Saturday 21 December 2013

Guild Update 13th December 2013



New Members

Jo Hook writes:

We welcome the following new members into the Guild:

·         Steve Hoar from  Stockport Cheshire joins. His interests are WW1 and WW2
·         Hugh Williams from Blandford St Mary Dorset joins. His interests are WW1
·         Robin Giles from Newcastle Upon Tyne joins. His interests are WW1

New Guild Magazine

Secretary writes:

You should now have or shortly will receive a copy of the new Guild magazine. I hope that you like it!

It will be issued three times a year and its success will depend on a steady flow or articles and pictures from you the membership. The contributions that we would like could be guiding related, pictures of people out guiding, members presenting to local groups, interesting stories etc. They don't have to be long and they don't have to be written by you - if you have another organisation that you work with who would like to submit something (like the War Memorials Trust article in the current edition) they would also be welcome! If you can help please send contributions to me at secretary@gbg-international.com

Norwich Event 21st - 23rd March 2014

Secretary writes:

With 2013 nearly over it is time to start thinking about events in 2014 and the first big weekend is at Norwich from the 21st - 23rd March. This event is organised by Jo Hook and will look at Norwich as a 'battlefield' from Ketts Rebellion to the Baedekers Raids of 1942. To date the following have announced their intention to attend:

·         John Cotterill
·         David Harvey
·         Christopher Newbould
·         Mike Peters
·         Dan Mills   

An opportunity to validate is available at this event.

If you would like to attend see the programme which is on the website at http://www.gbg-international.com/event_2014.html and drop Jo a note at jojohook781@gmail.com

Deepcut Event 8th February 2014

Alison Hine writes:

8 February 2014 - Prelude to War - to be held at the RLC Museum, Deepcut.  In Autumn 2014 many Guides will be taking Centenary tours to France and Belgium and talking about the first few months of the First World War.  The purpose of holding this Guild event early next year is to provide pre-August 1914 background information in order to assist Guides in placing later events in context.  The topics to be covered include: the origins of the First World War, changes and developments in the Army after the Boer War, the Infantry soldier of 1914, the RN and RFC, Artillery and other Arms and Services.  This is a one-day event and costs will be kept to a minimum.  Further information will be notified early in the New Year. 

World War I Tourism European Fair Gorizia (North eastern Italy) May 23rd - 25th 2014

Secretary writes:

Members might like to note that this new event is to be held in Gorizia Italy.

Regions, municipalities, consortia and other institutional actors, as well as publishing groups, single facilities and museums will have the opportunity to meet with tour operators and other professionals with a deep interest in history and the First World War in order to promote their activities and develop a niche tourism focusing on integrated itineraries to discover the many facets of the Great War.

An estimated 50,000 visitors are expected to attend.

We are considering how the Guild might get involved and if anyone has any contact with organisations that might be exhibiting please could they let me know. Some further details can be seen at http://gallery.mailchimp.com/d34a8a8fe96c0b7aaa06d55db/files/GrandeGuerra_Presentazione_MKT_ENG.pdf

The commemoration of the centenary of the Great War in the Vosges mountain range 

Secretary writes:

We have received the attached brochure from the Vosges Tourist people showing holiday and product offers specifically designed to mark the commemoration of the Centenary in the region. These may be of interest.

Help Wanted

Secretary writes:

I have been asked to identify the Guild's best experts on the Crimea and the WW1 Palestinian Campaign, 1915-18? If you would class yourself as one of these exalted few please could you let me know!

Members willing to give talks

Secretary writes:

In response to an increase in enquiries from people wanting to know whether Guild members would be prepared to give talks on battlefield topics please could you let me know if you are prepared to give talks to local groups, what your primary subjects are and the geographical radius in which you would be prepared to go.

Website News

Secretary writes:

I have put up some comments received about the recent AGM in the 'what they said' section of the website - see http://gbg-international-whattheysaid.blogspot.co.uk/

In response to requests at the AGM for a permanent record of these weekly updates I am now putting a copy on the website at http://gbg-international-news.blogspot.co.uk/

CWGC Project

Jo Hook writes:

As I mentioned at the AGM the flow of stories for the CWGC project has all but dried up. This is embarrassing for us and I feel that if we cannot get more stories soon we will have to go back to the CWGC and admit defeat. If you are able to do anything over the Christmas period I would be very grateful - please send to jojohook781@gmail.com 

New Books

Secretary writes:

Members may be interested in the following new books form member John Grodzinski:

Defender of Canada: Sir George Prevost and the War of 1812
By John R. Grodzinski, University of Oklahoma Press, 2013 (Campaigns and Commanders, Vol. 40)

An examination of British Strategic Leadership in the Canadas between 1812 and 1815

“This full-dress study and reassessment of Sir George Prevost is long overdue. John R. Grodzinski does a masterful job of tracing Prevost’s career and demonstrates that this much-maligned leader deserves to be remembered as the savior of Canada.”—Donald R. Hickey, author of The War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict

“Sir George Prevost has had many critics and almost no defenders. In the course of rehabilitating Prevost’s reputation, John R. Grodzinski gives us a fresh, comprehensive analysis of British strategy and policy-making in North America, 1811 to 1815. This book will stand as one of the more significant studies to emerge from the bicentennial of the War of 1812.”—J. C. A. Stagg, author of The War of 1812: Conflict for a Continent

“In a major contribution to scholarship, John R. Grodzinski shifts the focus from the drama and glory of battles and campaigns to the higher direction of war. His focus on the combined civil-military command that defeated a succession of American invasions places Sir George Prevost in the wider context of imperial power, and makes a strong case in Prevost’s defense.”—Andrew Lambert, author of The Challenge: Britain against America in the Naval War of 1812


May 2014 will see the publication of a study I have written on the 104th Regiment of Foot in the War of 1812 (the one in North America and not Russia). Details at:


BBC News

·         Michael Blaney and Raymond Kelly honoured in Newry - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-25272275
·         'Unsung' London war bus brought back to life - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-25338867
·         Bamburgh Beach World War Two pillbox to be recorded - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-25333776

Thursday 12 December 2013

Guild Update 6th December 2013



Flanders Soil

Paul Oldfield writes:

Members should note that the Flanders Memorial Garden being constructed outside The Guards’ Museum and Guards’ Chapel purports to represent the sacrifice of all members of Britain’s armed forces in Flanders in WW1; a gift from the people of Flanders to the people of Britain. The advertising literature stresses the universal nature of the Memorial. Without wishing to detract in any way from the outstanding service of the Guards regiments or the very laudable aim of establishing a national Flanders Memorial, it is difficult to understand how the memorial can achieve its stated universal commemorative aim if it only carries the badges of the Guards regiments.

The Welsh Experience of the First World War

Bruce Littley writes:

members may be interested to note that the Welsh Government has established a website with the mass digitization of primary sources relating to the First World War from the Libraries, Special Collections and Archives of Wales. This digital archive is a unique resource of vital interest to researchers, students, and the public in Wales and beyond. See http://cymru1914.org/en/home

Theft from Bob Hilton

Bruce Littley writes:

Bob Hilton has had a laptop stolen which contains over 20 years of research files - see article - http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/news/local-news/ex-paras-appeal-find-irreplaceable-research-6354674

All Party War Heritage Group Meeting 5 December 2013

Secretary writes:

On behalf of the Guild Mike Peters and Mike Scott attended the meeting of the All Party War Heritage Committee at the house of Lords on the 5th December. The main items on the agenda were an update on the Centenary from Andrew Murrison MP and Helen Grant MP and the mapping of war graves in parliamentary constituencies by Colin Kerr CWGC

The minutes of the last meeting are attached for the information of members.

Possible Ukraine Recce May 2014

James Dinsdale writes:

I'm considering organising an overseas recce to the Ukraine from the 11th - 18th May 2014. Basically Hitler's advance and the retreat into and from the Ukraine: Kiev, Kharkov, Poltava, the Dnieper Crossings etc. Everything that sets the scene for Bagration and the destruction of Army Group Centre. There will be some 18th century stuff and also the 1919 British supported armoured assault on Tzaritsin (Stalingrad).

The price is around the £1200 mark. It will be all inclusive apart from drinks and include air fares. Nice hotels and transport. If you are interested in coming or finding out more please let me know at ajdinsdale@hotmail.co.uk

BBC News

·         Telford woman Lesley Woodbridge set to make Somme 'first' - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-25152027
·         Underground journey to find WW1 Somme tunnel digger's grave - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-25152018
·         World War One in Wales digital archive launches - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-25126781
·         New evidence for Battle of Hastings site considered - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-25191208
·         Bletchley Park discovers remains of two wartime huts - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-25214991
·         NTS fundraising to keep Battle of Culloden blunderbuss - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-25214321

Friday 11 October 2013

What are these?

Can anyone identify these items please?

They do not appear to be removable from the belt. If you can help please e-mail me at secretary@gbg-international.com


 

Friday 20 September 2013

Voice of a War Veteran





“Voice of a War Veteran”
A systematic narrative introduction to the Experiences of a War Veteran


A 2-day Workshop at
John Pounds Centre
Queens Street
Portsmouth
PO1 3HN


Presented by
Dr David Jackson and Mr Kevin Spruce

Two day Workshop:  “Voice of a War Veteran”

Thursday 26th September 2013 and Friday 27th September 2013

From 0930 hours to 1630 hours


“The thought, sensitivity, care and passion upon which the weekend/workshop was based, has been utterly unique to me” (Chartered Psychologist).

This was an emotional, thought provoking and challenging
few days. Inspirational leading edge research!” (Doctoral student).


Workshop Details and Booking Form

Workshop aims

There is a growing body of excellent civilian led research about War Veterans and their experiences.  This research is usually based in and around PTSD and the physical transition from a military culture to a civilian culture.

The workshop puts the “Voice of the War Veteran” alongside this research and from a War Veterans perspective.   This workshop has been developed from Dr David Jackson’s and Kevin Spruce’s research and experiences of being War Veterans (Northern Ireland and the Falklands).  The content draws on their private practices in counselling Veterans and their families, and also on excellent third party research.  We aim to offer an insight into War Veterans way of thinking and way of being to assist those, who assist them.

This workshop is open to experienced practitioners and medical professionals who better want to understand “War Veterans” and to take this knowledge and assimilate it into their own best practice when supporting War Veterans.

It is also aimed at Veteran Organisations who will benefit through the development of closer relationships with their client group, through increased knowledge of the War Veterans’ experiences.

This workshop will also assist Veterans and their families to better understand the actions and thought processes of the War Veteran.

Many of our Armed Forces are making the transition into civilian street, and many of those have experienced war.  The transitional issues linked with combat related PTSD will be with us for many decades, and the Veterans will need support and understanding.  All delegates will go away with a better understanding of the ‘lot’ of a War Veteran.

Day 1

   Interview with a War Veteran
   Stereotypes and the impact on War Veterans
   Introduction to PTSD
   Psychological / Physiological PTSD
   PTSD.  What is its Purpose?

Day 2

   What is a War Veteran?
   War Veteran Culture
   Transition - Assimilation or Acculturation
   Film:  Three days of Loss:  A War Story
   War Veterans: Feeling the Flatness






Venue: John Pound’s Centre, Queen’s Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3HN


 There is an on-site café which supplies a large range of healthy & delicious food with vegetarian choices always available, plus hot and cold drinks.
Transport to the Centre
Car:  For guests traveling into Portsmouth we are easily accessible by road. The M275 leads straight into the heart of the city and then follow the brown signs for ‘Historic Waterfront’. Queen Street is the main road that leads down to the Historic Dockyard.
Train:  Our nearest train station is Portsmouth Harbour – a simple 5 minute walk from the John Pounds Centre – with good connections to London and the West.
 We meet at the Royal Maritime Club for informal networking on the Thursday evening
 
Feedback from 2013 Conference:



"On behalf of myself and others who were there, I would like to thank you so very much not just for the time it has taken you for organising such a successful, worthwhile and thought provoking PTSD Conference... but sharing the journey that got you to this place and on the road ... so to speak.

Those who have not served who attended were witness to the most eloquent and ‘on the nose’ insight of a combat veteran but also descriptions and analysis of the "psyche" of a veteran / ex serviceperson. 

The only division in the conference was in the "moist eye department"!!  Some who had a tear in their eyes from being in the place we have been and a Brother to Brother empathy, and those with those with the same tear wanting desperately to assist and improve the Veteran’s lot.

Moving, touching anecdotes and some pearls of wisdom on various aspects from yourselves and the varied speakers made it for me, and for many others that I spoke to, one of the more meaningful and useful events that I have attended in this sector.

If anyone can get across the plights and issues that have faced, and do face ex-combatants and Veterans alike, in such a professional but relaxed, and at times humorous way, it is yourself and David. (D,Brother Veteran)

**********************************************

Just wanted to thank you for inviting us to your conference yesterday and to say what a thought provoking and engaging event it was (G and J, Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust)

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Many congratulations to you both! It was great to see you at the conference. It was my pleasure to see you and I really enjoyed your presentations.  I am so very happy to see you develop your platform to project the Voice of Veterans.  (K, Department of Education, University of Bath)

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Thank you for all your hard work making Mondays conference fabulous! (S, R.B.L.)

***********************************************


We would like to thank all the Conference Delegates
for making the day a special day


Aims of Veteran to Veteran (Turning It Around):

The aims of the workshops/seminars are to give professionals who support Veterans an insight into the world of the War Veteran and the Veteran; to give the War Veteran an insight into the world of the professionals who support them.  We believe that this will assist in developing a deeper relationships based on ‘visceral verstehen’ that will improve professional, and personal relationships, enhancing and improving the relationships between the Professional and War Veterans and their families.  This will be achieved through knowledge, challenging stereotypes and felt understanding. 

The unique series of workshops are written and presented by War Veterans for everyone involved in supporting our War Veterans and Veterans to find peace.  By supporting Veteran To Veteran (Turning It Around), you are supporting ALL Veterans.

Co-directors

Dr David Jackson is a former Royal Marine and during his service he served in Northern Ireland and went south with the Falklands War Task-Force.  After leaving the service he trained as a counsellor and life coach and has successfully worked to build up his private practice of 14 years counselling Veterans and their families.

He studied psychology with the Open University and graduated in 1995 with a BSc (Hons). In 2002 he completed his Masters degree in Counselling Studies at the University of East Anglia.  His dissertation was an auto-ethnographical narrative exploring his own experiences of living with his experiences of war and PTSD. 

In 2010 Dr David graduated from the University of Bristol after completing a Doctor of Education (D.ED.).  During this time he researched the cultural, historic and social narratives of War Veterans who suffer with PTSD from war related experiences.  His dissertation was called “Seven Days Down South: A War Story”, and used the medium of film and a multi modal approach, to represent the Narratives of War Veterans.  Dr David Jackson is an expert in the social and cultural aspects of War Veterans living in society.


Kevin Spruce joined the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers and during his service he served in Northern Ireland and went south with the Falklands War Task-Force.  Kevin was medically discharged form the Army in 1988.

He set up a Fine Arts Retail Company and bought properties to rent out to low income families.  He went on to study Business Studies at Plymouth Polytechnic (1988) and Durham University (1989). 

Kevin attended Keele University (1991-1995) graduating with BA with Honours in Psychology and African and Native American History and Literature. 

Kevin then qualified in P.A.C.E. and prison law (2001), and having developed a successful career as a Prison Law Supervisor, Kevin went back to Keele University to study Counselling Psychology for his MSc (2010), to counsel and assist Veterans and their families during the transition from a military culture to a civilian culture, due to his own experiences.

Kevin’s Masters dissertation, “Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier”, was a heuristic enquiry, with an interpretative phenomenological analysis, into his own transitional difficulties and that of other British and Foreign Armed Forces personnel.  Kevin’s ambition is to make Veterans aware of and believe in their true value and worth, he knows, through his own personal experience, that this is a difficult job. 

Kevin is an expert in the social and cultural difficulties that Veterans, and their families face pre-, during and post the transition in to civilian life.



Workshop Booking Form

Veteran To Veteran (Turning It Around)
Hardingswood House
Hardingswood Road
Hardingswood
Kidsgrove
ST7 1EF

Date:
Delegates Name:                                                    Email Address:
Two Day Workshop: “Voice of A War Veteran” - 26th - 27th September 2013 at John Pound’s Centre

Description
Quantity
Unit Price
Cost
Full Fee (for the 2 days)

£ 160.00

Veteran Fee

£ 75.00

Veteran Organisation Fee

£ 75.00

Student Fee

£ 75.00



Total



Methods of Payment
Cheque:  Made payable to “Veterans Counselling Service” and send to above address.
Bank Transfer:
To: Lloyds Bank
Sort Code: 30-95-91
Acc Number: 29667268
Kind regards,
Dr David Jackson and Kevin Spruce
Co-directors Veteran To Veteran (Turning It Around)

Cancellation Fee Policy:

Cancellation 3 weeks before the event:                                                         Full Refund
Cancellation after 3 weeks and up to 1 week before the event                 Refund of fee - less 20% cancellation fee
Cancellation up to 7 days before event                                                          No Refund will be available

Delegates will receive a certificate of attendance.  However this is not a credit bearing course.  Confirmation of place at the workshop is by payment of fees only, and due to limited numbers will be on a first come first served basis.  Limited bursary places are available for unemployed Veterans and students in full time courses.  For a bursary consideration please email details of your situation along with contact details of a tutor who can verify your situation, or a copy of unemployment paperwork for consideration.  For more information:  Email: veteranscounsellingservices@gmail.com

Veteran To Veteran (Turning It Around) is covered by “Veterans Counselling Services’ public liability insurance and complies with current health and safety legislation.  Complaints policy are available on request.

For further information please email Kevin at veteranscounsellingservice@gmail.com


“Voice of a War Veteran”
2-day Workshop Programme


Day 1 - 26th September 2013


0900 - 0930                 Register and Welcome                                                David S.
0930 – 0940                Introduction                                                    Kevin
0940 – 1020                Interview with a War Veteran/discussion       Kevin
1020 – 1120                Stereotypes                                                                 David

1120 – 1140            Refreshment Break

1140 – 1240                Introduction to PTSD                                     Kevin
1240 – 1300                Discussion

1300 – 1400            Lunch (Provided)

1400 – 1500                Psychological/ Physical PTSD                                    Kevin

1500 – 1520            Refreshment Break

1520 – 1620                PTSD. What purpose?                                                David
1620 – 1630                Q and A session

End of Day One

 
Day 2 - 27th September 2013

0930 – 0940                Introduction                                                    Kevin
0940 – 1000                What is a war veteran?                                                Kevin
1000 – 1100                War Veteran Culture                                       David

1100  - 1120            Refreshment break

1120 – 1220                Assimilation/Acculturation                             Kevin
1220 – 1300                Family – Vicarious Trauma                             Kevin

1300 – 1445            Lunch

1345 – 1500                Three Days of Loss: a war story                     David

1500 – 1505            Refreshment break

1505 – 1600                Feeling the flatness                                         David
1600 – 1630                Round table discussion                                               Kevin

End of Workshop