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We are very proud to report that our members
figured prominently at the Armistice Remembrance Parade, more so as Sunday
fell on the 11th day of the 11th month – and in
consequence was very nostalgic and emotional. There are still many of us
who had fathers and relatives who served in the 1914/18 War and we grew up
with the slogan “The War to end Wars”. What was not taken into
consideration was a dissatisfied Germany who required reparation and
believed they had a debt to pay back.
Consequently our generation and nearly every
country in the world are left with memories of the hopeless blood bath which
followed in 1939 to 1945. How can we ever forget especially when, like
myself, so many lost close relatives and were bombed out of their home.
This year we paraded at Birkenhead because
so many of our sub-Branch WRAC members live on the Wirral, as does our new
Standard Bearer – Joy Griffiths ex-WRAC. We were complimented by other
Service members on parade and were proud to receive a letter from the Mayor
of Birkenhead thanking us. It would seem that it was the first time that
Birkenhead had a representative of the Women’s Services on parade. Ladies
where are you?
The Branch was also honoured by one of our
members Mrs Molly Choppen, who acted as Standard Bearer for the Branch as
did Mrs Kath Jones before they had to retire. Molly attended the events in
London and was requested to lay a wreath on behalf of a New Zealand Group of
ex-Services at the Royal Artillery Memorial. She truly represented our
Association and the memory of the New Zealanders.
There seem to be very few WRAF, WRNS, ATS
and WRAC who parade in other cities beside London – we should take the
opportunity of showing our unstinting service to our Country. Editor:
I think that you will see many of our branches report their involvement with
local Remembrance events.
The Branch joined with other ex-Service
Associations for a Christmas Lunch – there is always a happy atmosphere. We
have attended Dunkirk Veterans, Eighth Army, Normandy Veterans, Air Crew
Association members and of course “Us” – no show without Punch.
Looking back over 2007, we had an excellent
year. Both the ATS Luncheon Club and the WRAC Dinner Club had memorable
re-unions – grateful thanks to the hard working volunteers who go to so much
trouble to arrange these events. It would be pleasant if both Clubs had a
joint Lunch. There are plenty of places it could be held, in either
Liverpool or Manchester – both easily reachable.
If wonder if members would be interested in
a scheme run by the 8th Army Manchester Branch? A team of
members visits schools in the Greater Manchester area and talks about their
experiences in pre-War and post-War peacetime and also their Service days.
I understand that it is very popular and surprises the present day youth.
I have spoken to several school classes and
enjoyed the shock and surprise when the pupils realise that Grandma has done
it all before – driven lorries, manned guns, served overseas and so on. We
emphasise the loyalty and bravery and the fun we had. For a time it puts us
“oldies” on par with Dr Who – without the Tardis! We had The War Office
instead.
We look forward to our first outing which
will be to the National Memorial Arboretum on 23 April – St George’s Day. A
most suitable date to pay our respects and tributes – especially to the new
memorial to all those who have died for their beloved country since 1945.
We are very proud of the Wirral sub-branch
and the meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month at Barney’s Café,
Oxton Road, Birkenhead. Enquiries to our Assistant Secretary Miss Pat
Sanders on 07733 270567. Do join us – we are not a bad bunch!
All our Members at Chester and Wirral send
their belated wishes to all for a happy, healthy and successful year.
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