Since my last update, which seems like ages ago, the following have made contact: Arthur Goodfellow - HF Radio Troop - early sixties; Rob Parker - Oscar Troop - late sixties/early seventies; Alan Lafferty - 237 Signal Squadron (COMCAN) - mid sixties; Winston "Rocky" Rock - Comcen Troop - late sixties/early seventies.

It has been suggested that I add a new page called Memories to supplement the Tiger Tales page we already have. The idea has merit, however I introduced a Forum some time back in the hope that people would use it to record such things, I even started a couple of discussions which went nowhere. Thoughts gentlemen please.

Just over 800 members and their guests attended to 2010 RSA reunion. This figure was up on 2009 and justified the bringing forward of the date by one week in order to avoid clashing with the ‘Armed Forces Day’ celebrations around the country.

The display of the current BOWMAN and FALCON equipment was on show by 0900 hrs, along with another splendid gathering of old civilian and military vehicles. Terry Inman had once again arranged for members of the Christchurch Cruiser Club to bring along their shining and colourful Harley-Davidsons, Kawasakis and various other big bikes. Tony Helm also brought along his collection of comms equipment used in the “Cold War”. The indoor range was again opened for RSA members to have a shoot with the SA80 rifle. The Museum and shop opened early and did a brisk business throughout the day. The local Pimpernel Beagle Pack was also on show and gave a demonstration of scent trail following.

Members booked in at “Reception”, which was this year manned by LCpl Dan Pearson (3 Sqn 11 Sig Regt) and 10 soldiers from Battleaxe Tp, who had only that very week arrived at Blandford following their basic trg. At Reception, members collected their meal tickets, programe and souvenir lapel badge. The RSA Admin Officer’s database was on hand so that anyone could check out names of other members who served in their units around the same time. Mrs Linda Sizeland (Welfare Secretary) was in Reception and enjoyed answering questions on how the RSA can provide assistance to those in need.

This year we were fortunate to have our Colonel in Chief to inspect those on Parade for the “Princess Royal Day Parade” on Hawke Square. All the hours of training under the guidance of WO1(RSM) Mick Yendell proved worthwhile as the soldiers put on a great display.

HRH attended the Garrison church for its rededication as the Corps Chapel. Following the service, groups of various individuals were presented to our Colonel in Chief, including 30 RSA members.

Around 500 members/guests took lunch in the Soldiers Restaurant, where the opportunity was taken by the veterans to engage the young soldiers in conversation.

The Corps Band started the afternoon arena display, which should have been followed by a performance by the Corps Free Fall Parachute Team. However the strong wind prevented them from jumping. After their absence last year, it was good to welcome back the “White Helmets”, who gave their usual highly skilled and thrilling display of jumping and tricks. With the Corps RSM involved in the SOinC(A)’s charity cycle ride, WO1(RSM) Mick Yendell kindly stood in to run the traditional standard bearers’ competition. Ably assisted by WO2(SSM) Ash Doe and his wife Christine (a standard bearer herself), plus Barry Moody, the judges took the competitors through their drill movements. The Master of Signals presented John Mumford (Reading Branch) with the winner’s cup. Runner up was Bill McNamara from our Glasgow Branch. The other finalists were; Norman Pearce (West London), Brian Calladine (East Kent), Daniel Millan (Sale) and Keith Bates (Rotherham).

Terry Inman produced an interesting drive past and commentary from the Christchurch Cruiser Club, followed by a drive past by a selection of the old vehicles. The Master presented Len Melling with an engraved silver salver to commemorate his retirement from arranging the old vehicle display after 15 years of service to the RSA.

The Corps Pipes and Drums joined the Corps Band to lead the sunset ceremony which concluded the afternoon events.

In the evening, RSM Yendell opened up the Sgts Mess to all retired members of the Corps. For many this was the highlight of the weekend and many old acquaintances were renewed and lots of new friendships made.

A Drumhead Service was held on Hawke Square at 1030 hrs on the Sunday, with the RSA Hon Chaplain the Rev Peter Clemett and Garrison Padre the Rev David Barrett conducting the service. The address was given by the Venerable Stephen Robbins, Chaplain-General Her Majesty’s Land Forces. Col Terry Canham (General Secretary) and the Master of Signals read the lessons. During the first hymn, branch standards were ‘laid up’ and the standard of the “Despatch Riders Club” was dedicated. WO1(RSM) Mick Yendell again stood in for the Corps RSM to lead the ‘Act of Remembrance’. Mr David Walker BEM turned a page in the Korean War Book of Remembrance. The collection raised £581.00 for the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund.

The March Past, which ended the whole weekend’s activities, was lead by a group of our members who were veterans of the Korean War.

Our thanks to all who supported the reunion; members of 11 Sig Regt, Garrison staff and all RSA members, many of whom had travelled a fair distance to attend.

The success of a great weekend was tinged with sadness due to the death on the Saturday morning of Mrs Wendy Wood, wife of Brigadier Nigel Wood, Chairman Royal Signals Association. Brigadier Nigel is in our thoughts and prayers.

Criteria for joining the Royal Signals Association.

What it boils down to is this - If you served during the time of 249 FARELF (which you did) you must have participated in the "One Days Pay" ruling which entitles you to join the RSA as a Life Member for free. If you go to the RSA website details are available there. If you do not wish to join a Branch local to you (and possibly participate) you can join the RHQ Branch. - Hope this makes sense.

In case it makes it clearer here is a copy off the email that Neville received.

Dear Neville. Thank you for taking an interest in this matter. All those who contributed to Corps Funds through the Days Pay Scheme (DPS) are automatically eligible for free membership of the RSA. However, they must still apply to join by completing an enrollment card, which is sent to Assn HQ. Yes, it would be best if I was asked to check to see if any potential member was already a LIFE MEMBER before asking for the remittance. The bottom line is that all money received as remittance for LM goes into the Benevolent Fund for welfare use.