Visit the DLI Museum & Art Gallery for FREE this Christmas

Free Admission for all on Boxing Day 26th December 2012
& New Year's Day 1st January 2013

If you're wanting to get out and about on Boxing Day or New Year's Day visit us at the DLI Museum, where we will be opening our doors for free to everyone 10am-4pm. Enjoy a walk in our lovely parkland, visit the DLI Café (open 11am-3.30pm) for a coffee and a mince pie or have a wander round the museum and see our new exhibition in the art gallery 'An Experiment in Total Environment' inspired by Victor Pasmore's Apollo Pavilion in Peterlee. 

Click here to find out more about Durham Art Gallery's new exhibition 'An Experiment in Total Environment.'
We are open daily throughout December, Christmas and the New Year; 10.00am-4.00pm, (except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day when we are closed).
Merry Christmas from the DLI Museum & Durham Art Gallery!

'Like Us' on Facebook | forward to a friend

 

DLI Museum & Durham Art Gallery,
Aykley Heads
Durham
DH1 5TU
0191 3842214
dli@durham.gov.uk
www.durham.gov.uk/dli

Easy Fund Raising

Raising money for the DLI Museum Friends through your on-line purchases

For the online shoppers amongst us, there’s now an easy way for you to shop as normal and at the same time raise funds for the DLI Museum Friends using www.easyfundraising.org.uk. Once you have registered see how below) every time you make an on-line purchase from over 2,000 well-known retailers, including Amazon, M&S, Expedia, eBay and many more, the retailer from whom you have made a purchase makes a donation to the DLI Museum Friends.

If you’re sceptical, don’t be – This scheme is a winner and has been recommended by Col Tony George, one of our DLI Museum Friends, who tells me that the administrator and trustee of another small charity he knows of uses www.easyfundraising.org.uk and has raised over £900 for her Trust in less than a year.

We have set up a DLI Museum Friends Account under www.easyfundraising.org.uk and all that is required is for people to register when they go on-line to make a purchase.  Once you’ve registered we will start raising funds through your purchases – AND THE COST OF YOUR PURCHASES WILL BE THE SAME AS THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN ON A SIMPLE ON-LINE TRANSACTION..

It’s easy to become a fundraiser for the DLI Museum Friends.  Just follow these straightforward instructions:

1. Visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk
2. left click on Find a Cause
3. Enter DLI Museum Friends in the search box and click search
4. When our name comes up, click Support next to our listing and then register your personal details, then click Register
5. When you next want to shop online, just go to the retailer you want and shop as normal. If this retailer is one of those supporting this scheme you will begin to accumulate contributions for the DLI Museum Friends.

Please encourage as many of your family and friends as possible to support DLI Museum Friends.  This way the amount contributed by Easy Fundraising will quickly add up.

If you wish you can add www.easyfundraising.org.uk to your 'Favourites' to make it even easier.

It doesn’t cost you anything to shop online with easyfundraising and you can even save money with special offers and voucher codes. We’ll push this way of supporting the DLI Museum Friends through our own channels, such as the website but of course feel free to encourage your friends and family to support the DLI Museum Friends in this way too, especially in the run-up to Christmas.

There is also a search engine function, like Google, which works in a similar way: www.easysearch.org.uk. Search for and select DLI Museum Friends as 'your cause', add this site as one of your home pages (as you might already do with Google) and each time you search you'll raise roughly 5p for the Museum. It also provides a weekly running total so you can see how much we're raising.

If you have any questions, get back to me and I'll try to help but otherwise just start shopping/searching!

I very much hope you are prepared to give this a go. It seems a particularly painless way of raising money for the Friends and if we are able to raise significant amounts of funding we will really be helping the DLI Museum.

The Durham Light Infantry Association

BRANCH BULLETIN DECEMBER 2012

90.12 LT.COL RONNIE WALTON MBE

Lt. Col. Ronnie Walton MBE who served with the 2^nd Bn. in Wuppertal in the early 1950s and on leaving the Regular Army took up a number of posts with Durham ACF, is now a resident in Philips Court Nursing Home, 140 Bluebell Close, Beacon Lough Gateshead NE9 6RL Tel. No..0191 491 0429. He can be visited at any time and members who live in the vicinity of the home are encouraged to do so.

91.12 CHRISTMAS CARDS

The stock of Association Christmas Cards is now exhausted, however, The Rifles 2011 and 2012 cards are still available at £4 per pack of 5. There is also a stock of Association cards issued in previous years and these are priced at 10 (mixed) for £3.

92.12 RIFLES OFFICE – CLOSED

In accordance with Rifles HQ instructions The Rifles Durham Office will be closed from after business on Friday 21 December 2012 until 0830 hrs on Monday 7 January 2013. Urgent communications can be sent by email to Kevin.storey(at)btinternet.com ( change (at) to@ )

93.12 STOCK – UNPAID ACCOUNTS

At the end of year stock check it was noted that the following invoices had not yet been paid. It would be appreciated if all were cleared by Wednesday 19 December 2012.

South Shields Bugles & Bren-Gunner £69.50

Darlington & Newton Aycliffe - Christmas Cards £19.50

Ryhope & Silksworth - Bugles & Christmas Cards £40.90

Spennymoor - Bugles & A Wreath £37.50

Stockton Col. Kemp - Beret £10.00

City of Sunderland - DLI Ties 334.00

Washington (to collect) - Bugles £16.00

94.12 SEASONAL GREETINGS

On behalf of The Chairman of the Association Major Paul Wharton MM.The Rifles County Secretary Major Chris Lawton MBE and Shirley, on whom all things revolve, may I wish all members and their families a Merry Christmas and a most prosperous New Year. It has been a busy year and we are all grateful for your unflinching support.

95.12 DEATHS

The death of the following comrades have been reported to the Rifles Durham Office since the last Bulletin:

NEIL SCAFFTON – KOYLI/LI

CYRIL ALLEN – 1 DLI KOREA

May they Rest in Peace

 

Kevin Storey BEM

Secretary

Elvet Waterside

Remembrance Day

Once again members of Durham Photographic Society were on hand to record the events in Durham and Chester le Street.

     

LINK to all photos

The Durham Light Infantry Association

BRANCH BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2012

83.12 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES

Enclosed with this Bulletin please find the Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting held on Wednesday 14 November 2012. You are asked to ensure their contents are made known to your members.

84.12 DLI ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS CARDS

Stocks of DLI Association Christmas Cards are almost exhausted and members are advised to order immediately to avoid disappointment.

85.12 RIFLES CHRISTMAS CARDS

The 2011 Rifles Christmas Card which shows the three wise men crossing the dessert preceded by a soldier with a mine detector is still available for purchase from The Rifles Durham Office priced at 5 for £3.99.

The 2012 Rifles Christmas Card is also available from The Rifles Durham Office; this card shows the inside of the Albert Hall during the recent Rifles Concert and is priced at 5 for £4.00

86.12 DARLINGTON & NEWTON AYCLIFFE

DECEMBER BRANCH MEETING

The date of the Darlington & Newton Aycliffe branch meeting scheduled to take place on Tuesday 4 December 2012 which included the quiz night has been changed to Tuesday 11 December in the RBL Club Macmillan Rd at 1700hrs.

87.12 GATESHEAD & NEWCASTLE BRANCH – SOCIAL

The Gateshead & Newcastle Branch will be holding a Social from 1200 hrs to 1600 hrs on Sunday 2 December 2012 in the RBL Club, Coatsworth Road, Gateshead.

88.12 EASY FUNDRAISING SCHEME

If you are buying on line this Christmas, members may wish to support The Friends of the DLI Museum Easy Fundraising Scheme. It is so easy – all you do is:-

1) Visit easyfundraising.org.uk

2) Click on ‘find a cause’

3) Type in DLI and you will see the DLI Museum Friends drop down.

4) Click on and select.

5) Click the Green ‘Yes – ‘sign me up’ button.

6) Enter your details, click Register.

7) That’s all.

You can now start shopping instantly and raise funds for the DLI Museum Friends.

89.12 DEATHS

The following deaths have been reported to the Rifles Durham Office since the last Bulletin:

In Pensioner RALPH DICKINSON

WILLIAM BOWES – DLI SUNDERLAND

VANE DYSON – 6 DLI WWII

May they Rest in Peace

 

Kevin Storey BEM

Secretary

Elvet Waterside

Two new Albums Ready to view

Two new albums have been added to the Gallery page.

The VC Stone Ceremony and the the opening of the Garden of Remembrance at Stockton Parish Church.

Festival of Remembrance Concert at Durham Cathedral

The third Festival of Remembrance Concert will take place on Saturday November 10th.  at 7:30 pm. Compared by Alasdair Hutton, voice of Edinburgh Tattoo, with Denise Robertson, Heavy Cavalry & Cambrai Band, John Rowland, Julie Pendleton, Vicky Guillory, Catterick Garrison WAGS Choir, George Colley Singers and West Denton Primary School Choir, concert is organized by Maj (Retd) Eric Ingram chairman of ABF The Soldiers' Charity North East committee. All proceeds from the concert will be split between ABF The Soldiers Charity and The Royal British Legion.

For bookings contact The Gala Theatre Durham, Tel: 0191 3324041 or visit their website www.galadurham.co.uk Tickets are priced at £15 & £10 

The Durham Light Infantry Association

BRANCH BULLETIN OCTOBER 2012

75.12 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

A meeting of the Executive Committee of the DLI Association will take place on Wednesday 14 November 2012 in the Rifles Durham Office commencing at 1400 hrs. A provisional agenda is enclosed with this Bulletin. Please ensure that your branch is represented.

76.12 REMEMBRANCE PARADE – BISHOP AUCKLAND

The Bishop Auckland Town Council and the Royal British Legion have invited the DLI Association to take part in the Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade which will be held on Sunday 11 November 2012. Those branches who wish to participate in the Parade are requested to assemble at the War Memorial in Bishop Auckland Market Place in time for the proceedings which will commence at 10.30am.

Any branch who wishes to lay a wreath at the War Memorial should contact the Town Clerk, Linda Goldie, on 01388 609852 before 1 November 2012. On arrival at the Memorial, branches leaders should report to the Parade Marshal, Warrant Officer, D. Carr and inform him that it is your intention to lay a wreath. Any branch wishing a copy of the Programme of Events should contact the Rifles Durham Office on 0191 3865496.

77.12 PHOTOGRAPHS FOR SALE

John Attle, the Regimental Photographer, is offering the facility of purchasing many of the photographs taken at the various functions he attends. Members can browse the collection on the following BLOG: http://photoboxgallery.com/dlimuseumfriends.

78.12 CHRISTMAS CARDS - DLI/RIFLES

This years DLI Christmas Card is proving very popular and to avoid disappointment, please order your DLI Christmas Cards as soon as possible. We also have small supply of the Rifle’s Christmas Card which features the three wise men on camels following a lone squaddie using a mine detector. These are priced at £3.99 for a pack of 5.

79.12 GEORGE McKAY – KILTS & MEDALS

George McKay, recently of the Scots Guards, has opened a Military Tailors shop in Station Lane, Consett. He would welcome the custom of the members of the DLI Association for all their military requirements such as medal mounting and clothing alterations. He has 20 years experience in military tailoring and his medal mounting is of the highest standard. A “flyer” with full details of his services is enclosed with this Bulletin and should be brought to the attention of your members.

80.12 CARE FOR CAUALTIES – WRIST BANDS

The Rifles Durham Office is holding a supply of “Care for Casualties” Wrist Bands and are available for purchase by branches, especially those holding charity events. They are priced at £2.00 each.

81.12 INKERMAN STONE CEREMONY

Please remind all members that the Inkerman Stone Ceremony will take place on Sunday 4 November. Members are asked to assemble outside the DLI Museum & Art Gallery from 10.15 AM. Blazers/Lounge Suits with berets and medals are requested dress.

82/12 DEATHS

It is pleasing to record that there has been no reported deaths since the last Branch Bulletin.

 

Kevin Storey, BEM.

Secretary

Elvet Waterside

Car Parking at the DLI Museum

From Monday 29th October to Friday 2nd November the road to the DLI will be being resurfaced.
Alternative free car parking will be available at County Hall just a short walk from the DLI. The route between County Hall and the DLI will be clearly signposted. We apologise for the inconvenience but anyone who has visited us lately will know how urgent this work has become!

Fighting Talk - Durham Book Festival

Saturday 20th October 2012

A series of military themed talks hosted by the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery as part of Durham Book Festival.

Writing in War and Peace: The Diaries of Nella Last
Saturday 20th October - 12.30pm (1 hour)
More than 60 years after 
Nella Last wrote her famous diaries during World War II (which were made into BAFTA-winning drama Housewife, 49, starring Victoria Wood) her moving, often humorous, and revealing writing has been collected into one volume. The diaries capture the everyday trials of wartime Britain and life in the 1940s and 50s. Join Nella’s editors, Patricia and Robert Malcolmson, who are visiting Durham from British Columbia, to find out what makes a really good diarist.

Storming the Falklands: Tony Banks
Saturday 20th October - 2.00pm (1 hour)
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict. In Storming the Falklands, former Para Tony Banks gives a vivid and harrowing first-hand account of his experiences of fighting with the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment to liberate the Falkland Islands. For many years afterwards, Banks suffered from debilitating combat stress, which he only conquered when he met with his former enemies to lay his demons to rest.

Carina Rodney: Exploring the Archives
Saturday 20th October - 4.00pm (1 hour)
Join DLI writer in residence Carina Rodney and museum staff to hear more about how the museum’s archive, which includes a contemporary section with links to present-day soldiers, is being used to inspire new writing about war.

 

For more information on Durham Book Festival please visit www.durhambookfestival.com.

Please note: Tickets must be booked at the Gala Theatre on 0191 3324041 or online at www.galadurham.co.uk.

Museum Talks Programme

Saturday 13th October - 2.00pm 

El Alamein- by Dr. Bryn Hammond

Bryn Hammond's book, El Alamein (published in June 2012), is a fresh examination of events in the North African Campaign between July and November 1942. He will talk about his findings here, in particular using the experiences of participants to dismiss some of the myths of the desert war and to underline its harsh realities.

Tickets (normal admission cost also applies)

Adult £4.60, Concession £3.60, Children (4-16 years) £2.60

Annual Pass Holders

Adult £2.60, Concession £2.10, Children (4-16 years) £1.60

Tickets can be bought in advance from the DLI shop or by calling 0191 384 2214.

Purchase of Photographs

We have set up the facility to purchase photographs featured in the Gallery page, the first two albums featured are this years Reunion and the unveiling of the DLI Memorial at the National Arboretum in July. If you would like any other image from the Gallery page to be added use the contact details on the Photo Box site to send details of the one required.

All profit from the sales will go to the DLI Museum Friends and the DLI Association.

http://www.photoboxgallery.com/dlimuseumfriends

The Durham Light Infantry Association

BRANCH BULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2012

68, 12 BERETS

The Rifles Durham Office has received a supply of berets in all sizes which are available for sale at £10 each.

69.12 CENOTAPH PARADE TICKETS

Tickets and full parade instructions for the Royal British Legion Cenoptaph Parade which takes place on Sunday 11 November 2012 are now available at The Rifles Durham Office and can be collected by those branches that placed an order for them. Because of cancellations there are a few tickets left for late orders. Any branch or individual members requiring tickets should telephone 0191 3865496.

70.12 SWEEPSTAKE RESULTS

A copy of the 2012 DLI Association Sweepstake draw was dispatched to branches via email on Monday 17 September. A copy of the draw and a list of the winners is attached to this Bulletin. Please ensure that all those who bought tickets are suitably informed. Thank you all for your efforts and a full report will be made to the Executive Committee Meeting in November.

71.12 THE DURHAM BUGLES – AUTUMN EDITION

All branches should now be in receipt of the Alrewas Memorial edition of the Durham Bugle. You are requested to make every effort to sell all your copies at the special low subsidised price of £1.60.

72.12 THE DURHAM BUGLE – CONTRIBUTIONS

The Editor of the Durham Bugle would welcome any contributions from readers for consideration. Have you an interesting story to tell? – these need not be lengthy articles and could be written for you, so please wrack your brains for memories of service life, its fun and tragedies. If you have a tale to tell or a simple anecdote, then contact the Secretary at the Rifles Durham Office or any member of the Editorial Committee who are listed on the inside cover of the magazine.

73.12 ITEMS OF STOCK - REDUCED PRICES

Enclosed with this Bulletin you will find a list of items held in stock at the Rifles Durham Office which have been reduced for sale at £1 per item. There are also a few 2012 pocket diaries which will be given away FREE with every purchase. Stocks are limited so please don’t be disappointed.

74.12 DEATHS

The deaths of the following members of the Association have been reported to the Rifles Durham Office since the last Bulletin:

FREDERICK WILLIAM CLARK

Fred was a member of the Durham Branch for

Many years and served with the 1^st Battalion in Korea.

RONALD S. HOWES

Ron did not serve with the DLI but was a member of

The Stockton branch for many years and served with the

KOYLI in Malaya 1949-50

May they rest in peace

 

Kevin Storey BEM

Secretary

Elvet Waterside

DLI Reunion 2012

The photographs from this years reunion are now online, just click on the gallery tab above. This year I attended the Battle of Britain service in the afternoon and the photos can be found in the gallery.

 

 

Ex-SAS and Author Chris Ryan at the DLI

Saturday 15th September - 3.30pm

Chris Ryan will be giving a talk and signing his book the new thriller 'Osama'

Come and meet SAS hero and bestselling thriller writer Chris Ryan for a special reading and book signing of his new novel 'Osama; The first casualty of war is the truth, the second is your soul.'
Hosted in conjunction with Waterstones Durham.
Tickets are £3.50 (including admission) and are available in advance from the DLI shop or by calling 0191 3842214.

Heritage Open Days

FREE admission for everyone on Saturday 8 th September.

Join us on 8 September as we celebrate Heritage Open Days by opening our doors FREE to everyone. Plus we will be having a free "Secrets from the stores" museum collections session from 10.30am-12.00noon.

At 2pm there will be a talk by Professor Alastair Fraser of the No-Mans-Land Great War Archaeology Group The No-mans-land team have been working on the Ploegsteert area of southern Flanders since 2007, following 33rd Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, from Salisbury Plain to Ultimo Crater on 7 June 1917. Some of their dead remained on the battlefield and this talk explains how one man was found, describes the possessions he was carrying and sets out the process by which he was identified.

(charge applies).

More details can be found on the DLI website.

News: Sedgefield Repatriation Ceremony

Sedgefield Village Veterans honour repatriated fallen

In a simple, moving ceremony on Sedgefield village green, the Sedgefield Village Veterans, who hold a service whenever a repatriation takes place, were joined by the Chairman of Durham County Council, councillor Linda Marshall, members of the Boundary 500 Motorcycle Group, villagers and passers-by to honour three soldiers recently killed in Afghanistan and repatriated to the UK. They were:

Lieutenant Andrew Robert Chesterman, 26 of 3rd Battalion The Rifles, Lance Corporal Matthew David Smith, 26 of the Corps of Royal Engineers and Guardsman Jamie Shadrake, 20 of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.

Durham PS members, in a continuing relationship with the DLI Association veterans that goes back many years, were honoured to photograph the event.

LINK to J Attle’s photos

LINK to T Griffith’s photos

See also Angy Ellis’s report on this blog posted 25^th July, DLI Memorial Unveiled.

The Durham Light Infantry Association

BRANCH BULLETIN AUGUST 2012

58.12 RAFFLE PRIZES – ANNUAL REUNION

Will branches please note that all prizes donated for the raffle at the Annual Reunion should be handed in at the Rifles Durham Office by Thursday 6 September or to the Association Shop at Bede College on Sunday 9 September. All prizes should be clearly marked with the name of the branch.

59.12 TICKET SELLERS – ANNUAL REUNION RAFFLE

In accordance with tradition the Leading Branch which this year is HOUGHTON-le – SPRING are requested to provide two ticket sellers for the raffle. They should report to Shirley Nicholson at the Reunion Shop where they will be provided with a cash bag and a roll of tickets (1000) which should be sold at 5 tickets for £1.00.

60.12 ROLL OF HONOUR 2011/2012

Enclosed with this Bulletin you will find the Roll of Honour for the period September 2011 to August 2012. Please examine for errors or omissions and if possible first names where only initials appear. All observations should be reported to 0191 3865496.

Click Here to Download List

61.12 EMBROIDERED CLOTHING – RAINCOATS

The Rifles office have now a quantity of DLI Raincoats in stock in S/M & L/XL sizes. Priced at £20.00, they are good value and can be carried in a blazer pocket.

62.12 SOCIAL EVENT – CONSETT & STANLEY BRANCH

The Consett & Stanley Branch are having a daytime social on Sunday 14 October, in the Empire Club Front Street Stanley. Entrance will be available from 11am and the event will close at approximately 4pm. There will be a buffet lunch, entertainment, a raffle and Tombola, Contact Pauline Gill on 01207 236149.

63.12 CONCERT – CARE FOR CASUALTIES

A Concert will take place on Thursday 27 September 2012 in Annfield Plain Methodist Church commencing at 7pm. Tickets are priced at £2.50 which includes refreshments, there will also be a cake stall, a lucky dip table and a seat raffle. The Concert will be given by the ladies of Annfield Plain Women’s Institute and Young at Heart Group. Contact Pauline Gill on 01207 236149. “Care for Casualties” is a Rifles Charity.

64.12 COMRADE SEARCH

The Rifles Office Durham has received a request from Leslie Jones who served with the KSLI 1955-57. He would like to make contact with the following DLI friends:

David Gardner - DLI

Albert Grainger – DLI Sigs Pl.

James Gates – DLI Sigs Pl.

Tommy Kelly – DLI - played football for Bishop Auckland

Leslie can be contacted on 01905 640556

65.12 CHRISTMAS CARDS -2012

Branches have been supplied with a complimentary 2012 Christmas Card and orders are now being taken.. The price and size of the card have been reduced to compensate for increased postal charges.

66.12 DLI SWEEPSTAKE

Will branches please note that all ticket counterfoils and money must reach the Rifles Durham Office by Friday 7 September 2012. The draw will take place on Thursday 13 September and any ticket holder who draws a horse in the St Leger will be notified before the race is run on Saturday 15 September 2012.

67.12 DEATHS

The following deaths have been reported to the Rifles Durham Office since the last Bulletin:

Tom Greatland – DLI

Leslie McLaren – Gateshead & Newcastle Branch

May they Rest in Peace

 

Kevin Storey BEM

Secretary

Elvet Waterside

Military Vehicle Rally

Sunday 26 and Bank Holiday Monday 27 August, 10am-4pm

Free entry to the rally

Visit the DLI on August Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday to see around 60 superbly restored military vehicles and artillery from World War 2 to the present day.

Plus outside there will be militaria stalls, living history displays and dioramas and inside the DLI lots of art activities and workshops for all the family.

http://www.nemvc.org.uk/

News: DLI Memorial Unveiled

Angy Ellis reports:

Joanne Gray & I were asked to represent Durham Photographic Society at the weekend to photograph the unveiling of the Durham Light Infantry Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire in the presence of HRH The Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy KG GCVO Royal Colonel 3rd Battalion, The Rifles .

Like Cagney & Lacy we travelled together sharing thoughts and plans how we were going to cover an event so large with one Nikon & one Canon to support us. But we did and we did it very well if I say so myself.

We arrived at the George Hotel, touching base with Col Charlton who gave us full press access which we were extremely grateful for, and a rundown of the next day’s events.

That night was also the ‘Salamanca Supper’ in the hotel, so being the nice girls we are our services were offered to document this also. It was after Midnight when the last song ‘The Blaydon races’ finished off a grand night and we could finally go to bed.

Sunday morning we arrived early at the Arboretum springing straight into action. We covered the Band, the hundreds of DLI Association members & their families, three very friendly Chelsea Pensioners, the Royal arrival, meet & greets and finally the very moving ceremony.

The memorial is a larger-than-life statue of a DLI bugler dressed in the combat uniform of the Korean War.

It was modelled in clay by sculptor Alan Herriot, in Howgate, near Edinburgh, and was based on a photograph of the then 18-year-old Colour Sergeant Brandon Mulvey, of Chester-le-Street . Also present yesterday was Captain Tony Lynn, who designed the plinth of Portland stone and drew up the first draft sketches of the statue

Fundraising is now getting under way for a duplicate statue to be erected in Durham City.

Other dignitaries present were the Co Durham Lord-Lieutenant Sir Paul Nicholson, Honorary Colonel for The Rifles in County Durham James Ramsbotham, Durham City Mayor Councillor John Wilkinson, and Durham County Council chairwoman Councillor Linda Marshall.

It was a grand day out.

Angy Ellis

The Northern Echo LINK

All photos to be added on Friday

             

Angy’s photos

Joanne’s photos

The Durham Light Infantry Association

BRANCH BULLETIN JULY 2012

49.12 CHARITY EVENING – HORDEN& PETERLEE

The Horden & Peterlee Branch are holding a Charity Night on Thursday 16 August 2012 in the Peterlee Catholic Club starting at 7pm. The evening is in aid of Rfn Michael Keighley of 1 Rifles who lost both his legs and suffered internal injuries in Afghanistan after stepping on a an IED. There will be three artists, a buffet and a bottle raffle. All proceeds to be shared between “Care for Casualties” and SSAFA. All ticket enquiries to 0191 5860673 and any bottle donations would be appreciated.

50.12 WREATH LAYING – ARBORETUM

Branches are reminded that Major Paul Wharton MM will lay the Association wreath during the ceremony at the Arboretum on Sunday 22 July 2012. Individual wreaths may be laid after the departure of HRH or after the official dedication has taken place.

51.12 MEDAL FOUND

A General Service Medal with a clasp for Northern Ireland named to Pte. G. Joyce of The Light Infantry was found recently in the Newcastle area. Anyone who knows the owner of this medal should make him aware that it can be returned to him by contacting the Rifles Durham Office on 0191 3865496 – proof of identity will of course be necessary i.e. his army number.

52.12 SUNDERLAND DOGS

The Rifles Durham Office has once again a supply of FREE admission tickets for Sunderland Dogs. The tickets are for the meeting on Wednesday 1 August 2012 and as well as admission those attending will receive one FREE drink and Pie & Peas. Interested parties should contact the Rifles Durham Office on 0191 3865496.

53.54 INDOOR GAMES 2013

It was agreed at the Executive Meeting of the DLI Association held 27 June 2012 that the 2013 Indoor Games will be held in The RBL (Dubmire) Club, Fencehouses, Houghton-le-Spring on Sunday 24 March 2013. The Houghton-Le-Spring Branch will host the Games and all branches should note this in their Diary of Events for 2013.

54.12 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – MINUTES

The Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting held in the Rifles Durham Office on Wednesday 27 June 2012 are enclosed with tis Bulletin. Please ensure that their contents are made know to your members.

55.12 ANNUAL REUNION LUNCH

The Annual Reunion Lunch will take place on Sunday 9 September 2012 in the College of St Hild & Bede commencing at 1330 hrs. A charge of £12.00 will be made and to facilitate catering requirements tickets must be ordered from the Rifles Durham Office by 17 August 2012.

56.12 ARBORETUM CEREMONY – DVD

A DVD recording of the DLI Memorial Dedication on Sunday 22 July 2012 will be made by Mr. Paul Harness who will be filming before, during and after the Dedication of the Memorial. The DVD will cost £12 (including P & P – UK only). Soon after the Dedication, pictures will be shown on his website www.paulharness.com and will be available for purchase. Order forms will be available on the coaches traveling down to the Arboretum and will also be available from the Rifles Durham Office. The completed order forms may be given to Tony Lynn after the Service with cash or cheque made payable to P. Harness or by posting them to Tony Lynn at 28 Gainsborough Avenue, Columbia, Washington NE38 7EE with cheque made payable to P. Harness by 15 August. The DVD will be available in early September 2012..

57.12 DEATHS

The deaths of the following comrades have been reported to the Rifles Durham Office since the last Bulletin:

Joseph Prendergast – 2 DLI Kohima

Major Mike Spurrier – 1 DLI

Former Adjutant 6 DLI

May They Rest in Peace

 

Kevin Storey, BEM

Secretary

Elvet Waterside

Museum Talks Programme

Saturday 14th July 2012 - 2.00pm

The Battle of Salamanca, 22 July 1812, by Major Gordon Corrigan, MBE

The Peninsula War, fought in Portugal, Spain and Southern France from 1808 to 1814 was Britain's major contribution on land to the French revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Compared to the momentous battles being fought in northern Europe against the Russians, Austrians and the Prussians, the Peninsula was a minor theatre, but it was Napoleon who called it the 'Spanish Ulcer', haemorrhaging French men, money and assets. After a few initial reverses, tiny British armies of professional regular soldiers consistently defeated far larger French forces. This talk will explain the war, concentrating on the great victory of Salamanca, and, in particular on the exploits of the 68th Regiment of Foot.

 

Tickets (normal admission cost also applies)

Adult £4.60, Concession £3.60, Children (4-16 years) £2.60

Annual Pass Holders

Adult £2.60, Concession £2.10, Children (4-16 years) £1.60

Tickets can be bought in advance from the DLI shop or by calling 0191 384 2214.

D Company the Rifles, Freedom Parade, Spennymoor

30^th June

D Company the Rifles were granted the freedom of Spennymoor, Co Durham on Armed Services Day in a moving and very well attended ceremony. There were also presentations of special service medals to soldiers recently returned from Afghanistan. Led by the Band and Bugles of Durham ACF , the Company then marched proudly through the town to huge acclaim.

Durham Photographic Society members were once again on hand to capture this memorable Rifles Regiment event.

                                            

LINK to J Attle’s Photos 

LINK to Tony Griffith’s Photos

The Durham Light Infantry Association

BRANCH BULLETIN JUNE 2012

42.12 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Branches are reminded that an Executive Meeting of the DLI Association is being held on Wednesday 27 June 2012 in The Rifles Durham Office, commencing at 1400hrs. It is important that all branches are represented at this meeting as several important items need to be discussed.

43.12 UNPAID INVOICES

Will branches who have outstanding unpaid invoices please make payments as soon as possible. Most of the invoices are for Durham Bugles and Memorial Mugs. If you are in any doubt please telephone Shirley on 0191 3865496 who will assist you.

44.12 ARBORETUM TRIP - ITINERARY

We are in the process of preparing an Itinerary for those members who have taken advantage of the RHQ coach trip for the weekend 20 - 22 July 2012. The completed document will be available for collection by branches at the Executive Committee Meeting on 27 June,

45.12 CANCELLATION INSURANCE

Included in the travel package the travel company have issued a Travel Cancellation Insurance Policy. This insurance is to safeguard travellers against having to cancel their journey because of unforeseen circumstances i.e a late illness which is not an ongoing condition. It is not travel insurance as such, however, a policy will be issued to all who are travelling alongside the Itinerary mentioned in the previous paragraph.

46.12 CENOTAPH CEREMONY 2012

Branches or individual members of the Association who require tickets for this years Cenotaph & March Past in London on Sunday 11 November 2012 should apply in writing to the Secretary at The Rifles Durham Office, by 15 August 2012. The Association has been allocated 60 tickets and these will be issued on first come, first served basis.

47.12 INDOOR GAMES 2013

Applications to host the 2013 games will be taken at the June Executive Meeting. Branches are advised that applications will be judged on certain conditions being met - a copy of the conditions will be available at the meeting but a copy may be made available on request.

48.12 DEATHS

The following deaths have been reported to the Rifles Durham Office since the last Bulletin:

George Addy - DLI WWII

Bill (Lance) Allen - DLI

Albert Bye - 1 DLI Korea

Bryan Rowley - 1 DLI Suez

May they Rest in Peace

 

Kevin Storey BEM

Secretary

Elvet Waterside

Talks and Events

Thursday 21 June, 7.30pm

'The Face of War: Figuring Empathy in Pat Barker's Life Class'

by Dr. Ann Whitehead

Talk examining how the relationship between literature and medicine is being positioned in contemporary writing.

Free for everyone.

The talk will be followed by drinks and light refreshments.

Museum Talks Programme

Saturday 16 June 2012 - 2.00pm

Life in the Trenches by Peter Hart

Peter Hart will be talking about life in the trenches on the Western Front during the Great War. Using quotations from oral history interviews he conducted in the 1980s, he will examine the physical environment, the living conditions and the day-to-day fighting. Many of the veterans he will quote were from Durham and Northumberland.

 

Tickets (normal admission cost also applies)

Adult £4.60, Concession £3.60, Children (4-16 years) £2.60

Annual Pass Holders

Adult £2.60, Concession £2.10, Children (4-16 years) £1.60

Tickets can be bought in advance from the DLI shop or by calling 0191 384 2214.

Outdoor Brass Band Concerts

Sunday afternoons from 2.00pm in the beautiful grounds of the DLI

Our Summer series of free outdoor brass band concerts will be taking place on Sunday afternoons at 2.00pm throughout the Summer. Come along and see some of the region's finest brass bands. The DLI Café will be open throughout each performance serving refreshments, light lunches and delicious ice-creams from Doddington's Dairy.

• Sunday 3 June - Pittington Brass
• Sunday 17 June - Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band
• Sunday 24 June - Trimdon Concert Band
• Sunday 1 July - Lanchester Brass Band
• Sunday 8 July - Durham County Brass Band Association Entertainment Contest, all day starting from 10.00am
• Sunday 5 August - Stanhope Silver Band

Jubilee Weekend and Half Term at the DLI

Activities for Children

We are open daily throughout half-term and the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend 10am-5pm, with lots of arty activities for children every day.

DLI Dads

Saturday 9th June, 10.30am-12.30pm

Activities for Dads and their children. This week we will be making and firing mini-rockets! The workshop is free of charge, (normal admission charges apply).

If you can't make this one there are lots more DLI Dads sessions planned during the Summer holidays, on Saturday 4 August and Saturday 18 August.

The Durham Light Infantry Association

BRANCH BULLETIN MAY 2012

32.12 LIGHT INFANTRY REUNION – 2013

It has been confirmed that the Light Infantry Annual Reunion in 2013 will take place from

Friday 7 June to Sunday 9 June in Copthorne Barracks, Shrewsbury. Will secretaries please note this in their forecast of events.

33.12 DLI MEMORIAL SERVICE – TICKETS

All branches have been advised that entry tickets to the DLI Memorial Service which is taking place on Sunday 22 July 2012 will not be available until after 27 June 2012. The deadline for applications has now passed and no further applications will be considered.

34.12 DLI ASSOCIATION SWEEPSTAKE

Branches are reminded that all profits from this years Sweepstake will be shared between “Care for Casualties” and the fund for the planned erection in Durham of a replica of the Arboretum statue. A further supply of tickets is available if required.

35.12 DURHAM BUGLE – SPRING EDITION

The Spring 2012 edition of the Durham Bugle was distributed at the AGM Meeting in April.

These were not issued on a Sale or Return basis but on specific orders from branches. If you have difficulty in selling all of your copies then you may wish to adjust your order for future issues. However, you must realize that The Durham Bugles is sold to branches at a considerable discount on the RRP and is excellent value.

36.12 RHQ ARBORETUM TRANSPORT

We shall shortly be supplying the Travel Company with details of our requirements who will then prepare a fully comprehensive travel document for the week-end 20-22 July. These travel details will be made available at the Executive Committee Meeting scheduled to take place on Wednesday 27 June 2012. Enclosed with this Bulletin you will find preliminary details of room lists, possible pick-up points and starting times which you should examine and inform the Rifles Durham Office of any omissions or errors.

37.12 BOOK – “FOR THEIR TOMORROW”

Copies of the above book by Harry Moses are now available from The Rifles Durham Office. The book is a history of the 2^nd Bn. DLI from 1919 until 1955 and is considered to be one of the “great reads” of published DLI histories – priced at £14.95 it would be a great addition to any library.

38.12 A HISTORY OF THE FIRST BATTALION DLI

Harry Moses is now researching for his next project which is to be a History of 1DLI from 1758 to 1968. Any member who has “named” regimental photographs groups or singles, should inform Harry through the Rifles Durham Office. Any respectable anecdotes would also be appreciated.

39.12 MEMORIAL MUGS

The Rifles Durham Office has received a further supply of the Arboretum Commemorative mug. These are priced at £6.00 each and branches should make their members aware of their existence.

40.12 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEE MEETING

The agenda for the Executive Committee Meeting scheduled to take place on Wednesday 27 June 2012 is enclosed with this Bulletin. Please ensure that your branch is represented,

41.12 DEATHS

The following death has been reported to the Rifles Office since the last Bulletin

Lord Glenamara

The Rt. Hon. Edward Short – 8 DLI

May he Rest in Peace

 

Kevin Storey BEM

Secretary

Elvet Waterside

Museum Talks Programme

Saturday 19th May 2012 - 2.00pm

Remembering War Horses

by Pip Dodd, National Army Museum

Pip Dodd is the curator of the National Army Museum's current 'War Horse' exhibition. His talk will cover a broad historical period including the First World War, examining the changing role of horses and mules in the Army. He will explore how they were (and were not) looked after, what happened to them when they were no longer required, and how the horses and mules were remembered. Pip will also consider the considerable cultural phenomenon of 'War Horse'.

 

Tickets for April - July talks (normal admission cost also applies)

Adult £4.60, Concession £3.60, Children (4-16 years) £2.60

Annual Pass Holders

Adult £2.60, Concession £2.10, Children (4-16 years) £1.60

Tickets can be bought in advance from the DLI shop or by calling 0191 384 2214.

THE WESTERN FRONT ASSOCIATION,CLEVELAND BRANCH

All are welcome to our meetings, WFA members and non-members alike.

15 May 11^th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, ‘In Their Own Names’- Martin Bashforth

Martin will be looking at the formation, training and actions of the battalion through the letters of some of the soldiers who served with it.

19 June Some Problems of Coalition Warfare – Professor John Derry

Professor Derry will be looking into the relationship between the British and French armies and the challenges and difficulties that arose during the war.

17 July The War Diaries of Tom Dary – Colin Hatton

Colin will be talking about the life and military career of local man, Tom Dary, who kept a diary from 1916 to 1919 and won the Military Medal for his actions.

16 Aug No Meeting

18 Sept ‘The Suicide Club’, ‘K’ Class Submarines– Brian Teasdale

Designed to be fast enough to operate with the Battle Fleet, this class of submarines soon became known as the ‘Kalamity’ Class. Brian will be telling the story of this notorious class of submarines.

16 Oct The Waggoners Reserve– Ian McInnes

. Ian will be telling the story of these men from the Yorkshire Wolds who were recruited to provide a core of trained wagon drivers to supply front line positions on the Western Front.

20 Nov 8 DLI and the Battle of the Lys– Clive Bowery

After being battered on the Somme in March 1918, 8^th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry was moved to the quiet area of the River Lys to rest and train up its large drafts of young reinforcements. However the German Army had other ideas. Clive will be telling the story of the battalion’s traumatic experiences in trying to hold up the next great German attack.

Branch Chairman: Sean Godfrey

WEB SITE

The Durham Light Infantry Association

BRANCH BULLETIN APRIL 2012

25.12 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – AGM MINUTES

The Minutes of the Executive Committee AGM which was held on Wednesday 11 April 2012 is enclosed with this Bulletin. Please ensure that their contents are relayed to your members at the next available meeting.

26.12 THE DURHAM BUGLE

The latest issue of the Durham Bugle was distributed at the recent Executive Committee AGM. Please note the substantial discount made to branches and encourage your members to buy them and if more copies are needed then please inform RHQ. Invoices of those received should be paid as quickly as possible.

27.12 ANNUAL REUNION – NEW PARADE FORM

Major Paul Wharton MM, Chairman of the Association, has produced an amended version of the parade format and a copy is enclosed with this Bulletin. This format will be presented to the Executive Committee meeting to be held on 27 June 2012 for ratification.

28.12 FREEDOM PARADE – D (RIFLES) COMPANY

The D (Rifles) Company stationed at Bishop Auckland is to receive the Freedom of Spennymoor in a ceremony to be held on Armed Forces Day 30 June 2012. Will branches please note this date in their diaries and be prepared to attend if they are not already committed elsewhere. Full details will be transmitted when they are known.

29.12 LIGHT INFANTRY REUNION – GRAND PRIZE DRAW

Branches are reminded that all ticket counterfoils and money in respect of the Light Infantry & Rifles Association Grand Prize Draw should be forwarded to reach the promoter Mr. M.G. Halliday at The Rifles Office, Copthorne Barracks, Shrewsbury. SY3 8LZ by 15 June 2012.

30.12 INDOOR GAMES 2012

The 2012 Indoor Games took place in the RBL (Dubmire) Club, Fencehouses on Sunday 25 March. The results of the various disciplines were as follows:

DARTS

Winners – SPENNYMOOR

Runners up – City of Sunderland

DOMINOES

Winners – Gateshead & Newcastle

Runners up – Houghton-Le-Spring

WHIST

Winners – Hartlepool

Runners up – Bishop Auckland

GAMES CHAMPIONS

Chester-Le-Street

WOODEN SPOON

Durham

 

31.12 DEATHS

The following deaths of comrades have been recorded since the last Bulletin:

Fred Jamfrey – Chester –Le Street Branch

Tommy Parker – South Shields Branch

Lieutenant Barry David Perrott – 1 DLI Korea/17^th Para

Ken Allen – DLI WWII

May they Rest in Peace

 

Kevin Storey BEM

Secretary

Elvet Waterside

More Albums added to the Gallery Page

More albums have been added to the gallery page, just click on the tab above.

The new photos include the DLI indoor games 2010-2012. and the Stockton Parish Church Memorial Garden project, read the full story is in the Durham Bugle which is now available.

          

            

Museum Talks Programme

Saturday 28 April 2012 - 2.00pm

'The Yompers' - a fighting Royal Marine's perspective of the Falklands War

by Ian Gardiner

Thirty years ago, Ian Gardiner commanded a rifle company in 45 Commando RM in Arbroath when they were ordered to the South Atlantic to expel the Argentines from the Falkland Islands. The Commando 'yomped' across East Falkland in foul weather in mid-Winter, carrying extraordinary loads and short of food. They then went on to fight and win a classic night battle on the Two Sisters, one of the key hills around Port Stanley. The Commando lost 13 dead and 25 wounded in the course of the war. In his talk, Ian will, with the help of pictures and film, describe the 'yomp' and this little known but highly successful action, as well as explaining some of the wider aspects of the Falklands War. His book 'The Yompers' was published in February.

Tickets for April - July talks (normal admission cost also applies

Adult £4.60, Concession £3.60, Children (4-16 years) £2.60

Annual Pass Holders

Adult £2.60, Concession £2.10, Children (4-16 years) £1.60

Tickets can be bought in advance from the DLI shop or by calling 0191 384 2214.

For Your Tomorrow

For Your Tomorrow by Harry Moses

A History Of The 2 DLI. This book covers the whole of the period of History from 1919 to 1955, particularly through the eyes of those officers and soldiers who served with the Battalion in peace and war, reinforced with over 50 photographs and 9 maps.

Details from.

The Memoir Club Limited,
Dartmoor Suite,
The Courtyard,
Aryanna ebusiness Centre,
Arya House,
Langley Park, 
Durham,
DH7 9XE
Tel: 0191 373 5660
Fax: 0191 373 9652 

http://www.thememoirclub.co.uk/