Central England Branch report

CENTRAL ENGLAND BRANCH

Greetings and welcome to the Central England Branch annual write up of events and activities covering 2018. Following rather ‘harsh’ editing from the production team last year, we have decided to concentrate this years' offering to four main features touching slightly on the remainder in the hope that most, if not all, will be included verbatim including pictures? Therefore, we shall kick off this segment of activity with what was our first ‘get together’ for our Members.

Location, newly refurbished ‘City Tavern’ Birmingham Saturday 12th April. A venue no stranger to our presence. After all, we have utilised this watering-hole on previous occasions but on this day in particular, it was extra special: Firstly, we got to wear in public, our new Branch Rugby Shirt which we all think is awesome. However, the side were let down by the author of this entry whom was the only attendee not to be donning the latest Branch apparel opting for a Polo Shirt!! Bugler Pete Noble having been on official Lt Div Bugle Assn engagement, was excused.

Secondly, the presence of charismatic, socialite now Wiltshire based Veteran ‘Mr John Hennessey’ who many of us ex Handbags knew from our old Minden/Warminster days was something of a pleasant surprise having not seen him after so long. The funeral of a Cpl Lawrence Wall back in 1992 in fact. John also attended Greenstock in August, more of that later.

The third reason that made this event great was the atmosphere, very reminiscent of days spent at ‘Red Fred’s’ aka the Salvation Army Club in Minden, singing and chanting as you do on such occasions, aided by copious pints of Hophouse 13 no doubt!! It was a great day and enjoyed by all. So much so, it will feature on the FoE for 2019 I’m sure!!

The venue itself is situated just off Broad Street

in the Ladywood district of Birmingham. For

L—R Gibbo, John Hennessey, Scotty Brown, Colin Fleming, Guy Mynett, Dave Savage, Daz Roberts, Leon Bailey, Frank Hone, John Kells, Mark Picken, Iain Grant, Gary Creswell, Pete Page, Paul Daley and Pete Noble (present not on photograph: John Culkin, John Jones

those that may be interested, it has been refurbished but it displays many old antique items that were from the 1920s and 1930s and also the internal windows have Peaky Blinder

silhouettes. The pub itself is very much themed as Peaky Blinders with items originating from the Garrison pub the original pub and HQ of the PBs back in the day. Great ambiance and reasonably priced for a City Centre establishment.

A couple of Ad-hoc small events followed between April and July including a Golf Day in May which is always good for a giggle, especially with only a small number of members whom can actually play the game!! That aside, it is the meeting up and joviality which makes for good craic. Plus a small group that held an impromptu meeting in May at yet another of our old venues ‘The Top Star’. This was mainly to visit ‘Ray Gaffney’ share a beer and chew the fat with our old pal.

The end of June culminated with Armed Forces Day. This year we opted not to support the central gathering which was moved from Centenary Square, Birmingham to Weoley Castle an urban estate some 4.5 miles away. A number of members did support it and reports suggest it was a decent ‘village’ fete type affair. Myself and half a dozen others frequented the Boathouse pub in Rushall and enjoyed a sunny day supping ale and listening to live music from a Beatles tribute band. A decent day was had by all to be fair

In order to avoid any repetition, we have not included anything from Veterans Day 2018. The Winchester Branch will have no doubt covered this section in great detail.

GREENSTOCK 2018

August is always an exciting time for the Central England Branch, due mainly because of the anticipated return of our flagship event ‘Greenstock Festival’ this year the theme being ‘Sharpe’s Colours’ a play on words and topics relevant to our regimental heritage. The entertainment area decked out in Black, Green and Red throughout is the perfect theatre for bands/singers and patrons. An extremely relaxed, laid back affair and in keeping with true Green Jacket philosophy ‘everything that is necessary and all that’ ensures a fabulous weekend is had by all. The event for the organisers starts in January with planning meetings, brainstorming and recces etc. Upton Barn Farm, the venue for the past two events, is a busy family run campsite and club and we make numerous visits to our hosts to determine any changes. We were pleasantly surprised at the changes made to improve the structure of the Barn (Joey’s Bar) itself with stable doors inserted for improved ventilation, space saving and overall ambiance directly outside the venue. With expected numbers increasing last year, we had to ensure that we were able to accommodate firstly those that pre-pay but also the ‘day trippers and ‘last minute’ attendees which makes up a third of those arriving.

We expected between 450 and 500 which again suggests an increase on the previous years’ events and as it turns out, we had approx. 555. Thursday is ‘organisers’ day. Following initial establishment and set up, admin etc. the evening starts off as a meet and greet but generally ends up being a late affair resulting with all present looking and feeling very worse for wear come Friday morning!!

It is always a great occasion and last year 99% of the preparation was complete by close of play Thursday, leaving Friday morning free to square away arrival procedure. Friday is always a busy affair when most attendees tend to spend the afternoon bedding in and sorting their camping requirements with the official start of Greenstock kicking in around 1900hrs

Saturday is always the best day and proceedings kicked off with a formal service of remembrance as usual for RGJ veterans. Last year we were extremely fortunate to have the Reverend Kelvin Price (4 Rifles) conduct the service. Kelvin is also Rector for Ludlow and Market Drayton. He was very well received by all and aided by the Light Division Bugle Association ensured that the service was both fitting but really

set the scene for the days’ entertainment. We have asked Kelvin to be our Branch Padre which he has agreed to do. This surely must be a first amongst the Association? We are extremely honoured to have him on board for all our spiritual needs. He was very reminiscent of Padre David in the Australian cult film ‘The Odd Angry Shot’. Great sense of humour and not afraid to use Rifleman’s language like that which rhymes with German Tank - Durch!! A raucous cheer and laughter echoed around the music hall on that line.

Saturday afternoon and evening came and went rather too quickly with live music coming from the Lt Div Bugle Assoc, Phil Kavanagh (son of ex RGJ veteran ‘Barrie’), Roadhouse (ex RGJ veteran John Lloyd) and the 58’s Blues Band (CEBRGJ favourites) with guest guitarist ‘yours truly’ making an appearance. The entire weekend was blessed with some rather pleasant weather (probably the work of the Rev Kelvin Price) which made for a fantastic weekend. Although there was a down side to it. Unfortunately, a senior veteran suffered a heart attack and concussion resultant from a fall which only came to light because of his dog barking frantically within the campsite. Event medic Dave ‘Doc’ Savage and paramedic veteran ‘Doc’ Holliday swiftly entered the fray and following First Aid and CASEVAC to hospital undoubtedly saved his life. Swift action and fervent language with the medical authorities ensured that he was dealt with in good time.

Many people were involved with the post event admin and welfare which ensured both the dog and individual were looked after. Big well done to Dave and Doc for their decisive and swift response to such a tense situation.

At this juncture; we wish to also thank Association Deputy Chairman Simon Booth-Mason for again attending, Sarah and Martin Gibbons for the merchandise stall and her time creating such lovely gifts. Gavin Britain for driving and labour he put in and more importantly, the Greenstock Ladies Committee for their tireless charity work and lastly, you the patrons for making our event majestic with your presence.

Please note that despite the rising popularity of Greenstock, there will be a hiatus in 2019 in order for the organisers to take a break and do other things. Rest assured, it will be back in 2020 (all things being hunky dory of course).

For those not privy to the CEB ‘huddle’, above is it in its full splendour during the Bugle Assoc 2 nd

set with

High on the Hill:

NIVA PARADE

September is strictly reserved for the Northern Ireland Veterans Association (NIVA) Parade at NMA Alrewas. Something we within the Central England Branch take as our most important formal event. 2018 was an extremely exciting and memorable occasion for the branch due mainly to the number of very special and senior Officers in attendance and there were plenty of them too. The only let down of the day was the weather. Although it could have been worse though the rain held of for the most part.

The event itself is organised and run by the NIVA but looking at numbers you would have thought it was

an RGJ affair. We attached ourselves to it some 5 years ago and have since become integral to it. It was

important for us to get large numbers in this year in order that we can canvas even better support for the 2019 event which is a very significant occasion. 50 years Anniversary of Op BANNER to be precise.

Therefore, we are expecting it to be an over attended occasion. NIVA are parading in Lisburn therefore, it will be very much driven and directed by the Light Division. The date for your diary is Saturday 14 th

September 2019, NMA Alrewas just off the A38 near Lichfield. The parade will be followed by a social

gathering afterwards (details tbc).

Officers in attendance 2018 were:

General Sir Robert Pascoe KCB MBE, Major General James Gordon CB CBE Major General Jamie Balfour CBE DL Major General Nick Cottam CB OBE, Brigadier Nicholas Prideaux Brigadier Hugh Willing CBE Brigadier Mike Smith CBE MC, Colonel Carron Snagge OBE DL Colonel Robert Martin OBE DL Major Michael Leeming Captain Alex Van Straubenzee Lieutenant Simon Booth-Mason

. “Matched only by the heads of the families meeting in the Apalachin hills circa 1957”!!

Remembrance Sunday

November was Remembrance Sunday, a repeat of last year in that we decided to rotate the venue due in part to Birmingham Centenary square remaining under construction and members opting to support other parades a group from the Branch paraded at Rubbery southwest of the City.

This picture illustrates the juvenile mind-set of CEB members. In the absence of 1 RGJ veterans, we came across this old tractor and could not resist the opportunity for a picture!! Enough said really, although accompanied by some Wurzels it would have been even funnier!!

Editors note: As a former 1 RGJ person myself this nearly didn’t make the final cut but on reflection I decided that it was only jealousy they never served with 1 RGJ that prompted their rude remarks. Obviously they were waiting for their cosmetic and preventative care which they clearly need - see the shop windows !! … KS

CEB members, Mr Dave Parry and Major General Nicholas Cottam CB OBE

CHRISTMAS BALL 2018

The highlight of every Central England Branch year is the Christmas Ball. 2018 was no exception and arguably the best yet. Themed ‘Peaky Blinders’ which stemmed from the first gathering at the City Tavern back in April.

Well over 90 people attended this fancy dress extravaganza and it was obvious the amount of effort put in by all. There were only a couple that did not attend in costume but donning a flat cap/baker boy hat on entry adhering to orders I guess?

Music was provided by the 58’s Blues Band and Disco, the food was hot and tasty, the beer was cold, well priced, what more could you ask? Three decent prices on the money tree with £70, £150 and £235 which were won by Levi Gibbons (daughter of Martin and Sarah), Colin Fleming got second prize and top prize going to Michael Masnuick. The Rifleman of the Year Award which is something we do annually this year went to Dave Savage not only for his actions at Greenstock but because he gives up his time to facilitate our functions with medical cover and dealing with his partners illness at this difficult time despite his own health concerns. Well done Dave fully deserved and long overdue!!

Finally, we say our prayers and bid a final farewell to Members: Jason Olds from Redditch whom had just joined the Branch when he died suddenly following a heart attack. He was young and with a family. So too did our old friend and long serving member Alan Hurst also passed away in 2018 following a long-term illness –“RIP brothers”.

That concludes the 2018 write up from the Central England Branch