Blesma News 2015
The Blesma News for 2015 covering news, activities and fundraising events for limbless veterans.
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Lt Col R A Gibbens MBE - obituary
12 November 2015
For those who knew him Bob was very much a “soldier’s soldier” and a great and long-time supporter of the Association. Sadly he passed away unexpectedly on 27 October 2015 aged 83. Born on 10 August 1932, Bob joined the Army as an apprentice tradesman at the Army Apprentice School, Chepstow in 1947. He quickly rose through the ranks and whilst serving in Egypt in the early fifties he transferred to the REME as an artificer which began a long and distinguished period with the Airborne Forces. Various other overseas postings ensued until in 1969 he was selected for commissioning whils
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City Veterans Network Dinner
3 November 2015
The inaugural charity gala dinner of the City Veterans’ Network, the first of what is hoped will become annual event, is due to be held at the Imperial War Museum London this Thursday, November 5. The CVN comprises members from firms from across the UK financial services industry and is dedicated to sharing ideas and experiences about the best ways to employ ex-servicemen and women. It was formed in October 2014. A selection of celebrities, serving servicemen and women and military veterans will attend the dinner, which, through a combination of a live auction, a silent auct
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DIY SOS Homes for Veterans
1 November 2015
When Lamin Manneh appeared on DIY SOS he couldn’t have imagined how perfect his purpose-built home would end up. But there was one thing that really put the gloss on it... Lamin Manneh’s house in Manchester is full of laughter. With five kids ranging in age from two to 12, it’s a riot of noise and fun, with football games being played outside and drawings being coloured in at the kitchen table. At the centre of it all is Lamin. Originally from The Gambia, he’s got a big, ebullient personality – constantly tickling, hugging, and encouraging his children. It has, however, been a long j
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Major General Mike Swindells - obituary
30 October 2015
Major General Mike Swindles who has died aged 85, was a career soldier who rose to command his regiment. He was a National Chairman of Blesma from 1991 to 1996. In 1969, Maj Gen Swindells assumed command of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers and, two years later, he took the regiment to Detmold in Germany. Traces of the informality of wartime days were still apparent. Many of the officers still dressed in jeep coats and tank boots, and wore Service dress hats and earphones wrapped around them on exercises. Maj Gen Swindells, who has a short fuse and stood no nonsense, soon converte
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