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.

LINK To All Photos

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
21. 
    
22. 
    
23. 
    
    

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

The Durham Light Infantry Association

Monthly Bulletin

February 2016

9. PLACING A LECTERN AT THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM

1. PROGRAMME FOR THE DAY

Timings

0745 Park own cars in Gilesgate Armoury Car Park (Make, Colour and Reg. Number to Rifles Office in advance please)

0800 Depart from Gilesgate Armoury by coach (size depends on numbers going)

1130 Arrival and meet in the Rose Room for refreshments,( individual purchase)

1230 Move to DLI Memorial. (Blazer, Shirt, Tie, Medals, Beret) etc.

1245 Quarter Hour Dress is sounded (Move to DLI Memorial)

1259. Light Infantry Assembly is sounded (Form up under instruction)

1300 Welcome Order of Service (Including Last Post - 2 Minutes Silence - Reveille)

1325 No More Parades is sounded (Recover Colours and Standards)

1330 Move back to the Rose Room for light lunch (purchased by individuals)

Free Time to visit more of the NMA by individuals.

1500/ 1600 Return to Coach at an agreed time for return journey.

2. Personnel wishing to attend this event should submit their names to the Rifles Office immediately. There is no cost other than what members spend on their lunch.

9. BATTLEFIELD TOUR TO THE SOMME 18-23 SEPTEMBER 2016
   1. Please note there are still places available on this Battlefield Tour. The cost is £405 plus options for extras applicants may wish for.
   2. Closing date for applications is 26 February 2016
   3. The Application Form etc for this tour can be found at Annex A to this Bulletin

9. DLI ASSOCIATION INDOOR GAMES
   1. The DLI Association Indoor Games is to be held on Sunday 20 March 2016 at the RBL Club in Fence Houses. Branch Teams should arrive before 1100 hrs at the latest.
   2. Meals are available at £4.00 each (Curry or salad). These must be booked beforehand.
   3. Closing date for entries is 27 February 2016. Darts, Dominoes and Whist team are invited.
   4. Secretaries are asked to submit their branch entries to the Secretary as soon as possible
   5. The Entry Form is at Annex B to this Bulletin.

16.12 MASSED BANDS & BUGLES OF THE RIFLES ON HORSE GUARDS PARADE

16.12.01 Members are reminded of the above event on 1st & 2nd June 2016, beginning at 8pm each day. Featuring The Band of The Brigade of Gurkhas, The Royal Gurkha Rifles Pipes and Drums, The Band of The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry and The Quirinus Band & Bugle Corps.

2. Tickets are on sale through TICKET MASTER on the internet. This is the simplest way of buying tickets. Prices range from £10 to £30.
3. Tickets are selling with great rapidity. You should book your ticket now to be sure of getting one. Remember that you will need overnight accommodation in addition

12. THE ‘FEBFEST’ ARTS FESTIVAL AND ‘THE POD’ IN BISHOP AUCKLAND

1. The Exhibition “Febfest” in the Town Hall at Bishop Auckland will be open to the public 8 February to 27 February 2016 and is well worth a visit.  Also “The Somme” Remembrance & Expression by 14 professional artists in the ‘Pod’ can be viewed from 8 February to 26 March 2016.

12. SOMME EXHIBITION – FRIDAY 25 MARCH- SUNDAY 2 OCTOBER 2016

1. The University Library, Palace Green, Durham
2. The Somme 1916: From Durham to the Western Front. 100 years on this contemporary exhibition will explore the reality of the Battle of the Somme through the eyes of the people from Durham County who were there.

12. ANNUAL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND STRENGTH RETURNS

16.15.01 Branch Secretaries are reminded that the final date for submission of Branch Annual Statement of Accounts and Strength Returns is 19 February 2016.

12. CALLING NOTICE FOR THE DLI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - 20 APRIL 2016

1. The calling notice for the AGM to be held 20 April 2016 is at Annex C of these minutes.

12. DEATHS REPORTED

1. The following deaths have been reported to the Rifles Office since the publication of last month’s bulletin.
   John Birch
   Served with 1 DLI as a National Serviceman in Egypt 1954-55
   Died Early February 2016
   
   
   William (Billy) Lowes
   Served with the DLI and the Light Infantry
   Seriously disabled as a result of a road traffic accident in 1986.
   Died 23rd of January 2016
   
   
   
   
   May They Rest in Peace
   
   

Elvet Waterside

Durham

10 Feb 2016