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ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTERS 1.

PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS GOING BACK A COUPLE OF MONTHS ARE ON SUBPAGE OF THIS ONE, `NEWSLETTERS 2.'  

(SCROLL ACROSS ON MAIN PAGE)

If you are not in receipt of the WFRA ENewsletter and have internet connection,please contact

RHQ Mercian Nottingham (newsletter@stand-firm-strike-hard.org.uk ) and we will send you the ENews update.


The telephone extension numbers for RHQ MERCIAN Nottingham (0115 9465415) are as follows;

Asst Regt Sec;                        Ext 5220
E1 Admin;                               Ext 5215
Assistant Curator/Archivist;     Ext 5219

THE WORCESTERSHIRE AND SHERWOOD FORESTERS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION

Patron: HRH The Princess Royal
President: Brig P Dennis

You can also view the Newsletter in pdf format here (http://www.stand-firm-strike-hard.org.uk/index.php/newsletter)

 

Patron: HRH The Princess Royal

President: Brig P Dennis CBE 

  02 August 2024 WFRA NEWSLETTER Volume 15 Issue 32 OBITUARY Major John Neville Benson Davies 11 June 1932 – 18 July 2024 John Davies, son of a Colonel in the Indian Army, was born in Murree, a hill station in the Himalyas. He was educated at Malvern College and following initial recruit training between November 1950 and February 1951 at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, went to the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, as an Officer Cadet from where he gained a Regular Commission on 1st August 1952 into the Worcestershire Regiment. His initial platoon commander appointment taking him to Malaya and Bulford. In November 1954 he was selected to be A.D.C. to General Sir Richard Gale, C-in-C Northern Army Group, who was also Colonel of the Regiment. A good shot, he was a member of the Army Hundred at Bisley in 1955. In May 1956 he returned to 1st Worcesters as a platoon commander, then Company Second in Command, in Germany and the Caribbean, prior to becoming a Staff Captain in Headquarters the Caribbean Area. He returned to UK in August 1959 to join the War Office as a Staff Captain in the Adjutant General’s Office. In 1963 he attended the Army Staff College, Camberley, graduating with the “psc” qualification which was followed by a tour as a Staff Captain in the MOD in ASD3. He returned to regimental duties in 1st Worcesters as a Company Commander in Gibraltar and UK. Staff tours as a GSO2 Training in HQ Eastern District and DAAG MPA in HQ BAOR followed. After a short tour at the Wessex Depot he finished his service as OC Troops and Administration Officer at the Support Weapons Wing, the School of Infantry. He took voluntary redundancy and retired from the Army in November 1978. Drawing on his deep interest and care for others and the organisational and social skills honed during his army career John settled with Bridget and his family in Exeter where he was a Social Worker. Following his subsequent retirement he spent much time travelling and nurturing his family, maintaining his keen sense of fun, selfless interest in others and gentlemanly manners to the end. His funeral will be at 1.30pm on 16 August at St Stephen’s Church, 1 Watling Street, St Albans, AL1 2PT Letters of condolence can be sent to his daughter Kate Newton at katenewton@sky.com 001 THE MERCIAN REGIMENT CHARITY GOLF DAY 2024 FINAL CALL FOR TEAMS There are places left for two teams if you are interested please complete the entry form below and return it to Lt Col (Retd) K Seddon at the address below. THE MERCIAN REGIMENT CHARITY GOLF DAY 2024 Friday August 16th 2024. RUFFORD PARK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB ENTRY FORM General Information. Many Thanks for your continuous support to this annual Event. All money which is raised goes to supporting the Benevolent Fund of the Mercian Regiment. The intent is to run this year's event as I did in 2023 with slight amendments. The golf competition will take place during the day followed by an evening event which includes any guest you may wish to invite. Entry Cost: I enclose a cheque for £160.00. Cheques made payable to ‘RHQ MERCIAN’ The entry fee for a team of members from Rufford Park golf Club will be £110:00. Please send all entries and Cheques to the address at the bottom of this entry form. Format: The format of the day will be: 18 Hole stableford individual and team prizes, plus 4 nearest the pin prizes and 2s sweep. Maximum Handicap is 28 for Gentlemen and 36 for Ladies Entry price also includes bacon roll and coffee on arrival, plus an evening hot and cold buffet meal during the evening function. Players can purchase extra tickets to the evening celebration party for family and friends £15:00 per Ticket. Evening Entertainment is to be confirmed. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team Name: Team Captain Contact Details: Name Phone Number: Email Player 1 HCP Player 2 HCP Player 3 HCP Player 4 HCP Extra Tickets for the evening event are £15 Per Ticket Indicate Preferred Tee Time. Tee Timings will be notified the week before the event 0800-0900 0900-1000 1000-1100 1100-1200 1200-1300 Signed: Date Entries Submitted to: Lt Col (Retd) K Seddon 8 Forest Road Warsop Mansfield Notts NG20 0ER Tel 07739 210 584. 002 WELCOME DERBY XXXIII & NOTTS III Following the retirement of Corporal Derby XXXII to The Chatsworth Estate, the Ram Major returned with the brand new mascot for The Mercian Regiment: Private Derby XXXIII. Pte Derby XXXIII & Notts III explore their new home. After settling into his new home he has begun his training to fulfil his official mascot duties. The Ram Major and Ram Orderly have been walking Private Derby XXXIII around the grounds of Regimental Headquarters to get him used to walking around for when he's leading parades. 003 LOOKING FOR CAPT NIGEL SHEPHARD A 25th anniversary reunion for staff serving with the Reserves Training and Mobilisation Centre in Chetwynd Barracks is being planned. The organisers are looking for one of their Platoon Commanders, Capt Nigel Shepard, who joined them on FTRS from 3 WFR (he was ex- RAF Regt). Nigel, or anyone that knows him, is asked to contact Mike Keighley at mikekeighley@hotmail.com for further details 004 STAND TO - CHESTERFIELD MESSS GROUP 005 SCARVES FOR FALKLANDS VETERANS We are looking for Falklands War veterans. Our group is all about Scarves for Falklands War Veterans and their families (including families of the fallen) in the colours of their South Atlantic Medal ribbon. The scarves are made by hand with love, gratitude and care, to recognise the sacrifice and selflessness of our Veterans and fallen. There are no waiting lists - too much pressure on scarf makers, who use this pattern to make the scarves - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1263590410655591/files It's as easy as this: when there are scarves available, we will let you know. The post will be open for a limited time and a name will be chosen at random. Our scarves are a gift for a veteran. We just ask for the postage and packaging to be covered. We support Falklands Veterans Foundation (Liberty Lodge) Charity. If you wish to donate to FVF please do. You must answer the membership questions to join the group. 006 AGE UK HEREFORDSHIRE & WORCESTERSHIRE Age UK are committed to supporting older armed forces veterans and their carers. In addition to a bespoke information and guidance service, our friendly team will take the time to listen and help you connect with Armed Forces organisations and community groups. Who is this service for? Did you serve in the Armed Forces? Do you care for someone who is an Armed Forces Veteran? Did you do National Service or were you a reservist? Do you have a family member who is an Armed Forces Veteran? Are you over the age of 65? What can we support you with? We have a wide range of services; here are just a few: Support with applying for a Veterans badge or unclaimed medal Free benefit checks & help to complete forms Information and support to access Veteran-specific services. Social groups & events Getting support at home Support with accessing grant funding Support to use technology Enhancing independence Maximising income Improving wellbeing Handy information guides & factsheets Connecting with local services and activities We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces Covenant https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/ Feedback from our beneficiaries: “Outstanding! Done with compassion and terrific organising ability" "Words cannot express how wonderful your service is and how lucky we are to have you. Everyone we have had contact with has been so kind and understanding" “I feel the veterans service is doing a first-class job. As a veteran we have been used to a lot of personal contact and companionship, at later period in life when you lose close friends and family loneliness becomes a big problem and the veterans service really helped to stop this” Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire Malvern Gate Bromwich Road Worcester Worcestershire WR2 4BN United Kingdom Email: referralhub@ageukhw.org.uk Telephone: 08000 086077 007 VETERANS SUPPORT The following are available to support veterans and their families who may be experiencing mental health difficulties; Forcesline Tel: 0800 731 4880 (between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday) Combat Stress (24 hours) Veterans and their families; Tel: 0800 138 1619 Serving personnel and their families; Tel: 0800 323 4444

.............................................

26 July 2024     WFRA NEWSLETTER           Volume 15 Issue 31

001  CPL DERBY XXII RETIRES

This week the Mercian Regiment said a fond farewell to Cpl Derby XXXII and Notts II as they head for a much deserved retirement at the Chatsworth estate.

 

Cpl Derby and Notts II at Chatsworth
 

Ram Major Cpl Philip Thornton and Ram Orderly Pte Kieran Bramley getting one last photo together with Cpl Derby XXXII prior to his return to Chatsworth for retirement.

002  MERCIAN REGIMENT QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

The Heart of England’s Infantry

Dear Regimental Family Member,

The next edition of the Mercian Regiment Quarterly Newsletter is now available for reading.

Our newsletter covers recent events over a three month period within the regiment; including the battalions, the museums, Mercian cap-badged cadets, and our associations.

 

View our Newsletter
 

The newsletter is hosted online, which means that you can view it on your smartphone or tablet while on-the-go. A print-friendly version is also available here.
 
We would like to extend a thank you to all who are involved with the MERCIAN regiment for your continued support.

 
Stand Firm, Strike Hard.
The Mercian Regiment

 

003  WORCESTER BRANCH MEETING


There will be a Worcester Branch Meeting on Tuesday 30 July 2024 at 19:30hrs for 20:00hrs start.

At The Barbourne Ex Services Club The Moors, Worcester WR1 3ED.

There will be a raffle after the meeting if you have anything to donate please bring it along.

 

004  NOTTINGHAM FOREST COMMUNITY TRUST

FOREST FORCES CO-ORDINATOR VACANCY

We are delighted to announce a fantastic opportunity within Nottingham Forest Community Trust for a Forest Forces Coordinator position, offering a competitive pay of £15 - £20 per hour for a permanent role of 8 hours per week.

Responsibilities include:

Coordinate the delivery of all Forest Forces activities.

Develop and maintain effective working relationships with partner organisations and key stakeholders.

Contribute to revenue generation and help identify funding sources and opportunities.

Represent the Trust publicly at meetings, conferences and other events.

 

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Lived experience of being in the Armed Forces.

Driving License.

Experience of working in community settings.

Understanding of the barriers of potential engagement.

Represent Nottingham Forest Community Trust in a professional manner with respect to attitude, work ethic, appearance, conduct and personal hygiene.

Read the full job description and apply here

Application deadline: 29th July 2024.

005  WFR BAND AND DRUMS REUNION


This years Band & Drums Reunion will be taking place on Saturday 21st October 2023. At 
The Coopers Brooke. Mansfield Road, Daybrook Nottingham. NG5 6BH. Next door to this venue is a Premier Inn Hotel.

We advise that anyone that wishes to attend the Reunion Book a room at this Hotel.
Partners of Band & Drum Members are also welcome to join us on the day.

To Book your Place at the Reunion Dinner please contact the Organiser;
Ken Bradshaw at ken.bradshaw18@ntlworld.com. Where there is a Menu Selection to 
choose from. Payment is required in advance to confirm attendance.

There is a “WOOFER BAND (WFR) REUNION” Facebook Page where anyone can visit . 
Any past Members of the Band and Drums can join the Facebook Page and connect with 
as many “Old Friends” as they can.

006  MERCIAN CONNECT

Dear Regimental Family member,

You can now download the MERCIAN Connect App for free and register. You will need the one-time access code RAM

Mobile Download
Please download the ‘Military App’ from the app stores on your mobile device and ‘Register’ using the code above:

Click here for a step-by-step guide

For technical support at any stage email help@militaryapp.org

Website Access

If you prefer to access the platform from a home or work computer or laptop / tablet you can ‘Register’ using the web-app on our regimental website.

Web Access

Please click on the link below to watch a Mercian Connect launch video from Brigadier Paddy Ginn CBE from Kabul, Afghanistan.

Launch Video

"The Mercian Regiment has, since its inception, been a bastion of camaraderie and a cohesive, close knit, family Regiment. Today, with the introduction of Mercian Connect, we are poised to elevate that bond and strengthen it into the future.

Mercian Connect has been developed to serve as a cohesive platform, uniting our Regimental Family; veterans, families, the currently serving members of The Mercian Regiment and its antecedent regiments. This comprehensive application is dedicated to enhancing communication and ensuring you are well-informed about all activities and developments within The Regiment.

When you download the app and connect for the first time, you will discover a multitude of groups tailored to specific interests. Whether your inclination is to remain apprised of the latest news from The Regiment, follow Regimental sports, or engage with our Regimental museums, Mercian Connect provides a group that caters to your preferences. Furthermore, the application includes specialized groups focused on wellbeing and mental health, as well as news and entertainment, among other interests.

The primary objective of Mercian Connect is clear: to provide a platform that keeps our regimental family well-informed, connected, and supported. By joining the groups that align with your interests, you will gain access to invaluable resources that were previously unattainable through traditional communication channels.

I encourage all members of The Mercian Regiment family to download Mercian Connect at your earliest convenience, if you haven’t already, so that we may strengthen our communications with you, our Regimental family."

Lieutenant General Sir Ian Cave KCB

Stand Firm, Strike Hard


For FAQs or more information about how to make the most out of the App visit  https://www.militaryapp.org/support/faq

Please spread the word and forward to your groups and friends from the Regiment.

Thank you from the

MERCIAN Connect Team

007  INDIVIDUAL PLACEMENT & SUPPORT
 

90%of people with severe mental illness want to work,
yet only 8% are employed
IPS Grow & Futures Positive are changing that!

 
Did you know Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire NHS offer Employment Support to 
individuals accessing Community Mental Health Services?
No, well these well-established teams deliver a programme called Individual Placement 
and Support (IPS), which offers individualised support in line with an individual’s 
preferences.

So, what is IPS?
Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an employment  support approach that was 
originally developed for people experiencing mental health and addiction issues. The 
approach is now increasingly being implemented in a range of settings including 
supporting veterans, people with physical health issues and prison leavers.

Why use IPS?
Access to the right job with the right support plays a key role in recovery, confidence and 
expands social networks. Suitable work is good for wellbeing – Getting back into 
employment can be a vital part of a recovery journey. Individuals experiencing severe 
mental illness who find paid work show reduced symptoms, gain financial independence, 
and have improved quality of life.

Want to know more?
Then you can access more information about our services and how you can self-refer on 
the links below.

Nottinghamshire NHS
Employment Support Services for people using secondary mental health services, Future’s
Positive (nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk)

Derbyshire NHS
work your way (derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk)

We work with employers too!
If you are an employer, with recruitment opportunities then we can support you too! Our 
service is FREE, and we will come and meet with you at your place of business to find out 
more about the company, vacancies, and your recruitment process. We will work closely 
with you and offer a job matching service with the clients who are looking for an 
opportunity to become a valued member of your team.

To find out more you can contact. 

Jamie Jones (Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust)
Email: jamie.jone9@nhs.net
Mob: 07585 992 519

Claire Sharpe (Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust)
Email: claire.sharpe@nottshc.nhs.uk
Mob: 07825 858 450

Leissa Philpott (Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust)
Email: leissa.philpott@nottshc.nhs.uk
Mob: 07824 104 334

008 HISTORY - ERNEST TOWNSEND


Ernest Townsend 1880 - 1944

An artist who disguised a Rolls-Royce factory roof as houses during World War Two to prevent Nazi aerial attacks has been nominated to have a council chamber named in his honour.

Ernest Townsend painted the factory roof in Derby so it blended in with the surrounding houses.

The factory was making Merlin aircraft engines for the British war effort.

Mayor of Derby Alan Graves said: "It can be argued that he saved Great Britain with his artistic abilities."

The city council said Townsend, who was born in the city in 1880, protected the factory and its thousands of workers throughout the war.


An image of the factory roof during the war showing painted outlines used for the disguise

Mr Townsend's son Bruce Townsend said his father had a strange way of working out how he would camouflage the roofs at the factory in Nightingale Road.

"My father had a cardboard model made of the Rolls-Royce site which he used to experiment his ideas with," he said.

"He had an artist studio at 31 Full Street in Derby which was on the second floor - this is where he came up with his plan."

Bruce said his father, despite not owning the building where his studio was located, decided to remove part of the floor so he was able to get a perspective of the model factory from the floor above.

"After many experiments, my father looked down at the model from the top floor to see what the enemy pilots would be able to see from the sky", said Bruce.

"He experimented with oil paints, where he painted various things on a cut-out of a canvas, laying them on the model buildings to then see how they looked from the sky to see if they would work as a camouflage."

An aerial image from 1948 shows how Townsend's paint job helped the factory blend in with nearby houses

Bruce said his father also painted the tarmac around the factory to suit the layout of the fictional "estate" and painted circular clock faces on the water tower on the same site to disguise them as a church with a clock tower.

Asked if he thought his father was an unsung hero, Mr Townsend said: "Yes I suppose he was.

"I'm sure he would be extremely proud and I would be extremely proud as his son to receive this honour."

Councillor Alan Graves said: "I think he should be recognised by Derby.

"It can be argued he saved Great Britain with his artistic abilities by disguising Rolls-Royce right here in the city.

"By maintaining the secrecy of his work, he did not receive the recognition that his efforts deserved during his lifetime, so I thought why don't we name something grand in the council house to honour him?"

009 VETERANS SUPPORT

The following are available to support veterans and their families who may be experiencing mental health or any other difficulties;

Forcesline Tel: 0800 731 4880 (between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday)

Forces in the Community  Tel 0115 922 0320 https://www.forces.org.uk/

Combat Stress (24 hours)
Veterans and their families; Tel: 0800 138 1619
Serving personnel and their families; Tel: 0800 323 4444

Samaritans (24 hours); Tel: 116 123

Safe Harbour 07799 671 979  janeager06@yahoo.co.uk


M A DACK
for Executive Committee

 

Social media :-
Mercian Museum (WFR Collection)

Mercian Museum (WFR Collection)

Stand Firm Strike Hard

Worcestershire Soldier

Worcestershire Soldier

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