DLI ASSOCIATION INDOOR GAMES 2016

The DLI Association Indoor Games took place at the Dubmire Royal British Legion Club at Fence Houses on Sunday 20 March 2016 under arrangements provided by the Houghton-le-Spring Branch of the Association, in the presence of the Association Chairman Maj Paul Wharton MM and the Vice Chairman Maj Chris Lawton MBE.

172 members of the Association and some guests attended the Championship in which 13 branches competed. The competition was organised by the Association Secretary, Lt Col John Heron TD who was ably assisted by Team Captains and Umpires from all branches, with particular assistance from Paulene Gill of the Consett & Stanley Branch and Eddie Surtees as Chief Umpire.

The usual three disciplines were played, darts, dominoes and whist, with the usual fierce competition, nevertheless conducted on a friendly and amicable basis to provide a good day out for all members.

In addition to the Games it was an opportunity to make a presentation to the recently retired DLI Association Chaplain, the Revd Brian Rawson. The presentation was made by Major Paul Wharton, Association Chairman, who reminded us all of the great enthusiasm in which the Rev Brian, had conducted his chaplaincy while with the Association, the ‘Faithful’ Inkerman Dinner Club and the 8^th/11^th Bns DLI Old Comrades Association. The Rev Brian replied at length saying how much he had enjoyed his time as Chaplain to the Association and wished everyone success in the future. He was presented with a 2^nd Edition WW1 ‘Tommy’ statue with appropriate inscription.

The Darts competition was won by the Gateshead & Newcastle Branch, the Dominoes by the Washington Branch and the Whist by the Stockton Branch. The Stockton Branch were the Overall Champions while the wooden spoon was shared by 3 teams. The trophies were presented by Maj Paul Wharton, Chairman who congratulated the teams on their sense of fair play and. He said what a good day it had been and congratulated the Houghton-le-Spring Branch on their organisation of the event. He thanked all the umpires who had helped the day to go so smoothly. The Raffle raised £290 towards the Association Funds. He thanked the catering staff for providing a meal of a very good standard, curry and ham salad being the menu alternatives, though sadly not everyone got the meal they ordered.

Our best wishes go to Joe Green who was unfortunately run over on a zebra crossing on the way home from the Games Joe was hit by a speeding car that was being chased by a Police Car. It was first thought that the injuries were more serious, but after further inspection and a CT Scan it may be just a fracture with some serious bruising. He was admitted to Ward 14 of the QE Hospital Gateshead where he is said to be comfortable.

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The Durham Light Infantry Association

Monthly Bulletin March 2016

18. NOTICE OF A BRIEFING BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DLI TRUSTEES AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL ON THE SUBJECT OF THE RELOCATION OF THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY MUSEUM – 16 MARCH 2016

1. A briefing will be held on at 1900 hrs on Wednesday 16 March 2016 at the Gilesgate Reserve Army Centre for any member of the Association, or members of other associated DLI bodies to hear from the Chairman of the Trustees and a member of the controlling group on DCC on further explanations about the circumstances of the relocation of the Museum and the future plans with regard to the future of the DLI Collection, involving the 7 Hills Storage Facility, exhibitions to be held in the Durham University Library on Palace Green, links with the Friends of the DLI Museum and activities in conjunction with the Gala Theatre.
2. If you propose to attend and your name has not yet been forwarded to the Rifles Office Durham please inform the Admin Officer at the Rifles Office Durham as soon as possible so that adequate arrangements can be made in terms of numbers.

18. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE OF THE DLI ASSOCIATION – 20 April 2016

1. A reminder to all branch secretaries that the AGM of the Executive Committee of the Durham Light Infantry Association takes place a 1400 hrs on Wednesday 20 April 2016 at the Rifles Office Durham.
2. All branches are expected to ensure that they send a representative to the meeting.
3. The calling notice was distributed as Annex A to the February 2016 Monthly Bulletin and is to be found again at Annex A to this bulletin.

18. DLI ASSOCIATION INDOOR GAMES DOCUMENTATION

1. All branches should now have received their Indoor Games Meals Tickets. Any branch which has not received their tickets should contact the secretary immediately.

18. LIGHT INFANTRY RAFFLE TICKETS

1. It is hoped that the Light Infantry Draw Tickets will have been received by the date of the executive AGM and will be allocated to Branch Secretaries for distribution for sale by Branch members

18. DEATHS REPORTED
19. The following deaths have been reported to the Rifles Office since the publication of last month’s bulletin.
20. 
                               May They Rest in Peace
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Elvet Waterside

Durham

DH1 3BW

5 March 2016

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

We have had a request for information on LT. H.J. DORRIAN No.198253, 1941 15TH BATT. DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY.  

"H.J.Dorrian was in POW camp Fontanellato , near Parma , when the Italian Armistice occurred on 8th Sept 1943.
In March 1944 he was with my father, Lt Frank Adams of the 3rd Royal Tank Regt in the hill village of Magliano, in the Apennines above Lucca, Tuscany.
Neither Frank Adams’ nor H.J.Dorrian’s escape reports have survived.  I am researching my father’s escape and time with the Italian partisans in 1943/44 and would like to hear from anyone who knew H.J.Dorrian or knew his family and may be able to put me in contact with his descendants.
After twenty years of looking, this year, 2016, I identified Magliano and found the Italian  family who hid and helped Frank Adams and H.J.Dorrian . The then daughter of the house is still alive and villagers who were children in 1944 remember the British officers.
I am hoping that H.J.Dorrian may have left an account of his time in Italy with his family and that his descendants may be interested in meeting the Italians who sheltered him from the Fascists"

If you can help please use the contact button at the top of the page and we will put you in touch with Mr Adams