Page 282 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

Pontefract Branch
Nigel Blackburn writes: Pontefract Branch again held a very successful and enjoyable Christmas Draw & Dinner at King’s Croft last December (easier access for wheelchairs than Minden House).
Minden House was the venue for the County AGM on Saturday, 1st April when updates on the KOYLI Memorial Statue were given out.
A somewhat damp evening did not spoil the “Sounding of Retreat” held at Minden House on the evening of Thursday, 27th April - thankfully the weather was kinder for the Freedom Parade in Dewsbury two days later.
At the Pontefract Branch AGM, Major Derek
Searby CBE TD was voted chairman after several years dedicated service by Col. Gerry Delany (a hard act to follow).
The following day, Pontefract Branch Treasurer, Denton Jones, had his car stolen & our monthly meeting “pool” numbers were stolen - we hope to catch the perpetrators when they claim the prize!
Some branch members enjoyed the LI & Ri es Reunion Weekend at Shrewsbury Town Football Club on 16-18th June whilst the Pontefract Branch gazebo was put to good use on Armed Forces Day at Pontefract Racecourse on Sunday, 18th June (always a good event for branch recruiting & KOYLI Memorial Statue fund-raising).
Shef eld Branch
George Hodgson writes: We, the Shef eld Branch members have attended the Armed Forces Veteran Day Parade on June 17th 2017, we were treated to pie and peas. Doug Woodward our more passionate member has passed away last January. Also our Standard Bearer Gordon Hill of 15 years is in care home. Doug served in 2SLI in Korea.
THERE WERE MEMBERS FROM ALL
OVER THE COUNTRY, WHO ENJOYED THE BEST MUSIC AND MARCHING YOU WILL EVER SEE!
Wake eld Branch
Frank Morris writes: Minden Day 2016 was hosted by the Wake eld Branch this year. The day had arrived at Wake eld in the Reservists Centre, George Street, Wake eld. This is where members were also able to meet and talk to old friends.
Entertainment was provided by Emma Dale and Buglers from the Light Infantry Div Buglers’ Associ- ation.
Moving on in the year, Wake eld branch members attending the Sounding Retreat event held at Minden House, Pontefract on the 27th April before a large crowd. There were members from all over the country, who enjoyed the best music and marching you will ever see! 2 days later an all-day Freedom Parade was held in Dewsbury on the 29th April. The Ri es Band and Troops paraded along with KOYLI and LI members. There was also an event for the two Dewsbury VC recipients Ormsby and Waller who were honoured by the laying of a memorial paving stone in the town. The march was followed by a buffet lunch in the Town Hall.
On Friday 16th June Wake eld Branch members again, converged on Shrewsbury for the annual Light Infantry Reunion weekend at the Football Stadium and was well attended.
Branch members again gave their support to the Wake eld Armed Forces Day event which was held at Pontefract Racecourse.
West Leeds Branch
From a Forming Branch to the of cial West Leeds Branch which came live in February 2017, before I give you a brief rundown on our Branch, the Branch members would like to thank the Trustees for the vote of con dence for allowing us to take the West Leeds Branch forward.
The West Leeds Branch Team: Branch Chairman – Michael Miles served with the Second Battalion the Light Infantry, Former Branch Secretary to the Leeds Branch and Association Secretary.
Branch Secretary and Standard Bearer – Brian Clayton served with the KOYLI and the Second Battalion the Light Infantry.
Duncombe Park
Branch Treasurer – Geoffrey Holland served with the KOYLI and the Second Battalion the Light Infantry. Committee Members – Ron Lowerson, Colin Richmond and Joe Marsh all served with the KOYLI and the Second Battalion the Light Infantry. We have membership strength of 42 made up of KOYLI, LI, Ri es and Honorary members, we all work as a team in a very relaxed atmosphere, and our location is based in West Leeds. The West Leeds Sports & Social Club, Address: 28 Redshaw Rd, Leeds LS12 1HH. The West Leeds Club is managed by Jim and Jan who are very supportive to our members and Veterans, the Club is very community orientated, and they also run and manage the West Leeds Amateur Rugby League team from juniors upwards. From February 2017 – As a forming Branch and now as an of cial Branch, branch members are supporting the Regimental Association and the Ri es attending many events travelling far and wide and organized by our hard-working branch secretary Brian Clayton.
The Leeds Armed Forces Day 24th June was well attended by the West Leeds Branch supporting the Ri es and the Regimental Association, Standards were carried by Brian Clayton and Colin Cranswick, and members marched with our brothers in arms the Ghurkhas. The Association Gazebo was manned by Colin and Maxine.
Membership: We are always looking for new members if you have served in any of the forming or antecedent regiments which have formed The Ri es and you live in the Leeds or surrounding areas why not come along. We meet up on the 1st Saturday of the month at 1300hrs at the West Leeds Sports & Social Club, Address: 28 Redshaw Rd, Leeds LS12 1HH. We look forward to seeing you from Michael, Brian and the team.
280 REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
THE RIFLES