Page 143 - MERCIAN Eagle 2015

Pete galley, Mike Keeling and Mike Pilkington during the Stockport Branch Clay Pigeon Shoot
Kidderminster
The Branch has been ‘out and about’
with the Standard in the County this year. The list of activities the Branch has taken part is impressive, and far too long to include in these notes. Highlights that
might be included were the dedication of the paving slab which was laid outside St Mary’s Church, Kidderminster in memory
of the Victoria Cross holder from the North Staffordshire Regiment and the parade
at Worcester Fire station when a Branch member, Graham Bird sounded the ‘Last Post’ in commemoration of the sounding of the ‘Last Post’ by the firemen at Ypres every day since 1920 except for the war years.
Socially the members have enjoyed Golf days, Clay Pigeon Shoot, Canal Cruise with a Fish and Chip Supper not forgetting the entertainment! The Armed Forces Day at Himley Hall is always a very enjoyable event. Although it has its serious side members from the Association are able to meet people and show what the Association
is trying to do and the public give their
Mrs. Joy Smith, WO2 Tony Smith and RQMS Dave Whitbread at the Christmas Social at the Shrubbery, Kidderminster
support. The three Branches, Kidderminster, Walsall and Wolverhampton work hard throughout the year to ensure the day is successful What has become an annual event August saw the members and their ladies sit down to lunch at the Stourport on Severn Branch of the Royal British Legion, who always make us very welcome.
The Branch works very closely with the Worcester and Kidderminster Branches of the WFRA. This is not surprising as
all members of B Company 1 MERCIAN Volunteers were encouraged to join the WRA by Frank Bates when they joined the Company. They didn’t have an option!
Mrs. Joy Smith, WO2 Tony Smith and RQMS Dave Whitbread at the Christmas Social at the Shrubbery, Kidderminster
We see ourselves as very much part of the wider Mercian Regimental family, with our future bound up closely with that of the Regiment. We very much hope that current serving members will recognise in the Mercian Volunteers Regimental Association the best traditions of territorial service and will wish to become more closely involved with us in keeping this spirit alive. You will be made most welcome. For further details of branch and Association membership please contact Lt Col Keith Jeavons TD on 01384 822135 or email khjeavons@hotmail. co.uk
Burton on Trent
The Branch meets regularly at the Army Reserve Centre. The Corps of Drums continues to grow in stature under the expert guidance of Lieutenant Colonel Bridges and supports Regimental occasions whenever possible. We now look forward to the Curry Supper in late October when we can meet old friends once again.
Nottingham
Two very successful Social evenings have been held during the year at The Robin Hood Senior NCO’s Club. The Secretary, Philip Squires celebrated his 65th Birthday surrounded friends in the Branch. Members of the branch with their Standard attended the Remembrance Service at Clifton and at Crich during the summer when Major Chell laid a wreath on behalf of the Association.
Wolverhampton Branch
The Branch has now settled back into Wolseley House and now holds its meetings there. This has been a great boost to the Branch and the help of 4 MERCIAN and 210 Bty is greatly appreciated. The Branch took part in the Armed Forces Parade in Wolverhampton and the Fete at Himley Hall. The Standard was paraded at Crich. The Branch looks forward to the New Year with confidence.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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