General

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 Mike Freeman, the Vice Chairman, and the continued support from the Branch Committee and 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, or are affiliated to the SRY, 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 Army Reserve Centre (ARC) Carlton, by kind permission of the Squadron Leader Major A D Jenkins.

Please remember to let us know your full address and telephone number so that we can keep you informed of our Branch activities.

Visits and Events during 2016

The Branch had a very busy 2016 starting with the Regimental OCA Annual dinner in April and, in May, the OCA Cavalry Memorial Parade in Hyde Park. The Branch attended the Armed Forces day event at Wollaton Park Nottingham, where we had a stall, and members of the Midland Branch took part in the Drumhead Service.

In October our Branch had its now annual trip to Bournemouth. Unfortunately, this was marred by the health problems of some of our members, which slightly reduced the numbers, but, after a subdued start the weekend proved to be a great success.

Our Remembrance parade took place as usual in Newark on Sunday 13th November. I would ask those who are able to make a concerted effort to boost the numbers next year. If you have a problem with transport, please would you make any of the branch committee aware and we will always try to assist whenever possible.

Branch attendance over the eleven meetings in 2016 has averaged 30 per meeting.

Moving into 2017 on the 14th January the Branch had a late Christmas Dinner at the Vale Social Club, Colwick and, with more people attending, this was another great success. Our AGM was held on the 22nd February at Carlton ARC, which was followed by our normal Branch meeting.

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.

Midlands Branch Committee for 2016-18

Branch Chairman         Mr John Maltby           0115   974  4092

Secretary                        Mr Tony Higton           01949 875  749

Treasurer                        Mr Chris Woodward    0115   987  9915

Welfare Visitor              Mr Don Brown             0115   987  7801

Vice Chairman                Mr Mike Freeman

Assistant Secretary        Mrs Ann Barrow

Newsletter Editor               vacant

Tony Higton (Midland Branch Secretary)