Page 127 - MERCIAN Eagle 2011

Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters Regiment Association
Chesterfield Branch
by Mick Giles
This year has seen the 5th Anniversary dinner of the Chesterfield Branch. The Mansfield Branch joined in the celebrations, held in a local hostelry, with Mr Tanky Harrison, the Crich Warden, and his wife Rita as guests
of honour. The branch is proud to welcome 2 new members; Mrs Cupples (mother of Capt Cupples CGC) and Chris Parrott, and welcome more to join. They meet on the last Wednesday of every month at the RBL on Glumangate, Chesterfield at 1930 hours. Further details can be obtained from Mick Giles, Secretary, at RHQ Foresters House.
Derby Branch by Alan Derbyshire We open with the sad news of the passing
of Jim Tunnicliff and John (Les) Baghurst. Jim will be remembered by ex members of 3WFR for his quirky sense of humour, direct talking, and those ‘unfortunates’ who had him take them on a driving test! John had been in hospital for some time, and at the age of 98 went to ‘his last parade’. Both will be missed, and our sincere condolences are extended to their families.
We welcomed to the Branch the following new members; Pete Webster, Paul Fitzgerald, Daniel Parr, Leigh Licence, Paul Smith and WO2 Bob Gardner (PSI with 4 Mercian).
The Branch extend congratulations to Terry (Tanky) Harrison on his appointment
as the Warden at the Crich Memorial Tower. He can be assured of the continued support of the Branch. Most Tuesdays see Roy Crump and Dennis Brown at Crich helping Tanky maintain the site. Other members of the Derby Branch who are known to have assisted in various ways are Brian Smith, Keith Ford, Brian Bunting, Paul Yates, and Leighton Fuller. There may well be others who have helped, so, if you have not been mentioned we offer apologies.
Our annual dinner had to be postponed until April and as always, it was a most enjoyable evening with Lt Col (Retd) David
Chesterfield’s 5th Anniversary Dinner
Elsam MBE and his wife Brenda attending as our guests. In addition to the normal raffle, we held an auction for unique items donated by members of the Branch. At one point, to the hilarity of the members present, Alan Derbyshire was bidding for an item
not realising that he was bidding against his wife Brenda! The Branch donated £200, part of the proceeds from the raffle and auction to the Army
Benevolent Fund (The
Soldiers’ Charity).
venue was moved to the Cathedral Coffee House. Unfortunately, this change meant we lost the ‘footfall’ of the general public. Even so, the event was still well supported by Branch Members and other Regimental Associations. Many thanks to Ivan Gasgoine, Brian Smith and their ladies for organising the function.
Our Standard Bearers have been busy, attending a number of
Badajoz Day was a
little different this year
as we invited the Mayor
of Derby, Councillor
Amar Nath,to raise the Red Jacket. 14 members and both Standards were present for the ceremony. At the completion of the ceremony we retired to a local ‘watering hole’ for well deserved refreshments.
The Crich Buffet Supper was attended by 31 members and their ladies. The Branch thank the staff at RHQ for their efforts in ensuring the evening went smoothly. Crich Sunday saw us holding our lunchtime buffet at the Rolls Royce Club prior to moving to Crich.
As a result of the refurbishment of the Derby Council House our coffee morning
Badajoz Day was a little different this year
funerals and events such as; Crich Pilgrimage, Soldiers Corner, Remembrance Day, The Children’s Remembrance Parade at Chaddesden
Park, the opening of Mercian Way, and we thank them for their commitment.
We now have our own Branch Polo Shirt, suitably emblazoned with the WFR badge. Our thanks to Paul Derbyshire for introducing the idea and organising the production of the shirt.
The Derby Branch welcomes new members and meets on the first Friday
of the month at the Rolls Royce Club, Osmaston Road ,Derby at 1945 hours. Any reader who wishes to learn more is asked to contact Alan Derbyshire or Ronnie Smith via RHQ Foresters House.
Members of Derby Branch on parade on Badajoz Day with the Mayor of Derby, Brian Smith and Martyn Roe, Standard Bearers, Derby Branch at Soldiers Corner Councillor Amar Nath
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