From: James White Sent: 09 October 2011 08:55 To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Subject: Grenadiers Reunited From Bob Fallon, Manchester. I have just been given the details of the funeral of L/sgt. Dave Gartland, who died in a tragic road accident a couple of weeks ago. The funeral will take place on Monday 10th October 2011 at 1100 hrs. at St. Michaels of all Angels church, Ashton Under Lyne, Manchester, OL6 6XJ. This will be a full Regimental funeral. Lest we forget 25042257 Nick Rowe joined the Grenadiers in 1995 still serving, joined Nij Coy 1995, 1998 got attatched to The Scots Guards for a four month tour of NI. 1st Battalion 1998 went to The Queens Company served with them till 2004 at which i then got posted to ATR Pirbright till 2006 and then went out to Iraq with The Queens Company 2007 went out to Afghanistan with The Queens Company. Currently in Catterick till Feb 2012. Originally from Southampton. From D Money: The recent death of Charlie Lonsdale filled me with sadness as he was one of my first experiences in the Signals Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 1951 in Bradbury Barracks Krefeld Germany BAOR 34. He was a Lance Corporal then who sat next to me during lectures and training in signals procedures. He could be a real distraction at times with his antics. He knew a bit about psychology did Charlie. When we returned to Chelsea Barrack in 1952 he supervised the re- painting of the entrance hall of the block in red and blue colours and erected signs inside and outside of the hallway “DO NOT TOUCH” WHET PAYNT” Someone told him he had spelled the signs wrongly. To which he replied “The spelling is that way so that idiots like you who see them are too busy criticizing the spelling to touch the paint to see if it really wet” It works you know.Good by Charlie Thanks for the memories. I'm informed Mush Goddard has a new mucker at the Royal Hospital, Ray "Flash" Huggins has become in pensioner number 51. Mush tells me he isnt on the net but can be written to at The Royal Hospital, Royal Hospital Road,Chelsea, London, SW3 4SR. From G Hallam: Grenadiers, From today I have taken over the duties as Secretary of the Nottingham Branch, in practise for the future! This is due to the fact that Vic Bradley, the Secretary, will be going into Wo Hospital, 748, Mansfield Road, Nottingham NG5 3F on Tuesday 4th October 2011 for a 'new' knee operation. Visiting hours commence at 2.00pm. It is anticipated that he will be there until Friday 7t, at least, after which he will be unable to drive, walk far and unable to execute the secretarial responsibilities required of him. A period of convalescence will follow and when he is fully recovered the administrative duties will be returned to him (date currently unknown). I would ask that should anyone have anything for the Branch Agenda's details of funerals, queries etc please forward them to me at the aforesaid email address. From John Knight: We've just opened a new Website - grengdskingston.co.uk. It's very basic but may develop. Just to advertise our presence really. From: 23252298Paul Sargeant, Hi Jim Anybody know the whereabouts of Drill Sergeant John Whitbread 2nd Battalion 1956 era can’t find him in roll of honour. Rolling for heroes is the third charity fundrasing challenge by Guardsman Bertie Bear and Mr Darren Heaton.For the Grenadier Guards Regimental Charity the Colonels Fund which supports injured Guardsman and there families when a soldier is hurt in combat.The idea is very simple one Darren will attempt to push him self in his manual wheelchair right around the coastal roads of United Kingdom in 2012.Donating through this page is simple, quick and secure. It is the most efficient way to give – so every donation goes further – and if you are a UK taxpayer and give Gift Aid consent you will boost your donation. The Bmycharity page for next years challenge http://www.bmycharity.com/rollingforheroes Thank you for your support. From G Gallagher: Lulu and I have just returned from the Lincoln Branch Annual Dinner. Sadly, like so many, we became very despondent with the Association over the past decade and considered voting with our feet. However, after speaking to several Grenadiers on Grenadier Day, we decided to give it one last try and we are very pleased that we did. Their annual dinner was held at Best Western’s very palatial Bentley Hotel with its easy access and ample parking spaces. They gave financial consideration to Grenadiers stopping overnight. Their staff are really helpful and polite. Our room was bright, spacious and spotlessly clean. There was the complimentary use of their Leisure Centre (spa, sauna, steam room, hot bed and swimming pool) and a full English breakfast included. All most enjoyable. From the time that we arrived, we were made to feel very welcome. Other Grenadiers attending the dinner went out of their way to come over to us and introduce themselves which we greatly appreciated. The table layout, seating plan, elaborate table menus, floral decorations and raffle instantly reflected many hours of careful planning and preparation. The meal was superb and nothing was too much trouble for the catering staff. Amy and the quartet from the Regimental Band were excellent throughout. Branch Vice President (ex-RQMS) Andy Hill kept things turning over nicely. The Guest of Honour was Captain Ian Farrell who is a very accomplished speaker and his very informative speech was well received. It was highly noticeable the number of serving Grenadiers that gave up their free time to attend the dinner and the number of Lincoln Branch members with 5-10 General Service Medals. Respect! The serving and younger Lincoln Branch members were also made to feel equally welcome. The raffle took a form with which we were unfamiliar but was most efficient and saved many hours administration. The prizes were accrued well in advance, ladies sold tickets in £5 batches before the dinner, the raffle was openly drawn after the dinner, the winning numbers were recorded then photocopied by the hotel staff and distributed around tables. The winners simply collected their prizes. Again, all very well thought out. Looking at the bigger picture: The Government has somehow managed to find a spare £250 million towards reinstating emptying the rubbish on a weekly basis but, despite David Cameron’s promise to consider restoring the Military Covenant, it is clear that they are about to begin “repatriating the military’s long-term injured back into Civilian Street”. There, they will be no longer have access to the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Hedley Court and many other military support services. They will no longer be paid servicemen but Department of Works & Benefits claimants who will require looking after by their families. (Carers Allowance is just £29.50 a week for 35-hours+). A number Association Branches have already closed and other Branches are now sounding the death knell at a time when the Regiment’s most seriously injured and their families need our help more than ever. All this begs the very pertinent question, “If the Lincoln Branch can do it with so much panache and style then why not other Branches?” Finally, thank you to everyone for a most enjoyable evening and, more important, showing the potential to continue supporting those that have sacrificed so much for their country. Thank you. Gaz Gallagher ( Gaz.GGallagher@btopenworld.com )