Page 109 - Mercian Eagle 2016

NMA and for making Standards Stands whenever required. Thanks in advance to Wolverhampton Branch for volunteering to organise the 2017 Annual Reunion.
The SRA branches have all been very busy this year, throughout the Region
and down in Dover, and carry out their activities with great commitment, whether
it be attending funerals or supporting parades and events or arranging dinners
or fundraising activities, their dedication to the Regimental Family is commendable. I would also like to recognise the contribution of the wives, girlfriends and daughters too, for the support they give and have always
given to the Association. Throughout
the year, the Standard Bearers, Sgt Watchman V and Representatives of the Association have attended many events, including numerous funerals and memorial services and during the summer, SRA representatives attended a memorial dedication service at the former RAF Shobden to No. 5 Glider School from WWII as well as attendance at a major parade in Dover to mark the Somme
100 Commemorations. They have been involved in fundraising efforts, participation in community events such as Cannock Chase Military Weekend and by special
invitation, they were asked to support Defence Medical Services on Parade as DMS received the Freedom of Lichfield to bring both colour and heritage to the occasion.
In November, there was a great turn out for Fields of Remembrance in Westminster, followed by a special BBC feature on Operation Granby, which was broadcast during the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and there were over 50 STAFFORDS Veterans on parade at the Cenotaph in London, marshalled by Pete Oliver and led by Capt Angus Pritchard- Gordon.
Charity Cycle ride for Combat Stress
Lee Davies, a member of Hednesford Branch of the Staffordshire Regimental Association, who served 23 years with the Regiment, was diagnosed with PTSD in February 2014.
After receiving treatment to help him cope with the condition at Audley Court in Shropshire, which is run by Combat Stress, he was encouraged to set himself short, medium and long term goals to help him cope with the condition.
As a keen cyclist who had already undertaken a number of Charity Fundraising cycle rides for a local hospice, he decided to embark on an ambitious cycle ride
to raise funds for Combat Stress and conceived the idea of cycling coast to coast, from Whitehaven in Cumbria to Teignmouth on the East coast through the Lake District and over the Pennines, so no easy choice of route.
Just to make sure it was a real challenge he decided he would attempt to complete the ride in only 12-14 hours! Obviously this was not for the faint hearted and no easy task, but fortunately, Lee’s brother-in-law Richard Swinscoe, who has been a great
support to Lee over the past few years, was on hand to provide encouragement and ride along with Lee.
When Lee told the Hednesford Branch of his plan, they were only too happy to help in various ways, by providing a support team
and even the use of the Treasurer’s own caravan, but they also decided they would also attempt to raise a further £1,000 to match the target set for himself by Lee.
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