Hill, and The Kidderminster Poppy Appeal with the Branch Standard being on parade at both events. The Branch supported the Mayor at The Civic Service and paraded with the Standard at the Remembrance Day Parade. We marched proudly through Kidderminster with the 4th Battalion when they exercised their privilege of the Freedom of the town followed by a Reception in the Town Hall hosted by the Mayor. This was supported by an Exhibition in the library of 150 years’ volunteer soldiering in the Kidderminster and the surrounding districts. In March, members joined the Sports Relief activity organised by Sainsbury’s. We joined the other Branches at the Dedication Day at Alrewas in June, a day that is likely to be remembered for a very long time. During the “limited” summer, a number of sponsored walks were undertaken for local Charities.
Social activities have not been forgotten with events at the Royal British Legion Club at Stourport on Severn organised by Trevor Newman. We had an excellent Christmas Disco there in December with raffle prizes galore! We were pleased to see that members from other Branches joined us to celebrate. We are very appreciative of the support that we receive from The Royal British Legion in Stourport on Severn. A quiz night was held at the Gigmill pub in Stourbridge to stretch the members’ memory. Later this year, there is to be a golf day at Perdiswell Park Golf Club, Worcester, in aid of Combat Stress.
Nottingham
The baby of the family, in age but not stature, has made great strides under the secretary, Phil Squires, and now has its own Standard. It was an emotional ceremony at the Council House in Nottingham when it was presented to the Branch by the Lord Mayor, Jeanne Packer. “It replaces the Colours of the Regiment and is a symbol of the Branch and its soul” said former Commanding Officer, Lt Col Tony Scott MBE, now the Association Chairman who had travelled up from Oxfordshire for the handover. The man entrusted with carrying the Standard is Kevin Gibson from Clifton who served with D Company from 1982 to1988 when they were in Germany at the height of the Cold War. Handing over the Standard to ex-Sgt Phil Squires from South Normanton who has led the project, Councillor Packer said, “The Lord Mayor’s Office was pleased to support the request for funding. The Standard was dedicated at The National Memorial Arboretum with the other Branch Standards in June supported by a large contingent from Nottinghamshire”. The Branch has been prominent on a number of occasions in the area, parading with the Standard. The Branch continues to grow as Phil uncovers new members through personal contact, local radio and local newspapers. We are all looking forward to the next social evening in June at Triumph Road TA Centre.
not spoil the day in any way and the day was sealed with a grand Reception in the Town hall hosted by the Mayor. June saw the Dedication of the second Standard at the National Memorial Arboretum. George Falls was to carry the new Standard but became a grandfather that very morning and was otherwise engaged! Stuart Adams carried the Standard for the Service. It was an excellent family day with beautiful weather. On the last Sunday in June, the Rugeley Cenotaph was re-dedicated. WO1 Willock, RSM of 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment, carried out the order of the Service with Tom McComski carrying the Standard. This was followed by a Reception at The Royal British Legion.
In July, the Branch supported the Help for Heroes Ball at the Lea Hall Social Club raising over £7500. Later, the Branch attended The Staffordshire Regiment Association Reunion at Swynnerton Training Centre. In September, the Branch attended the Northern Ireland Veterans’ dedication ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum. Both Standards were in attendance and Tom Cannings laid the wreath for the Branch. It was a very well attended and moving service with over 20 Standards on parade. As ever, the Branch was present at the Annual Curry Supper at Burton - an event not to be missed. It is good to see so many members travelling long distances to be present at this annual event.
Kidderminster members of Normandy Company at the Presentation Evening commemorating their return from Afghanistan
The presentation of the Nottingham Branch Standard by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham
Rugeley
Colin Casewell and Martin Southall, two of the prime movers in the support for the Kidderminster members of Normandy Company
Members of the Association marching at Kidderminster
The Branch has had a very sad and quiet year compared with 2008. The evening before last year’s AGM, we received the sad news that one of the Branch founder members and ex-Secretary, Malcolm Withington, had passed away. Malcolm’s Funeral took place at St John the Baptist Church in Armitage. Later in the year, we received the sad news that WO2 Ken Ward, Chairman of the Stockport Branch, had died. Representatives of the Branch attended the funeral with Standards. In April, the Branch joined with the Burton Branch on a visit to St George’s Chapel, Whittington Barracks, and the Regimental Museum of The Staffordshire Regiment. We were able to enjoy a demonstration of firearms by the Museum staff from a Brown Bess musket to a SMLE. Later in the month, members attended the ANZAC parade on Cannock Chase.
Poppy appeal launch at the Merry Hill Shopping Centre]
The Mercian Eagle
Members joined with other Branches of the Association to take part in the Freedom of Kidderminster parade. We were well received by the people of the Town. Even the heavy rain did
In November, the month of Remembrance, the Standards were paraded at Bridgetown, Rugeley, Brereton and at the Association Service at the National Memorial Arboretum. Richard Bates read the Royal British Legion Collect at the Rugeley Cenotaph. The Branches from Rugeley, Kidderminster and Wolverhampton supported Mrs Alison Bates, organiser for the Royal British Legion for the South Staffs Area, at the Poppy Appeal launch at the Merryhill Shopping centre, Brierley Hill. The Chairman, Richard and Alison attended the Walsall Branch Christmas Party at “Rocky Steady Eddies” to enjoy a good night, with plenty of raffle prizes, good food and good friends. The Branch met to see the old year out and remember lost friends. Branch attendance has fluctuated with work and holiday commitments. The Branch is now looking to attract new members. The Branch meets in the Rugeley Royal British Legion on the third Sunday in the month at 12 noon.
The Eagle and the Knot on Parade at the ANZAC Memorial Day at Cannock Chase]
Stockport
Soon after the Annual General Meeting held in Stockport, we heard the news that Ken
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