The Durham Light Infantry Association

Monthly Bulletin February 2014

1. Branch Officials

   1. We are approaching that time of year when branches normally hold their AGM. Branch Secretaries are reminded that they should inform the Association Secretary of any changes in Branch officials occurring as a result of the elections. Information for any new appointment should include: Branch name, Appointment, full name of official (including relevant decoration held), address, telephone and/or mobile number, email address (if held) and DLI Association Number (if known). The form is at Annex A to this bulletin.

2. Reminder Annual Finance & Strength Returns

1. Branches are reminded that the final date for the submission of Annual Finance and Strength Return is 19 Feb. The returns are needed for the Report the secretary makes to the quarterly Trustees Meeting.

3. Data Protection Sheets

   1. Secretaries are reminded that completed data protection sheets for Branch President, Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer should be returned completed by the Association AGM by 16 April 14.

4. Indoor Games

   1. Entries for the Indoor Games should be submitted by 28 February 2014

   2. Branch Secretaries are reminded that the Branch raffle prize for the Indoor Games should be brought to the Indoor Games and deposited with the secretary before 1200 hrs.

5. DLI Association AGM

   1. Branch Secretaries are reminded that the Association AGM will take place on 16 April 2014. Further details will be published next month.

6. Armed Forces Day/Week – Warning Order

14.07.01 Branches are reminded that Armed Forces Week takes place 23-29 June 2014. Details of individual events will be published later. In most areas Flag Raising Day will be held on Monday 23 June 14.

7. Position of DLI Association Treasurer

   1. Branch Secretaries are reminded that the Association is still looking for a suitably qualified volunteer for the appointment of Treasurer to the Association, initially to work with Maj Lawton MBE and eventually to take over from him. Nominations should be made to Maj Lawton.

8. Durham Light Infantry Association Annual Draw 2014

   1. The Annual Reunion Draw for 2014 is a straightforward numbers draw. Prizes will be as follows: 1st Prize: £300, 2nd Prize: £100, 3rd Prize: £75, 4th Prize: £50. Tickets will be available for distribution at the AGM. It will be drawn on Thursday 11 Sept 2014 in the Rifles Office, Durham in the Presence of the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.

   2. All ticket money, counterfoils and unsold tickets must be returned to the Secretary at the Rifles (Durham) Office, Elvet Waterside, Durham, DH1 3BW. Tickets may not be purchased by anyone under 16 years of age. The Draw is registered under the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976 with Durham County Council.

   3. All winners will be notified direct. £5.00 per book of 10 tickets.

9. Dedication of The Stone

   1. This office has been made aware of the "Blessing of The Stone" that will be shipped out to Normandy later this year in time for The Normandy Landing Ceremony 6 June 2014 as part of the 70th Anniversary of D-DAY on 6 June 1944. The Ceremony is a Fire Brigade event courtesy of Allan Pattinson and colleagues which featured in the Northern Echo with our own Dickie Atkinson who landed with 9 DLI on Gold Beach on D-DAY.

The ceremony will last about 10 minutes and will take place at NE Granite, Littleburn Industrial Estate, Langley Moor, Durham, DH7 8HJ at 1000 hrs Saturday 1 March 2014. The organisers hope as many as possible will attend this event and hopes they will not be disappointed by its short duration. The Ceremony will be officiated over by the new Bishop of Durham.

Any member wishing to attend should contact the event organiser Allan Pattinson on 07587189741

10. Future Events

    1. Branch Secretaries are reminded that they can advertise Association future events through the Monthly Bulletin. Information should be passed to the Secretary.

1. Programme of ‘War Talks’ at the DLI Museum 2014

   1. The following programme of talks is taking place over the course of this year:

• 15 Feb Ted Kemp & John Heron: The Liberation of Bergen-Belsen by 113 Regt RA (DLI)

• 22 Mar Peter Hart: The First Battle of Ypres 1914

• 19 Apr Mark Thompson: The role of the Royal Engineers in the Peninsular War

• 17 May Dan Jackson: The Response - The rush in the North East to join up in the Great War

• 28 Jun Julia Midgley: War, Art and Surgery - Sketches of Military surgeons in training

• 19 Jul Peter Doyle: The First World War in 100 Objects

• 18 Oct Harry Moses: Subject to be confirmed

• 15 Nov Ann Wall & Eileen Brereton: Home Comforts The work of the Great War Red Cross Auxiliary Hospitals in the North Riding

All talks start at 2.00pm, Tickets £3.00 (plus admission)

12. Regimental Library, Regiments, Eras and Biographies

    1. Members are reminded of the extensive library of military books held at the Rifles Office, Elvet Waterside. These books are available for members to borrow on a short term basis. All books must be signed out with the Regimental Secretary, Maj C Lawton MBE.

13. Deaths The following deaths have been reported to the Rifles Office since the last Bulletin

    1. David Alderson, 1 DLI 1952.

    2. Brian Hume, 28 January 2014 National Service with RRF, Later with ‘A’ Coy 7 LI.

    3. Tom Burdess,January 2014 8 DLI

    4. Donald (Don) Maughan, 8 February 2014. National Service with 1 DLI Cyprus 1957-59.

       May they Rest in Peace

       These names will be included in the Roll of Honour at the Regt Reunion in Sept 2014

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