Page 103 - MERCIAN Eagle 2017

The Branch visiting the spot John Baskeyfield earned his VC
STAFFORD BRANCH ACTIVITIES 2017
On Saturday 25th March the majority of the Branch attended the re-opening of The King’s Head in Lichfield, under the new tenancy governed by ex- members of the Staffordshire Regiment.
The following Monday members paid their respects at the funeral of Flo Francis, an old friend of members and wife of long-term member Alan Francis.
Saturday 15th April saw members of the Branch fund raising at the Stafford store of Tesco. There was an excellent response from the public.
Armed Forces Day, 24th June, was commemorated by members in Stafford Market Square where they manned the Branch Gazebos’ in which the “Air Soft Pistol Range” was in operation for the public to try their skills.
Some members attended the Crich Memorial Pilgrimage service on the 2nd July.
The Annual camping weekend on 14th-16th July on Shell Island was very well attended, with personnel coming from other parts of the country. This year’s Fancy Dress Theme was “Monks and Nuns”!!
The Branch attended the Annual Re-union at Lichfield, parading at Whittington Barracks, before the Church service and then travelling to Lichfield Social Club for lunch and the Colonel’s Address.
Throughout the year donations were given to – Tri Service and Veterans Support Centre – Gurkha Welfare Trust and the Watchman’s Memorial Fund.
and attended the Field of Remembrance
at Westminster Abbey in November. The branch itself also organised a few trips this year. Our first was to the Royal Hospital Chelsea. For many of us it was the first
time any of us had visited, and many are now planning their retirement package. A thoroughly enjoyable day and it is well worth booking one of the tours as the Pensioners just bring it alive. We made sure to say hello to our two Pensioners, Sgt Jim Fellows and WO1 Les Walker, while we were there. Our only advice if you decide to make the trip
is to make sure your coach company have the right Chelsea Hospital! At one point our driver tried to deliver us to the accident and emergency department of the other Chelsea Hospital.
Our final big trip this year was to
Arnhem in September to attend the commemorations of the landings there. This was a first visit for many of us. We had a group of 11 who drove over from Lichfield in a minibus and for some it was an eye- opener of a true squaddie trip, especially Dani from the museum, who I think we
have traumatised for life. Lots of banter and fun had by all, and it was incredible to see all the battle sites. Most humbling for
all of us was to see how well the battle is commemorated by the local population and the care they take in ensuring the actions are not forgotten. We are keen to go back and are looking at going over for the 75th anniversary in 2019.
We meet on the first Sunday of every month in Lichfield Social Club. All are welcome to come along and get involved in whatever aspects of the branch you would like.
Vic Wiles and Anthony Miles just about to walk the Bridge
Glynn Ireland and Dennis Smart listening intently to the guide at the Royal Hospital Chelsea
The branch outside the Airborne Museum Hartenstein
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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