16:22 Page 62
out to the front to receive the Group Directors Commendation.
This was a total surprise to Peter as it is he who usually springs
notification of the award on other people.
Brig Willie and Sue Shackell enjoying a great
Brighton branch function
Eastbourne Branch, Mr W Swainsbury,
Honorary Branch Secretary
Thanks to the efforts of the branch stalwarts, we have survived
the loss of our clubhouse in the Eastbourne TA Centre and are now
on a positive upward path. Membership is rising and the moving
of the monthly meeting to lunch time has been resulted in a good
turnout. Recent events have included a very interesting visit to the
Carr-Taylor Vineyard near Hastings. A varied selection of wines grown were offered for tasting and sampled by our members with great
enthusiasm! A walking tour of the production line was then followed by a very generous Ploughman’s Lunch. An informal lunch was
held during November at the Royal Air Force Club, Eastbourne; it was attended by most of our members. It was a most enjoyable occa-
sion and a successful close to our 2008 season of meetings. We are now looking forward to 2009 and a new permanent meeting place.
This will be at the Fishermen’s Club, Royal Parade, Eastbourne, on the last Thursday of every month starting at 1300 hours. All ex
Sappers will be made very welcome.
Potteries Branch, Capt (Retd) M Crooke, Honorary Branch Secretary
Remembrance Day took on an extra meaning this year for both the Branch and 125 Fd Sqn RE (V). Our Chairman Pat
Eastwood presented a stole to the branch, which in turn was handed over to our branch Padre The Reverend Paul Lockett by Col
Richard Goodwin, Branch President. Then followed the presentation of a memorial park bench to 125 Fd Sqn RE (V) and the
branch by Mrs Margaret Storey and family. The bench, dedicated to the memory Sgt Tom Storey was then blessed by the Revd
Paul Lockett. This again showed the strong link between the branch, the TA unit and the community.
Sheffield Branch, Mr W Dace
Tony Wilson receiving the Cup from the CO
Calling All Sappers
and RSM of the RE unit at Chesterfield.
REA Sheffield is calling for Sappers in their region to
join them and help swell their numbers. Although small
in numbers, the branch has a great reputation in the area.
Annually an indoor games competition is carried out; it
covers branches from Doncaster in the North all the way
down to Nottingham. Our branch enthusiasm is such that
we have won the competition for the past two years.
Thank you to all our members who are determined to
keep our branch alive. A warm welcome is waiting for
anyone in the area who wishes to join us. We meet at
Bailey Barracks, Greenhill, Sheffield S8 7JQ and you can
contact our Secretary Tony Wilson on 011442657306
We will remember them… Greece 2008
Each year at Souda Bay Commonwealth War Grave, an
Armistice Memorial Service is held. The coordinator for
this event is Keith G Bailey MBE who contacted HQ REA Souda Bay Commonwealth War Graves on Crete.
to ask if they could provide him with a Royal Engineer
wreath that could be laid at the memorial during the 2008
service; a wreath was duly despatched.
On Sunday 9th November, at 10:45am the 2008
Armistice Memorial Service was held at Souda Bay
Commonwealth War Graves Crete. The service of
Remembrance was an exceptional and very memorable one
and was held under a peaceful blue sky and calm, warm seas.
The Corps wreath was laid as requested. There were 19
wreaths laid on that day and the wreath layers were much
honoured to be able to lay the wreath on behalf of The
Royal Engineers.
The Sapper REA
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