LONDON BRANCH : NATIONAL ARBORETUM INVITATION “The service was followed by a very impressive march past by Ex National Servicemen. The Burton on Trent Salvation Army Band accompanied the ceremony and although as a Green Jacket I missed the Band and Bugles but it was a very commendable effort.”
The London Branch received an invitation to send a contingent to the National Arboretum to participate in the National Service Foundation Day Parade on the 27th July 2010. The event clashed with Branches Veterans Day dinner, which is held annually in London and therefore the Branch could not accept the invitation.
Fortunately a Member of the branch Chris Davis had received a private invitation that he had accepted and he agreed to lay a wreath at the Royal Green Jackets Memorial on behalf of the London Branch and Chris Davis beside the RGJ Me- the Royal Green Jackets Assomorial at the National Arbore- ciation during the Ceremony. tum, Staffordshire His comments on a very enjoy-
able day are as follows. The day began with a very moving service, at which the highlight was the release of a flight of white doves in memory of all the fallen Ex National Service men, and Women. The service was followed by a very impressive march past by Ex National Servicemen. The Burton on Trent Salvation Army Band accompanied the ceremony and although as a Green Jacket I missed the Band and Bugles it was a very commendable effort. The President had asked if I would lay a wreath on behalf of the London Branch at the RGJ Memorial during the day’s activities, I readily agreed that I would be delighted to do so. So it was with great pride in my Regimental Beret, Green Jacket
Blazer and Tie that I laid the wreath at our very impressive memorial. My wife Pauline and I were invited to attend the National Service Foundation Parade at the National Arboretum in Arelwas by my Sister – in – Law. She had been invited to the ceremony as my late brother Eddie Davis who had completed his National Service in the Rifle Brigade and he always considered himself as a Green Jacket. She knew that I had completed 18 years as a member of 4 RGJ and asked if I would like to attend the parade and the days activities. The day was completed by a quick look around the Arboretum and very impressive it is.
Chris Davis
Calling all Oxfordshire based Green Jackets On 26th February 2011 Oxford United will again be raising funds for Help 4 Heroes ahead of their home game against Hereford United.
THE REGIMENTAL SHOP OF THE RIFLES We can Provide RGJRA Members with OBLI/ KRRC/RB/RGJ - Cap Badges, Cufflinks, Tie Slides, Lapel Pins, Ties, Umbrellas, Rifle Green Berets, RGJ Hat Ribbon, RGJ Plaques, Blazers, Book ‘Swift & Bold’ View & order online at: www.riflesdirect.com or telephone 0845 6434584. Page 5
As former soldiers we have been invited to take part. Although full details are yet to emerge the basic idea will be for us to walk onto the pitch with other veterans and serving members of the armed forces while the OUFC PR man (Peter Rhoades-Brown – former OUFC
and Chelsea player) speaks and then for us to take our seats in the north stand and watch the match. Tickets will be free I am told. Obviously you don’t need to be an OUFC supporter to attend but of course it helps. Even Swindon Town supporters are welcome !! If you are interested please contact the webmaster Kevin Stevens who is coordinating Oxford United Football Club Supporting Help 4 Heroes the veterans side of things.
Kevin Stevens RIFLES colchester BAND CONCERT supports c4c A concert by the Band and Bugles of The Rifles is to be held in Saint Botolph’s Church, Colchester on Sunday 12th December at 3pm in aid of The Rifles’ Charities ‘Care for Casualties’ campaign.
and for anyone else it would be an unforgettable experience, for a very important cause to raise £1million in 2010 for the long term care of The Rifles’ casualties and their families. In the 3 years since the new regiment , The Rifles, was formed over 50 Riflemen have been For anyone addicted to the killed with many more serious sound of Band and Bugles this casualties including multiple will be an unmissable occasion amputees.
As tickets at £12.50 will be limited to 350 it might be a good idea to make a reservation early by writing to: Valentine West (Official Promoter – The Rifles Charities), Hall Cottage, Rectory Lane, Abberton, Colchester, CO5 7NJ (preferably with SAE!) or by calling him on 01206 735389 or by e-mailing vfwest@btopenworld.com .
Valentine West
