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on the television. The regimental secretary had done his sun dance earlier that morning and it appeared that all was well and the gods were watching and taking note. The location again was our own Mercian Grove and memorial stone. On that day the NMA was extremely busy, so busy in fact that
the main car park was full and a reserve area had to be pressed into service. For one moment it looked as if the whole of
the Midlands had turned out for our picnic. But such delusions of grandeur were not
to be. They were soon dispelled when it was explained that three major events were taking place as well that day at the National Memorial Arboretum and we were only one of a number of organisations meeting there.
The plan for the day was the tried and tested recipe for a successful picnic:
An hour’s worth of meeting old friends, exchanging stories and catching up with the latest news around the branches; a short welcome speech by our chairman Tony Scott, who had recovered very quickly from the disturbing vision of having to address a crowd of thousands, followed by a picnic lunch in the grounds of the NMA. Ted Rowley, our official photographer, recorded the happy scene for our scrapbook and posterity and the results were posted on face book; a final walk round the memorial grounds to admire the many innovative and beautiful memorials then home.
Our thanks go to our committee for organising another successful picnic. The staff of the NMA made sure we were well looked after with our very own host and our thanks go to them for their kindness and goodwill.
Nottingham Branch
This summer members of the Branch had to forego their Annual pilgrimage to Skegness to attend the Colour presentation at Worcester, but intend to visit Bridlington next
The laying up of the 1st and 3rd Battalion Colours of the Staffordshire Regiment at Lichfield
Tony Smith, Dave Whitbread and Bernard Pratt at the BBQ
year! Doubtless more stories will be told. Nottingham held their Annual Social Evening on 28th September, the Principal guests being the Ex Lord Mayor of Nottingham
who is the Patron of the Branch and the High Sheriff of Nottingham. Numbers are increasing, due in no small measure to the tenacity and hard work of the Secretary, Phil Squires, who unfortunately is about to spend some more time in hospital. We wish him a speedy return home.
Walsall Branch
Since our last report the Walsall Branch have had a fairly busy year. Our first event was a Charity night held at The Amery Club on Saturday 12th April, which consisted
of live entertainment and a grand raffle.
A total of £1250 was raised during the evening, £1000 was donated to Combat Stress, our second charity to benefit is Route 66. This charity is to carry injured service personnel across America on Route 66 as motorcycle pillion passengers. Major Richard Slaney, QM of 4 Mercian Regiment will be sponsoring Pte Luke Cole MC as his pillion passenger. Luke was severely injured in Afghanistan and was awarded the Military Cross for his gallant action. This ride is due to take place in October. Our grateful thanks go to Mr Les Harris secretary of The Amery Club and his Committee and patrons of the club who have supported our Branch over the past three years.
Several members of the Branch attended the annual Anzac ceremony held at the Commonwealth Cemetery at Cannock Chase on Sunday 28 April. On Sunday
5th March a re-dedication ceremony was held at Wednesbury and again members of our Branch and Standard Bearer Mr. Mac Powell were in attendance.
The highlight of the year has to be the Presentation of New Colours to all four
The high Sherriff of Nottingham, lady and Guest at the Nottingham Branch Social Evening
Stockport Branch Standard at Chester Cathedral. Photograph by Sgt Russ Nolan
Mercian Batallions by His Royal Highness The Prince Of Wales on Thursday 6th
June. The day started overcast but as the morning progressed the sun finally shone on this unique occasion making it a parade to remember. The Walsall Branch members managed to fill a coach with spectators and participants who took place in the Veterans march off. Many old acquaintances were renewed over a pint or two and the day was a great success.
Wednesday 26th June saw our Branch members at the re-opening of Barr Beacon War Memorial, This event was organised by The Barr Beacon Trust and Lottery Heritage fund and our thanks go to Mr Peter Morgan, who after the ceremony invited all members to light refreshments at a local school.
The Branch were invited to a shooting competition at Kingsbury ranges organised by the Fusilier Association. We entered two teams of four and all came away with a medal for the third year running. This was only achieved by a last minute replacement by Pete Hall’s partner Hilary who had never fired before; well done Hilary! Finally I would like to thank Emma and Eddie Hillback for their ongoing generosity in allowing the Branch to hold our meetings at Rock Steady Eddies at Stafford Street Walsall, and for
the buffets Emma constantly supplies at no cost to the branch on our meeting nights, we are indeed blessed. Our thanks also go to Mr Mac Powell our Standard Bearer who regularly turns out for every occasion.
Kidderminster Branch
Again there has been a host of activities during the year. Golf has played an increasing role in the life of the Branch with regular meetings at local clubs, the highlight being the involvement in the Mercian Regiment Charity Golf Day in September. The branch fielded two teams. Alas there
Kidderminster BBQ, Brian Turvey and Gordon Maycroft choosing their food
Walsall Branch members, Mick Webster, John Kirk, Fred Benton and Dave Evans at the Barr Beacon
THE MERCIAN EAGLE