Page 241 - Bugle Autumn 2014

Pontefract branch
It has been another busy year for Yorkshire & the Pontefract Branch as follows:-
The County Association AGM & lunch was held at Minden House, Pontefract on Saturday 19th April.
Several members attended the LI Regimental Reunion on 6th to 8th June 2014 which coincided with the 70th anniversary of D-day (Major Mike Peacock went to the landing beaches). Although it was sad to attend Copthorne Barracks for the last time (a record attendance in excess of 3000), Pontefract Branch are looking forward to seeing everyone next year at Shrewsbury Town’s football ground.
The Rifles were given the Freedom of Wakefield on Saturday, 12th July - an enjoyable event attended by Pontefract Branch members - no prizes for guessing who went on parade (joined by Major George Blanchard). The hospitality given by Wakefield Council & the public (& in the Cathedral afterwards) was enjoyed by all.
Salamanca Day was celebrated with a lunch at Minden House on Saturday, 19th
Mr Eddie Robinson – Wreath Laying Party, Menin Gate 2014
Festival of Remembrance, Westminster – Mr Peter Bate & Mrs Maxine Pryce Nov 2013
LI Reunion – Last march off parade led by Retd Officer Lt Nigel Blackburn
wearing the traditional white rose, and the following day a reunion was held at Bentley Pavilion, near Doncaster.
Regimental Association member Eddie Robinson attended the Menin Gate again this year to lay a wreath in remembrance of fallen comrades.
The next event for Pontefract Branch to look forward to is the well-attended York Minster Service on Sat 18 Oct 14 (held in the KOYLI Chapel in the Minster) & lunch in The Guildhall.
Some Pontefract Branch members attended the 2013 Festival of Remembrance and will again be making the long journey to London on Thursday 6th November for the Festival of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey to be hosted by our old friend & Honourary Pontefract Branch member, Captain Dickie Dutton who does
a terrific job as our Representative and host for the day.
Most members will be attending the Remembrance Sunday parade in Pontefract this year (with added poignancy on this 100th anniversary of the start of WW1). Wear those poppies with pride.
Cede Nullis.
Nigel Blackburn
Minden Day, Bentley Pavilion, Doncaster 2014
July & the following Saturday the Lord Lieutenant’s Veterans Parade was held in Leeds.
Minden Day was celebrated by members
THE RIFLES
REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION NEWS 239