Summer News letter
If you noticed, we missed publication last month, there are no prizes so don’t apply. For reasons unknown things just did not come together, but we are here now so don’t cancel your subscription. I suppose the highlight since our last newsletter were the memorial service for Gerry Riglar and our Chairman’s retirement.
The memorial service to the memory of Gerry Riglar was in the White Ensign Club on Sunday 28 February. The Reverend Bill Gates RN from CTCRM presided over the service with music provided by Margaret Scally, Pat came down from Bristol and carried her organ with her. Thanks go to both for a successful service. There was a good showing of members, friends and former work colleagues of Gerry’s.
Raymondo Turley gave a tribute to Gerry that was sincere, funny, sad, enjoyable and from the heart. Nice one Ray, Gerry would have loved to hear it.
It was nice to see ‘Blondie’ Derrick who travelled across from France for the occasion.
To those without whom the event would not have happened so well—thanks Marion and the girls for the buffet, and to Jumper and Tony Duke for organising. The other bit of good to come out of the day was that a nice sum of £193.09 was raised and donated to the Exeter Kidney Unit. A letter of thanks was received from the Hospital and also one from Sheila.
With Regret
We have sadly to report that two former RSM’s, Spike Kelly; Plymouth and Bill Flatt; Exmouth RMA and two of Exeter Branch Members, Robbie Torrance and Dennis Mortimer have all ‘crossed the bar’. Dennis’s passing was a shock to us all since he was at the meeting prior to his going in for what was a straight forward operation.
Sick Parade
Still on the sick list are Chris Garlick, now annoying everyone in Budleigh Salterton Hospital, Rob Tuck, Les and Betty Wakeling, Bill Haley, Fred Drury, Jack Bowyer, Bill and Doreen Barker, Peter and Doreen Hayter and lastly the Rev Andrew Rowe. Happily Peter Thompson is back with us after his spell in hospital and his little ‘comandant’ Joan almost has the full use of her leg to kick him again. Good to see you back.
Chris will welcome visitors but do check with the hospital as he may have been chucked out by now. A visit would greatly help Chris in his memory and speech recovery.
Congratulations
Jumper has taken the plunge. He has retired from paid work so he can do more and more unpaid work!!! However he did have a party at the Ensign Club to celebrate with his mates, friends and work colleagues. It was a good ‘DO’ with a cabaret and fun. I think they were secretly glad to get rid of him judging by his ‘pressies’. He got given money to buy a laptop and vouchers to get garden furniture to sit on whilst he sleeps in front of his new laptop. Pauline was not forgotten being presented with some M&S voucher and a lovely trio of bouquets. Enjoy it Jumper and try and find the time to build a ‘spitfire’!!
In my time I was a real sporting type, I never once hit anyone who was stood up!
Dinner & Dance
A semi formal Dinner and Dance is to be held at the Devon Motel on Friday 16 July. The cost is £25 per head Details of menu etc can be got from Mike Phillips or soon to be published on NB. Should be the normal good night out so please support this function.
In the Spring, a young man’s fancy seldom finishes in the first three!!
Charity Car Parking
We have a date for the Barnfield Crescent scheme, Saturday 26 June so to be able to do it we need 8 or more volunteers to operate in 2 hour shifts from 0700—1500. Nothing strenuous so give your name to Peter Thompson or place it on the NB list.
Collection Day—Sainsbury’s
In the same routine we have gained permission to operate a charity collection at Sainsbury’s at Pinhoe on behalf of RMCTF on Saturday 30 July. Again we ask for volunteers for manning a couple of hours during the day. Names to Colin Thomas or onto the NB list.
Respite Centre
Did you know that the RMA operated the Respite Holiday Hotel scheme for a trial period from 6 Feb to 24 Apr 10. The outcome is eagerly awaited so watch this space.
It seems that just as you have managed to ‘make ends meet’ some one comes along and moves the ends!!!
Globe and Laurel
George Martin had a good head of hair when he took over this post but since that time he has ‘scratched his head’ so many times for inspiration!!!. The G&L is a brilliant magazine that keeps us widely in the news of both Corp and the RMA but George does need a bit more than he gets now. Please think on it, you must have something interesting to share, and think of the pleasure of seeing your dit in the G&L. Thanks.
‘Bit of this and that’
Many thanks to Keith Anderson for his sterling effort in the organisation of the trip and tickets to the Mountbatten Festival of Music (MFM) and for arranging the accommodation in London. This event was well enjoyed by those who went and on that note, next years MFM is 14-16 Apr 11.
Jock Gordon now lives in Exeter and Ged and Linda Herd have moved to Exmouth, but they are staying with Exeter Branch.
We are collectively advertising the Branch at the County Show at Westpoint on 21-23 May; so we would like two volunteers to man the stand on those three days. Names to Keith Anderson please.
Mentoring
There has been a change at the top at CTCRM.Lt Col Tony Chattlin RM has assumed command from Lt Col Mike Tanner RM and will soon be meeting the training teams and mentors together.
WO2 Ritchie Puttock has moved to RMA Central Office in the new post as Operations Manager so good luck Ritchie. The new Wing Sgt Maj has yet to take post.
All is proceeding to plan with the program and the involvement is greatly appreciated by all concerned. We are always looking for more mentors so don’t feel that you should be shy in coming forward. Have a chat with the current mentors and be affected by their enthusiasm and enjoyment. You have the opportunity to be with the troops during all stages of their training, during their trip to the battlefields and on various family days. The culmination of course is Kings Squad Pass Out and Attestation into our wonderful Corps. Think on it, this is just one other way of being part of our ‘Family’ and more importantly you can give a bit back that you can be assured will mean so much.

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