South East Kent Branch Report

The North West Branch paraded 25 members on the day. This included our President Sean McEvoy, Vice President Ken Potter, Chairman Dave Judge, Secretary Mark Lydiat, Treasurer Ray Gerrard and Entertainments officer Stu Donoghue

It was with great pride that we formed up for the march on with approximately 200 RGJ veterans which consisted of Officer’s and other ranks. We were by far the biggest contingent on parade. Behind us were the Light Infantry and behind them the Rifles. After all the other cap badges had marched on to Parade to the NI Memorial. The Light Division led by the Bugle Association of the Light Division marched on at Regimental Pace

General Sir Robert Pascoe KCB MBE, the President of the NIVA, led the Service of Remembrance, General Pascoe was Ken’s first company commander on joining 2Green Jacket’s (KRRC) in Malaysia in 1965

After the central service each cap badge marched off parade to their own Regimental’s Memorial and their own service of remembrance and wreath laying. Each Rifleman who had lost their life as a result of the NI troubles were read out

Having spent approximately 7years in NI with the UDR and RGJ, I found this to be very emotional but extremely important day Both regiments had far too many people killed and injured and we must never forget them A huge thank you to the Central England Branch RGJ Association for organising the events at the Arboretum and the excellent lunch and drinks at the Litchfield Rugby Club

2019 also the North West Branch hold their annual Riflemen’s Dinner which continues to go from strength to strength with all 120 places filled and more places requested. The evening started at 17’00hrs with a meet and greet seating at 1830hrs , and for the diehards drinks till 02.00hrs approximately in the adjacent hotel bar and SGT Peppers . For those that are not aware the venue has now moved to a more prestigious location this being the Hard Days Night Hotel situated in the centre of Liverpool and adjacent to the worldfamous Matthew Street

The guest speaker for the evening was none other than are very own General Sir Patrick Saunders

KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen yet another 3rd Battalion Rifleman. The evening also saw a very talented and witty comedian delivering the entertainment that at times sailed close to the wind, but all banter was taken and given in good spirit

Riflemen from all over the UK, four being serving or retired colonels, thirty ex or serving Rifles Riflemen of RGJ descent, and the McCrieth clan attending the evening This years’ 2020 dinner night will be held at the same venue 19th September and all members of the RGJ Association Branches are welcome to attend

Finally, a big thank you to Steve Donoghue and Dave Crossley for all the Hard work they put in organising and delivering a well-attended dinner and evening

South East Kent Branch

The Branch has continued to be very active throughout the whole year. All Committee and Branch meetings were held in our Dover HQ (Dover Sea Angling Club) throughout the year, June, September and November with the Annual General meeting being held in March.

The Branch held its Annual BBQ at the Cricketers in River, Dover. The event was very well attended by all ages, ranging from 1 month to well over 70 years old. People came from all over the country to meet up with fellow riflemen. Beside the food and of course some fluid, there was face painting for the young ones, a raffle and an auction, with all the money raised at the auction going to our designated charity ‘Lest We Forget and Dover Shelter’. A cheque for £400 was handed to ‘Lest We Forget on 2nd September 2019.

Wimbledon Tennis 4th July

The Branch managed to obtain 7 tickets for Number 1 court at Wimbledon for 4th July. Those who attended said, ‘it was a lovely day and a very nice opportunity. It is planned to try to obtain tickets again for 2020.

River Thames Cruise 2nd September

A group of 12 members were invited to lunch whilst cruising on the River Thames with compliments of ‘Lest We Forget Association and the River Project’. A mini bus took the party from Dover up to the venue and back. This was enjoyed by all, so much so that it will now become an annual event for the Branch.

Branch Church Service –Dover Castle

Twenty members of the Branch with their families joined the local congregation, attending