3 minute read
REME Association
Arborfield and District Branch
Scribe: John Worrall, Secretary
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We remember: David Coburn, Pete and Dixie Matthews, Brian Edminson, Margaret Stacey and Cyril Luger
I was looking through the Minutes of our Branch meetings and read that the last meeting was on 10 March last year. What a lot has happened since then… or should that read ‘not a lot has happened’.
Since our last article we have lost, last year, David Coburn aged 91, Pete and Dixie Matthews (both were in care and tragically passed away within days of each other. Pete was an Associate Member, having served with the Royal Berkshire Regiment), and Margaret Stacey, the wife of Bren Stacey.
Margaret, assisted by Bren, had for many years run the raffle at our Branch Meeting. The raffles have raised several thousand pounds for the benefit of the Branch and Members. Despite not being well, she continued to produce a raffle at our last few meetings. In view of her outstanding contribution to the Branch over many years, the Committee decided that, agreed by Bren, a sum be donated to charity, in memory of Margaret.
Brian Edminson, a former WO1 (ASM) and Apprentice (46C), was a long-standing member of the Branch and with Wendy, his wife, fully supported Branch events and meetings over many years. Once again, a donation was made to a charity in memory of Brian.
Unfortunately, like many others, we were unable to say our last goodbyes.
Sadly, on 12 February this year, Cyril Luger, one of our Branch Founder members, passed away in the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Cyril, who was 93, was a holder of the REME Association President’s Commendation and had filled all of the posts, at one time or another, on our Committee. Cyril, a Korean War Veteran, was also involved with the Korean Veterans Association. His funeral was on 25 March
Bren Stacey, suitably dressed, delivering his Christmas cards
and, although basically a family affair with only 20 mourners allowed, we were able to parade our Standard in the Chapel. Margaret has requested we make a donation to The REME Charity in memory of Cyril.
Obviously, we are bitterly disappointed that the Association Reunion was postponed and sad that the organisers, IOW Tours, went into administration. Personally, I was looking forward to making the trip and meeting up with old friends again, but it’s not to be for the time being. On a personal note, I made a claim through the claims firm dealing with IOW Tours and am pleased to say the procedure was quite painless and the refund of the total payment, £448.00, was quickly paid into my Bank Account.
During the COVID crisis it is heartening to read in The Craftsman Magazine of the efforts of Officers and Soldiers from the Corps assisting the NHS and other agencies. No doubt, in the near future, more Soldiers will be needed to help during the continuing crisis.
The building work in the old Garrison is still going on. Familiar buildings have disappeared and on the rugby pitch, in front of the Sandhurst Block, a primary school is in the process of going up. Flats are now appearing on what was Bailleul Corps Sergeants’ Mess (the old SEE Officers’ Mess) and a by-pass, from Arborfield to Shinfield, has just been opened to avoid driving through the village.
Sadly, you will have read in the March issue of the magazine of the demise of the Bramshill Hunt Pub.
The only ‘pub’ in the village now is The Bull, which is more a restaurant than a traditional pub. The Swan in the main street in Arborfield is now a house! The Legion is still operating though.
Best wishes to all out there and let’s hope we can see each other in the near future.
REME Women’s Network
Who can join and how can you get involved?
The network is open to all female, Regular and Reserve, serving and Veteran, Officers and Soldiers. The aim of the network is to keep people in contact, share ideas and experiences, improve retention, progression and mentoring.
The network currently has a Facebook group, if you search for ‘REME Women’s Network” and answer the eligibility question you will then be able to join the other 317 members who have already joined this fantastic group. This is currently our main method of communication but there is also an email you can use for direct contact if required.
