Page 141 - Mercian Eagle 2013

Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters Regiment Association
3 WFR BRANCH
By Paul Hallett, Branch Secretary
The 3 WFR branch is unique in it being the only truly Territorial branch in the WFRA with members throughout the recruiting counties of Notts and Derby, although many are also members
of local branches. Raised in 1996 and, although attendance has reduced since the Battalion disbanded, there is still a loyal and enthusiastic corps of people some of whom are Home Service Force (HSF) veterans. Many of our members support Regimental and local
CHESTERFIELD BRANCH
By Mick Giles, Branch Secretary
The Chesterfield Branch has had a busy year starting with our Branch and other Associations saying ‘farewell’ to our friend and colleague Peter Lawrence whose popularity with former soldiers and friends was confirmed by the number of mourners, including the Mayor of Chesterfield, who attended his funeral at the Chesterfield Crematorium. On the 2nd July 2013, 11 branch members were present at a Commemoration Service with a dedication of a paving stone to Peter at the National Memorial Arboretum.
Over the weekend of 12-14 April, the members of the Chesterfield Branch of the WFRA went on a memorial weekend to St Clement’s Church at Sutton on Sea, Lincolnshire. The weekend started with a clean up of the grave and followed by a service that was in memory of Martin Robinson who was killed on the 16 April 1972 at Army Base Brandywell, on the west bank of the River Foyle in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The base was on the edge of the ‘no-go’ area which also included the Creggan Estate and the Bogside. Martin Robinson was the second soldier to be killed in Northern Ireland, the first from 1st Battalion WFR. Turnout on the Sunday was better than expected with members of the branch alongside Mansfield Branch members and members from RBL Mablethorpe. We were joined by Martin’s former comrades, friends and family who commented that they were pleased that so many members of the Martin’s Regiment had turned out to pay tribute and that even after 40 years some of the former colleagues were still laying floral tributes on his grave.
The Remembrance Service at the grave was followed by a wreath laying and the Last Post. Special thanks go to Peter Ravey who paraded the Branch Standard and Ken Truswell who arranged the parade and performed the Last Post and Reveille.
The branch has been kept busy with manning a stall at Chesterfield’s Armed Forces Day and attending Crich Pilgrimage. Still to come is our Branch Annual Dinner where two very important guests have been invited; Captain Simon Cupples CGC, who is shortly to leave the Army and Christopher Parrott who was wounded in action. We also look forward to attending a games’ night and pie and pea supper hosted by the Worksop Branch WFRA.
Memorial Service for Martin Robinson
events such as the Parade of New Colours, Regimental Pilgrimage and Armed Forces Day. Meeting annually in late September for the Alma Dinner and AGM, this is a chance for the branch members to catch up on Regimental business and reminisce over a beer or two. The Committee also meets quarterly.
NOTTINGHAM CITY BRANCH
By John Richards, Branch Chair
The Nottingham City branch continues
to meet monthly as well as enjoying time together outside of the meetings for Regimental events and trips. As well as supporting Badajoz Day, the Presentation of New Colours and the Crich Pilgrimage, members of the branch have also enjoyed a Christmas party and a memorable and informative Battlefield Tour to Dunkirk.
Armed Forces Day this year was hosted by our own City, Nottingham and members took part in the parade, proudly marching from the Castle to the Old Market Square and then helping on the WFRA stand as well as enjoying the ambience of the day
We are very proud to have a WW2 Veteran in our branch and due to his sterling work and support of the branch, 91 year old Mick Murry, the President of our branch, received his well deserved Merit Award presented to him by the Assistant Regimental Secretary.
WW2 Veteran and President of Nottingham City Branch WFRA, Mick Murry, receiving his merit award from the Assistant Regimental Secretary, Ms Cindy Baines
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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