Page 143 - Mercian Eagle 2013

his Certificate of Merit, which had been awarded to him at the AGM in October 2012 (and held over in the hope that he would soon be back with us); the look of pleasure on his face was indeed a tonic to both us and indeed to Bryan.
Our annual Branch Dinner in February was well attended although with fewer numbers. Nevertheless a grand evening was experienced and in the time honoured way of a raffle some useful funds were raised for the Branch funds.
The Branch number has unfortunately reduced over the past two or three years as members have gone to soldier in that great Barracks in the Sky. Still, we are ever optimistic and are always on the lookout for new members from the town. We
had a visit earlier in the year from Major Douglas Hallam and Captain Paul Mullis, both from the Mercian Regiment who live
in the town so have joined the Branch and have expressed their intention to visit as and when their military duties allow. Let us hope that other Mercian men will follow their commitment.
Our Standard bearer has been busy, sadly at quite a number of funerals, but also thankfully there have been some
happy events to attend. He was on parade at the Presentation of New Colours and also paraded at the National Veterans Day which this year was held in Nottingham. On both of these super occasions he was also supported by other branch members. We now look forward to a quieter autumn and perhaps an eventful New Year.
WORKSOP BRANCH
By Mark Butcher, Branch Secretary
After some years of decreasing attendance there was a call to arms by Stuart (Jepo) Jepson, the branch Standard Bearer. This was heard by ex-members and in January 2013 the Phoenix began to rise. The branch was honoured when Brigadier (Retired) Michael Edward Browne accepted the invitation to become Branch President and his regular presence and support at branch meetings has been much appreciated. Capt (Retd) Tim Hallam, has taken over as Chair, with Lennie Downing stepping up to Vice Chair and Mark Butcher taking over Lennie’s old spot as Secretary. Tony Jones continues
as Treasurer, assisted by Stuart Jepson, who is also the Standard Bearer. So, with around 16 regular attendees and a full committee, it is full steam ahead for the Worksop branch.
The branch meets every second month in Worksop and is planning social events including a games night with the Chesterfield branch, a Remembrance Day dinner for members and families and also a Christmas dinner with other plans in the pipeline for trips out in the future. Some of the guys regularly meet up at weekends for activities such as walking and mountain biking, with the odd beer thrown in at the end and it was no doubt one of those beers that led to the challenge of five of the members completing the National 3 Peaks in August.
On a sad note, New Years Day saw the passing of Alan Lawman. Alan was a true Forester through and through and was treated like
a favourite granddad by the younger members of the branch. The branch fielded a guard of honour at his funeral in Worksop and he is, and will continue to be, sadly missed by all.
The Branch Chairman Major B Robinson (left) receiving a Certificate of Merit Award from the Branch President Major J Ford MBE
So Worksop branch is on the up and up and we hope to become a great place for serving and ex-members to meet and still enjoy some of the good old times. Recruiting is a branch priority and various avenues are being explored to boost members. Worksop has a lot of ex-members, both regular and TA, so it is hoped
that we can substantially increase membership. The branch is a relatively young branch, vibrant and with lots of ideas, so it should be interesting for any potential new members. Further details can be obtained via RHQ.
Left-Right: Wayne Smith, Bill Bailey, Shane, Stuart Jepson, Tony Jones and Matt Smith in training for the 3 Peaks Challenge
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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