Surrey 2010

EVENTS IN 2010

PJM Medal

At long last, there is movement on the PJM front. An investiture took place at the Malaysian High Commission on 27 January 2010 and 12 members of the Surrey Branch were among the 70 veterans who were honoured that day. The High Commissioner was retiring after more than 6 years in the post and he particularly wanted to include a group of Chelsea Pensioners in his last presentation. He apologised for the delay explaining that it was over a year since the last ceremony. It was nevertheless a very moving experience and we all came away feeling that the Malay people were most appreciative of all that we had done to enable them to become and remain an independent nation. An excellent buffet lunch was kindly provided. The noodles not only brought back fond memories of our time in the Far East but additionally enabled us to meet up with old friends and to make new ones.

The National Arboretum at Alrewas

On Sunday 9^th May Surrey Branch went to the National Arboretum at Alrewas for a return visit. There we met up with members of Yorkshire and Birmingham Branches as well as the National Treasurer, Graham Bamford to pay respect to the Comrades who gave their all in the Far East over many years. We were also able to pay our respects at the Basra Wall to those who gave their lives in the recent conflict. Standards from Yorkshire as well as our own were on parade. Our chair Chas said a few words at each memorial and our President laid tributes. After this we all had free time to circulate around the site. All in all a very good day.

Wootton Bassett

On Thursday 13th May seven members of the Surrey and North Kent Branch attended Wootton Bassett for the home coming of Corporal Chris Harrison of 40 Commando Royal Marines.

The weather held good for us and the day passed sadly but well. The street through the town was again packed with ex servicemen and civilian residents mingling together to show respect. One of our members, Ian Duncan BEM (Scots Guards), although being badly disabled insisted on standing and saluting as the Corporal passed. This showed great courage and a real example to us all. There were a large number of old servicemen on parade wearing the PJM which was pleasing to see.

We laid a poppy wreath at the town memorial on behalf of ourselves and the NMBVA in general. We all stood hoping against hope that this conflict will end soon and this procedure at the town be allowed to stop.

I should like to thank all those who attended and all those who sent me good wishes – I know your thoughts were with us.

On Sunday 20^th June, twenty four members and friends enjoyed a coach trip to Historic Winchester the one time capital of England. There we were able to visit the Cathedral and Great hall housing what is deemed to be King Arthur’s round table. From there we visited a number of local military museums including the Gurkha museum which delighted us all - the staff on duty were very helpful and appreciated our visit.

On Saturday 26^th June, a number of members attended the Armed Forces Day Parade in Woking. There we met up with a number of serving and ex-service personnel. Due respects were paid at the town memorial before we marched back to the Royal Naval club where we were entertained with a buffet, numerous drinks and the chance to talk to friends new and old.

On Sunday 18^th July, the branch had a great day out at the Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth. We had the opportunity to visit HMS Warrior and Victory, the local naval museum and time to take a boat tour round the harbour before departure. The weather was kind and all in all, this was a great day out.

Wootton Bassett

Members from Surrey Branch attended the repatriation of Major James Bowman, Lt Neil Turkington, Cpl Arjon Purja Pun and Royal Marine Matthew Harrison. A small donation of £100 was later sent to the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

Sandhurst

The branch was kindly invited to the Commandant’s Parade – the final rehearsal for the pass out of Malaya Company. Everyone attending was so impressed – the parade went without a hitch and the cadets performed their every move as one. The band was magnificent. Eight cadets then escorted us to lunch before giving us a tour of the Chapel. An experience that I am sure will stay with us.

Funeral of Royal Marine Adam Brown

The Chair along with the Chair of the North Kent Branch represented their branches at this funeral in Yateley. Adam was killed in Afghanistan on 1 August.

Merdeka Day Lunch

49 members with their guests attended. Ken and Marion kindly did the catering and provided a delicious spread. A most enjoyable occasion not only to celebrate and remember but also to enjoy the company of friends. This lunch was held at The Royal British Legion, West Clandon. A £100 donation was given to thank this branch of the RBL for their generous hospitality throughout the year.

RAF Duxford

On Sunday 5th September 2010, 39 members and friends attended RAF Duxford to celebrate the Battle of Britain. We met a number of the original Spitfire and Hurricane Pilots who flew in the Battle. What a proud moment for those of us who managed to speak to them. One can only wonder at the bravery of these men.

In the afternoon, there was a flying display second to none. The Red Arrows kicked off the proceedings and then we were treated to formation flying of what is believed to be the last 4 Hurricanes that remain flying together with 16 spitfires. What an historic moment that we are unlikely to see again. We had a keen amateur photographer in our midst who took 150 spectacular shots – please contact Chas Timms if you are interested in receiving a few by email. Here’s a sample!

As is our normal custom sandwiches and drinks were handed out on the coach by our Treasurer Ken Needham. No complaints were heard and we are all still well, so Ken can only be congratulated. Once again a fantastic day was had by all.

Memorial service Chertsey

On Sunday 26^th September 2010 four members of the Surrey Branch NMBVA with their Standard joined the standards of the North Kent Branch and RBL West Clandon to Holy Trinity Church Chertsey for the dedication of a plaque dedicated to:

Private John Cheesman of the Queens Royal West Kent’s.

John was killed in Malaya in 1951 along with eleven comrades. They died in an ambush together, described as one of the largest losses of the conflict.

Until today Johns name did not appear on the local war memorial. Due to the generosity of the local population this is now rectified.

It was an honour to attend the service and witness this wrong being put right. The thanks and appreciation was passed on to me for the branches thanking us for attending and making the day special for Johns family.

My personal thanks go out to those who joined me there.

Westminster Abbey

West Kent NMBVA took the lead in laying out the Garden of Remembrance. This year, Surrey Branch Members assisted. On the 11^th November, NMBVA members joined others including a representative from Northern Ireland to attend

A short service at the Abbey. The Duke of Edinburgh was in attendance and inspected all the plots. Many then made their way to the Cenotaph before meeting up in a local hostelry.

Remembrance Day Parades in London and Guildford

The Rt Hon Dominic Elliot together with our President Lt Col Tex Pemberton OBE led a strong NMBVA contingent for the march past at The Cenotaph. Members had travelled from all over the British Isles, Two members Mr Michael Bevin and his son in law Mr Dixon coming to join us from far off Australia.

Surrey Branch was represented by Ian Duncan, Don Nutbrown, Ken Needham, Stan Langsman and Henry Rogers. The Princess Royal braved the elements and took the salute as we returned to Horse Guards Parade. It was a very moving experience and a privilege to take part.

In Guildford, some 15 members attended the Church service at Holy Trinity Church and then led the parade through the High Street to the memorial where our Chairman laid a wreath. Our thanks go to David Bolton who stepped up to the plate at short notice and carried our standard in great style for the first time. The British Legion at West Clandon extended a very kind invitation and provided hot soup after the parade.

Christmas Social

Despite the weather, this meeting had a festive edge with Chas & Alwyn providing a finger buffet at nominal cost. Hats off however to Ray and Margaret Collins who kindly donated home made quiche and this spectacular cake. Margaret did the cooking (ably assisted by her sous chef, Ray) and her friend Lesley did the icing.

Thanks to members who donated prizes - a raffle turned a £75 profit that was presented to the RBL West Clandon. Here’s hoping that you all had a great evening.