the royal british legion antwerp branchbranches.britishlegion.org.uk/media/4903533/1011-2015tr...the...

Belgie-Belgique

P.P-P.B

2000 Antwerpen 1

BC 26323

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION ANTWERP BRANCH

Tweemaandelijkse newsletter oktober-november 2015

Verantwoordelijk uitgever:

Gordon Wilkins, Nieuwpoortstraat 43 Bus 6, 2500 Lier.

Afgiftekantoor 2000 Antwerpen 1

P701114

Talk To The Hand Newsletter: October-November 2015 The Royal British Legion, Antwerp Branch

RBL Antwerp Branch HELP LINE: 03/685 34 20 The Reverend Ann Babb.

If someone is ill, or needs a visit, please DO call.

This Issue This year’s AGM will take place on Sunday 15 Nov in Edegem

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AGM 2015

Poppy Appeal

4 Details for the 2015 Poppy Appeal

Hello all, well summer was far too short as usual and the autumn is well under way. Traditionally, October through January sees our busiest time of year with The AGM, The Poppy Appeal, Remembrance Day, Christmas and New Year’s Reception all on the horizon.

Details for this year’s AGM can be found on page 2. Do come along, it is your chance to have your say about how the Branch is run – turnout has been extremely poor in previous years so let’s see some enthusiasm this year!

We will be selling Poppies on the Meir again this year and full details can be found on page 3 – volunteer and help us make this years collection an even bigger success than last year. Or, come along to the Poppy lunch and provide your support that way.

The annual Church Service and remembrance services/parades are all coming up in November. Again, details can be found in this Newsletter.

Sadly, we lost one of our long-standing Normandy veterans recently. Jim Early passed away in August and our thoughts go out to Christian and her family. We also lost another World War Two veteran in September, Harry Pickering, a member of the “Polar Bears” Division. Our thoughts are with his wife Germaine.

Finally, our member Patrick Pannier sent us a very harrowing personal experience of the Tunisian Terror attack in June this year, it is too big to be able to put into the Newsletter but details for seeing it are enclosed.

Got some pictures or an article about The Legion that you would like published? You can send any submissions to: [email protected]

TTFN,

Sid

Some reminders for your diary and a couple of ideas for things to do

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Diary & Things To Do

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In Pictures

The liberation of Begium – Antwerp remembers.

There are new possibilities for renewing your membership while overseas – details enclosed.

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Overseas Membership

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Newsletter: - October-November 2015 The Royal British Legion, Antwerp Branch

AGM 2015 – 15 November 2015 The 2015 Antwerp Branch AGM will take place on Sunday 15th November 2015 at 15:00. The location is the Hotel De Basiliek, Trooststraat 22, 2650 Edegem, Belgium.

Bob Chambers will be taking over as President and so a new Chairman must be elected.

So far we have had one volunteer for the post, Sid Wilkins, your current Newsletter Editor and previous Vice Chairman. Should you be interested in becoming the Chairman of the branch, fill in the application below and return it to the Newsletter editor as soon as possible (please note you must be a full member of The British Legion to apply for this post).

The Vice Chairman, Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary posts are still within their three-year tenures and do not require re-election.

In addition we are also looking for volunteers to become the Branch Poppy Appeal Organiser, Branch Newsletter Editor and volunteers to help the Branch Welfare Chairman with home/hospital visits and case workers for our veterans and spouses. These posts are not voted for and do not need be full Legion members. Further details are available in this Newsletter.

AGM Agenda 1. Parade of Standards and Act of Remembrance. 2. Apologies for absence. 3. Opening remarks by chairman. 4. Minutes of previous meeting. 5. Matters arising from minutes. 6. Additions to the agenda. 7. President’s address. 8. Chairman’s report and objectives.

a. Individual officers’ reports (as required). b. Debate on report and adoption of objectives.

9. Presentation and adoption of accounts. 10. Election of officers and committee members. 11. Date, time and place of next meeting. 12. Hand over to new chairman and closing remarks.

Should you wish to have an item discussed at the AGM, please send details to our Branch Secretary.

Please note, that with effect 16 November, Bob Chambers will be taking over as President of the Branch and Barrie Jeffrey will become a Vice President. The committee would like to thank Barrie for his work and diligence during his tenure as President.

The AGM is your chance to have your say. Perhaps you have an issue or require clarification on the way the Branch is run or maybe you have some ideas for fund-raising or improvements please come along and tell us. The committee wants to hear from you so come along and give them your views.

Application for Post of Chairman of The Royal British Legion, Antwerp

Branch.

Name: ………………………………

Proposer: ………………………………

Seconder: ………………………………

Your chance to have your say

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2015 Poppy Appeal and Lunch The 2015 Poppy Appeal will take place at “De Hand” Monument on the Meir on Saturday 7 November 201(5 (this is at the western end of the Meir – just before the KBC building). We need volunteers so come along and help. We want you to give us an hour or two of your time between 11:00 and 17:00. We will then pop over to The Café Highlander afterwards to warm up.

The Red Hackle Band will be performing throughout the day for us to help draw a crowd.

Lynne Marinus is coordinating this year’s event and she can be contacted on 0495 188 089 (evening only please) or email [email protected] to offer any help you can.

In addition, we will be setting up the branch tent as usual, so any help doing this would also be appreciated – we will meet at the BATS theatre, Paardenmarkt 111, 2000 Antwerp to collect the tent and promotional poppies at 09:45 on 7 November 2015. Thank you.

As usual, we will be holding a Poppy Appeal Lunch this year with proceeds going towards the Lord Haig Poppy Appeal. When? Sunday 25 October What time? 12:30 for 13:00 Where? Hotel De Basiliek, Trooststraat 22, 2650 Edegem What’s on the menu?

Cream of tomato soup with meat balls Fillet of chicken cream of mushroom sauce

Salad and croquettes Vanilla ice cream with cherries Coffee/tea and biscuits Plus aperitif, wine and water.

How much? €32 per person How do you pay? Transfer your money to: PNB Paribas Fortis, Meir. RBL Bank Account Number is 220-002-0212-72 BIC: GEBABEBB IBAN: BE38 2200 0202 1272 Payment details: Name + number people + € For information Call Steve Cook Raf Kloeck Martin Southam 03/233 42 51 03/664 72 85 03/295 00 76 E-mail [email protected]

Poppy Appeal Lunch details

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Volunteers needed Branch Poppy Appeal Organiser

We are looking for a Branch Poppy Appeal Organiser. We need a diligent and can do person to take over from Mary Ann. The post involves collection of all Poppy products from the UK (although this can be arranged with other Branch members), planning and execution of the Poppy appeal, distribution of Poppy/collection boxes in the local area, providing wreaths and Poppies as required throughout the year and the organising of fund raising activities throughout the year. Think you have what it takes? Then please send a short CV to the Secretary: [email protected]

Welfare Caseworkers

We also need Caseworkers, who report directly to the Welfare Chairman. These people need an outgoing nature and a willingness to help others. Tasks include home and hospital visits, perhaps a bit of shopping for a veteran or spouse. You will also be required to attend a Legion Welfare course and to take on case-files as needed – this might be the repatriation of a veteran to the UK for example. You do not need to be a member of The Legion to be a Caseworker. Interested? Contact Mary Ann Marinus: 0486 646941 (evenings) [email protected]

Newsletter Editor

We will shortly need a new Newsletter Editor. The Newsletter is sent out every 2 months or so and we need someone to take it over. The applicant will need to select and prioritise content, produce the newsletter, have it printed and distribute it (both electronically and by normal post). Please contact the current Newsletter Editor if you think this is right up your street! 0478 990214 or [email protected]

Case working Advice Case working Advice

Overseas caseworkers are essential to the Welfare work carried out abroad. Without caseworkers it would be impossible to reach often the most vulnerable clients and those most in need. From The Legion’s point of view it is important that we make sure that caseworker’s always remember the most important rule; safety first. Below are a few reminders about being safe especially when visiting or interacting with clients. The vast majority of visits go off without any problems.

• Prepare Yourself – know where you’re going and how to get there. Also have a fully charged mobile and have Identification

• Look Confident – Be alert, walk tall, keep your head up and stay calm.

• Avoid Risk – Ensure that someone knows where you are going and at what times. Always advise colleagues of any changes to your plans.

• Never assume – it won’t happen to you or that fears and concerns are unfounded.

Remember, always report any incident, however trivial it may seem to your branch or a member of your welfare committee.

Not doing so could put others at risk.

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Upcoming Diary Dates

Things To Do Mortsel

If you are interested in Military history, Mortsel in Antwerp is an excellent place to visit. There are various routes that have been mapped around the town.

There is a walking trail that traces life during the German occupation during World War One. This walk also includes a visit to Fort 4, which has undergone some redevelopment work, which is well worth seeing.

There is also a walking trail, with information points along the way, for the bombing of Mortsel on 5 April 1943 by the United States Air Force. Nearly 936 civilians were killed (including 209 children under the age of 15) during the afternoon raid, which was meant to destroy the Erla Motor works that the Germans were using to manufacture and maintain aircraft for the war effort. It is a truly tragic story, but well worth taking the time to understand this black part of Antwerp’s history. Only two allied bombs hit the factory from the é’ tons that were dropped.

Finally, Fort 5 has a walking tour that explains about the fate of 16 political prisoners that were brought to the fort from all over Belgium and executed during the First World War. It traces the origins of the individuals and what happened to them during their incarcerations and eventual deaths.

Date Time Association Event Location October 25Oct 12:30 TRBL PoppyLunch BasiliekHotel,Edegem November 7Nov 11:00 TRBL PoppyCollection Meir,Antwerp 8Nov 18:30 TRBL/ABCA RemembranceService StBonifaceChurch 11Nov 10:00 Various RemembranceServices Various 21Nov 15:00 TRBL AGM BasiliekHotel,Edegem December 5Dec 11:00 StBoniface ChristmasFayre StBonifaceChurch 6Dec 12:30 TRBL ChristmasLunch BasiliekHotel,Edegem 13Dec 12:30 ABCA ChristmasLunch BasiliekHotel,Edegem 20Dec 18:15 StBoniface AnnualCarolService StBonifaceChurch

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In Remembrance

Harry Pickering fought in the Second World War and served with the REME in Belgium. He met his first love, Germaine, here and married her. They eventually settled in Vorselaar. Harry was a member of the Branch for many years and although his health meant we did not see so much of him, he will be sorely missed.

Jim Early passed away in August. Jim was one of our Vice Presidents and a truly inspirational character. Jim arrived in Belgium during the Normandy landings in 1944. He met his wife, Christiane, here and after much travelling around the world settled here in Belgium. Jim was a real gentleman and it was always a pleasure to spend time with him. Throughout his illness, Jim remained positive and retained his excellent sense of humour. Our thoughts are with Christiane and their children, Nancy, Ben and Frank.

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Liberation of Merksem

In October, we helped celebrate the Liberation of Merksem by attending a parade and wreath laying at the Stadhuis and the Cemetery. Our Vice Chairman was in attendance as well as our assistant Parade Marshal, Jos and two of our Standard Bearers, Sven and Julien. There was also an appearance by a rather handsome chap who also writes your Newsletter!

There has been some criticism of the new membership renewal process, especially for overseas members of The Legion. The following guidelines have been put in place and were published in the last Overseas Newsletter:

2015 Renewal Process

It has been recognised that there are specific circumstances overseas and due to the large number of variables in play overseas branches have been given permission to collect cash from those members who cannot pay by any other means and pay for memberships in one annual payment. A few important things to remember about this new process:

• There is only one accepted application form (MS4)

• For immediate membership branches can take cash and pay online for membership on an individual’s behalf via cheque or branch bankcard

• Alternatively, branches can take cash and pay for membership in one payment around renewal time. They need to keep hold of the MS4 forms to send with payment.

• For renewing cash paying members, a spreadsheet will be sent to each branch, which needs to be completed and returned with payment, and remittance slips for each member. (These slips will be on the member’s renewal letters, which have now been sent).

• Cards will be sent direct to members once payment has been received.

• Those members who have chosen to pay by other methods will pay their admin fee to Head Office. Head Office will remit these fees back to the branch quarterly.

Any questions about membership fees or renewals should be addressed to Phil Shaw in the first instance.

Overseas Membership Renewal

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Have you paid your Membership? Do you wish to join the Branch? Contact the

Membership Secretary now.

RBL Bank Account number is 220-0020212-72 (BIC: GEBABEBB,

IBAN: BE38 2200 0202 1272) Annual subscription: € 26.

Donations towards our benevolent work are welcome.

Our Branch Poppy Shop has been running for some years now. We usually try to set up during the main lunches of the year. We get our goods from The Royal British Legion Poppy Shop or from local sources. You can visit the Poppy Shop at http://www.poppyshop.org.uk if you wish us to get you something, please let us know. You will of course need to pay postage as well, so please bear that in mind. Contact Steve Cook at: [email protected].

Poppy Shop

TRBL Website

Visit The Royal British Legion Website at http://www.britishlegion.org.uk

For more information about who we are and what we do. There are also many interesting articles to read. For example, the recent football shirt auction that raised over £100,000 and Afghanistan tribute service at St Paul’s. There are also many more stories regarding the on-going First World War Centenary.

Advertising rates 1/8 page: € 6.50 per issue 1/4 page: € 11 per issue 1/2 page: € 16.50 per issue Full page: € 30 per issue

Contact the Newsletter Editor for more information or to place an ad.

Do you have an e-mail address?

You will receive your Newsletter quicker by e-mail and will also receive any last minute notifications. Send your e-mail to the editor to get this newsletter by e-mail in the future and save TRBL both paper and postage costs.

Have you attended a ceremony on behalf of the Branch? Please feel free to submit items for inclusion in the newsletter, such as poems you particularly like, anecdotes, stories about TRBL Antwerp, comments or

suggestions. Send to [email protected]

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Every year the Branch attends many commemorations of the Liberation of various towns, cities and villages in the Antwerp region. Here are some photos of commemorations attended by our members.

Bob Taylor and Albert Jones attended a memorial in Gheel Ten Aard during which they laid a wreath to remember the soldiers of the 15th Scottish Division who died there.

The British Ambassador, Alison Rose, the Mayor of Antwerp, Bart De Wever and the National Chairman, John Chisford, as well as many other dignitaries attended the Liberation of Antwerp ceremony at the Cromwell Tank.

In Pictures – The Liberation of Belgium – September 1944

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Terror in Tunisia

Church Service - 8 Nov 2015

The annual Remembrance Church service will be held at St Boniface church, Grétrystraat 39, 2018 Antwerp, on Sunday 8 November 2015. The British Ambassador, Alison Rose will be attending. Please be seated in the church by no later than 18:15. Remember that parking is a problem in the area, but trams 2, 6, 7 and 15 go to Harmonie; tram 4 stops at Lange Leemstraat / Belgielei intersection. In either case the walk to Church is about 5 mins.

There will be a small reception in the Church Hall after the service, but space is at a premium. If you intend to go, please inform the Branch Secretary.

You will all remember the terrible terrorist attack that took place in Sousse, Tunisia on the 26 June this year. Thirty-eight innocent holidaymakers lost their lives on that dreadful day. One of our members was caught up in that terrifying ordeal.

Kol (R) Patrick Pannier and his wife were staying at the RIU Imperial Marhaba hotel when the terrorist struck. Patrick has sent us a very interesting and terrifying account of that day. Including how they had to lock themselves in their room whilst gunfire was going on around them and the thoughts going through their minds wondering what would happen to them. Unfortunately the article is too big for the newsletter, but we have uploaded it to our website. It is a fascinating article and I urge you to read it.

You can find the article here: http://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/antwerp

Congratulations Your Majesty

On 9 September 2015, Queen Elizabeth II became Britain’s longest serving monarch. She surpassed the reign of her Great, Great Grandmother, Queen Victoria. Queen Elizabeth II has reigned for over 63 years.

Congratulations Ma’am!

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Committee Contacts 2014-2015

TRBL ANTWERP OPEN EVENING WHEN? Every first Thursday of the month

WHERE? Café Highlander, Stadswaag 21, Antwerp Come along and say hello, we look forward to seeing you.

President: Lt. Col. E.B. Jeffrey [email protected] Chairman Bob Chambers Oude Beurs 33 2000 Antwerpen [email protected] Hon. Secretary Valerie Mott Leiebos 31/172 B-2170 Merksem, Belgium e-mail: [email protected] Hon. Treasurer Frank Van Nunen Floris Primslei 22 2150 Borsbeek 03/324 66 85 (office hours only) [email protected] Membership Secretary Phil Shaw Ridder Dessainlaan 40 2800 Mechelen 0486/189 734 [email protected] Chairman Entertainment Committee Martin Southam Klein Heiken 11 2950 Kapellen [email protected]

Vice Chairman Rob Boyle Lodewijk Van Berckenlaan 192/6 2140 Borgerhout 03/295 89 03 (evenings) [email protected] Editor Newsletter Sid Wilkins & Inge Hödl Nieuwpoortstraat 43 Bus 6 2500 Lier [email protected] Poppy Organiser Mary Ann Marinus Oude Beurs 33 2000 Antwerpen 0486/64 69 41 (evenings) [email protected] Chairman Welfare Committee Ann Babb Leo Van Hullebuschstraat 37 2900 Schoten 03/685 34 20 (also help line) [email protected] Entertainment Committee Raf Kloeck Te Boelaarlei 103/bus 2 2140 Borgerhout 03/664 72 85

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