Last Updated 03/05/2013

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A message from our Branch Chairman

As newly appointed Chairman it is with pleasure that I welcome you to our Branch website, which, I hope, will give a flavour of our range of activities.

Squadron Leader Jerry Wilmot stood down as Chairman of the Branch on January 1st 2013 and I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Branch to thank Jerry for his leadership during his time as Chairman, culminating, on 29^th November 2012 in a very successful Church Service and Lunch to commemorate the 45^th Anniversary of the UK's withdrawal from Aden.   Additionally I would like to thank Jerry and his wife Kate for their hospitality in opening up their home for Committee Meetings and even entertaining some Branch members to afternoon tea after a local pub lunch.  I am sure we all wish them the very best for the future.

The inaugural meeting of the Gloucestershire Branch was held in April, 2008, when some 25 people attended.   The venue for this meet was the Stroud Conservative Club, a very welcoming place which has continued to host our quarterly meeting, very kindly provided at no expense to the Branch.  The location has good rail and road links with ample local car parking.   Branch meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the each quarter, with the remaining meetings for 2013 beings Wed 3^rd April, Wed 3^rd July and Wed 2^nd October.

If you or your parents served in Aden, anytime between 1839 and the British Withdrawal on 29 November 1967, either in HM Forces or in a civilian capacity (such as BP Oil, The Port of Aden Authority, Medical Facility, Public Works Department or other Government Office) or if you went to school in Aden or indeed were born within the Protectorate, we would warmly welcome you to join us at one of our meetings where I can assure you of a genuinely warm welcome, which hopefully might lead you to consider joining the AVA which nationally has around 1700 members. Clearly, if you are an AVA member visiting the Cotswolds you are cordially invited to join us for any of our various I events; all I would ask is that you make contact in advance with our Branch Secretary.

On 18^th October, 2009, the AVA Gloucestershire Branch Standard was dedicated at a very well attended service held at Gloucester Cathedral.   We have a very committed Standard party which endeavours to attend each and every repatriation ceremony as the corteges pass.   This was formally at Royal Wotton Bassett but is now at RAF Brize Norton.   On these occasions our Standard represents not only the Branch but also the National Association.

On those months where there is no formal meeting,  members are invited to join our “pub lunches”.   These are proving increasingly popular and provide a more social, rather than formal, meeting place.   Members are invited to nominate hostelries they have visited and enjoyed.

We do publish a quarterly newsletter in which we list forthcoming events and activities,  but for the very latest updates, we invite you to visit this website which is kept up to date on a an almost daily basis.

John Wathern (11 Jan 2013)

Gloucestershire Branch AVA 10th Anniversary Group Photo
Taken at the Albion Club Cheltenham March 26th 2010
(Want to know who's who? Point to a face with your mouse)
Note 12"x 8" enlargements available at cost (£2.95) from David Hanks for collection at one of our forthcoming events/meetings.

News & Notifications

Branch Charter Certificate Presented to the Branch Chairman at the 2012 AGM by Clive Candlin, the National Membership Secretary.   The 45th Anniversary Commemoration of Britain's withdrawal from Aden 1967 November 29th 2012 click on image for a selection of photographs   Gloucestershire Echo Dec 31st 2012 Gloucestershire Branch will try to have representation at Brize Norton at the Repatriation of Servicemen killed in action in Afghanistan. Members of the public are welcome to pay their respects along the route, and to that end a Memorial Garden has been built along the route at Norton Way on the edge of Carterton to create a suitable, safe and respectful place for people to congregate. It was designed by a small group of local people including the RBL, community representatives from Brize Norton & Carterton together with serving and retired military personnel. The design is intended to be a focus for the public to pay their respects. Poignantly at the centre of the garden is a flag pole from which the Union Flag from Royal Wootton Bassett will be flown on repatriation days. The flag itself was transported to Norton Way from Wootton Bassett on September 1st and was dedicated by he Bishop of Oxford at a special ceremony. The flag and Garden were blessed by the Chaplain to the RBL. Planting of trees around the memorial will take place in the Autumn. There will be poppies planted in the lawn surrounding the memorial in remembrance of past sacrifices in the cause of freedom. Our Branch would welcome any support in the future months for these repatriation events. Should any member wish to attend and requires further information then please contact Chris Blick at the usual place. UK Defence Medal Follow the score on this campaign to recognise and honour military service wherever undertaken from 1945 onwards.  Click Here Military Medals Review - Sir John Holmes - July 2012   Become A Part Of History  Did you know that it is now possible to record your wartime memories for posterity as part of a unique film project? Legasee is a new personalised film service, which enables your own military history to be recorded on hi definition cameras for the benefit of future generations. Legasee is one of the first consolidated attempts to document the views of individuals who have served their country. While remembrance ceremonies and battle anniversaries are regularly reported on TV, this coverage rarely focuses on veterans’ personal experiences for more than a few seconds and is of restricted value as an educational tool or a record of individual achievement. The Legasee service aims to cover military life in much more depth by focusing on personal stories and viewpoints. A word of mouth record of your service for your immediate family and future generations of your bloodline. The finished film, should you wish, can also provide a permanent educational resource for school and college students, giving them access to the individual views and knowledge of war veterans as part of political and social history studies.  Click on the Legesee logo for more information.   Catherine & Maxwell Steele whom are responsible for taking the photographs at the Hallmark Hotel on Nov 29th 2012, have requested that we draw your attention to their charity The Basil D'Oliveira Foundation created to promote both the Charity Trust and the life of one of England's sporting heroes.

Branch Meetings Minutes To view/print a copy of the Minutes for the 2012 AGM click on this link. AGM Minutes and for the Branch Meeting of Jan 9th 2013 click Minutes

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Dates for your Diary

Event	Date	Description
50th Anniversary Closure of RAF Bridgenorth	Sat June 1st 2013	Peter Williams of Yate near Bristol is the co-ordinator and will take the form of a parade through the town followed by a church service.  This date also takes into account the National Service (RAF) Association annual parade at RAF Cosford the following day.  Arrangements are underway for accommodation in nearby Stafford. Bridgenorth opened in 1939 and closed in 1963.  It was one of the main square-bashing sites for the RAF. Further info from Peter Williams on 01454 882803, or at http://www.rafbridgnorth.org.uk
Steam/Diesel Train Outing Cheltenham Racecourse to Toddington return.	Wed June 5th 2013	Jean Stubley is organising this event - see Timetable and Lunch menu. Train cost £14.  Lunch is 12:30pm at The Pheasant Inn, Toddington at £10/£13 for 2/3 courses. To be paid for in advance to Jean - cheques payable to "Aden Veterans Association Gloucester Branch" - please endorse on the reverse with "Rail Trip - 5/6/13".  If you plan to post your cheque, please email Jean for her address, otherwise at the Apr 3rd Quarterly Meeting. Timetable  Menu
Armed Forces Day Weymouth	Fri to Mon June 21st-24th 2013	http://www.visitweymouth.co.uk/index.php?resource=250 Further details from Chris Blick.
Bletchley Park Visit	Mon June 24th 2013	This price of this trip includes coach fare and a hot lunch.  Tea or coffee with biscuits are available on arrival.  There will be a conducted tour and a talk about being an evacuee. Coach departs Cainscross at 08:30hrs where there is ample free parking (satnav GL5 4JQ).  ETA Bletchley Park 11:00hrs.  Return departs 17:00hrs (ETA Cainscross 20:00hrs).  There will be one 15 min comfort break each way. Inclusive cost is a very reasonable £33 per head.  Please contact Norma Rodman (01453 766612) for an application form. Closing Date 4th April.
Armed Forces Day Nottingham	Sat June 29th 2013	Details awaited from Clive Candlin. For a local event there will be a Parade and Drum Head Service in the open air at Gloucester Cathedral at midday to be followed with a Parade through the City Streets to the Docks. More details can be obtained from Mike Smith of Hardwicke Royal British Legion Branch who is organising this even on 01452 424606. Also Branch Member Christopher Morton is organising an AVA display in Malvern to mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29th June. If you have any photographs etc that you feel would be useful to display please contact Chris Blick ASAP.
Branch AGM Stroud Conservative Club Carlton House London Road Stroud	Wed July 3rd 2013 @ 11:00 (for 11:15 start)	In attendance from the National Committee will be the Treasurer Tony Holland. Please advise the Branch Secretary of your attendance in order to provide sufficient accommodation and food. (For Satnav users  the postcode is GL5 2AQ).
Miserden	Thu July 4th 2013 @ 18:00	The home of our President, Major Tom Wills LVO DL - more details to follow.
Road Makers Inn Gorsley Ross On Wye Herefordshire HR9 7SW	Wed Aug 7th 2013 12:00 for 12:30	Fourth of our "First Wednesday" lunches for 2013. If you haven't already done so, please contact Jean Stubley with your menu choices. Menu
Yew Tree Inn Clifford's Mesne Newent Glos GL18 1JS	Wed Sep 4th 2013 12:00 for 12:30	Fifth of our "First Wednesday" lunches for 2013. If you haven't already done so, please contact Jean Stubley with your menu choices. Menu
Gloucester Day Parade Assemble in Constitution Walk	Sat Sept 7th 2013 Timing - see Itinerary	We have received an invitation to join this event.  The invitation reads... The event will take place in the historic city of Gloucester.  The parade will commence at 2 pm and pass through the four main gated streets, led by the Mayor and Sheriff of Gloucester.  Young and old will come together, taking the opportunity to socialise and make new friends.  It is hoped to arrange free car-parking for all participants.  If you wish to join us, please respond ASAP with numbers, names and contact information.  The day has been designed to instil and promote pride in our city by stimulating interest in its rich heritage and colourful past.  The major catalyst is to reinstate the original Gloucester Day celebration of the lifting of the Siege of Gloucester in 1643. Itinerary
AGM & Reunion Blackpool	13th - 16th Sept 2013	More details available in the March edition of the Dhow.
Battle of Britain Service Ruscombe Chapel	Sun Sept 15th 2013	Further details when known.
Branch Meeting Stroud Conservative Club Carlton House London Road Stroud	Wed Oct 2nd 2013 @ 11:00 (for 11:15 start)	All members and their guests very welcome. Prospective new members are invited to attend and see what we do!  (For Satnav users  the postcode is GL5 2AQ).  It would be helpful to have advanced knowledge of your attendance to assist with catering.
Annual Reunion National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association Coventry	Fri-Mon Oct 4th-7th 2013	More details from Chris Blick.
RBL Gloucester Remembrance Event Gloucester Leisure Centre GL1	Sun Nov 3rd 2013 @ 19:30	We are cordially invited to attend this event - admission only through the purchase of a programme.  Those interested should contact Chris Blick directly - note that the cost is £6 and the cut-off date is Wed Oct 3rd. Seating will be on a first come first served basis - it is not possible to reserve a seat in advance.  Having said that - the first & second rows will be for VIPs and the elderly/disabled.  Wheelchairs can be accommodated with advance warning.
The House in the Tree Withybridge Lane, Cheltenham GL51 0TQ	Wed Nov 6th 2013	Our final Wednesday Lunch for this year.  If you haven't already done so, please contact Jean Stubley with your menu choices. Menu
Remembrance Sunday	Sun Nov 10th 2013	Usual service & parade in the Cheltenham Promenade in front of the Long Garden & Cenotaph.  Similar services all over the county. Please consider joining the "Old Soldiers" march past and salute.  Numbers have been dwindling - we must not let this tradition die!  We form up immediately in front of the town hall in the Promenade, facing the memorial from behind.  We are then marched around into the Promenade and are positioned  in front of the memorial.  After the service, we will be marched on to the town hall where the Senior Officer will take the salute.
RAF Veterans Reunion The Coventry Hill Hotel Rye Hill Birmingham Road Allesley Nr Coventry CV5 9PH 0871 2210191	Sat Nov 16th 2013	This is a compete change of venue to that used in the past (Stratford upon Avon). The new venue has free onsite parking and is close to the centre of the city. Special rates for dinner and B&B have been agreed with prices starting at £89 per person for one night, £110 for two nights and £130 for three nights – all prices include a trip to Alrewas on the Saturday morning and the “Gala Dinner” on the Saturday evening. The event is being organised by AVA William (Bill) Barker who can be contacted on 01924 516366, from whom further details can be obtained.
Tortworth Court Hotel Tortworth GL12 8HH	Wed Dec 4th 2013	More details from Jean Stubley - please let her know of your intention to attend so that she can let the hotel know the headcount.  Cost - good value at £20  each. Menu

top of page	Gallery

Association Memorial Plaque - The Long Garden, Cheltenham Installed December 2012 - Click on (leftmost) Plaque to expand

Christmas Lunch 19th Dec 2012 at The Aviator - Staverton Airport

Visit to Sharpness SARA Aug 16th 2012 Hanging on every word... Smiles all around

Gloucestershire Airport (Staverton) Visit   (taken on Wednesday May 23rd 2012)

Larkhill Royal School of Artillery L to R Master Gunner Christopher Towning, Denis Sparrow, Josie Scott, Roy Scott, John Longhurst, Rosemarie Longhurst, Norman Holford*, Jerry Wilmot, Jean Stubley, Keith Spiret, Joe Roberts, Norma Rodman, Grahame Harper, Carol Parrant, Janet Harper, Chris Blick, Curley Knowlton, Keith Brown*,  Angie Smith, Dorothy Blick, David Gearingh, Susan Ward-Davies, Councillor Philip Bevan*, Peter Bullers, Ian Johnstone & Colonel RA Winchester Commandant (HQ) RSA Larkhill. (taken on Wednesday April 18th 2012) *non AVA

Westminster Hall, London. L to R: Mick Kippin, Dorothy Blick, Josie Scott, Vernon Shelbourn, Norma Rodman, Roy Scott, Carol Parrant, Jane Wathern, Chris Blick, Mr.Braithwaite (Tour Guide at the Palace of Westminster), John Wathern and Sally McLean. (taken on October 17th 2011)

Armed Forces Day - Edinburgh Our Standard Bearer Roy Scott with Richard Waddell (on the right) of the Scotland Branch both being indulged by HRH Prince Charles. (taken on June 25th 2011)

Lunch at The Carpenter's Arms, Miserden Nr Stroud  Group snapshot following an excellent lunch provided by Keven Allin "Mein Host" whose late Father served in Aden with the RAF Police during the 1960's.  Keven also served for 17 years with the RAF before retiring to his delightful Pub. (taken on June 1st 2011)

Best wishes to Keith & Pam Spiret on the occasion of their 62nd Wedding Anniversary  Keith & Pam Spiret with our ex Chairman Jerry Wilmot (taken on June 1st 2011 in Misarden Park Gardens)

Armed Forces Day, Cardiff Monday June 21st 2010 Flag raising ceremony. Left to right - Valerie & Michael Peacod (Tredegar), Chris Blick, Norma Rodman and Roy Scott. Josie & Roy Scott and Chris Blick

- Buckingham Palace NFA Garden Party July 8th 2010 Sheila & Ian Hone Roy & Josie Scott

Battle of Britain Service at Ruscombe Chapel (Situated High on the Cotswold Hills above Stroud) September 12th 2010 Arranged by the RAF Regiment Association Glos Branch This was the first time that the two Associations had come together to share thoughts and memories of 70 years ago. Left to right: Chris Blick, Dorothy Blick, Norma Rodman, Jane Wathern, Rev Brian Woolaston (Vicar of nearby Whiteshill Parish Church and form Army Padre), John Wathern & Sally Welzel.

Thanksgiving Service for the late Terry Fowler Walsoken Parish Church Nr Wisbech 1st February 2013 John Longhurst (L) & Stephen Weall (R)

Any ex RAF members of our Association that served in Transport Command may be interested to know that they there is an RAF Transport Command Veterans Association to which they might also wish to belong.  For further details click here.

If anyone has stories and/or photographs they would like to see on this website, then please forward to Chris or Ian. Select Album Judith & Lyndsay Jane Gandy Chris Blick John Wathern Ian Johnstone Eric Middleton Frank Hubber Vernon Shelbourn Carol Parrant Stephen Weall

Publications of Interest "Yemen: Heartbreak and Hope" By The Reverend Peter Crooks Published by Lulu at www.lulu.com Price £8.75 + £2 p&p  "The Armed Forces of Aden 1839-1967" By Cliff Lord & David Birtles Published in 2000 by Helion & Co - ISBN 1 874622 40 X A compact book full of historical facts, and though a ‘limited edition’ is still available by searching ‘on line’. It contains detailed records of the armed forces that were raised in, or seconded to, Aden and the Protectorates during the 128 years of British rule. It also gives an insight into the political and military involvement of Britain, India, Yemen, Turkey, plus internally that of the Protectorates, during those years of political change in ‘South Arabia’. It is also a well illustrated book opening with the usual introductory chapters followed by the factual military history of Aden itself. Maps and a plentiful cross section of old photographs help to highlight those years of almost continual military and political change. Of the 112 pages, over 50 are devoted to a comprehensive Directory of the Units who served there – including some fascinating old organisations – to name a few the 1st Yemen Infantry, 23 Fortress Company Royal Bombay Sappers and Miners, Aden Defence Light Section Indian Submarine Corps, Desert Guards, Lahej Trained Forces (I hate to think what the untrained forces were like?) & Mukalla Prison (warders or inmates?) – all playing their part amongst the array of multinational forces who kept some form of law and order. Exactly how this was achieved – especially with submarine and miners units - can only be gleaned from the book! A selection of factually historical appendices finish off the book, each one listing such things as the comparative tables of Arabic / British ranks, specific operations of early times, lists of British military formations who served over all the years, badges and insignia, honours and awards and a comprehensive glossary of terms and abbreviations. The Armed Forces of Aden is a reference book and besides making a refreshing read, it also presents a detailed insight into the complex political and military history of Aden during its 150 years of strategic emergence as both a deep water and well protected port on the newly opened sea route from Europe to the Middle and Far East, just as the world was opening up to the advent of oil, trade and empire building by European nations. Chris Morton (Major Ret’d, British Army - Aden 1965-66)   Hardback : Amazon.co.uk Paperback: Amazon.co.uk Chris Morton has brought this publication to our attention and as we all have a connection with this neck of the woods it is likely to contain something for everyone. "Without Glory in Arabia: The British Retreat from Aden" "I bought this book as a present.  The person who received it had once served in Aden.  He said it was one of the best books on the subject he had ever read." "The book brought back many memories (good and not so good) of Southern Arabia 1965-67 and helped to explain what was going on seemingly behind the scenes.  The first half concerns events "up country" and the second in Aden itself.  For me it put a useful new perspective on an eventful period"   Source: Amazon.co.uk Chris Morton's endorsement "Courage & Strength" Stories and Poems by Combat Stress Veterans Kings University Press A profoundly moving collection of stories and poems, this book is written by men and women of the armed forces affected by combat and by the exacting demands of military service. There are stories from many arena and eras: Afghanistan, Iraq, the Gulf, Falkland Islands, Northern Island, the Cold War and World War II. Many of the works recount moments of reflection in the field, while others deal with the mental torment that can last a lifetime. There are rich themes of love, of appreciation and of a deeply shared humanity. The authors seek to share their experience through many voices that embrace both poignant detail along with irreverent wit and sometimes biting humour! This anthology provides the reader with an opportunity to reflect upon their own lifetime experience and their own need of courage in the face of adversity. The truths provided by these writers will form a treasure trove of strength for any reader to return to again and again. ***All Proceeds Going to Support Combat Stress*** Introduction by Sandi Toksvig. Foreword by General the Lord Richard Dannatt, GCB CBE MC DL To be featured in The Times newspaper. Excerpt from Introduction: "This volume is full of astonishing work. It is painfully and often brilliantly written and in the midst I found something wonderful about the human spirit. In Lee Harrison’s poem From a Veteran to a Veteran, I found a life sustaining Post Script when he wrote “There is always HOPE.” This book has hope in it. Thank you for supporting Combat Stress.” Sandi Toksvig Kingston University Press publishes high quality commercial and academic titles. Our books reflect the diverse nature of the student and academic bodies at Kingston University in ways which are designed to impact on debate, to generate mutual understanding and to complement the values to which the University is committed. To purchase, email fass-kup@kingston.ac.uk, or use order form, or from Amazon - see below.   £9.99 from Amazon "Aden in Pictures" Denis Sparrow has managed to get a second print run of his popular book. If you would like a copy then please contact Denis directly via email djsparrow@live.co.uk or by phone on 01453 763552.  Be aware that supply is limited so unless you specifically reserve a copy, they will be sold on a first come first served basis. The new price, including postage is £39.50 - a small increase reflecting the new mail rates.

Quarter 2 Newsletter 2013 If these notes have whet your appetite, then please look further at the National Web Site for details of membership, or contact one of the following officers of the Gloucestershire Branch. John Wathern Chairman 01452 528133 john@wathern.fslife.co.uk David Gearing Treasurer 01249 444495 davidgearingflogo@hotmail.com Christopher C Blick BEM JP Secretary 01453 751683 chris.blick@talktalk.net Ian Cooper Webmaster 01242 230412 iandcooper@hotmail.com Jane Gandy Welfare Officer 01242 526304 ringer10@btinternet.com Norma Rodman Merchandising Officer 01453 766612 jersey2000@uwclub.net Jean Stubley Social Secretary 01452 300878 jean.stubley159@btinternet.com Top of page Events Certificate of Employers' Liability Insurance Aden Veterans Association Website