Donation to Great Western Hospital ICU

At the February meeting, members proposed and carried a motion to donate £*** plus the receipts from the raffle to the Intensive Care Unit at GWH, where Liz was cared for in her last few days.

Branch Meeting Friday 4^th April

As a mark of respect to Liz and her family, the Trivial Pursuit evening was postponed until the April meeting.  Angela, our Entertainments Member, has requested a brief meeting of the Ladies Section at 7.30 p.m. prior to the meeting to discuss a replacement for Liz on the Branch committee.

Sick Parade

Some of you may have heard that our Vice-Chairman, Bryan Kell, was taken ill suddenly whilst shopping in Gloucester. 

I understand he is “on the mend” and is now back home.  May I wish him a speedy recovery on behalf of all Branch members.

New Members

I am delighted to welcome new member Peter Gray, who lives in Wootton Bassett and has transferred from the West Berks Branch.  Peter served from 59 – 62.

I have also received an email from Don Strange, who has just moved from Lincoln to East Challow, Wantage.   His Army No. is 2******* but that is all I have at present!

Another email came from Paul “Chippy” Druett (1964-76) who lives near Stavanger, Norway, but comes from Moredon, Swindon where his brother and sister still live.

I have still to do the necessary paperwork, but nevertheless, “welcome, gentlemen!”

Branch Subscriptions

I am told by Bob Tapp that Branch Subs are arriving steadily, but just in case you have forgotten, the payment slip is enclosed, separately this time.

Skittles Night June 6^th

The June Branch meeting will be a Skittles Night, to be held at the Southbrook Inn (just off Ferndale Road).  Basket Meals are £**.**, with a choice of Sausage, Chicken or Scampi and chips.  A form to tell us you’re coming and to book your meal is enclosed with this newsletter.  Payment is required 3 weeks prior, so please pay Angela on or before the Branch meeting on Friday May 2^nd.  Directions, if you need them, can be obtained by giving me or Angela a call.

Diary Dates

Don’t forget that the Royal Australian RE dress hat will be taken on its annual outing on ANZAC Day, Friday 25^th April at the Kingsdown Arms, from 7.30 p.m.

May 2^nd Branch meeting is a Quiz Night.

SW Group Annual Barbecue is on Sunday 10^th August, not 13^th.

The Hon Sec has details and booking forms for Minley REA Weekend, 27-29 June (return required by 18^th April) and for Chatham Corps Memorial weekend 19-21 September (return required by 1^st June).

National Arboretum

The coach trip to the National Arboretum will take place on Saturday, 14^th Jun, so as not to coincide with the SW Group Standard Bearer’s Rally.  The Ladies Section has agreed to subsidise the travel costs, but we do need to use as many seats as we can to make it cost-effective.  The coach trip includes complimentary tea/coffee/ chocolate drinks.  A variety of meals will be available at the Arboretum, although they do not now need to be booked.   Please complete and return the attached form by 14^th April so that we can offer the spare places to other Services organisations, for which we will request a contribution towards the cost. We hope to pick-up from the TA Centre at about 8 a.m.

SW Group AGM

The Hon Sec, Geoff and the Treasurer, Bob will attend the AGM of SW Group REA on 26^th April.  Any comments or issues to be raised should be given by the April 4^th meeting.

Branch Dinner 2008

Forms will now be sent out with the April newsletter for numbers, menu choice and payment of a deposit, and full payment will be required by the October Branch meeting. 

Birthday Honours

		Greetings to all	who have their	birthday in April!