General

Once again I am pleased to report that the Branch has had a very good year.  I am also pleased to report that the Branch is in a good financial position, due to the concerted efforts by the Branch Committe and the continued support from the Branch membership.

New members are always welcome.  All ex-members of the SRY, serving members or ex-members of the RY, or if you were or are attached to either, you are automatically a member of the Midlands Branch by right.  We will always be pleased to see you at our monthly meetings which are held on the fourth Wednesday each month at the TA Centre, Carlton, by kind permission of the Squadron Leader, Major A D Jenkins.  Please remember to let us know your full address and telephone number.

Visits and Events during 2014

We had a very busy 2014 starting with the Regimental OCA Annual Dinner in April and, in May, the OCA Cavalry Memorial Parade in Hyde Park.  In June we took a coach party to Normandy where we made our usual pilgrimages to Bayeux and several other places of interest.  We also dedicated a new memorial to the men of the SRY at Berjou.  Our Remembrance parade took place as usual in Newark on the 9th of November.  The only negative point was that the number of ex SRY comrades attending seems to diminish every year and I would like to ask for those who are able to make a concerted effort to boost the numbers.  If you have a problem with transport please  make one of the Branch committee aware.  We will always try to assist wherever possible.

This year the Branch paid for two children from the Carlton Central School to visit Ypres, in Belgium, in October.  This is part of our continuing commitment to support this school with their projects about WW1 and WW2, which the children are involved in.  We also arranged a trip to Bournemouth in October, stopping in the Tower House Hotel.  My personal thanks must go out to everyone who helped out in the organisation of all our events throughout 2014.

Events in 2015

In April 2015 Martin Kerry has organised a trip to the Somme.  In June some members will be visiting Normandy and the Branch has organised a return trip to Bournemouth in October.  (See the  Events page of the website).  If you are interested in any of our future trips please contact one of the committee members listed below.

Welfare

On the welfare side, if you are aware of anyone who has passed away, or is suffering or in need, please contact Donald Brown or another committee member.  The Midlands Branch has always had a special interest in the welfare of the Association members and widows and we actively support the Widows' Fund by way of a share from the profits that we make from our Branch functions, plus an annual donation of £100.  Any donations to the Widows' Fund will, as always, be greatly appreciated.

Midlands Branch Committee for 2015

Mike Freeman          Branch Chairman

John Maltby              Vice Chairman

Tony Higton              Secretary

Chris Woodward       Treasurer

Donald Brown           Welfare Visitor

Mike Freeman (Branch Chairman 2014)