REME Association West Yorkshire Branch
EXECUTIVE & MEMBERS
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2007
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FOUNDATION HISTORY
2008
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ANNUAL DINE OUT
 | LEVEL 6 RESTAURANT - BRADFORD COLLEGEWe thought that we had said everything there was to say about the food and service provided by the students, at the College, but we were wrong. The standard improves each year so that this year’s dinner was nothing short of superb, and all for £13.50 When nineteen members and wives arrived at their beautifully appointed restaurant, we had no idea of the treats awaiting us. We went from Smoked eel with sweet pickled vegetables onto Thai coconut and lime soup, followed by warm comfit of Duck salad with green beans. After a Mango and orange sorbet came a mouth watering roast loin of lamb with herb and mustard crumb, battered courgettes and sauterne wine sauce and, finally, a spicy peach Pavlova all washed down with coffee and petite fours. The cooking, serving and hospitality left us all eagerly awaiting next year’s event. This memorable evening has got the year off to a great start. We have many events planned, for example, in April, the Annual Reunion at Kenilworth, May, a visit to Arborfield and Bordon museums, also taking in the Tower of London, June, sixteen members and wives are going for a week’s holiday in Southern Ireland, etc. etc. We have a pretty full calendar of events, so WATCH THIS SPACE!
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APRIL
 | LEEDS RAF PARADE
Two of our members were invited by the Lord Mayor of Leeds to attend a parade which was to
take place on Centenary Square on April 26th 2008, in front of Leeds City Hall. Our President, Stan Wilson, and a founder member Derek Lee accepted and on arrival were pleased to find that light refreshments were laid on. And very welcome they were, too!
Students and officers from RAF Church Fenton paraded to exercise the station’s Freedom of the City.
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr. Brian Cleasby, and Wng. Cmdr. Iain Harrison of RAF Linton on Ouse took the salute as personnel, supported by the Band of the West Yorks. Fire and Rescue Services, marched through the City. The Standard of 72 Sqdn. was at the front of the parade. The Sqdn. Is now based at Linton on Ouse.
The parade coincided with the 90th anniversary of the RAF and was led by Sqdn Ldr, Barry Treanor and comprised of officers from No. 3 Elementary Flying Training School and officers and officer cadets of Yorkshire Universities Fair Squadron.
Following the parade, a reception for those taking part and invited guests was hosted by the Lord Mayor and held in the Banqueting Hall.
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INSPECTION
 | | The Lord Mayor inspects the parade |
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THE STANDARD
 | | A very smart Standard Bearer |
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THE LORD MAYOR
 | | The Address |
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THE OLD AND THE NEW
 | | Derek, the old and the cadet Sergeant, the new |
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MAY
 | THE BRANCH ON TOUR
On the 27th of May at 0900hrs. a party of twelve members and wives of the branch left Bradford in a hired mini bus, to visit the Arborfield Museum, the Bordon Vehicle Museum and the Tower of London. This was to be a whirlwind tour lasting only three days, returning to Bradford on Thursday the 29th.
After a brief stop on the motorway, we arrived at the Arborfield Museum at around 1415hrs. to find the place almost deserted due to the fact that we had chosen a holiday period i.e. Queens Birthday but fortunately a very kind angel of a lady had agreed to keep the shop and Museum open especially for our benefit.
After spending an interesting couple of hours in the Museum and making a few purchases in the shop, we booked in to the Sergeants Mess where arrangements had been made for us to spend the night. After partaking of a very nice well prepared dinner, we made our way to the bar.
Having met the new Secretary of the Arborfield Branch of the Association, at the Annual Reunion, and subsequently exchanging correspondence between our two branches, arrangements were made for a few of their members to come to the Mess and spend the evening with us. This turned out to be an extremely enjoyable evening as we could not have been made more welcome by them, chatting about our various experiences and days gone by. We are very much indebted to them for making our stay so enjoyable.
Up at the crack of dawn for an early breakfast, and on the road to Bordon, arriving there at about 1000hrs. We were met by the Mess Manager who arranged a welcome coffee break for us prior to our visit to the Museum. After spending an interesting couple of hours there, looking at some old vehicles which brought back some pleasant and unpleasant memories for most of us, it was time for a very nice snack lunch, before a quick change into blazers, shirts and ties, for our visit to the Tower of London.
The drive through London was a rather hazardous trip due to the fact that we took a circuitous route to avoid the Congestion Charge, but so did a few thousand other drivers, or so it seemed. However, we finally arrived at the Tower, unscathed, to be met by the Chief Exhibitor, Keith Hanson, to begin our tour.
The visit was pre-arranged and it began with a walk around the whole of the tower buildings and forecourts and a wonderful lecture on the whole layout, and it’s very detailed history. Eventually, we were taken to look at, and hear the history of the Crown Jewels.
After a short interlude in one of London’s nearby hostelries, for some refreshment, we returned to the Tower to prepare for the Ceremony of the Keys. After being allowed to watch this very impressive, ancient ceremony, we were then invited into their very exclusive “club” for a beautiful buffet supper and to sample the bar.
We cannot express our gratitude to the staff too deeply, for the marvellous way they entertained us. The depth of their knowledge on the history of the Tower, and its contents, has to be experienced to be believed. Very many thanks to one and all.
After a little more resuscitation, at the bar, we finally arrived back at the Bordon Sergeant’s Mess at about 0100hrs the next morning, and straight to bed.
Up again, early, for breakfast and a 0915hrs start for the drive back to Bradford, where we arrived at about 1700hrs. in the late afternoon, tired.
Our appreciation goes to our two members who drove throughout the entire journey, namely our Secretary, Jim Windle and our Vice Chairman, Bill Hales. Also to Bill, who had the initial idea for, and planned, the trip making all the arrangements with the various Messes, and the Tower officials.
A great three days outing, whirlwind though it certainly was!
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NEXT STOP
 | | Bordon Mess |
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WELCOMING COFFEE
 | | A life saver |
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WAITING AT THE GATES
 | | Ready to see the Ceremony of The Keys |
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THE TOWER CLUB
 | | Who said "What about a drink?" |
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JUNE
HOLIDAY IN SOUTHERN IRELAND
June was looking to be quite a busy month for the branch. Apart from the usual monthly meetings of both the branch and committee, we had a five day holiday booked, in Killarney, for sixteen of our members, from the 22nd to the 27th followed immediately by the branch taking a major role in the Bradford Veteran’s Weekend, to be held on the 28th and 29th in City Square, Bradford.
We left Wibsey, near Bradford, which coincidentally is the home of our REME Association West Yorkshire branch and the office of the tour operator taking us to Southern Ireland, on Sunday morning, at 9.00 am. We headed for Holyhead in North Wales, expecting to catch the fast ferry to Dun Laoghaire (under 2 hrs) but unfortunately, due to high winds in the Irish Sea, the Ferry crossing was cancelled and we were rescheduled to cross on the slower boat to Dublin (over 4 hrs). However, when we docked, we found out that the fast ferry had actually sailed, and arrived ahead of us. Not downhearted, we pressed on to The Grand Hotel, in Wicklow, for a welcome dinner and our bed for the night.
The next morning started bright for our journey to Killarney, along minor roads allowing us a view of the most picturesque countryside, pretty houses and cottages, and many new palatial, detached properties springing up in the wake of European involvement in the Irish agricultural programmes! We continued on, passing briefly through Waterford, but not having time to tarry a while and invest in cut glass (relief all round for our male members!) and finally stopping in Blarney, for lunch. Again, no time, or energy, to trek to and kiss the stone.
We finally arrived in Killarney, at The Killarney Towers Hotel, to find that it was one of the finest hotels, furnished throughout quite luxuriously with delicious food to match.
The remainder of the holiday involved being transported around County Kerry with a tour of the ‘Ring of Kerry’, a beautiful circular route around mountains and lakes, and which should have been a highlight of our holidsay, but spoiled by torrential rain so heavy that it formed a mist, obscuring much of the views into the distance. Another day was a ‘jaunting car ride’ (horse and carriage) through the Killarney National Park to Ross Castle, then boarding the Lily of Killarney, for a cruise across the lake followed by a visit to Muckross House and gardens. We eventually had a leisurely free day, allowing us to wander around the shops, many of which offer a very wide selection of heavy woollen garments. We were surprised that there weren’t more shops offering rainwear, as we had rain most days, living up to the name of The Emerald Isle.
During our stay, it transpired that it was one of our lady members birthday, so we secretly arranged for the hotel to make a cake to present to her. On the day, during dinner, the head waitress appeared with a beautifully decorated cake with candles, and presented it to our birthday “girl”, with the complements of The Killarney Towers. Needless to say, we all enjoyed a large portion of it as it was obviously of the “non fattening variety”!
We had some very enjoyable evenings in the hotel public bar where there was a typical Irish band every evening, playing to a very crowded bar, also taking place in the many, many, many pubs in Killarney. The music and singing is loud, but very enjoyable and infectious, everyone joining in.
The journey home took two whole days of coach travel, with an overnight stay at The Ramada Woodland Court Hotel, at Bray. Another nice hotel but with its quiet setting and peaceful atmosphere it was a sobering experience, after the boisterous night life of Killarney.
Next day, we boarded the mid day “fast ferry” (yes, it actually sailed) followed by the long journey back to Wibsey.
The general opinion of our party was that we had a very enjoyable holiday, seeing some beautiful scenery and encountering a great deal of great Irish hospitality.
The next question on everyone’s lips was “Where and when is the next holiday?”
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A MAJOR ATTRACTION!
 | | Ring of Kerry in the rain |
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TYPICAL KILLARNEY
 | | A Jaunting Car |
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A DRINK BEFORE DINNER
 | | Killarney Towers |
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TIME TO LEAVE
 | | Waiting for the coach |
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A WELCOME BREAK
 | | Rellaxing in Bray |
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EXPERT OPINION
 | | Our President checks out the bar |
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THE FINAL STAGE
 | | Leaving Bray for the ferry |
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WEEKEND
VETERAN'S CELEBRATION
Having just returned from our holiday the previous evening, we were all feeling very weary and quite worn out, but having arranged to take part in this important event and, being one of the main contributors, it was time to ‘gird our loins’, ‘pull up our socks’ get fell in and get cracking!
We assembled at around 9.30 am to put up our REME stand, in the main marquee as we have done in previous years. Our main centre piece is always the long table which carries our REME items for sale, which are provided by the Arborfield shop, our literature for handing out to the public to advertise our branch activities, etc. This year we had a small “tub”, on the table, in which we collected donations for the Christmas parcels appeal for our soldiers serving in the desert, and in the two days, we raised over £150.
Another difference, this year, was that we were able to display our new West Yorkshire Branch banner. This is a magnificent 8ft. long banner which we mounted on the inside of the tent and which raised our profile extremely well. You can see it in the attached photograph which also shows some of our ladies beavering away at our table. Of course, we raised the REME Standard above the main marquee, as usual, just to ensure that everyone knew we were there!
Around the tent were various displays, Royal Naval Association, Save our Soldiers (an organisation appealing for funds for parcels for our troops), Royal British Legion, Royal Marines Association, Royal Air Force Association, etc. etc.
Taking part were several brass bands, including the Concert Band of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, The Wilsden Brass Band, Pennine Brass Band, Sea Cadet Band, etc.
The Drum Head Service, on Sunday morning was conducted by the Reverend Colin Judd. The Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Howard Middleton gave the opening address and welcomed everyone. This was followed by ‘Reflections’ by Mr Roger Whittaker, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, who spoke of his experiences as a boy growing up during the Second World War.
The exhortation (They shall not grow old…..), and the Kohima Epitaph, were given by Mr James Hargreaves MBE The Last Post and Reveille were played by Mr. David Peckover and two minutes silence was observed. The proceedings were concluded by the singing of the National Anthem. Many standards were paraded with different British Legion branches being represented, amongst others, and of course our own branch standard.
The ever present Territorial Army catering unit was busy as usual providing excellent nourishment for all concerned.
During the afternoon there was music of all kinds for open air dancing like 1930’s Hot Club of Paris, Swing Era Band, 60’s/70’s rock provided by Amnesia, Twelve Bars From Mars, etc., etc Things started to die around 4.30pm after another very successful event which, although giving a great deal of pleasure, never lost sight of the main reason for the gathering, remembering those service men and women who gave so much in the service of their country and the defence of freedom.
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THE MAIN MARQUEE
 | | Our Standard tops the lot |
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OUR DISPLAY
 | | No mistaking whose stand this is! |
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THE STANDARDS
 | | On parade |
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SEA SCOUTS
 | | Ever present |
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THE FIRE SERVICE BAND
 | | Ready for the Drum Head Service |
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SEPTEMBER
July and August are traditionally very quiet months for the Branch, due to holidays, etc. However, September saw the start of a busy period of events, beginning with the annual social evening on the twelfth when we present a cheque to the representative of Martin House Hospice for terminally ill children. This year we raised £540 from our sponsored walk and added another £60 from Branch funds, and so the cheque we presented was for £600. Our President, Stan Wilson, did the presentation and Roly Parsons, from Martin House, accepted it.
The evening was enhanced by a great disco performed free, once again, by the ever generous duo Rob St.Clair and Marty Valentine. Not only do they, each year, entertain us very professionally, but also raise funds for Martin House and other charities. Our catering manageress Jackie, as usual, provided a “gourmet” buffet, and a great night was had by all.
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THE PRESENTATION
 | | STAN PRESENTS THE CHEQUE |
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FOR MARTIN HOUSE
 | | Roly accepts the cheque |
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OCTOBER
BRANCH VISIT TO THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM
BY JAMES WINDLE - BRANCH SECRETARY
We left Bradford at 0910hrs on the first of the month and picked up at Pudsey at 0930hrs and arrived at the Arboretum at 1200hrs after a short stop at Tibshelf Services. We parked the mini bus, driven by our Vice Chairman, stretched our legs and had a look around the visitor’s centre. As the sun was out we decided to have tea and sandwiches at the picnic tables outside, and at 1300hrs our Guides Malcolm Wright and Mary Kirk arrived, so we set off on a walking tour of the site, with two of our members mounted on mobility scooters loaned from the N M A. The tour centred on the Armed Forces Memorial, a new addition opened by the Queen last year.
The Memorial is a most impressive structure and it is obvious why the cost was so high, considering it’s size and the quality of the workmanship. A very fitting tribute to the thousands of men and women, who died in the various conflicts, over the years.
From the pathway around it, because of its height, we got a 360 degree overview of the whole site, and from up there you can pick out any points of special interest. We visited various plots, the Luton & Dunstable R.E.M.E. branch plot being just one. Our very knowledgeable guides pointed out a host of interesting things about the different areas and plots and the significant shape of some of them. In all, a very informative and well conducted tour. Our thanks go to our guides who struggled to be heard over the strong winds which seem to be a permanent feature at the N.M.A. We returned to the shelter of the visitor centre for a welcome hot cuppa and light refreshments and then it was back to our bus and the return home, tired but happy, with several members knocking out the zzz's on the way home.
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