COLDSTREAM GUARDS ASSOCIATION
              (Yeovil & Taunton Branch No.34)
                         (Founded 1968)                                                   
                 

      Autumn Newsletter 2011 & 2012 Diary Dates        

In line with the mood of the nation 2011 has been a slightly quieter year within our Branch.

A.G.M.

The A.G.M. in January was affected both by sickness and bad weather and our attendance down on normal.

Our Vice Presidents increased by the addition of Captain Nigel Hicks, who was completing his service with The Prince of Wales Regiment in Germany but has now joined “the civilian army”.

Captain Hicks has been a Branch member for many years, hailing from Bridgwater where Captain Hicks hopes to return at some date. 

The existing committee had not “blotted its copy-book” and together with our President, Vice Presidents and other officers returned for a further year.

In Memoriam

1138908    A. Bunch    

               J. Short    

22205847  D. Higgins  

               B. Hobbs   

Sadly early in the year we lost one of long serving colleagues after a short illness, David Higgins. David had been a stalwart member for many years, serving as our treasurer for quite awhile.  

David and his family were familiar figures at both meetings and social functions. He will be remembered buy us all with fondness.

Annual Lunch - April 2011

The Annual luncheon was well attended and was a most enjoyable occasion.

Once again our President produced a guest speaker, Colonel Robbie Hall Q.G.M. Royal Engineers, who treated us with a most interesting insight into the “thrills of bomb disposing”.

A subject in which Colonel Hall was completing his final year trying to combine all arms of the forces. Colonel Hall spoke with great authority in which was earned his Q.G.M. dealing with a live bomb inside an operating gasometer.

Branch Garden Party June 2011

June saw another splendid garden party hosted by Colonel Armitstead C.B.E. and Mrs Armitstead. Again a well attended event with the sun arriving in time for all to enjoy exercise in the spacious gardens of Pendomer House, Somerset.

Freedom of the City of Exeter July 2011

In July The Regiment was given the Freedom of the City of Exeter and our Branch was well represented at what turned out to be a display by 1^st Battalion plus No.7 Coy of a spectacle enjoyed by many thousands. 

Colour Sgt. P. McHugh and some of the recruiting team were there to attract the younger generation (plus many of the “oldies”) to modern arms and equipment and to offer the “wall” for the more adventurous. 

At the head of the climbing figures General Sir M. Rose showing just how it should be done and that Gen. Rose is still able to accomplish the feat with ease.

Guest Speaker Branch October 2011 Meeting

October will see the welcome attendance at our monthly Branch meeting of Captain R.W.C. Matthews from R.H.Q. to update us on Regimental activities. Wives will be welcome to attend and enjoy a free buffet at what is always a most enjoyable social evening.

Annual Subscription

Our Branch has been able to keep these to a modest £4 for a long time and if you are among those who have overlooked your subscription for 2011 or indeed for the past couple of years please make a remittance to our treasurer.

With the increase in postage, paper and printing etc. it now costs in excess of 45p to send Newsletters and routine correspondence. It is only due to much larger contributions from a few members that our Branch "Keeps our head above water".

Branch Christmas Luncheon Sunday 4th December 2011

Sunday 4th December 2011 at 11:45hrs for 12.15hrs The Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster, Somerset.

There could not be a better way to start your Festive Season. Excellent menus, massive draws and the very best of company. Try to find a past Brigade colleague who has lost touch "with the good life" bring them along so that they again enjoy the value of being " Once a Guardsman Always a Guardsman".

Remember, we meet every second Wednesday in the month (except December) at 19.30hrs for 20.00hrs at The Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster, Somerset. Any variations to the start time are agreed and notified at the previous monthly meeting. We have and want to maintain a good attendance so please come along.

Once again we are pleased to welcome the new members who have joined us and remember with fondness those "we have lost".

Please accept my grateful thanks to all who have given such splendid support, making ours a successful and truly Coldstream Family.

                                                       Once & Always

                                          Derek W. Notley Hon. Secretary

DIARY DATES 2012

A.G.M. 11th January 2012 The Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster, Somerset 19.00hrs for 1930hrs

TROOPING THE COLOUR 2012

The Escort this year will be found by the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards

Major General’s Review – Saturday 2nd June

Colonel’s Review – Saturday 9th June

Queen’s Birthday Parade – Saturday 16th June
 

Trooping The Colour 2012

Click the above Web Link and learn more about Trooping the Colour and how to apply for tickets

Branch Online Album

Click the above web link to view the Branch online album

Trooping The Colour: Rehearsal

Please contact the Branch with subjects that may have an interest for the next publication of the Newsletter, Website, Branch Album and Coldstream Guards Gazette.

Enquires are welcomed relating to Regimental subjects and Membership.

Email: GenGMonck1650@yahoo.co.uk