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President

Brig. P. A. Dally CBE DL

Chairman

R. Major Esq.

Vice Chairman

M. J. Taylor Esq.

Treasurer

Mr R. Major Esq.

ROYAL SIGNALS ASSOCIATION

BEDFORD BRANCH

NEWSLETTER

JUNE 2020

Secretary

T.E.Holyoake

54 Knights Avenue

Clapham

Bedford

MK41 6DG

01234 349330

t.e.holyoake@sky.com

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Our Chairman –Robert Major Esq.

and all the Branch Officer’s

Hope you all OK and ‘sitting it out’

As you have been informed ALL Branch Meetings cancelled until further

notice on advice from the Government

Also all Royal Corps of Signals Centenary 100 Functions

= Blandford Corps Weekend - the lot so far – may be the Project Noel in

Liverpool in November will go ahead and we can support them

More details to follow – see information below

ROYAL CORPS of SIGNALS CENTENARY YEAR 1920 – 2020

This item still ongoing and to be confirmed our preference – may be both 1 & 2 we could

do both of these – with HQ staff in separate isolation I have heard nothing on the Table

Matts but I believe them to be printed with the ‘100’ year logo

RHQ has allowed £200.00 per branch to celebrate in some way the Corps Anniversary

Members attending meetings have 3 ideas

1) To have a ‘Plaque’ engraved with the same words as that on the memorial at NMA

“IN HONOUR OF THOSE WHO SERVED AND ARE SERVING IN THE

ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS” - CERTA CITO –

This would made of ‘Slate’ and be secured onto a wall in the St Peter de Merton

Church Bedford as a legacy to all Royal Signals Soldiers from the Bedfordshire and

surrounding area and to our Bedford Branch, we could add in a smaller case at the

bottom – “ROYAL SIGNALS ASSOCIATION BEDFORD BRANCH 2020”

2) To purchase Corps “Jimmy Place Matts” from the Museum; these would then be

used at our Annual Branch Dinner for all to appreciate and dine with

3) Costs have been sort for both the above and they would come near to the grant and

we could afford any extra for both from our funds

4) A “Tree” of choice to be planted in Bedford also suggested, but this would take a

long time to mature and not many members would see it grow!

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PAST EVENTS

SERVICE of CELEBRATION

29TH FEBRUARY 2020

Fitting Start’; Royal Signals 100 Launches in Salisbury I have taken this from the web pages By Major J Mayhead = It was very apt that

amongst the 1,200 people who packed into Salisbury Cathedral on Saturday 29th February

were cadets, families, serving soldiers and even World War Two veterans. In the presence

of the Colonel-In-Chief, HRH The Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir

Timothy Laurence, they were there to commemorate the sacrifices made by all members

of the Royal Signals family over the past 100 years since the Corps’ formation in June

1920. Although a service of remembrance, the day was also a celebration that the Corps,

despite being very different in many ways to when it was formed, is still thriving and at

the forefront of 21st-century operations. Accompanied throughout by the Royal Signals

(Northern) Band, a march-past and Royal salute was given to the delight of both families

and other onlookers. Despite the less than perfect weather, the atmosphere was one of

pride. The day, established and organised by 3 (UK) Div Signal Regiment, was intended to

be the launch of a season of Royal Signals 100 events, but due to the coronavirus

restrictions it may be the first and the last. We also had the opportunity to involve the

Army Cadet Force, Horndean Detachment were awarded their prize for winning the Royal

Signals Cadet Competition Presenting the prize was our Corps Colonel Reserve, Col

Douglas, she said “The Corps and I are extremely proud of the commitment and effort

made by our cadets and their Cadet Adult Volunteers, who achieve such a remarkable

amount every year and we felt this should be recognised with an annual “Best Royal

Signals Detachment Competition. I am absolutely delighted to award the prize (for 2018 –

2019) to the Horndean detachment who fought off tough competition to win the fabulous

“Jimmy” trophy and see their name in lights! It is very special to be able to welcome them

to the Corps Service of Celebration Centenary event in Salisbury in order to present their

prize.” Colonel Jason Gunning, Corps Colonel, said: “Today was a truly significant

occasion for the Royal Signals, celebrating the past 100 years and the successes [the

Corps] has achieved in that time-frame. I am delighted to have been part of such an

impressive event.” “In addition, to have our Colonel-in-Chief here alongside her Corps

family made the event even more special. A huge thank you goes out to those who made

the service possible and to all those who supported the day”.

Bedford Branch Standard carried proudly by Michael Luke, Carol and I met and

spoke with HRH. The Princess Royal, A very windy and a bit wet but we all enjoyed

ourselves

--------------------------------------------------------------

36 Sig Regt Assn

Final Fling 7th March 2020

Our Chairman and my-self wanted to attend but unfortunately it was fully booked

so it was most of the old 36 H.Q. members with a good evening enjoyed -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

75th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

OF THE ROYAL SIGNALS ASSOCIATION

SATURDAY 14th MARCH 2020

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The 75th RSA AGM was held in the Carisbrooke Hall of the Victory Services Club,

63/79 Seymour Street, London W2 2HF. This year with the Coronavirus imminent there

were not so many attendees. Bedford Branch represented by Michael Taylor and John

Dunning. Brig. David Hargraves preside over his last meeting as Chairman with a

conclusion of his activities for the year. Reports given by the General Secretary, Assistant

Secretary and Administrative officer all of which I have been sent copies, unfortunately no

copies available for those attending. WO1 (RSM) Scarcliffe, Corps SM (Designate), gave

a presentation on his current role as 10 Sig Regt RSM. The talk was hugely appreciated

by the AGM members. The meeting concluded with a presentation to Brig. David and

hand over at the cost of £1.00 to the new Chairman Maj Gen D McDowall CBE

All RSA life members are invited to attend each year, coffee, tea and biscuits on arrival,

luncheon following

------------------------------------------------------------------- BEDFORD BRANCH ANNUAL DINNNER

SATURDAY 4th April 2020 At

Bedford and County Golf Club Green Lane

Clapham Bedford

MK41 6ET Cost per person to be - £27.50

UNFORTUNATLEY POSTPONED But if you want monies returned please contact me

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BLANDFORD REUNION

CORPS WEEKEND

26/27th JUNE 2020

OUR 100 YEAR CELEBRATION

CANCELLED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

ALL EVENTS TO BE CONFIRMED ON GOVERNMENT APPROVAL

FOLLOWING PRESENT “SHUT DOWN”

PROJECT 204

21-23 August 2020

MARSTON LODGE

MARSTON TRUSSELL

MARKET HARBOROUGH

LE16 9TT

By the Soldiers, for the Soldiers”

A Centenary Event to Celebrate What Is Most Important

Our People!

So What Is It? In August 2020 Soldiers of the Royal Signals will plan and deliver a 3-day music festival

to

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Celebrate 100 years of our Corps!

We are planning a musical spectacle which will include acts ranging from serving soldier

bands to world class artists and everything in-between. Project 204 has its sights set on

our soldiers. The motto for the project is “By the Soldiers, for the Soldiers” giving praise

to what is most important – our people. The festival is inclusive to anyone who has an

affiliation to the Corps including soldiers, officers, regular or reserve, our families and of

course our veterans. This event continues to go form strength to strength. In January this

year, additional funding was agreed by the RSTL Board to enable the event. The planning

team are now working frantically to deliver the festival and we are hopeful for the release

of the line up very soon. That will clearly drive ticket sales but, based on initial interest,

we are expecting well in excess of 6,000 attendees! See web site for details

TICKETS GO LIVE 1200HRS MONDAY 3RD FEBRUARY 2020

You will need your service number to activate your account on booking _____________________________________________

SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE AT THE NMA

5th SEPTEMBER 2020 Initial planning has already started with the NMA staff and we are hopeful that this

year’s attendance will eclipse previous years. This is a hugely moving and rightly

poignant event which I would also ask that you publicise widely. Not sure about

transport as I understand the MS mini-bus is to be sold? But we will look for

something

_________________________________________________________

RBL BEDFORDSHIRE FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE

TO BE ANNONUNCED ------------------------------------------------------------------

HIGHLANDERS SERVICES of REMEMBRANCE

SUNDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2020 Organized by The Bedford Pipe Band at the mass grave of Highlanders in Bedford Cemetery on Foster Hill Road Bedford assemble 1000 hrs- 1030 hrs

REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE Sunday 8th November 2020

Parade - Commencing 1100 hrs.-Bedford War Memorial on Bedford Embankment - Parade forms up outside the Café at Russell Park from about 10.00 am, were we all meet and renew friendships

_______________________________________ LONDON CENOTAPH PARADE

Sunday 8th November 2020 H.Q. already engaged with the organisers of the parade to try to secure double the

allocated places for 2020 and to try to ensure that our place in the parade is given greater prominence for our centenary year. The RBL have acknowledged our request and H.Q. hopeful with the help of some continued influence that we will be successful in our bid. However, it is yet too early to confirm our allocation. More to follow!

------------------------------------------------ Project Noel X (10) Royal Signals Association

Friday the 27th to Monday the 30th of November 2020

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All bookings with accommodation MUST be made by Telephone with Central

Reservations - 0161 923 9170 (between 0800 and 2000) Quoting: - 'Adelphi Hotel

Liverpool - PROJ 271120' Followed by the RSA code -- below for References RSA/001 - RSA/002 - RSA/003 - RSA/004 - RSA/005

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OBITUARIES Patrick Naughton 17th November 2019

Funeral 16th December 2019 (Reported In January 2020 Newsletter)

The wrong information was given to me. Jackie, his daughter and I have agreed the

correction below, received from Jackie = my sincere apologies to all: “Just to clarify, Pat was cremated in accordance with the terms of his last will and

testament, and the delay with the funeral was due entirely to the funeral directors not being able to offer an earlier date. Pat’s family is somewhat concerned that the obituary in the January 2020 newsletter suggests otherwise, hence this amendment. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone from the Royal Signals Association who attended the funeral and/or sent flowers and cards direct to Kathy at this sad time.”

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ONGOING ITEMS COLONEL BRIAN PROPHET TROPHY

Still nothing heard from any contacts still waiting. Bob Baker has told me he knows who

has it and trying to track them down

BEDFORD DETACHMENT ARMY CADET FORCE TROPHY

Also nothing heard from the Bedford Detachment Cadets we look forward to further

information on the winner ____________________________________________________

MERCHANDISE

BRANCH TIES

I still have a few of these, navy blue with Corps colour strip and Bedford Eagle above –

unique to Bedford Branch at £8.50 each

LOGO POLO & SWEAT SHIRTS

Still available and I do not need any number they can be purchased singly being sold for

£11.50 each, this covers the cost of initial logo design -- the colours are = bottle green -

sunflower yellow – navy - heather – grey - red - deep navy- black- purple - emerald -

burgundy - sky - white - orange and royal blue -- the sizes are = small 35-37 - med 38-

40 - large 41-43 - xl 44 -46 - 2xl 47-49 - 3xl 50-52 Lettering can be adjusted

accordingly to colour of background -- SWEAT SHIRTS also now available

ROYAL SIGNALS ASSOCIATION

CAR STICKER

Still available ‘Car Sicker at £2.50 each – I have them at each meeting, please ask ------------------------------------------------

DATA PROTECTION

New March 2018 A big thank you to all who have returned their form of agreement to hold personal

data. Under the new Government Data Protection Regulations (D.T.R.) which came into

force in May 2018, we need your personal consent to retain and use your e-mail address

and other details for this Association only.

NEXT MONTHLY MEETING

TO BE ANNOUNCED WHEN APPROVED BY GOVERNMENT

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CORPS ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

Share your Memories – Help Preserve Corps Heritage

The Corps Archive has huge gaps in its knowledge of what it was like to serve in the

Corps on operations and in BOAR. Did you serve in World War Two, Korea, BOAR or

other theatres of operations? We would like to record your stories and reminisces to

supplement current and future displays, preserve memories and to educate and enlighten

future generations. If you would like to take part or find out more please drop into the

Museum and we will explain all, or call on 01258 482683 to make alternative

arrangements

___________________________________________________________________________________________

COMMUNICATIONS

Just to inform you that – I do not use Facebook or Messenger – it is too much hassle and

bother to read everything and most is junk - I prefer and use E-Mail for contacting and

communicating – I can just about handle it. So please - to acknowledge and respond to any

email sent use my ‘email’ t.e.holyoake@sky.com

BEDFORD BRANCH SUBSCRIPTION £5.00

Renewable as from 1st JANUARY 2020 -Thank you to those who included with your

Draw counterfoils - Please make all cheques payable to =

‘Royal Signals Association Bedford Branch’ NOT ME thank you

WEB PAGE This Current Newsletter will be published soon after you receive a copy onto

Visit us at http://royalsignals.org See all our photos under ‘Branches’ ‘Bedford’ site -------------------------------------------------------------

If you would like to receive your News Letter via E-Mail – please send me you’re correct

E-mail to t.e.holyoake@sky.com

Obviously I will send all Draw Tickets and such like via Royal Mail

DIARY DATES PROJECTED FOR 2020

Project 204 22nd August 2020

National memorial Arboretum 5th September 2020

Services of Remembrance 1st November 2020

Parade Remembrance Day Parade 8th November 2020

London Cenotaph Sunday 8th November 2020

Project Noel- Liverpool 27th - 30th November 2020

ROYAL SIGNALS ASSOCIATION

BEDFORD BRANCH

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Branch Meeting’s always Last Tuesday of each Month

With the exception of JULY and DECEMBER @ 2000 hours

North End Social Club

60 Roff Avenue

Bedford MK41 7TW

Telephone number if required = 01234 21035

ROYAL CORPS of SIGNALS FORTHCOMING DIARY of EVENTS

Date Event Location

5 September 2020 NMA Memorial Service National Memorial Arboretum Alrewas

5 November 2020 The Opening of the Field of

Remembrance

Westminster Abbey London

8 November 2020 Cenotaph Parade Whitehall London

PROJECT NOEL X (10) ROYAL SIGNALS ASSOCIATION

Friday the 27th to Monday the 30th of November 2020

All bookings with accommodation MUST be made by Telephone with Central

Reservations - 0161 923 9170 (between 0800 and 2000) Quoting: - 'Adelphi Hotel

Liverpool - PROJ 271120' Followed by the RSA code -- below for References RSA/001 - RSA/002 - RSA/003 - RSA/004 - RSA/005

RSA/001 1 Night Saturday Nov 28th - Dinner Inclusive

inc. Noel VIII Formal Dinner @

£98.00

pp Available

RSA/002 2 Nights Friday 27th Nov and Saturday 28th

Nov @

£129.00

pp available

RSA/003 2 Nights Saturday 28th Nov and Sunday 29th

Nov @

£129.00

pp available

RSA/004 3 Nights Friday 27th Nov to Monday 30th Nov @ £159.00

pp available

RSA/005 3 Nights Thursday 26th Nov to Sunday 29th

Nov @

£159.00

pp available

RSA/006 Dinner

only Saturday 28th November @

£35.00

pp available

To Book Formal Dinner (RSA/006 - see above) : - telephone The Adelphi Hotel direct :- 0151 709 7200, press 2 for Events & when asked, request Booking for the :- "Formal Dinner at £35, 28th November 2020 Project Noel" Payment will be taken when booking. Any problems with your booking? please:- phone 01695 575242

(between 800 - 2000) For any special requirements:- ONLY Check in from 2.00pm; Check out by 11.00am Parking is charged at £13.00 Per weekend There is a free cancellation policy up until 2.00pm on the day of arrival, if the room is not cancelled it will be classed as a 'No Show' and a charge for one nights stay will be made