Page 128 - MERCIAN Eagle 2011

Long Eaton
By Cliff Housley
As always, the first event of the
year for the Branch was our annual dinner, which was once again held at “Brenans” and very well attended. We have had a good year, but have seen our numbers shrink due to a couple of members having to go into long term care. However we keep in contact and they are not forgotten. Sadly we also have to report on the passing of one of our founder members Jack Humphrey aged 88 years, who enlisted in 1941 and served with the 1st Battalion. This year the Armed Forces Day event in Nottingham was moved from Wollaton Park to the grounds of Nottingham Castle but undeterred, our Standard Bearer Phil Twells, found his way there as did several members of the Branch (reportedly by SatNav and Free Bus Pass). We have in our area a local “Free” Magazine which is circulated
to almost every household in the
area and they have included in it an advertisement of who we are and where and when we meet. It should
be out in November and we await
with baited breath a mad influx to
our membership (If only). If you have not seen the article and wish to join the Long Eaton Branch, contact Cliff Housley via RHQ Foresters House.
126 THE MERCIAN EAGLE
Ilkeston Branch by Doug Hudson
Branch members – from L-R Llance Hallam, John Hill, Ken Protheroe, Frank Price, Steve Kinson, Doug Hud- son, Peter Jeffery, Clive Watchorn, Bill Armstrong, George Simons and Ged Tatham in the photograph which was framed and presented to the Hogs Head to show our appreciation for their hospitalit
The Ilkeston Branch is still strong with members attending meetings each month to share information and have a friendly chat.
Bill Armstrong, Clive Watchorn and Ged Tatham will be taking a wreath and joining the March Past at the Cenotaph in London in November and Doug Hudson and his wife plan to visit the Field of Remembrance
at Westminster. Following a
nomination by his Branch, Peter Jeffery was awarded a much deserved Merit Award. Lt Col (Retd) David Elsom MBE read the citation and presented
the award and Merit badge to Peter on 11 Oct. Peter assisted in forming the Branch in 1986 and has worked tirelessly since to keep the Branch together and raise funds for Crich. The presentation was kept a surprise for Peter who said he was very honoured and would treasure the award.
We look forward to welcoming new members; our meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Flamstead Centre, Albert Street, Ilkeston at 1130 hours.
Although Doug Hudson, our Standard Bearer, can no longer parade the Standard, he takes it to the Crich
Pilgrimage each year, to
Remembrance Sunday
services at Ilkeston
and West Hallam and
the 11.11 service at
Ilkeston Cenotaph.
The Standard has
also visited Erewash
Museum and is displayed at our twice yearly lunches for members and guests, held at the Hogs Head to commemorate the Alma and Badajoz Battle Honours.
The presentation was kept a surprise for Peter who said he was very honoured
Peter Jefferies receiving his Merit Award from Lt Col (Retd) Elsom MBE
Mansfield Branch by Keith Kenworthy
The Branch has gained two new members in the past year, which is two more than last year! Welcome faces
to swell the ranks of our beleaguered little crew. Our longstanding chairman, Harry Jackson, has handed over to Neil Davidson but continues to attend at 92 years young.
We have attended Chesterfield Branch on several occasions, including their anniversary dinner; they are our nearest Regimental neighbours. The members have attended the dedication of two new memorials, Mansfield and Sutton-in- Ashfield, parading the Branch Standard on both occasions.
Watch out for these famous faces coming to a TV near you!
based on a family in Matlock. There will probably be 15 seconds of fame
for a whole day on location, how we suffer in the name of art! Any reader who wishes to join the Mansfield Branch
is asked to contact Keith Kenworthy via RHQ Foresters
House.
We are thin on
the ground and
thin on top but we
are still here and
have provided five
members as extras
in a forthcoming episode of ‘Starlings’, a TV serial commencing next year and
We are thin on the ground and thin on top