The Durham Light Infantry Association

BRANCH BULLETIN MARCH 2013

20.13 ANNUAL REUNION DINNER 8/11 DLI

The Annual Reunion Dinner of the 8/11 Battalions OCA will take place on Saturday 27 April 2013. Those attending are asked to assemble at the Bede War memorial at 1830 hrs and afterwards at the TA Centre Gilesgate at 1915 hrs. Members who have not received their invitation to attend should contact the secretary Ken Suddes on 01388 812983

21.13 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AGM

The 2013 Annual General Meeting of the DLI Association Executive Committee will take place on Wednesday 10 April in the Rifles Durham Office Commencing at 1400 hrs. The Agenda for the Meeting is attached to this Bulletin. Please ensure that your branch is represented.

22.13 ARTHUR WILLIS – 100^TH BIRTHDAY

Mr. Arthur Willis of 130 Moorcock Close, ESTON, and Middlesbrough TS5 OTS celebrates his 100^th birthday on Wednesday 27 March 2013. Arthur joined the army on the 29^th of January 1931 and after being demobbed in August 1939 was recalled on 1 September 1939 to 2 DLI and was part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) from the 23 September’39 until 29 May 1940 when he and a 3^rd of a million others were evacuated from Dunkirk. He went with the 2^nd Battalion to India on 13 April 1942 and served in Burma until 15 January 1944. He boxed and played rugby and has been a long-time active member of the Stockton Branch of the DLI Association.

Terry Gilbert and a number of Stockton Branch Members are going to see him on his birthday at his carer’s house at 44 Cinderwood, Cargo Fleet, Middlesbrough TS3 9RH at 1100 hrs on the big day. WO Derek Corbett with his buglers is hoping to be there to blow a fanfare and there will be lots of publicity from the press and other media outlets. Make sure that your branch sends a birthday card to his home address to arrive on time.

WELL DONE ARTHUR.

23.13 CHARITY CONCERT – GALA THEATRE DURHAM

SATURDAY 8^TH JUNE 2013 at 7.30pm

To celebrate 70 years of Finchale Training College, the College and the ABF Soldiers Charity are hosting a Concert at the Gala Theatre in Durham on Saturday the 8^th of June commencing at 7.30pm. Tickets are £18 with a concessionary price of £15. You may book on line at www.galadurham.co.uk or contact 0191 3824041. Cast includes John Rowland, June Pendleton, Alison Cochlan.Vicky Guillory, Little Sisters, The Honington Military Wives Choir, Military Bands and more. To avoid disappointment book early.

24.13 DURHAM BRANCH – CHANGE OF OFFICERS

At the AGM of the Durham Branch Michael Burini was elected in place of Kevin Storey who took over as Treasurer from Michael. Michael’s details are as follows:

Home Address

5 Ilfracombe Avenue

Grainger Park,

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE4 8RU

Tel: 0771 735234. Email: mickburini(at)hotmail.co.uk

24.13 DEATHS

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

Norman George Anstey

Norman served with the DLI and was a “D” Day veteran who landed on Gold Beach on 6 June 1944. He operated a PIAT Anti-Tank Weapon. He was known as “Butch” to his friends and would have been 98 on 6 April but died on the 19 February and was buried on the 7 March in Easton-in-Gordana, Nr. Bristol where he had lived for some years. Norman was very proud to have served with The Durham Light Infantry and was a great supporter of the Annual Reunion and our Charities. He leaves a widow Mrs P.E. Anstey to whom we send our sincere condolences

May He Rest in Peace

 

Kevin Storey. BEM

Secretary

Elvet Waterside