Page 235 - The Bugle 2018

The Rifles Office Shrewsbury
The Regimental Association The Midlands
Shrewsbury Branch
The Shrewsbury Branch as always would like to take this opportunity to thank E Company 8 Rifles who host our thriving Light Infantry and Rifles Association. We are very grateful to the PSAO, Captain Vaz Vazquez, who always delivers good solid advice and support to the branch. In addition, the work effort and enthu- siasm of his staff to the Association needs has been outstanding. The new furniture, fittings, decoration and cleanliness continues at pace and the Reserve Centre continues in its massive improvement.
The Branch continues to thrive with approximately 137 paid up members and we would welcome new military members from the three services who live in the area. Our spring and summer dances have once again been outstanding with both being well attended and we know that the coming Christmas Dinner Dance will be a sell-out. Our away day to Southport was brilliant with 51 members attending, the weather was fine and sunny and a good day was had by all.
Throughout the past year, the branch has again made an outstanding contribution in their charity fundraising efforts. £1000 was raised for the KOYLI Memorial Appeal with the dedication taking place in Doncaster on the 1st August. £250 for the KSLI Museum located in the Shrewsbury Castle and £1116.00 from our Annual Reunion Tombola and Raffle Stalls, this money to be split between Cpl Chad Choudhury (£616.00) 50- 50- 50- 50- appeal and (£500.00) to support our branch funds for welfare and social events.
The branch as would be expected had a fantastic turnout at the Annual Reunion Weekend that was
also celebrating the 50th Anniversary of The Light Infantry. The weather was excellent and a great time was had by all. The 2LI get together was again hosted by E Company 8 Rifles in their Reserve centre with over 300 in attendance. The PSAO Vaz and his team worked their socks off ensuring everyone had a night to remember.
In summary, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the hardworking Shrewsbury Branch Committee for all their hard work during this year which they do for the benefit of their branch members.
Major (Retd) Dennis Crook MBE (Denbo) Shrewsbury Branch Chairman
PSAO VAZ AND HIS TEAM WORKED THEIR SOCKS OFF
The Telford Branch of the Light Infantry & Rifles Regimental Association
This period started with one of the coldest and wettest Remembrance Day parades I can remember in Telford. The Branch supported Telford & Wrekin Council and the salute was taken by Lt Col (Retd) Ron Bevan. The event was well supported and finished with an excellent buffet.
In December we held a Christmas Draw which, once again, proved very successful and a very enjoyable evening. May saw our annual branch dinner which was held at the Holiday Inn in Telford.
Once again this year members of the branch travelled to Plymouth to take part in their annual Army Week parade together with members of the Plymouth Branch and this too proved to be most successful.
Unfortunately, this year, we have lost several members who have travelled to their final RV. The last two being (WO2) Harry Gandon and Johnnie Hind, they were both ex KSLI/3LI soldiers.
We are now looking forward to a Social Evening in September and the branch will be attending the Birmingham Military Tattoo in November.
Mr Conrad Myatt, Telford Branch Secretary
Ross-on-Wye Branch of the Light Infantry & Rifles Association
The Standard of The Light Infantry & Rifles Association of Ross-on-Wye, was consecrated at St Mary’s Parish Church at Ross-on-Wye on Sunday 14 January. Lieutenant General Sir John Foley - The Patron of The Association gave an address stating that - it was a pivotal occasion for the Association that the Standard should to be consecrated in St Mary’s Church. He thanked The Reverend Sarah Jones, Rector, for helping to organise the Consecration Service and to taking part in it. He also thanked Major the Reverend Edward Ward, for his part in the Service. The Reverend Edward Ward is now Chaplain to the Association. He was previously the Chaplain to 5th Battalion The Light Infantry ( V).
Major Ladi Broadman is Chairman of The Associations Executive Team, Major Robert Barnes and Mr Bob Morris are Members of The Executive Team. Major Broadman and Major Barnes were former Company Commanders of D Coy, 5th Battalion The Light Infantry and Mr Bob Morris is a former Colour Serjeant. He served as a Reservist in Afghanistan.
The Association was founded in 2015 by Colonel Bob Purvis, the former President of the
Ross Branch of The Royal British Legion. He was indisposed and unable to attend the Service.
The purpose of the Association is to provide a platform for comradeship for former Members of D. Company, The Light Infantry (V) which was based at Ross-on-Wye and to help with their welfare. It also raises funds for military charities. Its current membership represents 80% of D. Company’s original membership.
The photograph
shows - Left to Right: Standing: Escort to The Standard: Mr Bob Morris. The Standard Bearer: Mr Tony Stone. Escort to the Standard: Mr Peter McVann Standing: The Reverend Sarah Jones, Rector of St Mary’s - Major the Reverend Edward Ward, Chaplain to The Association Seated: Major Ladi Broadman
- Lieutenant General Sir John Foley - Major Robert Barnes
THE RIFLES
REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS 241