BRITISH SOUTH AFRICA POLICE

Transcription

1 BRITISH SOUTH AFRICA POLICE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION EASTERN CAPE BRANCH 2015 Seasons Greetings from Algoa Bay. I can hardly believe it was one year ago that I said Soon 2014 will be over and the New Year heralds the start of greater things for us all. My week accelerates from Monday to Friday with TWT MIA. Quoting Dave Blacker Our numbers dwindle and fade I resolved to interact with other Rhodesian Regiments during the last two years hoping this culminated in a Combined Forces get together. Our Remembrance Day Parade combined with the BSAP Regimental Association Braai took place on Sunday 29 th November Whilst our own members participating were sadly few, the juncture was heralded by all who did attend a resounding success. We initiated a Combined Forces Committee some months ago. Sgt Mark Taunton (RLI) presides as Chairman and your Committee is represented by Ed and I. Spencer Beckley (Outspan Old Bill), Barbara Bresler and Pete Gombart who are no strangers to our gatherings complete the team. Many after hours get-togethers found the committee hard a work planning the Day. We gathered at 10.30am at Outspan with the Service commencing at 11.00am. Rhodesian poems were recited and Mark Taunton ably presented the Act of remembrance. Pete Gombart donned his Padre hat and led us in Prayer. Our very own Alan Son of Dick addressed us on the interesting history relative to the signing of the Unilateral Declaration of Independence and the significance of the 11 th Hour on the 11 th day of the 11 th month. The laying of wreaths followed: The People of Rhodesia (Jill MacKenzie and Gerry Grundy) BSAP (Ed Holloway) RLI (Sgt. Major Jimmy Jamieson) SAS. (Corporal Torty King) Selous Scouts (Colour Sgt. Pete Gombart) Rhodesia Regiment (Sgt. Spencer Beckley) 32 Battalion (Sgt. Rick Lobb)

2 Claire Wilson (obo.sheila Stow for Dave) Brenda Addison (Barney Voss RLI) The Ceremony was completed with the Rhodesian National Anthem piped by Alister Wilson. Proud of Our Flag Outspan hosted the braai venue and all drinks were available at non function prices. Thank you Spencer. BSAP,RLI,SAS,RR,32 Bat all together. Ed paying his respects under the watchful eye of BG

3 11 th hour of the 11 th day of the 11 th month Declaration and The BSAP Claire Wilson for Sheila Stow Gerry Grundy and Jill Mackenzie for the People of Rhodesia

4 The Rhodesians Gather to pay respects and celebrate 50 years! The Last Post Attending-Digby and Trish Pocock (Our Stalwarts), Alan, Joan and June Dickinson, Ed and Glyn Holloway, Dave and Denise Mackenzie, Jill MacKenzie, Liz Hounsefield, Sam Crouser, Basil and Jill Blatch, Gail Smith, Mark and Jean Taunton (RLI), Barbara Bresler, Spencer and Denise Beckley,

5 Pete Gombart (RLI), Gerry and Hilda Grundy (RR), Torty and Joan King (SAS), Mike van der Merwe (SAAF), Paul Lemal (Warwick), Jimmy and Julia Jamieson (RLI), Ken Weller (RLI) visiting from New Zealand, Ricky Lobb (32 battalion), Rocky Mann (32 Battalion), Martin and Kim Nel (RRR&RLI), Eugene Greisel, Richard Cornwell (1SAS), Steele Schmidenberg, Bob Howard (RLI), Billy Grant (SAS), Roy Hair and others who didn t sign the Attendance Register. Thank you to all involved in the preparations and to those who took the time to participate in such a wonderful occasion and celebration of what is Our History. In excess of R was raised for the Zim Pensioners so it was all worthwhile May you all be blessed with a peaceful Christmas and a happy and fruitful New Year. Dave Mackenzie Words from the Secretary This year has been challenging for the Committee with attendances getting smaller and smaller from the BSAP Regimental Association side with the more senior ranks and citizen not able to travel the distance or after dark. This year we tried a number of new ideas to make life and running the Association simpler and direct ourselves more towards having social gatherings than formal structures with mountains of papers and record keeping. Just to refresh what steps we have taken a decision on, with doing away with subscriptions, moving the AGM to a meeting every second year to assist with continuity and also to have a new Chairman and Secretary every two years, so that the two young horse occupants are not flogged to death. The plan for next year is to hold 4 BSAP functions for 2016 to cater for all the Eastern Cape members as far as possible. 1. Annual Visit to Port Alfred Area the date for which will be finalized shortly but will be late February or early March We are finding more and more Rhodesian force members in the outlying areas that it could end up a Combined Forces gathering to swell the numbers, especially with the poor support last year. 2. Our Annual Winter Curry. (May) 3. Our Annual Regimental Lunch (July) 4. A Combined Forces gathering (September) 5. Our Annual Christmas Braai/Gathering (November)

6 These events take time and effort to organize and the appreciation of the committee efforts is reflected and appreciated in the attendance figures and support on the day. I and Glyn would like to end off by wishing you and your family a safe and peaceful festive season and that next year will bring everything you could wish yourself. Cheer Ed The Festivities Joan and that smile The Grundy s and MacKs BSAP Table

7 The Ouens and their vro s time Speech

8 We shall remember them all