Events & Activities:
Forthcoming Events:
Branch Meeting - ** Due to unforseen circumstances the next meeting has been changed from March **
We will now meet at The Hamworthy Club, Canford Magna on Tuesday 3rd April 2012@7pm. £10 covers buffet and meeting room hire. There will be a meeting to discuss branch business followed by Buffet & Fellowship
Branch Meeting - Thursday 14th June 2012@7pm. Location to be confirmed. There will be a meeting to discuss branch business followed by Buffet & Fellowship
Branch 4th AGM - Thursday 13th September 2012. Location to be confirmed.
There will be a meeting to discuss branch business followed by Buffet & Fellowship
11th November 2012 - Remembrance Sunday Parade -
Branch Xmas Lunch - 13th December 2012
ACTIVITIES 2011
Branch Xmas Lunch - 8th December 2011
52 Branch Members, Associates and their wives and friends attended The Directors Lounge of AFC Bournemouth for a Christmas Lunch. After Luncheon entertainment was provided by Mr Guy Foot, a retired "Butler to the Gentry". His anecdotes and tales of what the butler may or may not have seen were interesting and amusing and rounded off the day perfectly. Once agin "Thanks" are extended to Ray and Hazel Jenkins for organising the raffle that realised £134.
Branch 3rd AGM - 8th September 2011
33 Branch Members and Associate Members met for the 3rd Annual General Meeting at the Hamworthy Club, Canford Magna,Poole.
The Committee was re-elected in full but
Members were asked to give consideration to their ability to take up one of these posts in the future.
Branch Business was discussed followed by a Buffet & Fellowship
Branch Meeting - 9th June 2011
On Thursday 10th June 2010, following on from last years success we again changed location to accomodate Members, wives and Friends living in the West of the County, 8 Branch members and 12 associate members thoroughly enjoyed the
3 course Lunch served at The Pines Hotel, Swanage.
All who attended had a most enjoyable day
Branch Outing - Tuesday 10th May 2011
43 members ond friends made the trip to London for a visit to The Royal Hospital Chelsea & Army Museum. The weather was very kind to us and the sun shone brightly upon "The Old and Bold" as they treated us to a well organised and informative tour of the hospital and grounds. The day ended with a well deserved pint in the garden adjacent to the Chelsea Pensioners Bar where even more stories flowed. Prior to our visit to the home of The Chelsea Pensioners we made good use of our time with a visit to the National Army Museum
We were all delivered safely back to Dorset and our "Thanks" are once again extended to our driver Fred who counted us on and counted us all off the coach. Mrs P was grateful for the "Salute to Cooking" book I purchased her in the hospital shop as she couldnt make it herself. Gee I,m good to her!
Branch Outing - Sunday 13th March 2011
12 branch members made the trip to The Regimental HQ, and made a reading at the Church Service. There will be further visits made in the future.
Branch Meeting - Thursday 10th March 2011
Branch members and associates met at Hamworthy Club, Poole There was a meeting to discuss branch business followed by Buffet & Fellowship
ACTIVITIES 2010
Xmas Branch Meeting:
On Thursday, 9th December 2010 Branch Members, Associate members, and their wives and friends attended The Miramar Hotel, Bournemouth for Xmas Lunch.
Our guest and post luncheon speaker, was the infamous Mr Adrian Whiting. Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable (Olympic Security and Specialist Operations Support). Mr Whiting provided an interesting and very amusing talk about his time with Dorset Police and gave an insight into what the Olympics will mean to Dorset Police
14th November 2010 - Remembrance Sunday Parade -
The Cold and the Rain did little to dampen spirits as the Chairman who laid the wreath,was joined by 5 other branch members including Major Nick Parkes RMP (TA) who gave the salute as we marched past the podium following the service. This year our numbers were swelled by a member of the RAF Police Association and a member of the Military Provost Staff Corps. Despite the downpour it was a very enjoyable service and an honour to parade along with so many old soldiers again. There were cries of here come the "Redcaps" from some of the old and bold and they actually looked pleased to see us back this year.
10th & 11th September 2010 - Visit to the National Memorial Arboretum –
38 attended the above event organised on behalf of the RMPA Dorset Branch and supported by the New Forest Branch The Normandy Veterans Association.
A truly memorable and emotional experience recommended to all
Dorset Branch 2nd Annual General Meeting
On Thursday, 9th September 2010 at 7pm Branch Members and Associate Members met for the 2nd Annual General Meeting at the Miramar Hotel, Bournemouth The evening began with an enjoyable meal, and the AGM followed at 8.30pm.
The Committee was re-elected in full but due notice was given by the Secretary and the Treasurer that they would be standing down at the next AGM.
Members are asked to give consideration to their ability to take up one of these posts
Branch Meeting
On Thursday 10th June 2010, as a change of scenery and to accomodate Members, wives and Friends living in the West of the County, 33 Branch and associate members thoroughly enjoyed the 3 course Lunch served at The Pines Hotel, SwanageThe sea was a bit cold and rough but that did little to dampen the spirits on the day.
Branch Meeting
On Thursday, 11th March 2010 42 Branch Members and their wives and friends met at the Miramar Hotel, Bournemouth.
The evening began with a meal, the Branch meeting followed at 8.30pm including a further 4 non diners.
ACTIVITIES 2009
3rd December 2009 - Christmas Lunch at The Miramar Hotel
52 Members and Associate Members enjoyed a lunch together at the Miramar Hotel, Bournemouth. The Branch Chairman, Steve Pugh said Grace. Everyone enjoyed the Fellowship and excellent meal. The Loyal Toast was proposed by Mr Vice; Bryan Maddern, who then proposed a Toast to Absent Friends and Members. Reference was made to those still serving in dangerous locations such Afghanistan and Iraq.
Following Lunch we were all entertained to a very high standard by the very talented Lt Col. Malcolm Torrent (Retired),formerly the Director of Music for the Life Guards. We learned of his very interesting career and thouroughly enjoyed his demonstrations of the numerous musical instruments laid out before us, much to everyone's enjoyment.
A draw, consisting of prizes donated by members was organised by Ray and Hazel Jenkins - many thanks to them - and raised £140. The day put us all in the Christmas mood.
8th November 2009 - Remembrance Sunday Parade -
It was a pleasure to join 7 other members of the Dorset Branch who met on a bitterley cold morning to march in union to the Bournemouth Cenotaph for a Rememberance Day service in honour of our fallen comrades. It was a very enjoyable service and an honour to parade along with so many old soldiers. There were a few shocked faces to see so may Red Berets on parade and the banter was soon in full flow. It would be excellent to have an even larger contingent from the branch next year
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Dorset Branch 1st Annual General Meeting
Thursday 3rd September 2009 saw the first AGM of the RMPA Dorset Branch. The annual report summary will be available soon
Funeral - Alexander "Sandy" Thomson - 30th July 2009
Sadly due to ill health Sandy Thomson 91 yrs and former member of CMP, was unable to attend any branch meetings prior to his passing. He received regular welfare visits prior to and during his illness from branch members. Dorset RMPA was represented at his requium mass at St Marys RC church. Poole
Buckingham Palace Garden Party
On Wednesday 22nd July 2009,The Earl of Wessex and The Duke of Kent officiated on behalf of HM The Queen at a Garden Party held in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. HM Forces Veterans were invited, many of whomwere injured in the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. Mingling amongst the many celebraties were a few "Red Berets" including our very own Ted Thurston representing the RMPA Dorset Branch.
Commemorative Service - Normandy
On 7th June 2009, Dorset RMPA was represented by Ted Thurston at the Bayeux Battle of Normandy Commemoration service marking the liberation of Bayeux by the Essex Regiment and the Sherwood Rangers. A memorial to the 49 RMP NCO's killed during the campaign was incorporated into the service.
This year, for the first time, Ted Thurston was accompanied by Colonel S Neal RMP, an RSM and an NCO from 3rd Infantry Div.
Ted laid a wreath on behalf of the Dorset Branch.
Branch Meeting:
On Thursday, 4th June 2009 at 7pm Branch Members and their wives and friends met at the Miramar Hotel, Bournemouth.
The evening began with an enjoyable meal, and the Branch meeting followed at 8.30pm.
Funeral - Gerry Guppy - 6th April 2009
Although a fully paid up Branch Member, Gerry Guppy had been unable to attend any of the meetings due to ill health.
He served with the RMP in Malaya in the 1950's. Gerry worked in the building trade all his life, often coming into contact with asbestos. His passing leaves a widow Marion and a large family following. During a Branch Welfare visit during his illness, Gerry was presented with an RMP Bear.
His new found friend was treasured and soon became the topic of conversation with all his visitors thereafter. Gerry was proud to be a member of the RMP family.
The Dorset Branch of the RMPA were represented in the form of 12 members, together with the Chairman of the RMP Malaya Group. A guard of honour was formed prior to and post the funeral service. A very appreciative family passed on their thanks to all concerned.
Marion remains an associate member of the branch and we look forward to welcoming her and her family at future branch events.
Branch Meeting:
On Thursday, 5th March, 2009 at 7pm Branch Members and their wives and friends met at the Miramar Hotel, East Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth. The evening began with an enjoyable meal, and the Branch business Meeting followed at 8.30pm. There were 58 seated and Branch business included where and when future meetings should take place. It was agreed that the Miramar Hotel should be adopted as the Home of the Dorset Branch of the RMPA and that events elsewhere should be arranged, especially in the summer months, with at least one each year located further west to reduce travelling for those living in Weymouth, Swanage, Bridport and Blandford.
The Secretary was asked to research the possibility of our Branch joining the Remembrance Parade in Bournemouth in November, 2009.
Several suggestions were made from the floor suggesting activities during the year and these will be followed up.
The next meeting will take place on Thursday, 4th June, 2009 at the Miramar Hotel, 6.30pm for 7pm.
Visit to Southwick Park:
On Sunday, 22nd February, 2009 we hired a coach and 30 members of the Dorset Branch attended Southwick Park, the Headquarters of the Defence College of Police and Guarding near Fareham . After coffee the Branch participated in a Service held at the Memorial Church. The Lesson was read by Helen Kerridge, (formerly Cpl Bentley), who will be known to many members and former members of the service.
The Book of Remembrance was read by Alan Marsh. The Service was followed by lunch, which was enjoyed by all.
A tour of the RMP Museum and the D Day Command Centre followed.
The hospitality was very much appreciated and our members enjoyed themselves so much that they are asking for another visit later in the year.
The RMP Museum is now firmly established at Southwick Park and most of the building work is concluded. Work inside the Museum cannot progress at an acceptable rate without the active participation of Volunteer Groups. There are a number of tasks which range from front of house duties, ensuring the high standard of displays are maintained, to helping catalogue the objects in store and help in creating new displays.
Newsletter:
In February 2009 ,our Chairman prepared our inaugural Newsletter.This contains details of activities, past and present and interesting develpments in the Branch and beyond.
ACTIVITIES 2008
Dorset Branch Pre Christmas Lunch
On Friday, 5th December, 2008, 29 Branch Members and 29 Associate Members welcomed their Official Guests, Colonel John Baber, MBE and Mrs Wendy Baber to lunch at the Bay View Court Hotel, East Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth.
The Branch Chairman, Steve Pugh was unfortunately in hospital, and the Branch Secretary, Royston Scott acted as Chairman for the occasion.Everyone enjoyed the Fellowship and excellent meal, and after the Loyal Toast, proposed by Bryan Maddern, Colonel Baber was invited to address the gathering. He provided a most interesting summary of the current health of the Royal Military Police Association and provided an update regarding the regular Members of the Royal Military Police around the world, with particular reference to those in Theatres of War.The Colonel's address was very much appreciated.
Bryan Maddern then proposed a Toast to Absent Friends and Members, again referring to those in dangerous locations such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Bryan also included a desire for a rapid return to good health of of Chairman, Steve Pugh.
During the lunchtime, a draw took place for prizes kindly donated by the members, and £141 was raised, thanks to the commitment of Ray and Hazel Jenkins. Thank you and well done.
Dorset Commitee Meeting:
On Tuesday 28th October 2008 the Branch Committee met and made a recommendation that 50% of the Branch disposable income should by donated to Military Charities in 2008/2009.
As a result of a request from the Helmand Province Military Hospital in Afghanistan, the Branch sent out 50 pairs of flip flops, 15 pairs of sports shorts and 15 pairs of jogging trousers for use by some of the service personnel injured and recovering from treatment locally in Afghanistan.
A letter of appreciation was received from medical officers.
Central Committee Meeting:
On 20th September, 2008 the Central Committee of the Royal Military Police Association officially recognised the new Dorset Branch.
The Dorset Branch of the RMPA now has 49 full members and much enthusiasm.
Inaugural Meeting:
For years there have been suggestions that Dorset should have its own Branch, and recently a small group of ex Redcaps met together and agreed that this should come to fruition.
Consent was obtained from the Regimental Secretary to proceed and every effort was made to identify and canvas former Royal Military Police members in and around the County of Dorset and adjoining areas in order to measure the interest and feasibility of forming a new branch.
Friday 3rd September 2008 saw the inaugural meeting of the proposed RMPA Dorset Branch take place at the Cottonwood Hotel, Bournemouth. The meeting was attended by 26 ex-Corps
members and a further 11 sent apologies due to sickness or holidays. In addition 17 wives/friends were welcomed.
A commitee was selected and voted in by all in attendance.
Our thanks go to Steve Pugh who was elected Chairman, Royston Scott who was elected Secretary, Gerrard Needham who was elected to the post of treasurer, and Brian Melvin and Ted Thurston who were elected to and joined the committee to represent the branch