Branch Meeting.
29 people sat down with another 25 linked via Zoom, 54 in total.
We welcomed a visitor, Tom Horne, ex 5 & 4 RTR. Members were reminded that we had application forms available for Regimental Journal subscriptions.
The recap of activity focused on ANZAC day in Weymouth, The Exercise Tiger wreath laying at Portland, and the visit to HMS Queen Elizabeth at HM Naval Base, Portsmouth.
Forthcoming activity, the following was announced, VE Day wreath laying at the war memorial in Poole Park on Thursday 8th May at 10.30hrs, and the church service at the Buckland Road Baptist Church in Parkstone at 1900hrs on Thursday 8th May 2025. A boat trip into Weymouth Bay from Weymouth Quay on Saturday 10th May and a reminder of the VE Day 80 themed music festival on Weymouth beach on the same day. The Stephen Ford memorial service at Constitution Hill in Poole on 21st May 2025, and the annual D Day service at Weymouth on US Memorial Day, 26th May 2025.
The chairman gave an ARRAS 85 update.
Prior to the D-Day service on Poole Quay on 6th June 2025, the secretary called for volunteers with a scrubbing brush to join the chairman and himself on 5th June in scrubbing the wreath wall below the D-Day memorial as it is somewhat dirty.
It was confirmed that there are still 3 places available for the trip to the Houses of Parliament on 17th June 2025.
Members wishing to be included in the branch visit to the Army Trials Unit (formerly ATDU) on 23rd July should submit their names to the secretary.
Members were informed of the application forms for the Cambrai Lunch at the WO’s & Sgt’s Mess, Allenby Barracks, Bovington on Friday 28th November. It was emphasised that this was to gauge interest in the event and those interested should submit their names.
It was confirmed that 37 out of 143 branch members had not yet paid their branch subs for 2025. A gentle reminder for payment was given.
The meeting then closed, and the guest speaker introduced.
Mike Stevenson gave his “Road to War” presentation which tells the story of the build up to the Arras counter stroke of 1940. This presentation will be given again in Arras later this month so no spoilers here I’m afraid. We got a preview simply because those of us going to Arras will arrive too late to hear the brief.
Fear Naught
