Edition No. 16 ~ April 2010

The Beachley Old Boys Association Newsletter

Contents Contents 1 Memorial Introduction & Donation Form 2,3 & 4 Chairman's Jottings 5 Ladies Page 6 Thanks & Heritage Trail 7 &, 8 Brief Encounter 8 & 9 President’s Thoughts 10 1n Memoriam 11 2009 AGM 12,13, 14 & 15 Farewell to Rocky Evershed, Welfare Page 16 & 17 Reunion Itinerary & Booking Form 18 & 19

Next of Kin Form 20 Accommodation Details 21 & 22 Financial Summary / Report, Ron Overd 23 & 24 Membership Report 25 & 26 Editor’s Lament 27 Pete Gatford at Beachley 28 Humour & I.D. Badges 29 After Beachley 30 & 31 See Tallin & Die plus Heritage 32 & 33 Subscriptions & Veterans UK 34 Golf Report & Application Form 35 & 36

Aerial View of Chepstow and the Beachley Peninsula

Hot Air Balloon Rallies are held in Bristol fre-quently and this photo-graph was taken from one of them, it gives a beauti-ful view of the area. Our camp, a former shipyard is just about visible but (if you are on a computer) you can enlarge this view by another 50%. The “nearest” bridge to you built in 1816 is the one we all tramped over on the way back from viewing Norman architecture or in time honoured tradition, calling on lady friends and or the local pubs. A friend of mine calculates that 5% of all Beachley Boys failed to escape the wiles of the feminine fraternity and met their wives here, I jest but its as well that the 70 plus pubs boasted by Chepstow in the

1800’s had reduced!! Between the two bridges on the right side of the river Wye is the Boat Inn (my local) and for-merly known as The Devils Half Acre due the amount of prostitution available there then. Those of us who were late would attempt the 2nd crossing (now two side by side), dangerous despite being built by Brunel as there were only sleepers to walk on but considerably quicker. The first large building to its right is the church. Chepstow Castle whose construction commenced soon after 1066 and was the first built after the Battle of Hastings is perched above the cliffs. The museum is in view, follow the river past the castle to the first flat area (top left corner of car park). This is where we are now attempting to find a home for BOBA artefacts. Following initial use as a surgeons home it has been a girls school, a convalescent home for wounded soldiers, a hospital and continues to be of ser-vice to the community in its current form. Editor

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Arboretum Memorial Page 2

The Army Apprentice National Memorial

Chepstow –Arborfield – Harrogate – Carlisle : 4 Old Boys’ Associations - 1 aim!

The old boys’ associations of the four main Army Apprentice Schools/Colleges have united to erect a memorial to the memory of the 70,000 apprentices who were trained between 1923 and 2004.

The National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) The memorial will be installed at The National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, just north of Lichfield, Staffs. The central point of interest at the Arboretum is the Armed Forces Memorial opened by the Queen in 2007 (photo below). This carries the names of all British servicemen and women who have died on duty since the Second World War.

There are hundreds of memorials at the Arboretum, thousands of young trees, a Far East museum and a chapel where an 11a.m. daily service is held. The memorials have been erected by many different organisations includ-ing all arms of the services. See www.thenma.org.uk

The Army Apprentice National Memorial The design approved by the Trustees of the NMA in January 2010 is shown in the drawing opposite. A polished black granite block, standing on the edge of a 7m diameter stone circle carries an AAS badge and text. Four granite benches will be placed around the circumference of the base, each one engraved with the name of one of the four principal apprentice schools. A circular centre block of polished black granite will carry further text. The outer circumference of the memorial base will be formed by ringlets of embossed granite tablets carrying the name, group and school/college of a named ex-boy. The tablets are available in return for a minimum donation of £75, although to meet financial targets an average of £100 is the aim. For a £50 donation, the tablets are also available to families of apprentices who have died. The Army Apprentice Memorial will provide a fitting and lasting memory of the contributions made in peace and war by all the apprentices who later as soldier tradesmen became the backbone of the Technical Corps of the British Army. How you can help Beachley Boys have already generously donated more than £1,500 to this cause - but much more is needed! Please get in touch with your ex-boy contacts and any families of those who have died but who may want their loved one remembered as part of the memorial. Please complete the DONATION FORM on page 4. If you have already donated you can top-up to the level needed for a commemorative granite tablet if you wish. I have a list of donations to date. Contact me at dc.chapman@tiscali.co.uk or on 07951 696455. For more information visit the website at www.armyapprenticememorial.org.uk Dave Chapman (60A B Coy)

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ AANP Memorial Page 3

ARMY Visit the website to keep up to date APPRENTICE www.armyapprenticememorial.org.uk NATIONAL MEMORIAL The Army Apprentice

...........remember with pride Please support the Beachley, Arborfield, Harrogate and Hadrians (Carlisle) Old Boys’ Associations Appeal Fund to provide a fitting Memorial to recognise the debt the Country owes to the ARMY APPRENTICE and to honour those no longer with us. Our aim is to establish a lasting memorial to our apprentice boy soldiers at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) at Alrewas, Staffordshire by the summer of 2011. We need £30k to cover the cost of construction, including VAT, a dedication ceremony and ongoing mainte-nance costs. The contributions achieved through the Commemorative Tablet donor scheme will be the key to making this project possible. Please support this if you can. The proposed memorial design was accepted by the Trustees of the NMA in January 2010. A site among trees has been selected, adjacent to the proposed Para’s and the Rifles National Memorials – we will be in good com-pany. It will also be close to the new REME Memorial. Within the periphery of the memorial, each of the four principal Old Boys’ Associations will be commemorated by a granite bench, for quiet contemplation and rest. Individual ex-apprentices can ‘Buy a Tablet’ to commemorate their years at their school/college, with their own named stone tablet, incorporated into the large circular stone base. It will be in black granite and measure 9” by 6” (225mm x 150mm). Please see example below. Relatives and friends of apprentices will also have an opportunity to buy a tablet as a lasting personal tribute to ex-apprentices who have died. Personal Message from the Appeal Fund Patron Maj Gen Gerry Berragan CB (Arb 48B) “I urge all of you , who, like me benefited from the education , training and comradeship we experienced during our time as Army Apprentices to support the building of this memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum.” Proposed Memorial showing enlarged com-memorative tablet. Illustration by Mo Hope (Arb 59B).

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ AANP Memorial Page 4

ARMY APPRENTICE NATIONAL MEMORIAL

Your donation is very important. Help us to make it happen by completing the donation form below and returning it to: Mr Colin Weir, 20 Graburn Road, Formby, Liverpool, L37 3PB. Please make cheques payable to ‘Beachley Old Boys’ Association’. Call Colin on 01704 875653 or email col.chep@btinternet.com. If you are a UK taxpayer please tick the Gift Aid Scheme box and sign the form as we can claim an additional payment from the Inland Revenue, as a recognised charity, to add to the fund without extra cost to you.

Beachley Old Boys’ Association Members on AANM Steering Committee David Chapman (60A) Chairman & BOBA Representative Telephone 07951 696455 Colin Weir (55A) Member Telephone 01704 875653 Proposed memorial. Illustration by Barry Middlemass (Chepstow 60A B Coy).

Donation Form for the Army Apprentice National Memorial Please detach and complete this form and return to : Mr Colin Weir, 20 Graburn Road, Formby, Liverpool, L37 3PB. (Telephone 01704 875653. Email col.chep@btinternet.com) enclosing your cheque made payable to ‘Beachley Old Boys’ Association’. I wish to donate £___________ to the Army Apprentice National Memorial Fund. Please note : If your donation is £75 or more (£50 for families) it will enable you to have a personal Commemorative Tablet (with name, school, intake and years attended) built into the Memorial site during construction. Tablet required YES / NO. Title: .......................... First Name.............................................. Surname........................................................................................... Address:................................................................................................................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................... Postcode................................................................................ Home phone number: ..................................................................Email:.............................................................................................. BOBA Member: YES / NO Member number (if known) ......................................... Intake............................................................. Details for your COMMEMORATIVE TABLET. Please fill in name & details exactly as to be inscribed on your Tablet. First Name/s

Surname

School & Intake

Apprentice Years X X ‐‐ X X

GIFT AID SCHEME Make your donation worth over 25% more at no extra cost to you. Please treat this donation under the Gift Aid Scheme when this is applied for.

Please tick if UK taxpayer.

All donations will be acknowledged. Signature : __________________________________________ Date :_______________

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Chairman's Jottings Page 5

CHAIRMAN’S JOTTINGS Yet another year has passed and its time to provide the Editor of the ‘Echoes’ with my jot-tings. My first attempt at writing this article was drafted when the UK was in the grip of se-vere winter weather, now I know we are obsessed with such matters in this country but I mention it only to highlight the dedication and determination of those members of the asso-ciation and the executive committee who braved atrocious road conditions and plunging tem-peratures in order to attend the funeral of our friend and tireless servant of BOBA, Rocky Evershed, he leaves a legacy within the association that will not be forgotten.

Since the last issue of the Echoes dropped on your door mats there have been a few changes to the committee; Chris Ricketts 65A (C Coy) is now our Treasurer and continues the good work of his predecessor. Derek Fox 58B (C Coy) took up the reins of Membership Secretary when Rocky decided to take a back seat due to his de-clining health; again the good work continues. Geoff Warren 67C (B Coy) is our new co-opted member to the committee, as an extra pair of hands he is a most welcome addition to our ranks. At risk of repeating one of the points covered by our President, I would like to pass on my thanks to Col Alan Holman and of course to Syd, for their success in persuading the last Commandant of the College, Col Chris Haskell, to provide the final chapter of the College history. Our Heritage Member, Maj. Malcolm Hay and I are delighted; this now means after many, many years we can now produce a book that will cover the whole period of apprentice training at Beachley. Much work has yet to be done and there is a slim chance that printed copies will be available at the reunion in September. In order to estimate the number of copies we need to print please place a tick (√) in the box on the Reunion Booking Form (Page 19 bottom right) if you intend to purchase one. If you will not be attending the reunion but would like to have a copy please contact me or any other member of the committee. Many thanks. I would ask that members do not get the above mentioned book confused with one that has recently become available that was initially written by Rocky and then completed by Brian Elks. This book is titled ‘The Beachley Apprentices Story 1923 – 1994’ and takes a differing look at the life of apprentices while at Beachley. For your copy see page 27 for guidance or visit our website at www.armyapprenticescollege.homestead.com . Another exciting project being supported by the association and indeed by that of the associations of the other apprentice training establishments is the proposed construction of a memorial to all Army Apprentices. To achieve our aims we need to raise a substantial sum of money, so I ask that you give what support you can. Our lead on this is Major David Chapman and additional information regarding this project is on pages 2-4. The reunion in September last year was an enjoyable weekend but saw a down turn in attendance, it is the committee’s hope that this was just a blip and was caused by the recession, rising fuel prices, etc, etc. Having said that, I would ask that you try and support the work done by the committee and attend the reunions. Like-wise most members will recall the prominent WWI recruiting poster where Kitchener stated ‘Your country needs you’. Obviously BOBA needs as many members as possible if it is to continue to flourish for years to come, therefore it is requested all readers of these Echoes become recruiting sergeants on behalf of the association. Meanwhile the work of your committee continues with its usual enthusiasm and to give you an idea of what they do please read their reports contained within the AGM Minutes. Without doubt the Echoes reach a greater number of members than attend the reunion and because of this there are many other topics that I’d like to cover but I’m conscious that space in the Echoes is always at a pre-mium and its time to close. Before I do I’d like to thank you for your continuing support and remind you that it’s your association and we on the committee are the facilitators. If you feel improvements can be made please do not hesitate to contact any member of the committee, also if you have access to the internet please visit our website whenever you can, you’ll be surprised at the information it contains. The very best regards to all. Brian Henderson

Editors Contact Details ~ Mac Obermaier, 12 Wyebank Place, Tutshill, Chepstow, NP16 7EU.

Tel 01291 626863 email ~ macobermaier@hotmail.co.uk

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Ladies Page Page 6

I gather once again the hotel had a new manager and as always this caused one or two minor problems during the course of the weekend. This is disappointing especially when you consider the amount of time and effort that the committee and in particular Peter Burridge, put in to getting it right. As always thanks go to Peter for his consistency when dealing with the hotel staff. Thanks also go to the other members of the committee who are all involved in the smooth running of the reunion weekend. I understand the Ladies dinner was well attended and in the absence of Mary, Joe Rooney brought along Win-nie Antony. It was pleasing to note that she looked well and enjoyed herself in the company of the other ladies. At the invitation of the association an American lady and her sister also attended the dinner, Mrs Millington had contacted the association many months previous and asked if her husband’s ashes could be scattered within the bounds of the college. Thankfully Joe agreed and following the Founders Day church service on a glorious Sunday morning a small but poignant ceremony was held around the flag pole just outside St George’s church. Brian also said that a number of other ladies whose husbands are no longer with us were also in attendance; one such lady is Vera Gasser who is a staunch supporter of BOBA and travels from Hampshire to join us for the weekend. There were of course others who attended and enjoyed the company, and also ladies who could not attend for many and varied reasons, to these I wish them well and hope they can join us this year. It is now nearing the end of February and plans are well in hand for the reunion later this year. The weekend will follow the usual format that is unless you ladies wish to change it, no doubt the men folk will still want their stag dinner and I feel the AGM and church parade/service are now set in stone. That said there is no reason to stop you putting proposals forward to change the Friday evening activities or suggest that a trip be organised while the men are at the golf or the AGM, Cribbs Causeway or the Abergavenny Food Festival spring to mind. I’m reminded that my ‘column inches’ are running out so all that I need to say is that I wish you all the best of health and look forward to seeing you all in September. Margaret Henderson

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LADIES COLUMN Unfortunately I was unable to attend the reunion in 2009 however on his return from Chepstow Brian talked me through the coming and goings of the weekend.

Please Read This Request

It has already been mentioned that the annual costs of approx £900 & rising are paid out of our funds for mailing your Echoes to you. A cost that could easily be reduced if those of you who are able, would accept a digital issue sent by email attachment called a PDF file (portable document format). To read it you simply click on the file, (this is a doddle of the first magnitude). Users can increase the size of pages to make reading easier, photo-graphs are clearer and could be in colour, you can print the article and you can send it to as many friends or family as you wish. Over thirty of you have “sampled” the package and I am pleased to report that to date there has been nothing but praise about the new format. It may well be that some of you are uncertain, therefore this year we are sending an extra PDF copy to all members not yet signed up to it in the hope that more will agree. It is vital that those involved reply to us confirming their choice one way or the other because in this way we can also update our record of addresses, a point for us all to bear in mind? Please remember there is no pressure to accept this proposal, we will issue paper copies to those who prefer them or who have decided they can live without the wonderful world wide web. It is your money gentlemen. Editor Notice ~ Please note that the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise of either the Editor or of The Beachley Old Boys Association and therefore no responsibility for these will be accepted. While all contributions and articles for inclusion in the Echoes are very welcome, it would be of assistance ( not essential), if Microsoft Word is used (Rich Text Format). JPEG or TIFF is preferable for photographs with images at or over 300 dpi where possible. Editor

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Heritage Trail Page 7

ber? Never mind, perhaps you will remember all those important academic accomplishments. After all, that is why we went to Beachley, was it not? to be educated? Well perhaps it was for a few, in fact it was only a very small elite band of boffins who knew things like O lev-els come before A levels. I mean, what sort of person reads the alphabet backwards? For some , those first winter evenings were spent sweating it out in the ring, or freezing to death in the back of an open 3-ton truck after swimming training at Maindy pool, Newport. However, that elite band of Times crossword disciples, with their clever dickey swatting, were ONCing it here, and HNCing there, as if they had nothing else better to do other than pass exams and stick stars all up their left arms. After 3 years at Beachley, I was lucky to have just scraped through the final AEC exams. Clearly, I came from a different planet to those 57B, star collectors. People like Brian Potts, Nick Nichols, Keith Chadwick, and Ron Cooper etc. And there were others! Terry Lesley, James Harper, George Small, they all had a distinct tilt to the left, from the weight of academic stars on their arms. Oh Yes! You could always tell the chosen few when we were on parade, absolutely useless at wheeling to the right! At our passing out parade my late mother’s beady eye spotted Ron Cooper’s armful. And then, focusing her attention on my starless attire, (totally ignoring the coat of arms) she asked me, with more than just a hint of accusation; “And what have you been doing for the last 3 years?” A profound question indeed, which to this day, I have never been able to answer! At the time, I mulled over a few possibilities before deciding to keep my thoughts to myself. After all, by that time Chepstow had taught me that it was “far, far better for people to think you are an idiot, than to open your mouth and prove it!” The fact is that I was not sure of the motive behind her question, but I knew the answer was far reaching. An answer such as “Learning how to bull a chin-strap” was probably at the wrong end of the intellectual scale, and would not have satisfied anyone. “Changing from a boy to a man,” had possibilities, but then who wants to be accused of promoting a cliché, heard only in soppy American films. If I had been bet-ter equipped with a brain that could function outside the dimensions of 36-21-36, I might have offered

The Heritage Trail - “And what did You do in 3 years at Beachley?” Extracts from a letter sent to 57B from Ant Kemp What an excellent display of books, photographs and magazines depicting our lives at Beachley. Or-ganised so well by Malcolm Hay, that I found myself being transported back to those dark cold days and nights of Autumn 1957. For most of our Group cele-brating 50 years since we arrived at Beachley, 2007 was about recalling some of those experiences, and trying to make some sense of it all. Reading those old press articles and copies of the Robot, had a sobering affect on me. And God knows, after the reunion dinner the previous evening, I needed some of that! Those historic accounts of our earlier lives recorded important events, sporting achievements and special people winning prizes. Somewhere eve-rybody seemed to get a mention, I was reminded of the fact throughout my career, I often cited individu-als of 57B, to illustrate Andy Warhol’s claim that “Everyone will be famous for 15 minutes”. I well remember our first trip to the gym and watching some skinny creature trying to chin the beam. The PTI was screaming at him because he could hardly lift his own weight an inch off the ground. The poor soul was shaking so much the whole gym vibrated and I felt desperately sorry for him. That of course was before one John Reynolds almost broke the 4-minute mile and in the process, left me coughing my heart up having struggled to complete only two laps in the same time. Pictured in the centre position in the photograph overleaf. Some of the most unlikely guys became famous for some notorious deed or other, (albeit for just over 4 minutes). This was not always achieved with the approval of those charged to make us better people. Without the strenuous efforts of some members of our Group, and of course with some wholly unjustifi-able bad luck, the Provost staff would have been out of a job. As it was, they seemed to be kept quite busy as members of 57B created reputations. By the way does any one remember how Nick Vesey, became famous? He was eventually medically dis-charged. Ironic really, since his claim to fame for occurred during the Asian flu epidemic and involved a luckless young nurse sent to care for us. Remem-

THIS WAS MY SECOND REUNION and was even better than the 2008.

The work that goes into organising events like this is enormous so please accept my grateful thanks for your per-sonal contribution as Chairman in overseeing the AGM the Dinner and the Church Parade and to the Committee for giving me the opportunity to mingle with trusted friends from yesteryear. I'm still tingling with the happy events of last weekend.I am about to compile a website for 57A with the hope that we will have a bigger contingent from 57 A next year.

Declan Forde.57A. 23503126.

Page 8 Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Brief Encounter

“learning to grow up,” or “learning how to survive,” and “preparing oneself for what life is about to throw at us,” (Thank God we never knew at the time, what that might be) but of course, in those days, then, such a re-sponse was far beyond my imagination. By now though, I suspect some of you have worked out your own answers to what actually happened to you at

Beachley. For me however, the fact that some 53 members of 57B bought themselves out, or left on medical grounds or were compulsory discharged, and never made the passing out parade, was signifi-cant. I now feel that none of us could have survived Chepstow, without learning a great deal. Not even those know it all, done it all, library card carrying, and toffee nosed… I must stop this! Sniping at those guys just because, unlike the rest of us, they had worked out that climbing into the ring to have 7 Bells of what-not bashed out of you, would not actually enhance ones career. That was just a ruse started by the PT Staff, Hairy Hutton and Scottie, to satisfy their own sadistic nature. The fact remains that hav-ing such talented students (the rest of us were

called, Boys) in 57B, seriously undermined those widely circulating rumours that we all attended 3 years at Beachley, as part of some criminal rehabilitation programme. Actually, Ron Cooper and I were just a hop, skip and an explosion away from just that! But that is another story. Anyway, that question, ‘what had I been doing for 3 years?’ continues to haunt me. Perhaps I simply “learnt how to learn, from people more clever than I” …People like Brian, Nick, Keith and Ron…bless ‘em!

Runners who helped carry the Queens Message to the Empire Games Stadium 1958 G.Bailey, K Grimshaw, J Reynolds, F.Murphy, B Watts

Brief Encounter. (Or So I Thought!) It all started during my first full year at Beachley Camp having arrived in October 1942. I was 15 and a half years old when I arrived and having left school at 14 I had been working for 18 months. As boys we loved to wrestle and having good upper body strength I was usually able to take on smaller boys two at a time. However on this particular evening I could hardly lift my arm off the floor and I had developed a sore throat. The duty medic was sent for and after an examination he sent me up to the MRS for the night. The next morning the MO (Major Larry Shields) came to do his round, decided that I had Scarlet Fever and I was promptly “posted” to the Isolation Hospital in the Red Barracks at Newport. Sadly all of the others in the ward were placed in quarantine. The house doctor soon came to examine me and said “ yes your tonsils are swollen “ to which I replied, “That’s funny I had them out when I was four to which he replied, “That’s funny, they grow again,“ which of course they did in those days. So, I bedded down for a few days ,I was then allowed up and to walk the hospital grounds to discover that the ward across the way was a meningitis ward and the screams from there were horrendous. Later it was decided that I should convalescence so off I went to a very nice mansion called Te Gwyn at Lisvane near Llanishen, in normal times the home of Mr Smith a Cardiff ship owner. Of course all of this time I am in hospital blues, white shirt and red tie. The home was full with serving soldiers from various injuries and receiving remedial treatment and we all received a free issue of cigarettes. On my first full day there this PT corporal appeared in the familiar black and red striped jersey to put us through our paces and he caught me smoking. He confiscated my ciga-rettes and said that as a boy soldier I wasn’t allowed to smoke. Well the other soldiers rallied round and kept me going in cigarettes, however as punishment for smoking the PTI ordered me to mow the grass on the front lawn the next day. Unfortunately I had already arranged to visit a local farmhouse with a couple of the lads that after-noon so having mown half of the lawn off I went. Well the next day he was furious and said something to me that I have never forgotten. Asked he, “Do you know the rarest thing in the world ?” “No” says I, and he replied that it was a thimble full of boy soldiers sweat !! Anyway he continued to make my life difficult for the duration of my stay but it wasn’t going to be forever was it.!! Upon my return to Beachley it wasn’t too long before I had become a member of the School boxing team having won my weight in the company team and runner up in the inter company tournament. So things were going along nicely, training every week and some good external tournaments, sometimes were overmatched but en-joyable. I cannot remember how much time had elapsed before this big black cloud appeared in the form of the corporal from the past but it came in the form of an SI APTC appointed to run the boxing team. He was the Welsh ABA Light or Welterweight champion by the name of Cyril Galley. On meeting the team his simple acknowledgement

Page 9 The Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Brief Encounter & Poem

Does anyone know who Q1-Q9 are?

Cont to me was ‘We have met’. I should have asked him if he had his thimble with him but discretion got the better part of valour. We soldiered on and whilst he never ever at-tempted to box my ears off it seemed to me that he usually managed to pair me up with some of the hardest hitters during sparring. He as it turned out was an extremely good boxer, eventually turning professional, fight-ing in America until damaging his hands. So much for my Brief Encounter which em-phasises that old adage. ‘You just do not know what is round the corner’.

Eric Blenkinsop 42B D Coy.

C. Galley -T.Gudge - G.Murray - Q1 - Q2 - Q3 - E.Blenkinsop, ? Kennison-Q4 Q5- ? Burkitt - ? Tighe - Lt.Col.Cuddon - Capt.Webb - ? Cowley -J Pirie - Q6

Q7 - ? Morris - Ginger Devlin - Q8 - Q9 - ? Broadley - ? Hooper

What Had He Done? What had he done, his head had doubt, Startled by a sergeants shout, He’d arrived at Beachley in the wintry rain, His heart was heavy and felt the pain. His worn out shoes and tatty clothes, Were passed to the QM for him to dispose, Drawers and shirt and woollen vest, Made him itch on his hairless chest. An eleven fifty seven he’d signed that morn, For clothes with strange names about to be worn, They were far too big and he was now enveloped, In denims that might fit as he developed. He grappled with brushes and boots ammunition, He polished them hard it was army tradition, With candle and spoon he flattened the pimple, If we’d had smooth leather life would’ve been simple. His mentor showed him how to make up his bed, Then take it apart and make a bed block instead, With hospital corners the mattress was done, Now buffing and polishing the floor was to come. With kit and webbing he was now encumbered, All waiting for stamping with his last four numbers, Knife, fork and spoon, and mess tins shiny, His thoughts turned to woman and the girl left “behind me.” Our uniforms designed many years before, Used by our troops in the first war, Now given to A/Ts to use up the surplus, They’d have not gone amiss in Fred Karnos circus. Armed with Brasso and Blanco and some cleaning pads,

He enjoyed all the friendship as one of the lads, He went in as a boy and learnt to clean, march and shout, Then three years later it was a man who came out. It was on to the square in ranks of three, Keep your arms straight and just bend the knee, Hold your dressing to the left or the right, Anything less is a horrible sight. Soon practice and time brought precision and style, The sound of us marching travelled many a mile, Toecaps and heels shining like glass, T’was the studs that stopped us from falling flat on our ass. But enough of fitness training in the gym, Now the nuts and bolts held with a pin, What about pumps all tied up with torque, Not marching to the cookhouse with knife, spoon and fork. Our nostrils flared to the scent of fresh oil, And interesting things, like a spark from a coil, Verniers, mikes and callipers gave measure, Stripping a gearbox was a source of great pleasure. Slow and main jets to keep pristine clean, And increase the airflow to get it quite lean, Whilst others made drawings complex and sure, And welders and blacksmiths shaped metals galore. The fitters worked slavishly on dozers and pumps, But others were trained for big ammo dumps, Together we worked, some tears and some glee, Then into the Corps, we had done years three. *********** Thank you to Alf Robins, Ian Dizzie MacDonald and Colin Weir of 55A, takes you back doesn’t it? Editor

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ The President’s Thoughts Page 10

LES JOHNSTON 61C Earlier last year, my wife Andrea and myself took ourselves off to Hong Kong and Singapore. On the first day in Hong Kong (19/01/08), Andrea decided she wanted some money. Off we went to look for a money changer, no problem on Nathan Road, Kowloon. Soon found one. Travellers cheques produced and signed, great. Passports next. Horror of horrors, left in hotel room. “Do you have any other photo I.D?” asks the young lady in the booth. “Yes” replies Andrea as she produces a card. The young lady scanned the card, muttered and mumbled a few things in Chinese. Finally she said “O.K.” passed it back and gave us the money. What had Andrea given her as I.D.,a Monmouthshire County Council----BUS PASS.

Cont. are all grateful for his efforts. I was privileged to join with others at his funeral where Baz Morgan and Chalkie White carried the Association Standards. The National Arboretum – With the four Schools/Colleges now getting together to form a consortium to prepare plans, estimates, designs, etc the whole busi-ness is very much in full swing. I am sure there will be more on this subject elsewhere in this edition and very much hope you will give it your full support. See pages 2,3 and 4. The History of The Army Apprentice College, Chepstow. – Now that Col. Chris Haskell has com-pleted the final chapter the extensive work of com-pletely re-typing the original plus final 2 chapters can be undertaken (a lot has already been done by Brian) and the History published as a complete work. I never ceased to be amazed at the effort/time put in by committee members on our behalf – they certainly gain my appreciation and thanks. Things have not been so good at home – unfortu-nately Gaynor had a very serious operation on 18th December and now has to undergo at least 3 ses-sions of chemotherapy with the possibility of a further major op and more chemo. Despite this she is deter-mined to join you at the Reunion and sends her re-gards to all. We look forward to September and in the meantime – God Bless, look after each other. Syd Thomas

The President’s thoughts. So very much has happened since the last edition of The Echoes that I am at a bit of a loss to know where to start not having the best of memory and not making notes.

The Old School House (OSH) and St. Johns Church Projects (SJC) – As you all know John Fur-ley and I worked very hard over many years to get the Association on firm footing, All turned ‘pear shaped’ after we were granted Adverse Possession and then the MOD presented and won a case to re-gain ownership. During all this it was discovered that we would be very unlikely to be able to register the OSH as a meeting place or more to the point – sell it, which was always our intention letting the member-ship decide on the SJC project or not. Your Commit-tee, in their wisdom, decided that if these conditions applied to the OSH they would in all probability be the same for SJC and therefore dropped the lease. We now have nowhere of our own and are back to 1994!. Chairman Brian is trying to negotiate with the MOD for a ‘peppercorn’ rental package for the OSH (I spent 10 years when Chairman trying to do this – hope he has more success than me) The Cenotaph Parade – A goodish turnout but we did take 3 non Beachley to make up numbers. This year we already have bids in and I sincerely hope to get more before the Reunion. Our allocation has been reduced from fifty to just thirty five. Bids to me please, syd4hd@btopenworld.com or complete the list at the Reunion time. I wrote to The Royal British Legion asking if we could possibly get 6 to 8 tickets for the Albert Hall on the Saturday evening prior to the Cenotaph Parade – their reply was that ALL tick-ets were distributed via Branches of the Legion and we would have to apply as individuals to local Branches and take pot luck in Branch allocations. This rather messes up the idea of us going as a group, still it might be worth a try. I will apply this year. Rocky Evershed – The tough old bird finally suc-cumbed to the dreaded C. He gave BOBA so very much of his time as Membership Secretary and we Cont.

The BOBA Standard

Readers may like to know that should the family wish it, the BOBA Standard can be present at the funeral of members who have passed on. This is of course subject to the availability of a standard bearer. Please note that where we can assist we must ask for a donation of £0.20 per mile to offset the standard bearer’s motor vehicle expenses, oth-erwise their services are entirely free of charge. Alternatively a BOBA flag can be sent directly to the nominated undertaker for use as a coffin drape.

I n M e m o r i a m REPORTED DECEASED SINCE THE 2009 BEACHLEY ECHOES No. 15.

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ In Memoriam Page 11

Names please, of volunteers to join the Parade & March Past on November 14th. 2010, to: Syd Thomas, Tel : 01656 661180.

Mr Dave Smith 60C Mr John Smith 44A Mr Dave Stone 49A Mr Ken Stout 53B Lt Col Syd Thomas 47A Mr Bill Tudman 57A Mr Tony Waite 60C Major Derek Walker 55A Mr Roy Wells 50A Mr Chalkie White 73A Lt Col Nick Winder 58A Mr Geoff Winter 66C Mr Richard Pool RE Mr Tony Stamford REME Mr Ian Harrower RE Mr S. Woods RAMC Mr David Baker RE

BOBA CENOTAPH DETACHMENT 2009: On the 8th November 2009 those listed below assembled at Horse Guards Parade to march at Whitehall past the Cenotaph to remember and respect our War dead. It is always an extremely moving event. Please consider joining us on November 14th 2010 and use this opportunity to say your thank you to those who gave everything for the future of others.

Mr Ray Armstrong 55A Mr Bob Beeston 60C Mr Bill Blackman 57A Mr Clive Bridgeman 66C Mr Colin Bridgeman 66C Mr Ian Dickins 47B Mr David Fowle 66C Mr Ian Goodall 74C Mr Chris Gould 71B Major Malcolm Hay 53A Mr Joe Kinson 50A Mr Mike Mathews 50A Mr John Moore 73C Mr Baz Morgan 73B Mr Dick Mullins 63C Mr Alan Pickin 66A Mr Derek Pomeroy 62A Mr Bob Reid 56A Wally Davidson 43 Gp D Coy represented BOBA in attending the local service at Chepstow this day, laying a wreath on our behalf.

Rest In Peace

BOBA Members

Peter Bell 47A D 19/11/2009 Phillip Bomford 42A CB 2009 Rocky Evershed 61B C 08/12/2009 Alex Greenwood 39 Gp C NK Jack Horsfall 44 Gp C Dec 2008 Jack Medhurst 50B C 10/10/2009 Bill Offord 45Gp B 22/08/2007 Peter Russell 42A A 27/07/2009 Stan Watkins 45 Gp C NK John Workman 48A C 10/01/2010 Wally Carlile 60B C 04/02/2010 Ron Overd 50A B 01/04/2010

Non BOBA Members

Don Bradley 48A B 28/09/2009 Dennis Hendy NK NK NK George Fletcher 41Gp “ 11/11/2009 Geoffrey Guppy 45B “ 2009 Len Kemp 42A “ 01//07/2009 Alan Jones 27Gp “ 19/05/2009 Cyril Millington 42A “ Oct 1989 Brian Williams 57B A NK George Young 43A D 26/03/2009 Tony Hawkins-Brown 55B C 19/02/2010 Pat Abbott 42A 16/03/2010

Bill Offord BEM 45 Group B Coy

It is with regret that we heard the news that Bill had passed away in August 2007 from his daughter Dianne. She enjoyed hearing his stories about his time at the Army Apprentices School and recalls that he had ex-tremely fond memories of that time. Bill also thoroughly enjoyed the reunions until ill health prevented his atten-dance. Dianne says that whenever Bill and family drove over the Severn Bridge, they would all chorus in with his inevitable line of “Well that’s where it all started”. A tradition she now maintains on behalf of her father. If any one reading this has memories of Bill his daughter would be grateful to hear them, her contact details are as follows ~ Miss D. Offord, 25 Bronhaul, Pentrych, Cardiff, CF15 9TA

Page 12 Beachley Old Boys Association ~ 2009 AGM Minutes Page 1

BEACHLEY OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION

THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE, BEACHLEY, CHEPSTOW, MONS NP16 7YG

Chairman Brian Henderson Walwyns 5 Swanswell Close Broad Haven Haverfordwest Pembs SA62 3LW

Telephone: 01437 781273 email: brianhend@hotmail.com 19th September 2009

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2009 ST GEORGE’S CHURCH, BEACHLEY BARRACKS Present: Lt Col S Thomas President Maj B Henderson TD Chairman Mr B Morgan Vice President (Elected) Mr G White Vice President (Elected) and Welfare Officer Mr T Waite Vice President (Elected) Mr D Fox Membership Secretary Maj M Hay Heritage Member Mr P Burridge Reunion Organiser Mr C Ricketts Treasurer Mr BA Obermaier Echoes Editor and Chepstow Liaison Maj DRO Walker Secretary Opening/Welcome 1. The meeting opened at 1510hrs in St George’s Church, Beachley Barracks, Chepstow, with 65 mem-bers in attendance. The Chairman read out a letter received from Joe Kinson (50A) tendering his apologies for absence due to this day being his wedding day and also his 75th birthday. A congratulatory card has been sent on behalf of the Association. Item 1 - Apologies 2. The following apologies for absence had been received by the Hon Secretary: John Furley 56A Ken Nunn 56A Rocky Evershed 61B Geoff Warren 67C Tony Orchard 56A John Symes 47A Geoff Walkins 53A Bob Jago 47A Alan Ball 46A Tony Meats 43A Lt Col Brian Woodward 56B Col Polley Past Comdt Item 2 - President’s Welcoming Address 3. The President welcomed everyone and gave his thoughts as to why attendance figures were down this

year. He encouraged all members to achieve further recruitment individually and he congratulated the 2 members of 59 Group on their 50th Anniversary Year.

Cont.

Page 13 Beachley Old Boys Association ~ 2009 AGM Minutes Page 2

Cont. Item 3 - In Memoriam 4. The Hon Secretary read out the names of those BOBA Members who had passed away since the issue of the 2009 Beachley Echoes: Mr Dennis Hendy Lt Col Jones 27 Gp Mr Stan Watkins 45C Mr Jack Horsfall 44C Mr Phillip Bomford 42A 5. The members present stood and observed a period of silence in remembrance. Item 4 - Minutes of the 2008 Annual General Meeting 6. Only one written amendment was raised for the 2008 minutes of the AGM. Item 10c (Q) should read: ‘Was BOBA’s 30 year future really feasible? In the statistical survey I carried out I was only able to project mem-bership numbers for 15 years, as to have gone any further would have been mathematically unsound'. Subject to this amendment it was proposed that the minutes of the 2008 AGM be adopted as an accurate record of the proceedings: Proposer R Armstrong 55A Seconder R Reid 56A Carried. Item 5 - Matters Arising 7. There were no matters arising. Item 6 - Executive Committee Reports 8. Chairman. The committee has continued with its quarterly meetings. Another issue of The Beachley Echoes has been produced. Administration is continuous and website problems (contributions from members of photos, stories, etc would be appreciated) have been dealt with. The Chairman has taken over the duties of Webmaster from Rocky. Thank you to Chris Ricketts, Mac Obermaier and wives for posting out (800+) Beachley Echoes. The College History (up to 1994) is now digitized, later chapters have been added and fore-word written. The final chapter has yet to be written and Col Alan Holman has been requested to contact the last serving Commandant and ask that he produce the 'close down period' material. The Chairman has also thanked Rocky Evershed and John Furley, who for many years have carried out a vast amount of excellent work on be-half of the association, both have now resigned from the executive committee. 9. Treasurer. I took over the account from Tony Waite at the end of July 09, the account is healthy and continues on course but a statement has not been created due to my short time in post. By means of an update the interest returns are down (£63 per month on investments, £3 per/month on the main account). The balance from the StJC fund is to be transferred to the main account. No transfer between accounts has been needed. The final figures for the 2009 Reunion have yet to be finalised. Premium reductions have been made for the same cover and liabilities in insurance and use of email instead of Royal Mail has helped. The potential of send-ing the Beachley Echoes by e-mail rather than by post would save some £800 a year, printing costs would also be reduced. Association value is approximately £6500 CA. Investments total £18,200, Shop Stock is £2,200 with Misc Assets at £2000. There are liabilities which are ongoing for the running of the Association. There are no outstanding debts and we are still welcoming new members. Should you require further data please contact the treasurer. It was proposed that the audited financial statement for Jan – Dec 2008 be accepted: Proposer R Marie 46A Seconder P Gilbey 53B Carried. 10. Membership Secretary. (a). This is my first report and I thank you for my election. May I also thank Rocky Evershed for the immense Cont.

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ 2009 AGM Minutes Page 3 Page 14

Cont assistance on handover. Always a loyal servant to the Association and a friend. It is an honour to be in the Association. Membership Fees were discussed in the Beachley Echoes and it was estimated we would lose 150 members due to the 3 year Rule. (Article 6c in hand book) - this does not however, stop anyone from re-enrolling (comment from the floor indicated too much time involved with StJC/OSH had played a large part in these losses) especially as StJC/OSH have returned to the Status Quo now.

(b). We have had 20 new members enrolled during the past year. We only send info packs when re-quested in order to reduce postage, it has paid dividends. A review of recruiting methods is being un-dertaken, including the Daily Mail. Group web members are endeavouring to steer recruits to BOBA and should be applauded. 60 Group are the coming 50th anniversary year members. We await a nomi-nee for this task. He should liaise with the Membership Secretary.

(c). Further endeavour to deliver the Beachley Echoes by electronic sources should be made to reduce costs to members. To date only 49 members have come forward with e-mail addresses!!

11. Heritage Member.

(a). The recording of Group details from the records is nearly complete with only 1935/39 and 87-94 Intakes to be completed. I must thank the previous Membership Secretary for his unstinting work. Scanning and digitalisation of the 'Enlistment Books' prior to handing them to the National Archives has to be completed, we anticipate NA assistance.

(b). Chepstow Museum has been contacted about our intention to display joint holdings of memorabilia. This may only be achieved by museum extension, the curators aspiration, and might require a financial contribution. This is long term and has been on hold during the StJC/OSH discussions.

(c). Many thanks to Peter Gilbey, Ken Stout and Brian Walker for their continuing assistance..

(d). Brian Elks has taken up the compilation of Rocky's 'Beachley Dittys', and any material should be submitted via myself or the Chairman.

12. Welfare Member. Please complete your NOK lists from the Beachley Echoes if you haven't already done so. Remember your area reps are available for contact. They are listed in the Beachley Echoes and on the website. 13. Chepstow Liaison/Beachley Echoes. Most members have personal computers so please leave your email address afterwards to ensure future delivery of the Echoes. Item 7 - Election of Committee/Officers 14. Because all of the committee had volunteered to remain in post it was deemed sensible to re-elect them ‘en bloc’. It was therefore proposed that all the current members of the committee be elected and remain in post: Proposer W Blackman 57A Seconder R Marie 46A Carried. 15. The association currently has three Elected Vice Presidents (Tony Waite, Baz Morgan, Gary White) all of which assist with the work of the committee, all wish to remain in post. It was proposed that the current elected Vice Presidents remain in post for a further 12 months: Proposer R Armstrong 55A Seconder J Phillips 58B Carried. Item 8 - St John’s Church/Old School House 16. The President reviewed the large amount of work, effort and hours that had been put in by the Committee

and members through the last 15 years on the OSH/StJC project. Possession of the OSH is now back with the MoD and the lease of StJC has not been renewed. After all that effort the 'status quo' is main-tained and the MOD retains the OSH and we expect to remain in the building and pay a 'peppercorn rent'.

Cont.

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ 2009 AGM Minutes Page 4 Page 15

Cont. Not in my mind satisfactory but acknowledgement must be given for all effort expended to complete the circle, to have challenged MOD's claim of the OSH title would have needlessly expended BOBA’s funds, so we did not. 17. The Chairman who is in contact with the local Defence Estates office in Brecon felt we were a little better off as we now know who owned the OSH and they were likely to give BOBA a 25 year lease at a peppercorn rent. The lease has yet to be seen but will be scrutinized thoroughly to ensure no legal entrapment occurs, and that due consideration for maintenance and upkeep of the property is included. The OSH should soon be back on the Maintenance Asset Register, and it is anticipated details will be forthcoming shortly. 18. It was proposed from the floor by J Thayer and seconded by P Gilbey, that a vote of thanks be given to the President and the Committee for their sterling work throughout the period. Agreed by all present. Item 9 - The National Memorial Arboretum 19. David Chapman had spoken with the curator of the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) who saw no immediate problems. Detailed plans would be required but not until funds (£10K) were available/raised, then the plans would be put to the NMA Trustees for a final decision. He envisaged an Apprentice Chepstow Plinth, al-though it maybe an idea supported by the Old Boys’ of the other apprentice establishments. Opening it out would depend on the funds raised. He felt an item in the Beachley Echoes with request for a £10/20 donation from members would, if fully supported, raise the necessary monies. 20. There would be a need for a formal proposal at the 2010 AGM and probably a dedication service to be arranged. 21. From the floor comment was made by R Marie that all the RAF Apprentices establishments already had a joint memorial/area at the NMA, it would seem appropriate that the Army Apprentices did the same. 22. The President had heard in passing that the Arborfield Old Boys Association were considering a similar project. The Chairman felt that a joint memorial might be the best way ahead but suggested we should wait and see what transpired over the coming months. This was agreed by the members attending. Item 10 - Any Other Business 23. Mr Jones stated that all our thoughts should be with Rocky Evershed at this time. He had dearly wished to be here today, and left his decision until the last minute, but was unable to travel. This was accepted by all present. Item 11 - Closure/Date of Next Meeting 24. The meeting closed at 1630hrs after the Chairman informed those attending tomorrows Founders Day church service of the entry and exit procedures to the barracks. Church Parade is at 1030 hrs sharp and the col-lection this year is being donated to 'Troop Aid'. Following the service, the ashes of Mr Cyril Millington (42A) will be scattered during a simple ceremony at the Flagstaff Plinth. 25. The next BOBA Reunion will be held over the period 17th – 19th September 2010. Secretary Chairman

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Rocky & War Medal Page 16

Rocky Evershed 61B C Coy.

Many of you without doubt will already know the sad news that Rocky Evershed our Membership Secretary passed away recently leaving a void that affected all who knew him. Most of us, includ-ing the committee only knew him through our Association and what a supporter and fine man he was. Given the chance I am certain everyone of us would say the same and a few already have within these pages, also below. With this in mind I can do no better than to endorse their thoughts and ask you to join us in extending our sympathy to his family and friends. I will leave you with the words of two of those friends. May he rest in Peace.

Rocky and I joined the Army Apprentices School in Easter of 1961. We seemed to bond there and then, he was a very popular boy soldier. I call him boy, he was in fact the oldest member in 61B group and a very good driver as known to many. It was my car that he used to drive, however the fact remains that he was the first person we knew who lost his licence before he passed his test but that’s another story! He was also a very good horseman and we often rode together with friends. After leaving Chepstow and finishing our basic training we lost touch as we were posted to different units. It was only by chance that we met by accident in Gillingham High Street a few years later and renewed our long lasting friendship. We drove to Chepstow annually to attend the BOBA reunion for many years. Later he set up the BOBA South East branch which only lasted a couple of years due to declining membership. Rocky then be-came BOBA membership secretary and webmaster. A true friend is hard to come by and I was privileged to know him, Rose his wife and family. I will sadly miss Rocky and extend my sympathy to Sarah, Blake, Ellis and their families.

Keith Gribben 61B C Coy. Lawrence F. Evershed, (Rocky to his friends), honest like the real man he was, opened his heart to the world as everyone's friend, his dedication to the BOBA Association was second to none. A man who could stand along-side any man and know he had done his best with everyone and everything he came in contact with. Factually, if Rocky had a fault it was because he didn't accept there was a limit to what should be done for others. I am far more than proud to know he considered me a real friend. God bless and keep him safe with his beloved Rose. God bless all. John Furley 56A D Coy.

A/T RSM Alan Nesbitt 45A Group I put this comment to the ’Soldier’ magazine when I still had a year or two to serve in the Regular Army before retiring in March 1987. There were no responses refuting or surpass-ing my claim so in finest Beachley fashion I’m supposing that I have the distinction of replac-ing the Field Marshall in his claim. Cont

Maybe some BOBA ‘Old Sweat’ can go one further than me? Incidentally 45A was the last group to re-ceive the War Medal.

Alan Nesbitt wrote in with the article about War Med-als for your interest. It relates to a medal issued at the time in question in much the same way as the Veter-ans Badge is today, the article was followed by a ques-tion. Are you intrigued ? I was, I thought that the sheer audacity of the author bordered on sacrilege! Please read on and we would love to know if anyone else lays claim to the honour described. Editor

War Medals I was interested to read of a statement credited to Field Marshall Sir Edwin Bramall when he retired from the Army that when he left there would be no other soldier serving who could sport a War Medal. I am still on a regular engagement, having signed on in February 1945 and I have a War Medal 1939-45. This would seem to belie his claim Can I through your columns find out if there are others who can make similar war medal claims? Lt. Col. A Nesbitt.

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Welfare Page Page 17

WELFARE MATTERS

BOBA Welfare Representatives

Area Rep’s Name: Group: Tel. No: England

Berks/Bucks/Oxon. Tom Davitt 54A 01344 775787 Dorset / Wilts. Ron Durtnall 37 01202 763270 Essex Joe Finerty 43A 01702 554362

Ditto Noel Drew 60A 01708 556475 Hampshire Dave Stone 49A 02392 265554 Herts./Beds/Northants. John Smith 44A 01582 592432 Kent Charles Whitehead 45A 01634 361801 Lancashire/Cheshire Ray Armstrong 55A 01942 491140 Lincs/Notts/Derby Wally Green 50B 01522 595963 Som / Devon/ Cornwall Tony Waite 60C 01823 669336

Suffolk/Norfolk/Cambs. Dave Chapman 60A 01379 870084 Worcs/Hereford/W Mid. George Waite 42B 01217 449117 Warks./East Midlands Chalkie White 73A 02476 404999 Yorkshire Trevor Medcalf 43A 01904 644569

Scotland

Scotland Dave Lackie 43B 01313 362268

Wales N. Wales Ray Armstrong 55A 01942 491140

S. Wales (West of) John Stokes 42A 01974 821697 S. Wales (East of) Brian Henderson 65A 01437 781273

Welfare Reprepresentatives are requested to check the details shown above and inform the commit-tee of any changes. We still have a number of areas not covered, these are, Germany, Gloucs/Bristol, London/Middx, Shropshire, Staffs and Surrey/Sussex. Also Dave Lackie is soldiering on alone in Scotland and would welcome some assistance. Volunteers to take on these areas would be greatly appreciated, further information can be obtained from any of the above or BOBA committee members.. Should you be in a situation where you do not have a BOBA welfare representative or the represen-tative is unavailable, please remember that being and ex-serviceman you can secure the help of SSAFA. This organisation has a comprehensive network within the UK and also abroad, their con-tact details can be found in the Telephone Directory. SSAFA are the experts in handling welfare cases and have the capacity to draw on funds from a wide range of associations e.g. RBL, REA, etc. Indeed our records show that on a number of occasions SSAFA have asked us to provide support to ex Beachley Boys who are in need. Also please note the article about an organisation called Veterans UK on page 34. Lastly, thanks go to all the representatives for the work they carry out and also to the members who keep the welfare network informed of needy cases.

Old School House (OSH) Would everyone please note that we are no longer using this address for BOBA mail as the building is visited infrequently. For general purposes or Echoes material please use my address on page 5 however if you need to contact anyone specifically their addresses are shown herein or by all means ask me to forward mail to others.

Page 18 Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Itinerary

THE 2010 BOBA REUNION PROGRAMME

FRIDAY 17th SEPTEMBER REGISTRATION The BOBA Desk in the Hotel Foyer 14.00 to 1630 GOLF PRACTICE Dewstow Golf Club 13.00 onwards SUPPER The Two Rivers Suite 19.00 to 21.00 ENTERTAINMENT AND DANCING Ballroom ( bar until 0200 ) 20.30 to 12.00 SATURDAY 18th SEPTEMBER THE BOBS GOLF COMPETITION Park Course, Dewstow Golf Club 08.15 REGISTRATION AND SALES Hotel Foyer 10.00 to 12.30 HERITAGE TRAIL & MUSEUM The Two Rivers Suite 10.00 to 13.00 WELFARE AREA REPS MEETING The Larkfield Room 13.00 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING The Chapel at Beachley 14. 00 THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Chapel at Beachley 15.00 THE PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION The Lounge Bar 18.00 GOLF PRIZE GIVING The Bistro Restaurant 18.00 THE BOBA REUNION DINNER The Ballroom 18.30 THE LADIES’ DINNER The Two Rivers Suite 19.00 THE AFTER DINNER DANCE Ballroom ( bar until 0200 ) 22.00 to 01.00 SUNDAY 19th SEPTEMBER FORM UP FOR CHURCH PARADE Parade Square in Beachley Barracks 10.30 FOUNDERS DAY CHURCH SERVICE St Georges Chapel at Beachley 11.00 SUNDAY LUNCHEON By Private Arrangement with Hotel

Page 19

NAME: ......................................MEMBERSHIP No:...........GROUP:........ COMPANY.........

ADDRESS:...................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................POSTCODE: .......................

TELEPHONE No:.................................. DATE: .......................

THE NAME(S) OF ANY GUEST(S) INCLUDED IN THIS BOOKING:

1 ...................................................... 2 . ……………...............................……

TICKET REQUIREMENTS: THE FRIDAY NIGHT SUPPER ……. TICKETS @ £14 .00

THE REUNION DINNER …… TICKETS @ £26.00 THE LADIES’ DINNER …… TICKETS @ £26.00

NAME HOLDER ........ BADGE @ £ 1. 50

TOTAL VALUE OF CHEQUE ENCLOSED: £

ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - VEGETARIAN MEALS ETC.

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

SEATING ARRANGEMENTS ~ THE REUNION DINNER

THE SEATING FOR THE REUNION DINNER IS ARRANGED BY GROUPS. IF YOU WISH TO SIT WITH A PARTICULAR FRIEND PLEASE INDICATE HIS NAME AND GROUP BELOW:

NAME: ………….........…………………… GROUP: ………..

SEATING ARRANGEMENTS ~ THE LADIES DINNER

THE TABLES AT THE LADIES DINNER WILL SEAT UP TO EIGHT PERSONS. SHOULD YOU WISH TO

SIT WITH ANY PARTICULAR FRIEND(S) PLEASE INDICATE THE NAME(S) BELOW:

NAME: 1 ..……………………….....…...……. 2 .........…………………………………

PLEASE ENTER YOUR REQUIREMENTS ON THIS FORM, MAKE YOUR CHEQUE PAYABLE TO ’BOBA’, INCLUDE A STAMPED SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE (FOR YOUR TICKETS) AND SEND IT ALL TO THE

ADDRESS BELOW ~

Mr. P. Burridge, 4 Southbrook, 1 Heron Close, Preston, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6SX (Tel: 01305 835989)

PLEASE SEND YOUR BOOKING BEFORE: 1st August 2010

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Booking Form

THE BOBA REUNION Booking Form

17th to 19th September 2010

Book?

Page 20

This form is to allow an opportunity for members to complete, or resubmit an update.

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Next of Kin

BEACHLEY OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE, BEACHLEY, CHEPSTOW, NP16 7YG.

Dear BOBA Member Re: Next of Kin (NOK) This is a particularly difficult subject, however one that decidedly requires to be addressed. When a BOBA member ‘passes on’, the Executive Committee are left with a quandary as to if and whom they should contact in the family. If such a contact is desired, please be so kind as to complete the details below and in doing so, assist the Executive Committee to help where they are able. The Data Protection Act will apply to all details given. (Please use block capitals throughout) NOK Name: ………………………………………….. NOK Relationship: ………………………… NOK Address: …………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………. NOK Postcode: ……………………………. NOK Tel. No: ……………………………. NOK Email: …………………………………………… Your Name: ………………………………………….......... Membership No: …………………… Please return this information to the Membership Secretary using one of the following means: Email: memsec.boba@homecall.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0) 1760 338483 Mobile: +44 (0)784 555110 By Royal Mail: Send to the address above. Thank you in anticipation.

Sincere Regards,

Derek Fox ~ BOBA Membership Secretary.

BOBA ~ Membership Secretary Derek Fox

51 Church Close, Pentney,. King’s Lynn, Norfolk.

PE32 1JJ

Tel. 01760 338483 Mobile: 0784 555110

email: memsec.boba@homecall.co.uk

Page 21 Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Reunion Accommodation 1

CHEPSTOW & AREA ACCOMMODATION LIST: Confirmed April 2009 The accommodations published here have not been checked for standards. ~ These entries are subject to change without notice. All Locations are in, or within, a twelve miles radius of Chepstow. ~ Please check prices before booking, some are expensive. Accommodation marked thus * after the telephone number, have not been confirmed for availability. ~ SC = Self Catering.

COURT FARM, (Mrs. ANSTEY) ROGIET, Nr. CALDICOT (01633) 880232 PENYLAN FARM, (Mrs. ARTHUR) St. BRIDES, MAGOR (01633) 400267 PARKFIELD ST ARVANS (01291) 621860

PRIVATE HOUSE (Mrs. BROWN) 6 BIGSTONE GROVE, TUTSHILL (Prefers doubles) (01291) 620283 BRICK HOUSE, (Mrs. PARK) REDWICK, MAGOR (01633) 880230 UPPER SEDBURY HOUSE, (Mrs. POTTS) (Full ‘07) LOWER SEDBURY LANE, OFF BEACHLEY ROAD (01291) 627173 FIRST MOTORWAY SERVICES MAGOR SERVICES AREA 0870990 8815 CWRT ROBERT, (MRS. PAXTON) BRYN GWYN, RAGLAN (01291) 690709 COALPITS FARM SHIRENEWTON, NR. CHEPSTOW (01291) 641820

PARSON GROVE EARLSWOOD, (OFF USK ROAD), NR. CHEPSTOW (01291) 641382

HOTELS ~ CHEPSTOW & AREA:

B & B GUEST HOUSES ETC ~ CHEPSTOW &

COACH & HORSES WELSH STREET, CHEPSTOW (01291) 622626 COACH & HORSES CAERWENT, Nr. CALDICOT (01291) 420352 THE FIRST HURDLE 9/10 UPPER CHURCH ST., CHEPSTOW (01291) 622189

WHITE LION WHITE LION SQUARE, CHEPSTOW (01291) 622854 OLD FERRY INN, (Linda & Murray) BEACHLEY, Nr. CHEPSTOW (01291) 622474

THE WHEATSHEAF INN THE SQUARE, MAGOR (01633) 880608

THE OLD BARN LLANMARTIN (01633) 413382

B & B, INNS, PUBS, etc ~ CHEPSTOW & AREA:

B & B GUEST HOUSES ~ EAST OF CHEPSTOW (GLOS): CHERRY ORCHARD FARM NEWLAND, Nr. COLEFORD (01594) 832212 DEANFIELD FOLLY ROD, PARKEND, Nr. LYDNEY 0845 347 0029 LINDUM HOUSE OAKWOOD ROAD, BREAM, Nr. LYDNEY (01594) 560378 TAN HOUSE (10 ROOMS) NEWLAND, Nr. COLEFORD (01594) 832222 FAIRVIEW BUNGALOW PARKHILL, WHITECROFT (01594) 564133 WOOLASTON CARVERY INN (New last year) WOOLASTON, Nr. LYDNEY (West of) (01594) 528300

THE WHITE HOUSE 2 SOUTH ROAD, BROADWELL, COLEFORD (01594) 837069

BERRY HILL HOUSE 44 PARK ROAD, BERRY HILL, COLEFORD (01594) 832325

Telephone No:

B & B GUEST HOUSES ~ CALDICOT, MONMOUTHSHIRE:

AFON GWY HOTEL 28 BRIDGE STREET, CHEPSTOW (01291) 620158

BEAUFORT HOTEL BEAUFORT SQUARE, CHEPSTOW (01291) 622497 CASTLE VIEW HOTEL BRIDGE STREET, CHEPSTOW (01291) 620349 CHEPSTOW HOTEL (‘Old Course’ & ‘Two Rivers’) NEWPORT ROAD, CHEPSTOW (01291) 626261 THE GEORGE HOTEL (New Owners Recently) MOOR STREET, CHEPSTOW (01291) 625363 THE HUNTSMAN HOTEL USK ROAD, SHIRENEWTON, Nr. CHEPSTOW (01291) 641521 THE MARRIOT RESORT (ST. PIERRE ~ GOLF) PWLLMEYRIC, NR. CHEPSTOW (Note: Expensive) (01291) 625261

THE TIPPLING PHILOSOPHER CHEPSTOW ROAD, CALDICOT (01291) 420337

ROSE COTTAGE SANDY LANE CALDICOT (01291) 420030

THE LYCHGATE, (Mrs. WELCH) 47 CHURCH ROAD CALDICOT (01291) 422378

IVY LODGE GUEST HOUSE CHEPSTOW ROAD, CALDICOT (01291) 421504*

WILLOW BROOK HOUSE NEWPORT ROAD (07967) 144164

BROOKLANDS MOTEL PILL ROW, CALDICOT (01291) 430500

THE ABBEY HOTEL, (Formerly THE BEAUFORT) TINTERN ABBEY, TINTERN, Nr. CHEPSTOW 0871 288 7550

PARVA FARMHOUSE/HOTEL TINTERN, Nr. CHEPSTOW (01291) 689411 THE CROWN WHITEBROOK, Nr. MONMOUTH (01600) 860 254 THE ROYAL GEORGE TINTERN, Nr. CHEPSTOW (01291) 689205 THE WYE VALLEY HOTEL TINTERN, Nr. CHEPSTOW (01291) 689441 THE BUSH INN B&B PENAULT, Nr. TINTERN, MONMOUTH (01600) 772765 THE FLORENCE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL Nr. MONMOUTH, LOWER WYE VALLEY (01594) 530830 THE GEORGE INN ST. BRIAVELS, TIDENHAM CHASE (01594) 530288 THE TUDOR FARMHOUSE HOTEL CLEARWELL, Nr. COLEFORD (01594) 833046 THE BELL HOTEL LORDS HILL, COLEFORD (01594) 832583

THE SLOOP INN LLANDOGO, WYE VALLEY (01594) 530291

HOTELS & INNS - WYE VALLEY & TIDENHAM CHASE:

CYPRESS RISE, (Mrs. ALVIS) LLANDOGO, WYE VALLEY (01594) 530651 PROSPECT COTTAGE ST. BRAIVELS (GL15 6RR) (01594) 530566

MINERS ARMS HOLIDAY COTTAGE WHITECROFT (Self Catering but evening meals avail.) (01594) 482683

OFFA’S MEAD, (Mrs. LACEY) THE FENCE, St. BRIAVELS (01594) 530229 BLUE BARNS, (Mrs. PARKER) THE HUDNALS, St. BRIAVELS (01594) 530252 CINDERHILL HOUSE, (Mrs. PEACOCK ) St. BRIAVELS, TIDENHAM CHASE, (Self Catering) (01594) 530393 LUGANO, (Mrs. TOWNSEND) LLANDOGO, WYE VALLEY (01594) 530496 HOLMLEIGH TINTERN (01291) 689521

TINTERN OLD RECTORY TINTERN (01291) 689920

MADGETS FARM TIDENHAM CHASE. NR. CHEPSTOW (01291) 689595

PARSONS GROVE EARLESWOOD NR. CHEPSTOW (01291) 642381

B&B GUEST HOUSES - WYE VALLEY & TIDENHAM CHASE:

Telephone No:

Page 22 Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Reunion Accommodation -2

HOTEL GUEST HOUSES ~ EAST OF CHEPSTOW (GLOS): MILLINGBROOK LODGE (14 Bedrooms) HIGH STREET. AYLBURTON, Nr. LYDNEY (01594) 845522 THE WILLOWS EAST OF LYDNEY (on A48 1 MILE PAST on right) (01594) 843795 OAKFIELDS NR. WOOLASTON, (BETWEEN SEDBURY & AYLBURTON) (01291) 689776

B&B GUEST HOUSES - SOUTH & EAST OF THE SEVERN (GLOS): ABBOTS WAY GUESTHOUSE GLOUCESTER ROAD, (A38), ALMONDS BURY (01454) 613134

TRAVEL LODGE (AUST SERVICES) (SPECIAL RATES AT TIMES ~ PHONE 08700 850950) (01454) 633199

New Uplands House, with 3 bedrooms & two miles from the Chepstow Hotel en route to Caldicot Tel 07792 346071 or visit www.uplandshouse.co.uk 3 If you have found suitable accommo-dation that could be entered on these pages please let me know. Equally if given the known shortage of accommodation we suffer you feel we ought to omit an entry, again we would like to know Editor

Page 23 Beachley Old Boys Association GPF Balance Sheet 2010

£370.03 £370.03 Capital Property £202.02 £202.02

£15,000.00 £15,000.00 Investments £15,000.00 £15,000.00

General Purpose Fund @ 31st December 2009

Previous Period Figures

Totals Sub Totals Detail Item Detail Sub Totals Totals

Current Period Figures

Assets £0.00 Cash in Hand £0.00

£1,811.63 Cash in Bank £5,027.20

£1,811.63 Total Cash £5,027.20

£18,201.69 Deposit Account £18,211.49

£0.00 Sundry Debtors £0.00

£20,160.78 £23,238.69 Total Liquid Assets

£147.46 St John’s Account £0.00

Shop Stock £2,076.72 BOBA / AAS Regalia £1,909.66

£22,237.50 Total Current Assets £25,148.35

Liabilities £0.00 Sundry Creditors £0.00

£192.13 BOBA Golf Fund £201.40

£811.90 Benevolent Fund £621.90

£0.00 BOBA NMA Fund £1.483.00

£1,004.03 £2,306.30 Total Liabilities

£21,223.47 Net working Capital (being Current Assets minus Liabilities) £22,842.05

Fixed Assets

£36,210.90 Balance Brought Forward £36,603.50

£392.60 Add Surplus Income £1,440.57

Subtract Deficit of Expenditure

£36,603.50

£38,044.07 Accumulated General Purpose Fund being the Net Working Capital & Total Fixed Assets.

General Purpose Fund

Not Yet Audited Treasurer Christopher Ricketts

Signed Signed

Date Date

27/03/2010

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Treasurer & Ron Overd Page 24

Hon Treasurers Report for Period 1st January 2009 – 31st December 2009 At the end of my first year as your Hon. Treasurer I am pleased to submit my Financial Report, albeit in a changed format, and with no bad news. Our Membership income has increased from last year which bodes well for the future; however we must remember that we are an ageing group and such increases are not guaranteed. The income from our long term investment continues to provide a solid return in excess of £1000.00, although our Deposit Ac-count has seen a drastic fall in return from £355.00 to a mere £10.00 due to the extremely low rates cur-rently on offer and we may be forced to consider a change in where we invest in the future. Since the St John’s Project was cancelled considerable savings in Insurance, Rental and other related costs have helped counter some of the shortfall in interest received. The Annual Reunion and the Golf Society continue to be self-supporting thanks to the respective organ-isers as well as those Members who make the events worthwhile. The Shop continues to be very well patronised and maintains a variety of items that are not only interest-ing but profitable as well. As was mentioned at the AGM your Committee has continued to minimise expenditure wherever possi-ble and the greater use of technology will continue to help in this area. There has been no need to transfer any funds between accounts this year despite the difficult financial times in which we find ourselves and the Association continues to thrive, accordingly I am able to tell you that we have managed to show an increase in this years’ overall balance of some £1400.00. Chris Ricketts (65A C Coy) Hon. Treasurer

Memoirs Lt Col (Retd) R J Overd Born 14 April 1935, died 01 April 2010. My brother, Ron, began his military career 1950 at the age of 15 when he entered the Army Apprentice College, Chepstow, leaving there in February 1953 to join The Royal Engineers. He had an outstanding military career with promotion through the ranks from Sapper to WO1 (RSM) and then commissioned, eventually retiring from the Army in 1990 holding the rank of Lt Col. He enjoyed his military life to the full, travelling all over the world. On his retirement he continued to serve the military as a retired officer, first as a Staff Officer at Chepstow and then responsible for the welfare and housing services of the military families in SW England. Ronald’s purpose in life was to serve the community and found himself becoming involved with local activities as well as national organisations. The RBL, SSAFA, BOBA and the REA Association are a few with both the RBL and REA recognising his service by awarding him their Badges of Merit. He was always passionate about all things Cornish so as the saying goes ‘West is best’ therefore it was an obvious choice for him and Pat, on his final retirement to finally settle in the place he loved, Looe. Once more, he took a great interest in the history and workings of Looe and it was no surprise when he was elected as a local councillor. In 2000 he was elected Mayor, a post he held with great dedication for 6 years. He was a really great Sapper and those who knew him are much the richer for it. He is survived by his wife, Pat, who he married in 1957, their three children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Major (Retd) A J Overd (Cherry)

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Membership Report 2009 Page 25

Derek Fox 58B ~ BOBA Membership Secretary For the many who don’t know me, here’s a brief history. Like so many before me I joined up because the future on leaving school in the 50s looked grim. In Norfolk there was a choice of farm labouring or, as I was starting to go wrong, possibly prison. I took the decision that the best course was to get some discipline into my life. The newspaper adverts of the time were very persuasive therefore I sent for details as to how to become an Army apprentice. Apparently I was just what the Army wanted! On 26th August 1958 I presented myself at Britannia Barracks in Norwich for trans-portation to Beachley the next day. The rest as they say is history, you all know what awaited this fresh faced kid on arrival. I have never ever regretted that decision. Beachley taught me the basics of life’s lessons and values and I learned them well.

Brief service history After passing out from Beachley to the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as a VM(B) (class 3) I proceeded to the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering for conversion to Armoured Vehicles. It was a staggering thought; I was going to be unleashed on a tank. How far could a Norfolk boy go?Conversion was successful and the Cavalry awaited me. I then saw service with the following units:- The Lifeguards The Royal Horse Guards 4 Armoured Workshop (FRG) “Hurrah, a tank at last” 5th Inniskilling Dragoon Guards In 1970 I left the Army (the biggest mistake I made in my life) and after a short period of garage work I went into a factory and made carbon brushes for twenty odd years. I took early retirement in 2005. Appreciation I would like to thank Rocky for the unstinting help he has given me during and after the take over of this honourable post. It is only now that I am realising what terrifically big boots I am trying to fill. Rocky, you will appreciate, is a very hard act to follow. I hope I can at least do half as good a job as he has done for this association Membership Report 2010 Foreword This my first time of trying to cobble together a membership report to the association and in so doing I have relied heavily on Rockys’ former reports in the formulation of this effort. Acknowledgement I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the help given by Rocky during the hand-over of the Honourable post of Membership Secretary. He was always at the end of the phone when I needed him. Help and advice was readily given. I’m sure that all members will agree that he was not only a loyal servant to this association but also a friend to each and every one of us, when you joined BOBA you also joined his circle of friends and it is & was an honour so to do. May your God Bless you Rocky. R I P my friend. Membership Fees I occasionally still have to explain the reasons for them, even though Rocky gave a detailed explanation of them in the last edition of the Beachley Echoes. To those members that felt they had to resign, I would repeat last year’s rallying call……… your association (still) needs you!!!!! New Members Recruiting new members this year has been slightly down on last years’ figures. To date of writing this report, we have had 20 new members enrolled or brought from the lapsed members’ data-base. For the short time I have been Membership Secretary I have continued Rockys’ strategy of not sending out information packs in a bid to reduce postage. Unfortunately whilst the site handover was un-derway it did become necessary to send a few out. Luckily it paid dividends. Methods of recruiting new members are limited, although I understand that an announcement in the Royal British Legion magazine caused some excitement. Mike Goundry 57B enlisted the services of the Daily Mail in his search for group members hopefully there will be a knock-on effect from that initiative. Year group webmasters, where there are such, are also trying to steer Ex Boys in the direction of BOBA and this should also be applauded. 1960 Groups ~ 50th Anniversary This year sees the golden anniversary of the 1960 groups of Beachley Boys. If I can assist……….... Cont.

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Membership Details Page 26

Cont. with introductions to other group members for the reunion (without falling foul of the Data Protection Act) just let me know. Any non-members thinking of attending should understand that all activity within the auspices of BOBA is confined to members and their guests only. Electronic Beachley Echoes Take-up of electronic Beachley Echoes by members is, to be honest abysmally slow, only 80 takers so far( to my knowledge). Put into context, this is a saving of a paltry £62.10p on the 900 odd pounds paid for postage last year. I can’t believe that only 80 members have computers, we’re supposed to be a generation of silver surfers. So come on chaps, it’s not really volun-teering, there’s no sting in the tail. NEW MEMBERS THAT JOINED IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS (Since the last publication of the Beachley Echoes) Mr. LJ Leo (Lionel) Howson 57B C Mr PL Peter Stephenson 58A C Mr RJ Ray White 47A B Mr MP Michael Shimell 58B C Mr JF John Davey 49B B Mr HH Harry Brown 43 B Mr D David Tatum 57A D Mr CC Chris Ricketts 65A C Mr DK David Burden 55B D Mr JP Joe Hallam 65C A Mr R Ronald Dales 44A A Mr WG Walter Edwards 58B C Mr WJ William Kimber 55B B Mr LKRG Keith Cox 52A D Mr O Osmond Carver 59C Mr NF Norman Cawte 44 Mr RB Roger Tyler 42A D Mr BA Bunny (Brian) Nunn 51A A Mr L Lyndon Richards 69C A Lt Col BH Bryan Stafford 60A B (from Lapsed Database) Mr GF Geoff Trow 55B A Mr DT Denis Moon 58B B Mr JL Joe Mills-Flynn 43 B Mr JAB Jock MacDonald 75C C Mr S Steven Peterson 48 B Mr F Frank Johnstone 60B C Mr AM Tony Lane 60A C Membership Details: (as of 09/02/2010) Current Membership. 714 members Lapsed Members 187 members Resigned Members 52 members CONTACT DETAILS ~ You can contact me by any of the following methods: Membership Secretary ~ Derek Fox (58B) Home Address: ~ 51 Church Close, Pentney, King’s Lynn, Norfolk. PE32 1JJ Home Tel No: ~ +44 (0) 1760 338483 Mobile Phone No: ~ +44 (0) 7842555110 ( Please note this is a new mobile number) Email Address: ~ memsec.boba@homecall.co.uk ( Please note this is a new email address) Derek Fox

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Editor’s Lament Page 27

Editor’s Lament Hello. Well here we are again, another day older and deeper in debt etc. (hopefully not), but current news leaves little to be cheerful about unless you are a banker or politician living on planet Excess. An elusive target granted but wouldn’t it be a joy if the suchlike were fitted in between the duck and grouse hunting seasons, so that at least we could try to wing a few? Field the worst of them, include those wearing rose tinted glasses and a smug smile and describe the event as exercise “Real Incentive”. Free entry & ammo for shooters, beaters supplied with claymores and Dis-neyesque bonuses for the best scores. Afterwards we can file past the bag and excuse our enthusiasm by pointing out it was all in the rules and good practice. Just a little fantasising! In desperation I have scoured the net for ‘reasons to be cheerful’ but found scant offerings. I ask you ~ Golf clubs are being subjected to new rules about grooves. Television’s Big Brother is to come to an end (never watched it so not sure, how big was it?), Cambridge is having a guided bus system running from Trumpington, (Nellie’s hometown no doubt) and Huntingdon railway station. Finally Andy Murray is sure to win at Wimble-don. Oh, oh really! Well I hope I’m wrong. Nonetheless I am glad to have been granted another day when wak-ing up and knowing summer is coming. I have my boat, my wife and there will be a world cup, this despite seri-ous demands on John Terry’s stamina, by a generous woman callously described as Yo-Yo Knickers in the press. Colin Weir will not still be regaling me with his tales of the wonders down from down under where the sun still shines apparently ~ dammit!! We will have an elected “government” (hung or fit to be?), prospects for an end in sight to recession (mere eons) and there will certainly be a reunion to enjoy. On that subject I hope that the lads of 1960 vintage turn up in droves to enjoy themselves as befits such an an-niversary, how many 50ths do you get in a lifetime? With luck one of them might produce an article on the event and a couple of snaps for the record? I gather that Mike Goundry hopes (as do we) that 57 era might also attend in strength. It is noticeable that larger groups do tend to keep coming. Rest assured this is not just about the supply of instability fluids on tap. oh no! It is also the atmosphere which if bottled and sold would make someone an absolute fortune. Not forgetting the golf, dancing and opportunities to take that trip down memory lane. There is so much else to enjoy in the area with Bristol, Cardiff or Gloucester easily accessible if retail therapy is attractive. Have you had a look at our website lately? You should, there has been a lot of time spent on it but also be-cause it carries recent information from BOBA , pro-vides the means to contact or see photos of your old mates and much besides. Long may the good work continue. www.armyapprenticescollege.homestead.com My thanks to those who have contributed articles for the

Cont. Echoes, I really appreciate the time & effort spent and to those who keep putting it off for a rainy day don’t be shy, please put pen to paper soon. Don’t forget the photographs. As back issues are now placed on our web site this is your chance to address former mates and a huge readership, the last time I looked there were nearly 6000 visits to the site since September 09. The next Echoes will be very thin with-out your input so please lend a hand gents.. On the subject of Echoes content I am happy to enter-tain suggestions you may have but please have regard for other members and crosswords must be supplied!! My contact details are at the base of page 5. In the last issue I mentioned a group (the AFPG) who were attempting to redress the anomaly of servicemen who are not in receipt of a pension due to their service ending prior to April 1975 as are their contemporaries. Sadly there is news now of an acrimonious split in the ranks and that fees paid to the AFPG may have not been banked in the normal manner. Until detailed min-utes taken by and scrutinised by neutral parties are available anyone interested can follow the situation by logging on to ~ http://www.afpg.info/latest_news.html hopefully by then the situation will have calmed down and informed debate leading to a solution will be scheduled. We are much indebted to John Furley for providing the following link enabling those with a PC to enjoy a tour around Chepstow from their home. See the very station where you arrived to do your stint by clicking on the link http://www.chepstow-walkabout.co.uk/. Have fun. Steven Peterson nee Zdislaw Poznysz, has written a book called “To Russia and Beyond” which describes his family being forced from Poland into exile in Siberia. Here they endured manual labour, hardship and cruelty before being caught up in WW2. Steven arrived at Beachley in 1948 and tells of his travels around the world before finally settling in the UK. ISBN code 9781906561628 for purchase information through bookshops or Amazon. Try ‘The Beachley Apprentices Story 1923 – 1994’ by Brian Elks taking a different outlook on the life of Army Apprentices whilst at Beachley. If you have purchased ‘The Beachley Boys’ by Brian you wont want to miss this one. Applications and cheques direct to: Brian Elks, 12 Cheshire Rd, Thame, OX9 3LQ. Price - £18 UK post paid. Overseas to Spain add £4, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia & New Zealand add £10 (airmail). Finally, please have a look at this site and see if you can find a few bob (or even more) to help these two gents, Ollie and Tom helping our heroes. http://www.justgiving.com/wye2yukonchallenge2010/ Mac Obermaier

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Pete Gatford Page 28

Cont. specialists countrywide the prognosis became very clear. I could stay in the Army without hope of promo-tion or foreign posting, or I could have a free dis-charge. I chose the latter. Later in 1963 I left Beachley and the Army. Returning as I did to Guildford continuing and completing my apprenticeship as a carpenter in civilian life. Although after a few years in my trade a change of direction gave me another career much enjoyed but still within the Building Industry. As a footnote to the potted his-tory of my short time in the Army. It was a couple of years ago when I was asked by a friend to help him undertake some work for a long estab-lished customer of his, a Colo-nel Townsend-Rose. It was as Major Townsend-Rose when he signed my discharge book as my Commanding Officer at Beachley nearly 45 years ago, a small world. My short experience in Army life will always be re-membered fondly, and while life moves on and I can have no regrets on leaving. I sometimes wonder what my life would have been like had I stayed. The inten-tion to ‘keep in touch’ with friends made, has sadly drifted away. But I would be interested to hear from anyone who remembers me or those times. Kind Regards To All, Peter Gatford ~ pegatome@tiscali.co.uk

Peter Gatford 62A ’A’ Coy. Carpentry, that’s what I wanted to do when I left school. But it was the summer of 1961, and all my fam-ily, mother, step father, step brothers had been, or were in the ‘forces’, so a compromise to go into the Army and learn my trade was agreed. An entry exam was taken and passed, but by this time it was too late to join that year so I had to wait until January 1962. I was considered average/bright so it was thought go back to school for half a term to study for ‘A’ levels which is what I did. It was as a plump, baby faced lad hardly into puberty in January 1962, that I joined up in A Company with a group which was to be known as 62a. We had imposed upon us, hair cut, kit, cough and billet . For me it was a daunting experience, other lads shaved for goodness sake and were far more worldly wise and mature than this immature, shy, fresh faced lad from Surrey. Learn-ing and growing up fast was not an option. Our first billet was in wooden Nissen huts, the new residential blocks where still being built. We had a Staff Sergeant from the Inniskillen’s Regiment in charge of our hut, big portly and loud. One of the first duties he imposed on me was to wallpaper his quarters. An inter-esting experience considering my complete ignorance of the subject. I was supplied with the equipment, wall-paper and several boxes of brass headed drawing pins. These to be used in straight and regulated man-ner. An education I still muse upon until this day. As Beachley Boys will know, for the first year of our ser-vice we have to learn several other trades related to that we have chosen. Some, if not all, of little or no in-terest, but a requirement never the less. Trades other than my carpentry I remember being bricklaying and painting and decorating. Sadly the former being the cause of my premature departure from service after nearly two years, this with Industrial Dermatitis. Less hands and more trowel may have overcome this. Always involved with sports, rugby, soccer, hockey and boxing but while being fitter was usually overweight, with the instructors stock remark being, ’If Gatford can do it anyone can do it’, nice!! However while as men-tioned, I was not as worldly wise as some, I did recog-nise an opportunity. So I soon acquired a kettle, a very valuable item for use at night for brews of tea and cof-fee. And with some of mums cake sent from home a lucrative little business had been realised. It was 1962/3, The Cuban Missile Crisis, the Beatles, the worst winter for years and the original Severn Bridge was being built almost directly over the Beachley camp. During this time our training and skills to service life and our chosen trade where progressing well, with more disciplined, mature young men being fashioned. Sadly my problems concerning health where not improving and despite visits to a variety of Cont.

Scotsman goes to the dentist and asks how much for a tooth extraction. Eighty-five pounds, sir" was the dentist's reply. "Och, have ye nae got anything cheaper," retorts the Scot." But that's the normal charge for an extraction," said the dentist. "Er, what aboot if ye dinnae use any anaesthetic," asks the Scotsman hopefully. "Well, it's highly unusual sir, could be quite painful, but if that's what you want, I suppose I could do it for 70 pounds." The Scotsman scratches his chin a while. "Hmmmm, what aboot if ye used one o yer dentist trainees and still without an-aesthetic ?"The dentist replied, "Well it's possible but they are only training and I can't guarantee their level of professionalism and it will certainly be a lot more painful. However, in that case I could bring the price down to 40 pounds." "Och, tha's still a tad too much for me purse. I'll tell yer what, man. How aboot if ye make it a training session and have yer student do the extraction without aesthetic and the other students standin' aroond watchin' and learnin', " said the Scots-man hopefully."Errr, well, OK," said the dentist. " It'll be good for the students I suppose. Under those cir-cumstances, I think I could bring the price down to just ten pounds." "Now yer talkin' laddie. It's a deal", said the Scot. "Can ye confirm an appointment for the wife next Tuesday...?"

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Humour Page 29

Malcolm Hay

53A A Coy

Heritage

2010 REUNION ID NAME HOLDERS:

Once again we will be presenting a reunion name holder for all members attending the reunion this year. They are of a simple design on laminated card, which will be inserted into the clear plastic sleeve envelope with a press frog clip and secure safety pin mounting. No risk of damage to clothing. A full coloured badge with border. Order yours when booking for the reunion please, pick it up when you arrive at the Chepstow Hotel. They are good quality and cheap at just £1.50 each and yours to keep! Please ask for your name badge when booking in?

One day the captain of a 40 oared royal barge goes down to speak to the slaves in the hold of his ship. ‘Men, I have some good news for you and some bad news. The good news is that the Pharaoh will be joining us today for a trip up the Nile, providing all goes well you will be treated to extra food, wine, women and en-tertainment tonight’. The slaves roared in approval. ‘The bad news is that he wants to do it on water skis’. Aphorisms Seat belts are not as confining as wheelchairs. The older I get, the better I was. A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you're in deep water. . The big difference between sex for money and sex for free is that sex for money costs less. Be careful reading the fine print. There's no way you're going to like it. The trouble with bucket seats is that not everybody has the same size bucket. Always be yourself because the people who matter don't mind, and the ones who mind, don't matter. A man walks into a bar and takes a seat next to a very attractive woman. He gives her a quick glance, nods and then casually looks at his watch. Noticing, she asks if his date was running late. No, was the reply, he had just bought a state of the art watch and he was simply testing it. Intrigued the woman probes further by asking the man what was so special about it and received the explanation that the watch used ‘alphonic waves,’ to advise him telepathically about things he might like to know. Disbelieving, the woman wanted to know what it told him a moment ago. The man smiled and said he had been told that she was not wearing any panties which amused her considerably. Giggling she said that the watch must be broken because she was in fact wearing panties! Not so said the man, just an hour fast! A Definition or Two Adult ~ Person who is growing around the middle but not at either end. Atheist ~ Person with no invisible means of support. Biology ~ Something that grows on you Egotist ~ Someone (usually me) engaged in deep and intelligent conversation. Flabbergasted ~ Appalled at your weight gain Inflation ~ Cutting money in half without damaging the paper. Rectitude ~ The formal, dignified demeanour assumed by a proctologist before he examines you. Tomorrow ~ One of the greatest labour saving devices of today. Toothache ~ The pain that drives you to extraction Wrinkles ~ What others have instead of the character lines enhancing your face. Yawn ~ Honest opinion openly expressed. *** Sex !!! Masochist “Hurt me” Sadist “No!!”

Now that food has replaced sex in my life I have great difficulty getting into my own pants. Be safety conscious, 80 percent of people are caused by accident. Chastity can be cured if detected early enough. Lead me not into temptation, finding my own way is fun. Are you male or female? See below! A passenger plane was taking quite a buffeting in a se-vere thunderstorm and passengers were being bounced about by the turbulence. One young woman turned to the vicar sitting next to her with a nervous laugh and asked “Reverend , as a man of God can’t you do some-thing about this storm?” To which he replied “ Madam, I am in sales, not management.” Odd Combinations If a thing is worth doing that well it would have been done already. A closed mouth gathers no foot. Two wrongs do not make a right but three lefts do. In case of emergency, speak in clichés. The things that come to those who wait are often the things left over by those getting their first. Someone who knows how inevitably has a job ~ they are working for someone who also knows why. A policeman pulls over a car and told the man driving that he was doing fifty mph in a thirty mph zone. “I was only doing 30!” the man protested. “Not according to my radar “ replied the policeman .“Yes I damn well was!” shouted the man. “Not so.” insisted the policeman. With that the man’s wife leant over and said,” Officer I should warn you not to argue with my husband when he’s been drinking!” When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bike. Then I realised the Lord doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and asked him to forgive me.

Page 30 Beachley Old Boys Association ~ After Beachley

Bill Kingsbury MBE ~ 42B D Coy At the recent Welsh ‘Masters' Annual Awards Dinner, Bill Kingsbury MBE, announced that he would be retiring from competition, and taking a much less active participation in the sport. Bill made it clear that for a number of reasons, not the least some serious health issues over the summer, he was bringing his participation in his beloved sport of Athletics to a close. It is difficult to convey in a satisfactory manner exactly what Bill has contributed not only to Masters Athletics, but to Athletics in

general, particularly in Wales and specifically to his beloved Rhondda AC. He has produced hundreds of Welsh Champions across all the age groups. However it is clear that from the very beginning of his sporting career as a 'boy soldier' and Army PTI, through the dozens of British Masters throwing records along the journey to his current 82 years of age, the nature and depth of the man's knowledge, his determination, his dedication to his sport and particularly to those he coached, and specifically his belief in the integrity and respect that the athlete should display to others within the sport and to the sport of Athletics itself, were absolutely outstanding. He was particularly concerned that those in our sport should not only recognise special performances of excellence, but that they should also un-derstand and respect the dedication and commitment that such athletes had to devote to their event in order to achieve that level of success. Behind his obvious geniality and natural ability to communicate with anyone, all of these core attributes always shone through Bill Kingsbury is often described as a legend amongst those within the Welsh Masters fraternity, and within Welsh Athletics generally. While Bill himself might say that this description was inappropriate, as he was more interested in the successes of those around him, it is probably one that few within the sport in Wales would disagree with. The above is taken from an appreciation of Bill prior to appearing in full in the March 2010 edition of Masters Athletics Federation. 14/12/2009. Kindly sent in by Eric Blenkinsop

Davidson 43 Group D Coy Last year Wally returned to the battleground he fought on 65 years ago when he landed on Juno Beach in Normandy as a sergeant in the Royal Engineers. He was just 20 when he jumped off the landing craft as a part of 184 Field Company to clear obstructions such as mines, tank trap explo-sives and to demolish walls that would be in the path of transport while under heavy fire. His hear-ing was lost when a shrapnel mine went off and he remained deaf until he received a hearing aid on his return in 1945. Fifteen men were lost from his company in 2 days and Wally remembers 6

friends who were also neighbours who died there. No doubt he also thought of his son Sidney who died while serving with the SAS in the Falklands in a helicopter crash.. Wally went on to see service in WW2 and Korea but his military career started at Beachley, one of 7 young-sters he thought home was getting a little crowded! Leaving the Army after 25 years and settling in Chepstow he learnt carpentry and joinery before moving on to supervise building work until he retired. Peggy his wife died in 2001 but he still has his son Stuart and daughter Denise. George Fletcher GM ~ 41 Group (Dec.) On October 1 1969, following a report from the Kentish Town police, Fletcher led a bomb disposal team to a building site in Burghley Road, Camden. It was 30 yards from an underground line railway and 50 yards from a surface railway. Tall blocks of flats, terraced houses and busy roads were all within 150 yards. In an excavation about 10ft deep, he identified a Type C parachute mine. Originally intended to sink ships, these weapons – 9ft-long and packed with more than 1,500lb of explosive – had been dropped during the Blitz on London, where their blast proved capable of devastating entire streets. They were fitted with multiple detonators, and Fletcher had to assume that this example might contain any permutation of a magnetic or acoustic system, a clockwork bomb fuse "booby-trapped" with an anti-removal device and a six to 80-day timing circuit and a light-sensitive mechanism. After about 500 people had been evacuated from the area, Fletcher and his team carefully exposed the mine. It appeared to be in good condition but there was no question of blowing it up where it lay. It was calculated that to dig down and neutralise the detonating devices before steaming out the explosive would take up to 40 hours.; and any burrowing would expose the entire team to danger. To leave the bomb embedded in the clay, Cont.

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ After Beachley Page 31

Cont. however with the fuses intact, and steam out the explosive would take only about 10 to 12 hours, yet would po-tentially put a small number of the squad at great risk. Fletcher chose the latter course, knowing that the effects of the steam and the consequent change of tempera-ture might start the clock at any moment. At 4pm he and Sergeant Major Stephen Hambrook removed the filling plate of the mine and began the hazardous task of steaming out the explosive. There proved to be a complex fuse system, and a triggering device for the clock set for 17 seconds which had jammed after seven; 10 seconds were left to run. If the clock re-started, they would have only three seconds to attempt to "choke off" the fuze mechanism and then seven seconds to get clear. "I sometimes wonder," Fletcher said later, " if anything went wrong, whether one would see a blinding flash or if one knows nothing at all." The steaming out process took all night, during which time Fletcher and Hambrook had to approach the site to make regular checks. Having steamed out the bulk fill, they detonated the still highly dangerous fusing systems, and at 7am the mine was declared safe. The cita-tion for Fletcher's award stated that he had exposed himself to great risk over a long period. Hambrook was also awarded a GM. In recognition of their bravery, two of the blocks of flats that were built on the site were named after them and the BBC featured them in a pro-gramme called Seven Seconds to Run, one of a series entitled He who Dares George Raymond Fletcher, the son of a tug boat skipper, was born at Grimsby on May 22 1924. Aged 15, he went to the Army Technical School at Beachley Camp, Chepstow, and on completing his apprenticeship he was posted to 1 Training Battalion RE. In the Second World War he took part in the Normandy landings and the advance to the Rhine. Commissioned in 1947, he specialised in bomb disposal, clearing and making safe the beaches of the Norfolk coast before be-ing posted to Malta in 1950. In 1952 Fletcher represented the Royal Engineers on a scientific expedition to north Greenland and was awarded the Polar Medal. He then moved to Benghazi, Libya, where, as a garrison engi-neer, he was involved in rebuilding roads and bridges. He was appointed MBE in 1960. He was later posted back to Beachley, to the Army Apprentice College. After an appointment as second-in-command of 33 Royal Engineer Regiment, from 1971 to 1973 he commanded the Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal School. George retired from the Army in 1979. He settled at Whitstable, Kent, and enjoyed sailing his 35ft yacht, which he had built himself. George died on November 11. He was married in 1952 to Betty Bedford who survives him with their son and daughter.

Alan Jones OBE 27Group (Dec,)

Joined the army as an apprentice at Chepstow in 1928 then worked as an electrician on searchlights before a posting to Malta. After qualifying as a Grade 1 Electrician he looked after Bourton Lines, the first barracks to be fitted with electric lights and central heating at Catterick. Promotions followed and prior to the outbreak of war he was a WO1 with 106 Army Troops Company who were the first formed unit of the BEF to go to France. He led a contingent of his men home after its fall. From here the unit was sent to North Africa where they constructed the defences in El Alamein and then went on to Kabrit to join the embryonic SAS. After a spell in the desert they were sent back to Tobruk in June 1942 where he and most of his unit were captured. His years as a POW were devoted to working on maths and calcu-lus which led to a degree and a commission on his return. Incidentally the books he used were returned to him in 1945. Based mostly at Brompton he also saw service in Jamaica and Germany, he retired as Chief Instructor E & M at the RSME Chatham having been awarded the OBE by the Queen. His subsequent career was in hospital engineering which took him to many dangerous and uncomfortable parts of the world and lasted until he was nearly 80. He now spent his time gardening and bee keeping and there is some evidence that he also supported a choral society, he stayed with his family until passing away on 19 May 2009. His wartime exploits are recorded in a book called “Ordinary Heroes” (ISBN 1904623085), he is remem-bered by his children, Susan, Charles and Frances.

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ See Tallin and Die Page 32

SEE TALLIN AND DIE Or “WHAT’S THAT GLOWING IN THE DARK?” In 1994 the Russians were just starting to pull out of Estonia whose government wanted to monitor the Russian withdrawal from a nuclear submarine base at Paldiski on the Baltic coast. As a result we received a request from our sister company Ericsson Mobile Communications Sweden, for a 3 channel mobile radio base station and hand held mobile radios of the sort that the police use to be set up. The equipment was duly shipped from our factory in Scunthorpe where I was the senior engineer, to Tallin the capital of Estonia. Mark a senior technician and I then flew there to be met by Claes Jagerskiold, and Argo Kirikal both Ericsson employees. We were driven to the Dept of Communications (DOC) and met Indrek Lang and Aare (Harry), who would help us in the installa-tion of the radio equipment. The DOC building had previously been used to be the KGB’s listening post for every telephone call made in Tallin, and was monitored!! Mark started to programme the portable radios and I was asked to go to the base station site at Paldiski to prepare for installation. Well Paldiski is about 60 Km from Tallin and the site was close to the Russian Nuclear Submarine base, which we found out later was suspected of being contaminated !! The Estonians believe that spent fuel rods have been buried in the area, anyway off we went to the site which was a disused Russian naval barracks. see photos]. Every room in the building was full of rubbish, broken beds, tables etc. and all the copper power cables torn out. This meant there was not a shred of power or lighting plus it was minus 5 deg. C and snowing. It was really as much as we could do to clear out the room before travelling back to Tallin because we couldn’t work in the dark. Later at the DOC, we were told that the Russians wished to change some nuclear fuel rods in the naval base. The Estonians were with some justification protesting about it and apparently a meeting was to take place in Moscow early April 94, to discuss the removal of all Russian military from Estonia. It was made very clear to us that our systems had to be made to work quickly because the Estonians wanted to survey the sub base while talks in Moscow were in progress, “just in case”. One doesn’t have to draw a picture to understand what that meant. We returned to Paldiski immediately and unpacked the base station helped by Estonian soldiers and car-ried it into the barrack room being used. I connected it together but couldn’t switch it on due to the lack of elec-tricity and the promised ‘electrician’ had not turned up which increased the pressure felt. Somewhat frustrated we returned to Tallin to sort matters out only to be told on arrival that the electrician had now arrived at the bar-racks. Back we went to Paldiski !! At the site the electrician had found some 4 core cable from another building and had connected it to a power junction box and routed it through into our room. I asked him what was the voltage and did it have an earth lead. He ensured me that it was ok. Yes I agreed, but wanted to know about the value because while in the UK we use 415/230 volts, here it could be 380/220 volts. He proceeded by getting a bulb attached to two wires and showed me that power was available. He must have thought that the brightness of the bulb would indicate the value of the voltage adequately! Not having any choice we let him carry on connecting to the base station and with fingers crossed I then switched on the base station. It worked as a control channel, so far so good. Switched on the second channel which also worked providing an operating channel, additionally the hand radios communi-cated with each other. Switched on the third channel and it failed, it did work for 4 seconds then off for 1 second and so on. Panic stations!! Indrek Lang suggested that maybe it was the radar station at the sub base interfering with channel 3. Perhaps but It was now 10pm, so we decided to leave the base station switched on and return in the morning. The temp had dropped to minus 13 C and all we had to keep the room warm was a 2Kw electric blower. Well it would keep the chill off of the equipment although we didn’t count on the leaking ceiling, that’s another story. It’s now day 3 out at the site again, but it’s the same problem, channel 3 dropping out. I re-programmed it but it made no difference. With nothing else to do we returned to Tallin and phoned up Ericsson’s in Scunthorpe to ask them to send spare channels and a software programme. Stories were beginning to emerge that the President of Estonia had written to the Director of Communications Estonia saying that if the Radio system did not work he would close down his department resulting in long faces all round. I called up Ericsson’s in Virginia USA to speak to a friend of mine, an expert on this model of base station. The phoned rang and I was greeted by “Hello, Pepsi cola Garage”, someone must be taking the mickey I thought. After a second attempt I realised it was the wrong number so I contacted Eriksson’s in Sweden who gave me a new number and a name in Virginia. Would you believe it, it was my friend the expert. I explained the problem and over the phone we tried some fault finding without success, we would just have to wait for the spares from UK to arrive. They actually arrived at 10 am, but in Helsinki, they would take until 5pm to reach Tallin. Indrek agreed to get the custom clearance papers ready and set out for the airport through snow where after a tense twenty minutes he emerged with the spares. Off we went to Paldiski, more snow was falling and it took us

Beachley Old Boys Association ~ See Tallin and Die Page 33

HERITAGE

Photos and Memorabilia. It is hoped that the members of 60A and 60B can search their attics and albums for items and send them to me for display at their 50th anniversary reunion in September. Honours and Awards Book. We have a book recording the honours and awards presented to ex-Beachley boys, GC, MM, OBE, MSM, MBE, BEM and MiD etc. It records the individual and his years of service at Beachley. Anyone having decorations please notify me with the details. At the 2008 Re-union an Ivor Beany? asked me to add his award but I cannot find the detail or any record of Ivor! Missing Passing out Parade Programmes. Our earliest held programme is for 45B’s Passing Out where Field Marshall Montgomery was the Reviewing Officer. We are still looking for any pro-grammes prior to 45B and for 47A, 48A - 49B, 51A, 52A, 56B - 57A, 58C – 62A, 63A- 63B, 64A - 67B, 68A, 68B, 69C, 70B - 81, 83 - 84 and 86-87. Missing Robots. We are missing the Spring 1977 issue, the Summer issues for 1979 and 1980 and Spring 1981 issue. We have a “SPECTRUM” for Aug 1981 and Summer 1983. What was this maga-zine and were there any other issues? Malcolm (Hector) Hay 53A Heritage Member. Tel: 01980 591132 or malcolm.hay148@ntlworld.com

1.5 hours to do the 60 Km. Here we unpack the equipment, plug in the spare channel 3, load the new software, and switch on. All stations are up and running, we try the 4 different portables on 2 different frequencies, they all work! There were cheers and handshakes all round and afterwards nothing to do but clean up the room, place the front panels on the cabinets and leave the stations running before and returning again to Tallin. Next day we set out to Paldiski with our portables switched on. At 32 Km from Paldiski, we obtain ‘control channel’ indication which amazed everybody and they were very impressed with the sensitivity of the portable radios. Okay but we still cannot communicate yet because the portable unit hasn’t enough power to transmit that distance and log-on. However at the 15 Km mark, we obtain communication with all portables. Everybody was very happy,( their jobs were safe). Once there we made final checks on the power cables which confirmed that they were not getting hot. I did ask where power come from and who supplied the it to barracks but no one knew, we just hoped it did-n’t come from the Russian sub base in case they decided to cut it off. Afterwards in Tallin, we were invited out for a meal with the Director of Communications, who told us the he would be speaking with the Prime Minister that evening, and that the President had withdrawn his threat of clos-ing down the Department of Communications. So all in all every was happy. This was a rush job, no site survey, unstable power supplies and inadequate buildings. This mission was challenging and would not have been suc-cessful without the dedication and enthusiasm of all the Estonians from Ericsson’s and in particular Argo, who in his eagerness to get us from A to B, in the shortest possible time, picked up 3 speeding tickets. Alan Barlow 50B

Subscriptions!

Members will recall that the re-introduction of Annual Subscriptions became effective in 2005, this be-ing for a period of 5 years. To keep the association on a sound financial footing the committee has agreed that subscriptions should continue indefinitely, this will ensure that the association can meet its overheads without drawing on our investments. This decision will mean that in most cases, subscriptions are now due from those who paid a lump sum of £50 in 2005, or set up a Standing Order in 2005 for a 5 year period only. As of 1st April 2010 we would like those members who fall within the above mention categories to pay their yearly £10 subscription by Standing Order or Cheque. For all other members there is no change. Standing Order Forms can be found on our website or obtained from the Membership Secretary. (Please remember to send the SO Form direct to your bank, do not send it to BOBA) Your co-operation on this matter is appreciated. Meanwhile if you have any questions or queries regarding the details above, please contact Derek Fox, our Membership Secretary, he will be happy to help where he is able, (see base of page 26 for contact details).

Page 34 The Beachley Old Boys Association ~ Subs/Vets/Info/Golf

There are many organisations that provide help and support to UK veterans, both from Government and the voluntary sector. This can at times be confusing for those seeking help as they are unsure about which organisation provides which services and from whom to seek help. Veterans-UK is the single brand covering a variety of different veterans services. It is a nation wide single point of access to information about pensions, compensation, welfare support, some service community Interests and discounts available to the forces. On line advice is also available. The website www.veterans-uk.info provides a single website and their e-mail address follows ~ veterans.help@spva.gsi.gov.uk from which information can be obtained. Services provided by the Veterans Services Directorate of Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA, government funded), also come under the Veterans-UK name for promotional and publicity purposes. To contact them free in the UK use 0800 169 22 77, from abroad use +44 1253 866043 or write to ~ Service Personnel and Veterans Agency, Norcross, Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 3WP. Please supply your full contact details and the best time to call. If your interest is about your pension your N.I. number is likely to be required. In future, it is to hoped to include other Ministry of Defence services to veterans other Government Departments and possibly voluntary sector organisations, the website above providing a focal point.

In case you were wondering, the contact details above can be used to make your claim for medals due to you, plus the veterans lapel badge to which we are all entitled. Also you can also find out how to obtain copies of your service records here. Last but not least they provide many methods of contacting old friends & comrades and publicise details of events that may interest you.

It is always helpful to obtain feedback about organisations such as this, good or bad. Editor

The Beachley Old Boys Association ~ The Fairway ~ page 1: Page 35

Help for Heroes Once again the weather this year did not let us down and we had another two glorious days. Instead of our usual practice round on the Friday we were invited by Dewstow Golf Club to participate in a compe-tition in aid of Help for Heroes. Without hesitation we accepted and entered four teams of four players who acquitted themselves well. A report from the Golf club confirmed that the day was supported by 46 teams comprising over 180 players including current military and BOBA The initial target was for £2000 and the final figure was in excess of £6400 of which our donation was £320. The winners and runners up were 9th Regt RLC who were from Cheltenham, together with those in third place donated all their winnings back to the charity. A good day was had by all and John Harris indicated that he will repeat the exercise next year. Many thanks to our members for your contribution to a very worthy cause. Hopefully if it is repeated in 2010 with more teams we may also be able to enter more players. Our Ken Standen Trophy competition on Saturday was also played in glorious weather and this year on the flatter Park Course. Despite, supposedly being the easier of the two courses, our scoring was low compared to other years. Maybe a year older makes a difference. Playing numbers was also down on previous years with only 24 players teeing off which did not include any lady players due to injury and other commitments. Your organiser was amongst the injured and was very disappointed to have to sit on the sidelines as a spectator. Hopefully we will be fitter for 2010. We extend a special welcome to our newest members Joe Hallam 65C & Tony Taylor 68C who was unable to play due to prior arrangements. Congratulations to all winners and especially John Green 73B this years winner of the Ken Standen Trophy with 34 points. Very good off a handicap of 8. Sorry John I omitted to take any photographs. I continue in my attempts to locate the Handicap Cup without success please pass the word around. Winning Results for 2009 The Ken Standen Trophy John Green 73B with 34 points Longest Drive Dave Fettis 82C Nearest the Pin Alan Picken 66A Best Par 3’s aggregate Alf Chrascina 67B with 13 points George Murray Trophy ( Drawn Pairs) John Green 73B & Chris Jarvis 67B with 63 points Handicap Cup Peter Hayward 65C with 32 points. My thanks to all who played this year and I look forward to 2010. Thanks also to President Syd & Peter Saunders for your assistance , also to Dewstow Golf Club for their hospitality. Foster Pattison fosbabs@btinternet.com

The Beachley Old Boys Association ~ The Fairway page - 2: Page 36

The 2010 BOBA Open Golf Championships

The BOBA Open is in the form of an 18 hole Stableford competition open to all members of the BOBA Golfing Society who must be members and/or their spouses/partners. It will be held at The Park Course, Dewstow Golf Club, Caerwent on Saturday 18th September 2010. All golfers are required to meet outside the café there at 0815 on Saturday morning. Those entering should complete the form below and return it, as indicated, with a cheque for £30.00 made payable to BOBA TO REACH ME BEFORE SATURDAY 4th SEPTEMBER 2010 Start times will be allocated on Saturday 11th September 2010 and all golfers informed by email, or letter, so please ensure your entry is received on time. In the event of too many entries being received, a “first come” system will be applied.

…………………………………………………………………………

PLEASE RETURN TO:

Foster Pattison, Flat 1, 12 Marine Parade, Clevedon, North Somerset BS21 7QS Please complete FULLY and in BLOCK CAPITALS

RANK/TITLE: ………. SURNAME: ………………………………. FORENAME: …………….

ADDRESS………………………………............................................................................................

………………………………..............................................................................................................

……………………………….................................................................. POSTCODE: ………………

TEL: ………………………………………. EMAIL: ………………………………………………………

CHEPSTOW GROUP/INTAKE: ……………. …. COMPANY: ……………….

GOLF MEMBER AT: …………………………….......(GOLF CLUB) HANDICAP: ………………

I WOULD LIKE TO PLAY WITH:……………………………...........................................................

I WISH TO PLAY FRIDAY AFTERNOON * YES/NO (*DELETE AS APPLICABLE) I ENCLOSE CHEQUE MADE PAYABLE TO BOBA TO THE VALUE OF £30.00 SIGNED:……………………………......... DATE……………………………