December Newsletter

            Welcome to December's Newsletter 

Please note any information for the newsletter to be passed on to Graham Barnes anytime; also if anyone has changed their email address or set up a new one could they please let Graham know.

The Next Meeting....

 

The next REA Andover and Winchester Branch meeting will be held on Mon 18th January 2021 within the comfort of your own homes via the Zoom application.

An email, as usual, will be sent to you all on the 4th January.  

 

          The AGM will commence at 1430 hrs and the Branch Monthly Meeting will commence straight after. 

          The committee meeting will commence at 1345 hrs. 

          ZOOM Instructions from the British Red Cross

COVID-19 News as at 2nd December:  

Please see the Local Restriction Tiers & Social Distancing 

 

Presidents Christmas Message

To say the least it has been a difficult year for us all particularly our members who have missed out on a number of social activities. Our lives have been transformed from enjoyment to the defence of an epidemic that threatens us both as individuals and our Nation as a whole. 

Fortunately our Branch committee lead by our chairman and supported by our enthusiastic secretary have kept our meetings going through the wonders of the internet. Although I have not been “Zoomed” I note from the minutes of these meetings that we, despite Covid, remain an active Branch. 

I am saddened to hear that Graham Barnes and his family have contracted the virus but understand that

they are on the way to recovery. I hope that when we are immunised our meetings will again revert to the format enjoyed by our members, there is no substitute for being amongst friend’s particularly at this time of the year. 

Having recently read the inspiring book by Captain Tom Moore we can look forward to a better day tomorrow and I add to that the year to follow.

Rosalie and I wish you the season’s greetings and a healthy and positive 2021. Above

all be on your guard and stay safe.

Best wishes from Nick and Rosalie

Chairman's Message.... 

          “ Dear Fellow Members, Guess and Families,

 

The Branch continues to function due to the hard work and enterprise of your Committee, whom I thank on your behalf.

 

My intention is to hold our AGM via Zoom In January and I would ask that as many of you as possible join the meeting.  If the numbers joining the meeting are not sufficient for the meeting to be held then we will have to delay the AGM until we can meet in person.  I would welcome hearing your views on this intention.

 

The Xmas dinner has been cancelled and planning is in place for it to take place as a lunch around Easter with details TBC.

 

As we move to the end of what has been a very different and unsettling year for us all I would like to wish all a Merry Xmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.

 

Regards

 

Phil

 

Branch Chairman”

 

Members Messages.... 

          If any member has any information or messages they wish to share in the monthly newsletter, please contact Graham via Email

 

Branch Subs.... 

Dear All Members,

The following subscriptions are:

Subs for Life Members& Associate Members        £10:00

Friends of the Branch                                             £5:00  

Due to the current climate it would be best suited to process a BACS (bank transfer) payment if you are able to do so. Otherwise please write a cheque and post it to myself by the end of the month. 

 

Ray Field

Treasurer

   

Vacancies within the Branch.... 

 

Standard Bearer position is currently available > Thank you to Reginald Cushion for your commitment and support to the Branch over the past 9 years!

 

Welfare News - Birthdays / Social / Family of Members / Departed Friends....

 

On behalf of branch members I have sent REA Christmas Cards to several ex members wishing them well.

          Unfortunately, our branch secretary, Sgt Graham Barnes, along with his wife and children, had contracted the dreaded Covid 19! The good news however, is that they appear to be recovering.

          Reg Cushion – Reg tells me that he now has a stair lift fitted at last. This will make a big difference to Reg and Eileen’s circumstances and I’m really pleased for them. It is also Reg's Birthday on the 27th December, Happy Birthday from us all. 

          I’ve not had a reply from Eric Littler so can’t give a progress report on him. I can say however that the last time I heard from him he was out of hospital and feeling a little better.

         I’m not aware of any other welfare issues affecting branch members which tells me we are either a healthy lot generally, or we are a resilient and self-sufficient bunch. A bit of both maybe!

        Stay Safe everyone.

 

Scott Campbell

Welfare 

 

 

Branch Events....

Christmas Function - TBC in the new year.  

       

      REA HQ Events Diary....  

      The following events of interest for 2021 have been notified to HQ REA however due to COVID 19 these could change:

           Please see this link for the Events of 2021.

           

          

REA Gibraltar Weekend 14-17 May 2021