Page 235 - Bugle Autumn 2014

SCLI, LI & Rifles Reunion
The 30th annual reunion of the SCLI, LI & Rifles took place on Saturday 26th April 2014 at the Lawns Social Club, Taunton. A total of 206 travelled from all part of the UK and were welcomed. They included a number of former SCLI and a large influx of LI men who were attending for the first time. It was also pleasing to welcome a Rifleman amongst the body.
All attending had a most enjoyable and a very happy evening. Being a large open hall it did not take long for old friends to find each other, some renewing friendships with those last seen 50 or more years ago. Debbie Hards from the Rifles Office was present, organizing the office shop with an ever increasing variety of items being offered for sale.
A superb buffet, prepared by the club caterer Liz, was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Our thanks on behalf of those attending were conveyed to Liz. Our thanks were also passed to the bar staff for the way they worked so tirelessly throughout the evening to keep the glasses filled.
This was the first occasion that the reunion had been held at this club.
It met with the approval of those attending and will be the venue for the foreseeable future.
The confirmed date for your diary of the 2015 Reunion, arranged by Lawrie Hodges, is Saturday 25th April 2015.
Malayan Reunion 2014 – Somerset Light Infantry
On Saturday 3rd May 2014, veterans of the Somerset Light Infantry, who served in Malaya between 1952 and 1955, gathered at the Lawns Social Club in Taunton for their reunion. The event was hosted by the Taunton Branch of The Rifles & Light Infantry Association.
staff, past and present and to Debbie Hards who ran the Regimental Shop that night. Many present took the opportunity to purchase various regimental items
to enable them to be correctly dressed on the next Remembrance Parade. The veterans were most grateful to the Staff of the Lawns Social Club.
Those present were informed that
it was intended to place a ‘Book of Remembrance’, in St Mary Magdalene
The Veterans had travelled from all over the country to be there, and very quickly old friends found each other and exchanged the latest information. Amongst the many
present was Mr Paul
Beaumont, the son
of Sgt Raymond
Beaumont who was
one of those killed
in action in Malaya
while serving with
the Somerset Light
Infantry.
Thanks were expressed to all members of the Taunton Branch of The Rifles
& Light Infantry Association who had worked so hard to make the evening a success. In particular the ladies of the Branch, who work tirelessly throughout the year attending the flowers in the Regimental Corner of St Mary Magdalene Church in Taunton, were thanked.
The Veterans also expressed their appreciation for the help and support they receive from The Rifles Office Taunton.
A big thank you was given to the office
Church, listing the names of all the members of the Regiment who have been killed in action since the end of the Second World War in 1945. This prompted the veterans to make a collection to help
defray costs. They raised £250.00 for this worthy cause.
Time flies when enjoying good company and a glass of your favourite tipple. All too soon the evening was over and promises were renewed to keep in touch and attend the reunion next year. This is provisionally booked for Saturday 9th May 2015, at the Lawns Social Club in Taunton. Any former members of the Somerset Light Infantry who would like to attend please contact Jim Durant on 01823 275787.
Time flies when enjoying good company and a glass of your favourite tipple
Thoughts on Normandy
I had the pleasure and privilege of accompanying veteran members of the Somerset Light Infantry to Normandy earlier this month to mark the 70th Anniversary of their annual Pilgrimage.
Initially organised by the late Major John Majendie, the responsibility for the trip fell to John’s widow, Christine, who did sterling work in maintaining a hugely demanding schedule between July 6-11.
The people of Normandy treated these veterans like royalty. I was most impressed by the warmth and generosity of the French towards these old soldiers (the oldest
being 94) and the sheer number of Union flags flying wherever we travelled. Our itinerary included visits (with wreath laying) to Pegasus Bridge, Ranville Cemetary, Merville Battery, Sword Beach and Hill 112. Wherever we went the streets were spotless and gardens tended with loving care.
We could learn much from the French when it comes to national pride!
I was also struck by the politeness of the children of Normandy and how the schools teach them their country’s real history as a matter of course.
Sadly, this was probably the final Pilgrimage by the Somerset Light Infantry, as there are just four survivors remaining. Gentlemen, it made me proud to be with you.
Councillor BRYAN CHALKER; former Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council and Mayor of Bath
Veterans and daughters
THE RIFLES
REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION NEWS 233