Page 95 - MERCIAN Eagle 2022

Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Brig (Retd) Peter Dennis CBE
All 3 Association Officers, the (Acting) Chair, Secretary and the Treasurer are looking
at standing down. They have served the Association well and for a lengthy period and now feel it is time to hand over to ‘younger’ blood. These positions are vital
to the Association and anyone interested in any of the posts, is asked to contact the Assistant Regimental Secretary in Nottingham for more details.
MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING CHAIR
Lt Col (Retd) Keith Jeavons TD
The situation continues to improve, Branch meetings and other activities are now in
full stream. Other good news is that there has been a big increase in new members
in the Derbyshire and Nottingham area. The new venue for the Reunion at The Worcester Rugby Club proved to be very successful and we were well looked after; the food was good and the beer cheaper! It was an excellent ‘family’ day. The Tenbury Town Band was in attendance once again and added so much to the atmosphere
of the occasion. A very encouraging AGM was held in October at The Lichfield Social Club when we were briefed by
the President, Brigadier P Dennis CBE
on the present situation concerning the
Mercian Regiment. Other activities have seen Freedom marches in towns and
cities in the Mercian area which have been supported by members of the Association. Members attended Crich and the Worcester Branch held a very successful Gheluvelt commemoration in October. Unfortunately, due to the death of Queen Elizabeth, our late Queen, the dedication of the memorial at Norton had to be postponed. On a sadder note I am sorry to report the death of Capt. Peter Dunn of the Kidderminster Branch who had served for many years on the Executive Committee of the Association. His service for the Association over many years has been most appreciated.
Any Association is only as good as its members, and we have so many hard- working individuals who give their unstinting support to so many of the Association activities. To them we say a big ‘Thank you’. Last, but not least a ‘thank you’ to
Ms Cindy Clark. Our Assistant Regimental Secretary who works so hard to keep us on the straight and narrow to ensure things happen!
MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY
Maj (Retd) Bob Prophet
The Association is holding together well despite the inevitable loss of some of our elder members and the consequent non- viability of a couple of Branches. Whilst
the average age of our members doesn’t decrease by much, a number of Branches are managing to recruit new members
– both young and old. All members are congratulated on their powers of persuasion and resultant success.
It would be invidious to select any particular Branch for its ingenuity in organising activities since Covid restrictions were eased as they have all worked hard
to keep their members informed and interested. More meetings are being held
in person and Branches are now gearing up for next year’s activities with a number of visits at home and abroad already in the advanced planning stage. The continuance of the Association will be the result of the enthusiasm of present members and it looks to be assured for some time to come.
3 WFR
Mark Dack. Branch Member
The 3 WFR Alma Dinner and
AGM was held on the Saturday 17th September (being the nearest to Alma Day) at the Stepping Stones Centre in Heanor. There was an excellent turnout for this event not only to celebrate the daring deeds of the 95th Regiment of Foot at the Battle of Alma but also to meet up with friends old and new. The AGM took place first followed by a superb three course meal. After the Col Sneath gave an excellent speech about the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Nottingham City
John Richards, Chair
Three veterans (all in their 80s) and members of the Nottingham City Branch of the WFRA attended the Freedom of the City March by the Mercian Regiment on Thursday 29 September. We were joined by Standard Bearers, Damian Cowlishaw of Long Eaton & West Notts Branch and John Sansom of 3 WFR Branch. It was a sunny
day as the public surrounded the Council House and Market Square to listen to the marching band and to see the Lord Mayor take the salute by the Regiment. After the parade the veterans were invited, along with their wives, into the Council House for refreshments and to listen and talk by the CO about the Regiment.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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