The Branch enjoyed a really excellent Christmas lunch at the Shropshire 34 Members and guests present. Our main guest was Major “Bill” Billington, 2IC West Midlands Personnel Recovery Unit. We did invite his boss (Lt Col Steve Burton) but he was unavailable – probably preparing to take over his new post as BSO (North)!

This was followed by some very sad news; the passing of two of our Members over the Christmas/New Year period. Roy Durose passed away on Christmas Day whilst in hospital. Roy was a keen supporter of the Branch, alway attending functions when he was able.

On 03 January we were also very saddened to learn of the death of our President and Treasurer, Bill Madeley MBE (pictured). An obituary of Bill will appear in the Spring issue of Blesma Magazine. Needless to say, he will be greatly missed by all Members of the Branch as he first became involved with the Branch as a volunteer in the 1960s!

We were also saddened to learn of the death of Gwen Marsden MBE at the Blackpool Home on 04 December 2015. Before becoming a permanent resident at the Home, Gwen was a member of the Walsall Branch and thoroughly enjoyed the social life and activities of the Branch. She was an Ordinary Member of Blesma, having served in the WRAC during WWII, and was injured whilst working on a gun site when attached to the Royal Artillery. Unfortunately, her injury resulted in a below- knee amputation. Gwen was well known in her area as, for 30 years, she was the Parish Clerk of Richards Castle, a village split between Shropshire and Herefordshire. Gwen served both ‘sides’ of the Parish and was awarded the MBE for her excellent service to the community.

Martin Kettrick, our intrepid cycling stalwart, has stepped forward to fill the post of Branch Treasurer, and we are most grateful to him for doing so as it enables us to continue to function. Volunteering seems to be contagious. Mal James, the wife of our Member Jessie James, is to take over as the Midlands Area Secretary. Our thanks go to both Martin and Mal for taking on these essential posts.

The ongoing renovation of the National Memorial Arboretum throughout this year means we are looking for an alternative venue for our Summer outing. The Committee Members have their thinking caps on!

We are looking forward to the Members’ Weekend at Kenilworth from 04-06 June, and anticipate seeing many old friends there. Until then, have a very enjoyable Spring.
Mike Gallagher, Secretary