Page 153 - Mercian Eagle 2013

were no prizes but it was a very enjoyable day. Finally a big thank you to our sponsors, without them we would not have been able to complete. Continuing with the sporting theme, a Clay Pigeon shoot was held in September. This year the weather was excellent and a very enjoyable day was experienced. A BBQ was held at the
TAC in August and for once the weather held. Over forty members and friends attended. Thanks go to the Barnett family, Keith Newman for his gazebo, Irene for running the bar and other members of the committee for a successful evening.
A series of walks have been part of this year’s programme over two areas of the county; the Mercian Way and the Wyre Forest. No prize for a caption to the photograph! Clive Amiss was the overall winner with three equal second places. A big thank you to WO2 Keith Neman and his brothers for organizing the event and to Megan, his wife, for the lovely homemade cake!
The standard, accompanied by members, welcomed Enid, the lady who had walked two hundred miles in aid of the Regimental Charity back to Worcester at the Guildhall. As part of the remembrance of the 1914- 1919 War, the Branch is to install a bench
in the Gardens surrounding ‘The Shrubbery’ which was the Drill Hall where the 7th Battalion mobilized in both World Wars. Efforts are continuing to save the carved stone badge from the old 8th Battalion Drill Hall in Bromsgrove. I Mercian V had a very strong Rifle Platoon there at one time.
The Branch members have paraded at the Burma Star day at Bromsgrove and will be present at the Gheluvelt Day at Worcester in October.
Burton on Trent and Rugeley
The Branch continues to support the Regiment in the North Staffordshire area,
The picnic at the Arboretum, Members assemble around our monument at the Mercian Grove
Kidderminster Branch Golf Team at the Mercian Golf Day, Graham Bird and Tony Griffiths
attending many functions both regimental and civic. The Chairman, Lt Col D Bridges has given sterling service to help provide the Corps of Drums both for the 4th Battalion and for the Colour Presentation Parade. We look forward to the Annual Curry Supper
to be held at Burton in October which
is always well attended. It is a very busy branch, meeting regularly and working
very closely with the other branches. Sadly the Royal British Legion in Rugeley has disbanded and the Branch now meets in The Lea Hall Social Club. Mr Richard Bates manfully completed his sponsored swim again this year for charity.
Stockport
Another very successful year! The Branch Standard has travelled far and wide once again, including Belgium, France and Malta. The Branch continues to dine extremely well and we have already reported on
the successful Armed Forces Day Dinner and Dance. The East Cheshire Reunion is always well attended and we look forward to the 2013 event, although this will be tinged with great sadness as the Chairman, Major John Holden died in September. John was a great supporter of the Branch and the Cheshire Regiment in particular. He will be sorely missed. The Branch Charity work has continued alongside the other activities with sponsored walks. Many of the activities are joint events with the Stockport Branch of the Cheshire Regiments Association. It would be difficult to single out members for praise without missing someone out. But there is a great team working together to produce a happy and successful branch.
The Eagle Dining Club
The Club held another successful evening at Lucas House, Birmingham University in May which was well attended. Membership
Chris Rowley serves the team watched by Phil Fairbrace, Mrs Fairbrace, Bernard and Mrs Pratt.
The Team mascot guards the buggy!
is open to any officer who served with
1& 2 battalions Mercian Volunteers, both regular and volunteer. Major Lawrence, the secretary, would be very pleased to hear from any person interested. The next Dinner will be held in May next year at the same venue.
The Laying up of Colours
The Association was well represented
by members and the Standards at the laying up of the Colours of the Cheshire, Worcestershire and Foresters and the Staffordshire Regiments in their respective cathedrals. Very sad days, but three wonderfully appropriate services.
We say welcome to new members, WO2 Alan Simcox, ex E /C Company 2 Mercian V;
Sadly we say goodbye to Major John Holden TD; OC A Company 1 Mercian V; Major Gary Pitman QM 2 Mercian V; WO2 Jack Annis, B Company 1 Mercian V; WO2 Batchelor, C /G Company 1 Mercian V; WO2 John Forrester PSI at Walsall; Cpl Trevor Harris B/HQ Company 1 Mercian V; Pte Chris Thorpe B Company 1 Mercian
V; Pte Bob Scott HSF 1&2 Mercian V; Mr Stephen Tedstll, HQ Company, 1 Mercian V and Mrs Lisa Beardsmore wife of Kevin Beardsmore and Mrs Benton wife of Fred Benton .
We send our sincere condolences to the families.
Before the laying up of the colours: Mac Powell, Reg Dicks, Graham Bird, and John Poultney
Kidderminster Team on the day
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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