Monthly Bulletin June 2016
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ORDINARY MEETING OF THE DLI EXECUTIVE - WED 29 JUNE 2016
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A Reminder that the Ordinary Meeting of the DLI Executive will be held at 1400 hrs on Wed 29 June 2016 at the Rifles Office, Durham. All branches are asked to ensure they have a representative at this meeting.
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LIGHT INFANTRY REUNION – GREENHOUS MEADOW STADIUM SHREWSBURY 17-18 JUNE 2016
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The Light Infantry Reunion took place for the second time at the Greenhous Meadow Stadium, Shrewsbury.
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This being the second year at this location lessons from 2015 had been learned. Adequate accommodation for all activities was provided in large marquee areas, providing hard standing throughout.
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Catering was in the hands of the Stadium staff and was of a good standard. Attendance at the ‘Happy Hour’ at the Stadium and the take-up of the Curry supper on the Friday evening was disappointing. Maybe it is too far from the town for members to walk as there was no Shuttle Bus on the Friday evening and driving to the event was not recommended.
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The parade area was much enlarged enabling sufficient space for the proper execution of the parade and the Sounding of Retreat. The 90th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen was celebrated on parade.
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There was a good turn-out of former DLI personnel for the parade. The DLI contingent commanded by Major Paul Wharton MM, the Association Chairman, numbered in excess of 30 members, with 2 branch standards and the DLI Replica Colours on parade.
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The All-ranks dinner in the Stadium on Saturday evening was well attended and took the usual format.
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ROYAL BRITISH LEGION RIDERS ASSOCIATION COMMEMORATION OF THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME IN 1916; 30 JUNE – 2 JULY 2016
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A reminder is given of the Royal British Legion Riders Association of Co Durham and Cleveland commemoration of the Battle of the Somme, in which the Durham Light Infantry played so significant a part.
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The key dates and times are:
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30 June 1730 Commemorative Evensong in Durham cathedral followed by candlelit vigil.
1 July 0728 RBLR Association assemble at Durham Cathedral.
0730 Regimental Drum Crash and Officer’s whistle sounds. Start of the cathedral vigil. DLI Standards requested.
0735 RBLR circuit of northern counties ride begins.
0735 Riders start 750 mile ride around the North of England. Piper plays lament on cathedral roof.
2 July 0900 RBLR gather at the Don Bar, Stockton to meet DLI Association members.
0930 RBL Riders leave Stockton to ride back to Durham Cathedral, arriving at Durham Cathedral
1230 Officer’s Whistle taken into cathedral; service; sounding of whistle, vigil ceases.
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16.42 ATTENDANCE AT THE LONDON CENOTAPH PARADE – REMEMBRANCE DAY - NOV 2016
16.42.01 Recently, as you were informed, the Secretary applied to the Royal British Legion to be accredited as an agent for the nomination of DLI Association personnel wishing to attend the London Cenotaph parade under the new mandatory arrangements. This application was successful.
16.42.04 Up to the present time I have had no submissions from branches in terms of this parade. There is still plenty of time for any submissions, but it is important to remember the cut-off date (Wed 31 August 2016), by which time branches or members must submit their information to the Association Secretary. It is important to note that London security cannot guarantee that every name submitted will be accepted.
16.43 THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY DRAW 2016
16.43.01 Branches are reminded of the importance of this draw to ensure the financial security of the DLI Association.
16.43.02 Branches are asked that they make a determined effort to sell as many books of tickets as they can.
16.43.03 Books of tickets will be issued to branches at the Executive Meeting on 29 June.
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DOCUMENTATION FOR THE DLI ANNUAL REUNION – 11-13 SEPT 2016
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Documentation for the DLI Reunion will be sent out to branches and individual members within the next few days. Those applying for lunch or dinner tickets should do so promptly in order that the proper arrangements can be made.
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The parade format for Sunday 13 September will be confirmed at the DLI Executive Meeting on 29 June.
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Branches are reminded that the Cathedral Service is a key part of the Reunion. Association members should be encouraged to attend. Roll of Honour The names of the fallen will be read out as usual. For families who attend for the purpose of hearing their loved one’s name read out it is important that as many Association Members and former DLI personnel are present to hear the reading of the Roll of Honour.
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DEATHS REPORTED
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The following death has been reported to the Rifles Office since the publication of last month’s bulletin.
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Brian Robinson,died, in hospital in Yorkshire of cancer. 2030 hrs 19 June 2016 He served with 1 DLI and took part in Operation Blaydon Races in Borneo as a platoon serjeant
Vince Vallely, aged 85 years. Served with A Coy 1 DLI
May They Rest in Peace
Elvet Waterside,
Durham,
DH1 3BW
23 June 2016
