Page 77 - Mercian Eagle Year of 2023

76
November 2023. Remembrance at Worcester Cathedral. L-R Tom Wisniewski, Worcester Polish Society President, Allan Poyner Dep Chair & Worcs Area Assoc Standard Bearer, Nick Tyler Dep PM, John Walters Parade Marshall & Polish Standard Bearer
out the thirty-four names on the Roll of Honour. The Regimental Mascot was also in attendance. It was a poignant service that was conducted by the Reverend Colin Butler MBE. At the end of the service, and after the National Anthem, the Mayor of Worcester delivered a very good speech. He reminded attendees about the importance of the local Regiment and their bravery in the heat of battle that secured the allied front line and that some of those that paid the ultimate sacrifice were local people. The Ceremony was well attended with numbers back to pre-covid levels. The weather was kind to us and that is always a bonus.
November: We attended Armistice Day and Remembrance Day services in various locations and over the weekend presented gifts of a carrying sling and standard pole to Tom Wisniewski, President of the Worcester Polish Association.
Worksop Branch
Lindsey McGuire. Secretary
In 2023, Worksop Branch is lucky to continue with a young and active membership. Branch members enjoy a variety of branch activities depending on what suits their families and themselves.
In January, Branch members attended Crich Memorial grounds to be present at the scattering of former branch member, Ian “Duke” Middleton’s ashes. Duke had served with 3 WFR and later been very active with Royal British Legion, serving as a case worker as well as belonging to the RBL Biker Section. Ian also qualified as a SSAFA case worker and served Worksop Branch, WFRA with equal vigour as deputy Standard Bearer.
The Branch AGM was attended by 17 members in March 2023 and following the meeting, many members were joined by partners so all could share a meal together.
In June, the Branch put on a stall at the
a very good lunch at a very low price. We had the room bedecked in Regimental bunting and flags. Our guest was WOII (CSM) Rich Joynes from 1 MERCIAN and his mother, Dianne. Between main and dessert courses he delivered a talk on what the Mercian Regiment is currently up to and made a presentation to the branch
of a large, framed photo of the Mercian Regiment Colour Party on the steps on RMA Sandhurst, when they were in London to attend the King’s Coronation. Our Branch President presented CSM Joynes with
a framed badge with engraved plaque and a bouquet of flowers was presented to his mother. The 23rd was the WFR Commemoration Service in Worcester conducted by the Revd Dr Stephen Edwards, Interim Dean of Worcester Cathedral. Also in attendance was Cllr Pat
Agar, who is Champion for Veterans of the Armed Forces in Worcester. Rob read out the WFR Citation and John Walters our Parade Marshall made sure everything ran like clockwork. Brian Hewlett had the honour of laying the wreath.
October: On the 29th, the Battle of Gheluvelt was commemorated in an Act
of Remembrance Service at the Gheluvelt Memorial in Gheluvelt Park, Worcester. This annual event, always held on the last Sunday in October, is organised by our branch in partnership with Worcester City Council. Laying wreaths were the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, High Sheriff of Worcestershire, Chair of the County Council, The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Worcester and the local MP. The Mercian Regiment was represented by Captain Luke Boxall of 4 MERCIAN who read
September 2023. Branch Lunch. Worcester Branch Committee. L-R Nick Tyler, Nigel fish, John Walters, Libby Massam, Mark Jackson, Allan Poyner, Rob Atkinson with WOII (CSM) Rich Joynes
THE MERCIAN EAGLE