The Somerset Branch of the Association held their annual Imjin Lunch at Taunton Rugby Club, Veritas Park, Hyde Lane, Bathpool, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8BU at 12:00 hours (for 12:45) on Sunday 21 April.  An excellent event including 2 course carver and dessert menu, including tea and coffee, it was very well organised by Martin Talling and his team and well attended.  Attendees included the new Association Chairman, Major Jon Wort.  The photograph below shows Brigadier Martin Vine, delighted to have won the raffle 'big prize'.

Nearly 130 members of the Association and guests sat down to a splendid luncheon in the WOs’ and Sgt’s Mess at HQ The ARRC at Innsworth on Saturday 23 March, following the packed Back Badge Reunion service at St. Mary de Lode church in Gloucester and march past through the city centre.  Fortuitously, the rain held off for the march past thus demonstrating that the sun shines on the good.  A stirring address was given by General Grist and the salute was taken by the Sheriff and Deputy Mayor of Gloucester, Cllr Justin Hudson, the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, Mr Henry Robinson DL and Mr Roger Head OBE DL representing HM Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire.

I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Major Jon Wort as the new Chairman of The Rifles and Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regimental Association with effect from 1st April 2024 Major Jon Wort was commissioned into The Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment (Berkshire and Wiltshire) in 1980, serving in the UK, Germany, Northern Ireland, and Hong Kong. He left the Regular Army in 1989 to work in health insurance and joined the Territorial Army, commanding a Rifle Company of the 1st Battalion, The Wessex Regiment (Rifle Volunteers) in Swindon for 4 years, before moving on to a variety of staff jobs, completing 40+ years’ service to the Crown. This included service with the 2nd Battalion, The Wessex Regiment, the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment and finally The Rifles. In his last appointment, he was Reservist Staff officer in HQ Individual Training Group, where he had responsibility for rewriting and developing a ‘Realities of War’ Battlefield Tour package for all recruits undertaking their basic training at either the Army Training Centre at Pirbright or the Army Training Regiment at Winchester. This included coordinating and running Battlefield Studies across the command. As a civilian, he continues to provide guiding services to the Army, schools and travel companies. Over the years he has led groups to Burma, India, Crete, Normandy, Italy (Sicily, Monte Cassino, Gothic Line & Anzio), Warsaw, Berlin, Ypres and the Somme. Last but not least, he is a supporter of Bath Rugby Club.

We are deeply indebted to Colonel Michael Cornwell OBE who has been the Chairman of The Rifles and The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regimental Association since March 2017. He stood down from his duties on 1st April 2024.   Over his seven years as Chairman, he has made an outstanding contribution to the Regimental Association. He has used his military experience and corporate knowledge, particularly of our veterans and Regimental affairs, to great effect, whether planning and running major events, or representing the Association at key Branch commemorations or veterans’ funerals and memorial services.   Colonel Cornwell had a very distinguished career as a regular officer in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment (DERR) for some 27 years retiring in 1994 under ‘Options for Change’.  Thereafter, his service to the Crown continued with full-time administrative posts with 1st Battalion, The Wessex Regiment (Rifle Volunteers) in Devizes, The Royal Wessex Yeomanry in Cirencester and finally with 7th Regiment, Army Air Corps in Netheravon. In 2007 he was appointed Manager/Curator of the DERR Museum at The Wardrobe in Salisbury until 2011. His voluntary appointments have included Commandant of the Wiltshire Army Cadet Force, Chairman of the Society of Friends and a member of the Committee of The Wardrobe and Museum Trust.  In 2007 he assumed the appointment of The Rifles County Colonel for Wiltshire which he held until 2017.  He has been a volunteer at The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum at The Wardrobe since 2011. In addition to his various military roles, Colonel Cornwell continues to volunteer at the Wiltshire Museum in Salisbury and as the Treasurer and Bell Tower Captain of his village parish church.  Perhaps closest to his heart are his roles as a cricket umpire and scorer for his village team as well as for the Army and other UK Armed Forces teams, and as development officer for the English and Welsh Cricket Boards. It is said that if you want a job done, give it to a busy man!  Colonel Michael Cornwell has demonstrated that adage in spades and our Regiment, among many others, owes him a huge debt of gratitude for all that he has done and continues to do for us.   Brigadier P E O’R-B DAVIDSON-HOUSTON CBE DL President, The Rifles and The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regimental Association

Let me firstly introduce myself, if you don’t already know who I am, my name is Andy Spalding (Ex WO2 RGJ), I am the property Manager for all Regt property throughout the Regt, but I’m also the Estate Manager for Green Jacket Close here in Winchester, which I want to talk about.

A lot of people within the Regt or antecedent Regiments, don’t or haven’t even heard about Green Jacket Close and I’m hoping that you will pass this information down to your association and anyone else that you feel will benefit from knowing about it, and letting them to apply to live there if they wish.

There is a waiting list for Green Jacket Close and is prioritized by the needs of the person that are on the list. The list is controlled by me, but the Regt trustee make the final decision who would get the property once it becomes available.

Here is a bit of information about Green Jacket Close

1. Green Jacket Close consists of 21 units off Stanmore Lane, Winchester. Details are:

a. 3 x semi-detached 2-bedroom houses, built in 1904

b. 10 x 1-bedroom flats, built in 1904 and converted in the 1960s

c. 2 x 1-bedroom flats, 2 x 2-bedroom flats, and 4 x maisonettes, built in 1966

2. Application

a. It is quite acceptable to apply to be put on the waiting list before the age of 60 is reached. Applicants should apply to the Rifles Secretary Finance, RHQ the Rifles, Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8TS.

b. Applicants should bear in mind that the homes are covered by a Trust Deed, regulated by The Charity Commissioners. As such, the Rifles Benevolent Trust is required to allocate vacancies to those in need of assistance.

3. Charges

Applicants should be aware that all properties are unfurnished, and residents pay their own Council Tax, water rates and utility bills and a maintenance charge of approximately for the properties are as follows:

a. 3 x semi-detached 2-bedroom houses = £353.08 per month

d. 13 x 1-bedroom flats = £278.94 per month

e. 2 x 2-bedroom flats, and 4 x maisonettes = £319.15 per month

I have attached an application form and the eligibility form for anyone that served in the Rifles or one of its forming or antecedent Regiments if they wish to apply to come and live in Green Jacket Close.

If anyone has any questions or knows of anyone in need, please pass my details on to that person and I will see what I can do.

Thank you all in advance.

Regards 

Andy Spalding

Andy Spalding I Estate/Property Manager I RHQ RIFLES, Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road, WINCHESTER, SO23 8TS I Mil: 94271 5135, Civ: 01962 828535, Mobile 07543 221733 I Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Val Watkins daughter Alison has put a message on Facebook about parking.

Ali has spoken to the Berkeley Estate Manager and we can use the Berkeley Castle Car Park and gain entrance to St Mary's Church at 1300hrs.

You drive through the main gates into Berkeley Castle Car Park, go up to the right and drive into the top car park which is tarmac with painted parking spaces.  There is a field with a wooden gate for cars and then the pedestrian gate through which you can gain entrance. If you arrive before 1300hrs you will have to wait in your cars.

There is a cafe there but it is closed at present as Berkeley Castle itself is not yet open to the public.

Hopefully this is all clear. Please pass on to any others you know are attending.  There is a car park in Berkeley but it is very small.

Len is making a contribution from his Funeral Fund for the special parking permission.  Individual Contributions will be welcome.

Ray's funeral will be held in Swindon on 22nd March 2024. There will be a church service followed by a cremation (Family only). Church TBC. More info later

Shortly after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer, former WO1 Jim Long, late DERR, died peacefully at his home in Chippenham in the early hours of Thursday 22 February.

His funeral service and cremation will take place at 10:15 hours on Friday 15 March at the West Wiltshire Crematorium (Devizes Road, Semington, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 6HL).

Association members wishing to attend WO1 Long's funeral are asked to inform Lt Col (Retd) Norman Minty (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).  Alternatively, members can inform the Association Secretary, Maj (Retd) Steven Bowkett (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tel: 01367 240531).

Still to be confirmed.  It is anticipated that there will be a post service gathering at the Trowbridge Rugby Club (Paxcroft, Hilperton, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 6JB

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We are saddened to inform you that Ray Deacon died on 3rd March 2024. More details will be published when known. Ray was a very much liked character in the Regt and attended most military events up to his passing.

I suspect that many of you have picked up that a major redevelopment of the regimental museum housed in the Wardrobe will take place from Nov 24 to Feb/Mar 25. Part of the project aims to bring the stories and histories of those that have served in our regiments to life and there is an opportunity to have your picture and a brief service history on display on the "Supporters Wall".

This prominent display will feature real life profiles sealed on wooden tiles which rotate to reveal a summary of service. Visitors can interact with the wall and look through a manuscript which has a full page for each person, with more pictures and life and service details.

Read more

Shortly after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer, Former WO1 Jim Long of 1 DERR. died peacefully at his home on the 22 February. Further details will be published when the arrangements for his cremation have been finalised.

Norman Minty has been asked by the family to co-ordinate the attendance of Jim Long’s military colleagues. Once Norman is able to provide the details of Jim’s service will those who are going to attend please use PM to let Norman know.

It is with great sadness that we have to inform the Regimental family to the Passing of Pte Kenny Vickery following a short illness, on Tuesday 30 January 2024, Kenny, originally from Swindon, later settling in Bournemouth and commuting between the two, enlisted in 1979 serving in B Company, 1 DERR until 1983, during postings to Osnabrück, Canada, Canterbury and South Armagh NI, a keen Boxer he represented B Company at Lightweight level, a cheerful, charismatic and humble individual, details of arrangements are unknown at the moment and colleagues are waiting to hear more from his family. 

Phillip (Tex) Teixeria died on the morning of 24 January 2024. He served in 1 DERR serving in Malta, Minden and Catterick. shown in this photograph on exercise in Libya in 1964. On leaving the Army he settled in Reading and both he and his wife Barbara became a members of the Reading Branch and committee. Our condolence to Barbara and the family.  Details of the funeral will be released when known.

"To be a Farmer's Boy"

Brian Sharp, who served with the 1^st Battalion the Royal Berkshire Regiment from 1947 to 1952 and whose service include the operational tour in Eritrea, died on the morning of 16^th  January . His funeral will be on 13 February at Vinters Park Crematorium, Bearsted Rd, Maidstone ME14 5LG.

"Dashing White Sergeant"

It is our sad duty to inform you that Dave Nicholson passed away on 9th January
Condolences have been passed to the family who have informed me that Dave’s funeral will be held at St Oswalds church Coney Hill followed by a private family ceremony at the crematorium
All are welcome to the church Svc which takes place on 23rd February at 12:30 hrs Regt ties please
RIP Dave

A concert at Salisbury Cathedral on Thursday 8 February (seated by 6.45 pm with concert ending by 8.30 pm) has been recently highlighted. In addition to a concert pianist there are two participating military bands (Rifles and Grenadier Guards).  Details are:

• The concert will see award-winning pianist Rupert Egerton-Smith perform alongside The Band and Bugles of The Rifles and The Band of The Grenadier Guards.
• The event not only marks one of the rare occasions that the two Bands will perform together in a concert, but it is also Rupert Egerton-Smith’s debut performance alongside them, before the start of his East Coast recital tour of the United States of America.
• The concert itself will take the audience on an exciting and unique musical journey; celebrating the rich histories of the two regiments and paying homage to the local Wiltshire are

Booking can be accessed via the above link or by going to the Salisbury Cathedral website and looking for ‘what’s on’ for Thursday 8 February. 

On 6 January 202 at 17:36 hours John (‘Kellogs’) Kiely died peacefully. Having been on a life support system the medical staff could not find any signs of electrical activity and severe brain damage so turn the support off. It was John’s wishes that his organs be used for transplant to save the lives of others.
John served with 1 DERR during the Osnabruck tour of 1978 to 1982 and was an immensely popular member of D Company and the Battalion.
To Sharon, his wife, his daughters and the family we send our condolences.

"To Be a Farmer's Boy"

Sadly I have to report the death for Bob Giddings, a former Corporal who served in the Wiltshire Regiment: he died on 7 January 2024. Bob for many years was the Wiltshire Regiment Standard bearer for the Wiltshire Branch of the Regimental Association (be that Wiltshire Regiment, DERR or RGBW). He was a loyal and dedicated member of the Salisbury Branch; he and his wife Elsie regularly supported the Association functions. In addition to his regimental association Bob Gidding was the Chairman of the Salisbury Branch of the Royal British Legion.
RIP Bob, Our deepest condolence to Elsie and the family.

“Twas on a Jolly Zummer’s Day the twenty- vurst of May”

We have just received the sad news that Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Jim Shaw died on 9 January peacefully at home. In the words of his widow Catherine “I am happy that his suffering is over but of course sad too. It has been a long year; he fought a good fight but sadly lost his battle. We managed to have a few weeks of near normality before he became very ill”.
Jim served in The Gloucestershire Regiment joining the 1^st Battalion as a Second Lieutenant and rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a first class officer admired and respected by those who were privileged to have served alongside him, be that with The Gloucestershire Regiment or with him on ‘ERE’ postings.

Details of his funeral will be published as they become known.

Our deepest condolences to Catherine Shaw and the family 

Anyone wishing to send condolences to Catherine and the family should write to:

Mrs Catherine Shaw
9 St Jame's Place
Welland
Malvern
Worcs
WR13 6BA

"By Our Deeds we are Known"

Reminder - Service Notice: George Henry Martin, of The Gloucestershire Regiment. The service will be at 1015hrs on Friday 12th January 2024 at Westerleigh Crematorium, Westerleigh Road, Westerleigh, Bristol BS37 8QP. The wake afterwards is being held at The Swan, 17 High Street, Thornbury, BS35 2AE.

Reminder - Service Notice: Tony Taylor of The Gloucestershire Regiment. The service will take place on Tuesday the 16th of January 2024 at Weston Super Mare Crematorium, Ebdon Road, Worle, Weston Super Mare, Somerset, BS22 9NY at 1330hrs. The wake afterwards is being held at the 49 Social Club, 24 - 28 Baker Street, Weston super Mare, Somerset, BS23 3AE.