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AIRBORNE ANNUAL COMMEMORATION NMA AND RCH DINNER

Regimental Commemoration Day 14th June 2025 at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas

If you are interested in attending this event, you can find details here

Message from the Association President December 2024

Dear Members, I must first pay tribute to all those members who have worked tirelessly leading up the vote on the merger of the AEA and the REA(A). I know that this has been a subject that has been debated endlessly over the years. However, at last, after much work and many hours put in by committee members, drafting and redrafting documents a successful path was found and the members were able to vote on the merger. In summary 296 members voted, from which the break down was 230 voted yes and 66 voted no. Further details are in the Journal. Of course, there is still much work to do to satisfy the Executive committee as we move forward towards a full merger. Again, as this develops the association will be kept abreast of things.

Secondly I must apologies again, for my absence at the AGM and Gala dinner, an event that I know a lot of Branch members commit themselves to organise and run. I remember the last one at Hull (Then the city of culture). But from what I hear Craig Gadd and his team did another unbelievable job of organising this years’ function and Lin and I were sad to miss the Gala Dinner. I am sure all will join me in thanking Craig and his team for the huge effort they put into the weekend.

Also, the summer events always draw members to the annual gatherings such as Arnhem and the 80th celebrations of D Day. It was great that the Association was able to assist financially so that some members from all of the branches were able to attend these events.

The wonder of technology and use of Phones to receive and pass on events instantly, always amaze me. Thank goodness they were not around in our youth. Although, we still managed to grab photos now and then and I am always appreciative of some of our members who produce these snapshots of our past, Pat Neal, Derek Broadbent, Jasper Harratt, Arthur Askey and Tony Fry to mention a few, and really good quality. I was lucky enough to visit 23 Regt in the Summer and 9 Sqn’s office, they very kindly got out the old albums with some great Black and Whites. As I have said before if you do get a chance to visit Woodbridge on an open day, take it. The Barracks is expanding, with 70 Gurkha Airborne Sqn and a new Regt. With this expansion of barracks and accommodation being built it’s becoming a Sapper Stronghold.

The Summer in the UK was as busy as ever with our events across the country. I was able again to attend the Double Hills ceremony this year, which is probably going to be the last formal one. Peter Yeates has done a fantastic job in organising and running the event all these years. The ceremony has grown annually, not just in numbers but also across the breadth of the attendance. Old friends were there and it’s always a wonderful occasion to see the volunteers who are there assisting, not just with tractors and trailers to move spectators across the fields, the Bowls club who provide changing rooms and tea and biscuits before the event. The Football club opening its doors for tea and sandwiches and the odd beer or two. Also great to see Chris Chambers and his daughter and son in law, maintaining that connection with Paulton and Aldershot. Who can forget Jan Chambers, who for many years was another force in ensuring the event was a total success. A big thank you from all Sqn men who have taken part in not just Double Hills but the many other events that volunteers organise for us to attend to pay our respects annually.

This year has been more challenging in many ways. Our erstwhile Chairman, Steve Wallis made the comment at the 2023 AGM that it was time to once again revisit the amalgamation of the REA with the AEA. This was a challenge that I and Phil Taylor discussed over a beer and many emails. Draft upon draft of documents were produced, reviewed and amended between us both. Yes we did take time off now and then for it to settle, many members were asked their opinions and changes were made on a regular basis. Long calls to Ken kirk the CEO of the REA, from France in Phils case, to put forward our proposals. Ken in turn delivered our views and papers to the REA Committee, which were met with positive views. From these documents, a Memorandum of Understanding was produced and discussed, including, what I believe was a fantastic document, namely the Frequently Asked Questions. The Committee can claim the responsibility at this stage in taking it all forward. Steve as Chair and Mick as the Secretary kept the Association abreast of things.  Now with the vote results the next stage is to move forward into a new bright future, engaging with all Airborne Engineers and under the umbrella of the REA.

However, with all good news there is always sad news. The Chatham Branch has for some years now suffered with membership. Although, events are aways successful the core Association numbers supporting the events are very few, as an example we can expect up to 70 attending the Christmas function but only 6 members attending meetings. We are blessed with fantastic support from Widows, families and friends but for the few who are required to organise and run these events it is a large effort even to share with the few members we have. With this in mind the Branch will have a meeting on the 8th of January to finally decide on the way ahead.

The branch had another very successful Christmas lunch, Steve and Mel were the guests of the Branch and it was appreciated that they took time from their busy schedule to visit.

Before I sign off, can I once again say well done to all those involved in the merger process. A long and particularly difficult process but one I think that was necessary to allow the members of the association their say on its future.

Lin and I wish all members and their families the very best for the Christmas period and I hope to see some of you in 2025.

With best wishes

Baz Bassett
President, Airborne Engineers Association

Message from the Association Chairman December 2024

As we come up to Christmas its time to reflect back on what has been a busy year.

Mel and I have once again had a busy time with social and commemorative events culminating in the AGM at Hull and the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London.

Craig Gadd and his team did a fantastic Job of organising the AGM and my thanks go out to him and the 299 Association for providing such a wonderful weekend.

This year at the Cenotaph we were allocated 42 places, the largest allocation the association has ever had, many were attending for the first time and have said how poignant the event is.

During my time as the association Chairman Mel and I have tried to visit every branch for at least one social event, and I am pleased to say that we have managed to visit all of the branches on their own turf.

The last event of the year for us was the Chatham Branch Christmas Lunch. The event was well attended which belied the problems that have beset the Branch over attracting and retaining members. This has now reached the stage where the remaining members have decided that the branch is no longer viable, and they have reluctantly taken the decision to close the branch. This is indeed a sad event for the branch and for the association.

Our difficulties in attracting and retaining members is brought into sharp vision as we ponder the closure of a Branch and also consider that we only attracted two new members in the last year, and it was with this in mind that I reopened the debate on the relationship between the AEA and REA. The current round of this debate has been going on for the last two years and culminated in the Vote of members as to whether we should merge with the REA(A) Branch, you will all know by now that the result of the Vote was a massive majority in favour of the merger.

For those not aware, 296 Association members voted and there were 230 in favour and 66 against. The Executive committee will now engage with the REA to arrange a smooth transition to the AEA becoming a National Branch of the REA. I realise that there are strong feelings over this subject and that not all of you will be happy with the outcome. However, we must now all work together, accepting the view of the clear majority and taking the association forward.

I will work with the committee on the merger, but it is also a sad time for myself as I have taken the decision to stand down as National Chairman at the next AGM. It has been an Honour and a Privilege to have been the Chairman of the Association for the last 7 years, but I feel that it is now time for someone else to take up the reins.

It only remains for me and Mel to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous new year.

Steve Wallis
Chairman, Airborne Engineers Association

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