Guild Update 28th November 2014

A New Guild Fellow

Secretary writes:

Congratulations are due to Tony Coutts-Britton who was elected a Fellow of the Guild at the AGM weekend. He is now the third Fellow of the Guild, joining Tim Saunders and Dr Christopher Scott to join this elite band!

Validation Opportunities 2015

Alison Hine writes:

After discussions at the AGM, it has been decided to insert the following validation opportunities for Assignments One, Five and Six into the 2015 programme:

·         30 January – Somme Validation Day for those based on the Continent

·         7/8 March – Swindon area, to include a short tour of the site of the Battle of Lechlade site led by Chris Scott.  Further details including outline costings will follow as soon as possible.

·         September - (date and location tbc – possibly in the Midlands) 

·         November – in place of the AGM  

NB Although these events will be specifically orientated towards validation, all Guild members are welcome to attend.  We need an audience for all the Assignment One attempts, as well as Validators! 

Please would anyone wishing to attempt Assignment One in March  let Alison Hine know as soon as possible as this will have a bearing on the overall programme for the event.   NB there is a new Validation email address: valsec@gbg-international.com

The American Civil War Round Table

Peter Gasgoyne-Lockwood writes:

The American Civil War Round Table, UK are to hold their annual conference over the weekend of the 17 - 19 April 2015.

For further information please contact Peter Gasgoyne-Lockwood at oldcount@aol.com

 

The Christmas Truce

Secretary writes:

Members may be interested to note that Tony Coutts-Britton is doing a programme on BBC Wiltshire on Sunday morning on this subject.

HMAS Canberra

Dennis Weatherall writes:

Good Morning all!

The NUSHIP Canberra the largest ship ever to join the Royal Australian Navy  will be commissioned into the fleet tomorrow alongside Fleet Base East at  Naval Base Garden Island Sydney.

She is one of two LDH (Landing Helicopter Dock)vessels and the first commissioned.

Her sister ship NUSHIP Adelaide is currently fitting out and is expected to  join the fleet in early 2017. At 27,500 tons she is a big girl !

This HMAS Canberra is the third RAN fighting ship to bear the name of our capital city name and will inherit a proud list of battle honours from her  predecessors.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/nsw/-11ucag.html

New Book by John Hughes-Wilson

Tony Tingle writes:

I would like to bring to your attention to a book we have just published by John Hughes-Wilson. The attached pdf file shows the details.

D-Day, 6th June 1944 - Battlefield Tour App

Ian Gumm writes:

A self-guided battlefield tour app covering some of the major locations associated with D-Day, 6th June 1944 is available for download free of charge to members.  At present, this is available for Android but the intention is to have it available for Apple and Blackberry shortly.

The terms of use are simple.  Each member is requested to download only one copy for personal use only.  It is not to be distributed to any non-member of the Guild without the prior consent of Ian Gumm.  This is a commercially available product released for sale by In the Footsteps Battlefield Tours and the intellectual property of Ian Gumm, the author.

If members would like a copy please email ian@inthefootsteps.com and you will be sent a specific GBG dropbox link.

Downloadable WW1 Manuals

Vern Littley writes:

Please see attached link regarding downloadable (PDF) WW1 training manuals.  May be of interest to some in the Guild? 

http://www.lawranceordnance.com/information/manuals/training/index.php

Guild AGM

Chris Scott writes:

Great time at Bromsgrove – thanks to all concerned for making it the usual excellent Guild event, although a bit more R&R time to use the pool would be welcome!  As a great supporter of overseas members I was overjoyed to see Carlo and Joel get their badges, especially as I verified Joels’ Assignment One in Holland earlier this year.  You see it can be done quickly!

Just to let you all know that when I put my hand up to organise a Validation Event I meant it, and already Alison Hine, Ian Gumm and I are planning to run one on the outskirts of Swindon, just a couple of miles up a dual carriageway from the M4 and a dual carriageway run down from the M5.  The date will follow shortly but we are looking at March 2015, so Anthony does not have too long to wait for his next crack at Assignment One. There was great support for this at the AGM so can we please see it when Alison announces the booking is open – it’ll be cheap – honest.   We are also planning to throw in a battlefield tour of a fascinating local ECW engagement – maybe two!

The David Chandler Award

Secretary writes:

Members who were at the AGM will know that Carlo Larosa was awarded the David Chandler Award this year. He managed to get it back to Italy through airport security and it will be on display in the Main Hall of Deutsche Bank Branch in Genoa from Wednesday 26th November along with GBG leaflets!

Naval & Military Press - The War Diaries of the Battalions who fought in the Great war on the Western Front

Andy Thompson writes:

Many members will have had the circular from N&MP regarding their new DVD resource. Following comments at the weekend conference I have made contact this morning and they have made the Guild the following offer:

10+ orders £250 + VAT each

5 – 9 orders £337 + VAT

Price on release (early 2015) will be £450 + VAT

Full details of the DVD can be found at www.naval-military-press.com

Any members wishing to take up the offer are asked to contact Andy Thompson info@eyewitnesstours.com before Friday 19th December

I asked about a MAC version but N&MP estimate that only 8% of their customers use MAC and thus their investment is only viable for MS.

This would make an excellent Christmas gift for a loved one – who, maybe, will let you borrow it!

  

London Lunches 2015

Andy Thompson writes:

Diary dates for those within striking distance of London:

Friday March 20th & Friday December 4th (which will be the Christmas lunch)

Venue The Union Jack Club, costs t.b.c. in the New Year

The D-Day Club Christmas dinner Friday 19th December 7.15pm for 8.00pm Victory Services Club, Marble Arch

James Dinsdale writes:

Tickets are now available for our annual Christmas Dinner.

Mike Peters has kindly agreed to be our Guest Speaker this year and he will talk about Gliders in Normandy.

The Guest of Honour has not yet confirmed but we are awaiting to hear if a current VC holder will join us, President Blair who lives across the square has declined.

At the request of previous attendees we are making the attire morning suite or smart casual.

Tickets are available from James Dinsdale on 07872 187846 or theddayclub@hotmail.co.uk.

£70 for three courses including wine, and coffee etc., raffle and silent auction. Normal  silly hats and crackers.

There will of course be Normandy veterans in attendance.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/theddayclub

Guild Update 18th November 2014

New Members

Jo Hook writes:

We welcome the following new members into the Guild:

·               Terry Whenham from Northampton joins. His interests are Western Front Ypres/Somme and Loos

·               Robert Deere from Exeter joins. His interests are Italy WW2 & WW1 Western Front WW1 Napoleonic, Agincourt/Crecy

·               Richard Cast from Kent joins. His interests are Western Front Ypres/Somme

Director of Validation

Secretary writes:

Christopher Newbould is stepping down as Director of Validation at the AGM.

Anyone wishing to be considered for the position of Director of Validation should immediately make themselves known to Tony Smith. A resolution to appoint will be put from the floor at the AGM in respect of any candidates. If no candidates put themselves forward for a vote at the AGM the Council will consider co-opting a replacement.

AGM Photographer

Secretary writes:

We are in need of a photographer to take pictures at the AGM. If you are able to help (you don't have to be a professional!!) please let me know.

Books for Sale

Vern Littley writes:

Members may be interested in a number of books available for sale from the Royal Artillery Institute - see the attached list.

Problems on Tour

Mike Peters writes:

Members may be interested in the ultimate problem on tour as experienced by Andrew Duff whilst he was guiding a party of Americans!!

http://youtu.be/KvrySl5EnXQ

Gallipoli

Simon Worrall writes:

Members may be interested in this publication about Gallipoli - Http://issuu.com/faircountmedia/docs/gallipoli_100/1 - some good stuff

Guild Christmas Lunch December 5th

Andy Thompson writes:

Our annual Christmas lunch is three weeks away. There are 6 places remaining if anyone finds that there diaries have changed and they are now free and able to attend. Please contact Andy Thompson info@eyewitnesstours.com to secure a place. Cost £35 with excellent company guaranteed.

Bastogne War Museum

Mike Peters writes:

Members may be interested in the attached notice about the Bastogne War Museum.

For the Fallen

Mike Sheil writes:

Members may be interested in this link to a spread of pictures shot for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission centenary book "For the Fallen".

http://news.sky.com/gallery/1369023/tribute-to-the-fallen-of-great-war

Guild Update 8th November 2014

AGM Weekend

Secretary writes:

Rooms are now booked in line with individuals requirements. However a number of people have not yet paid. If this applies to you please can organise payment asap and if paying by direct debit let me have confirmation that you have done so.

Secretary Address and Communication

Secretary writes:

From November 13th I will be moving to a new address. This will be

Trenanton

Shutta Road

Looe

Cornwall

PL13 1HP

At the moment I do not have a new telephone number. Please note that depending on the efficiency of BT in switching our account over, communication by e-mail may be intermittent for a day or so.

Guild Golf Day

Graeme Cooper writes:

The annual Guild golf day will be held on Friday 21st August 2015

Annual Badged Guides Dinner

Graeme Cooper writes:

The annual Badged Guides Dinner will be held on the 7th August 2015

Memorial to the Bedfordshire Regiment

Ian Mould writes:

I don’t know if it is of interest to your members but i have been for the last two years been raising funds to have a memorial erected in Belgium in  memory of the officers and men of the the Bedfordshire Regiment who fought in World War One.

I am happy to say that it was built this September at the entrance to Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial and will be officially unveiled at 4pm on Monday 10th November. It will only be a short ceremony but anybody is welcome to attend .

Notre Dame de Lorette Monument

John Hughes-Wilson writes:

Members may be interested to note the new Notre Dame de Lorette Monument. Details are given in the attached document.

Well-Remembered Voices Tuesday 11th November

Tonie and Valmai Holt write:

Members may be interested to note the following event:

Commemorate the First World War’s 100th anniversary in this exploration of theatre’s response to the events of 1914-1918.

Join us for an evening of rehearsed readings of rarely performed wartime plays including J M Barrie’s thoughtful 1918 play A Well-Remembered Voice.

Alternatively, you can book for our daytime symposium with the performed readings accompanied by talks and discussions.

The event is co-run by The Marlowe Theatre, Gateways to the First World War, and the School of Arts, University of Kent, and in collaboration with the University of Kent Special Collections

Book now

Marlow Theatre

The Friars, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2AS view map

Telephone 01227 787787

Website www.marlowetheatre.com

Dublin Event 2015

Kathleen Neagle writes:

The Dublin weekend event will be on Fri April 17th to Sun April 19th 2015.

The Hotel I have chosen is the Ashling Hotel (www.ashlinghotel.ie)This is a lovely hotel in a central location, adjacent to Heustan Station, where the Airport  shuttle arrives to and leaves from every 40 minutes approx. The hotel is on the Luas (tram) red line to city centre which is 5 minutes away. The hotel has 225 rooms , standard and superior, with all the extras, wifi, tea coffee etc.

Room rates for April are single 218 euro for two nights B and B, Double 258 euro for two nights B and B.

OUTLINE PLAN FOR WEEKEND

DAY ONE.

Visits will include.

Wynns Hotel

The General Post Office

The Rotunda Rink ( EXTERNAL)

The Garden of Remembrance.

Liberty Hall (EXTERNAL)

DAY TWO.

British Wargrave at rear of HSE HQ.

St James Hospital ( South Dublin Union)

Killmainham Gaol or National Museum of Ireland.

Magazine Fort in the Phoniex Park

Arbour Hill ( final burial place of 14 of the excuted Volunteers)

lunch venue TBC.

Moore St ( LOCATION OF WHERE THE ORAHILLY DIED)

Trinity College

The Royal College of Surgeons

Stephens Green

Bolands Mill

Mount St Bridge.

DAY THREE.

Grangegorman Cemetery (optional)

Glasnevin Cemetery ( a must!!)

RETURN TO AIRPORT.

This is an outline plan for the weekend, there will also be invited guest speakers and guides, So please support this event!

English Speaking Guides in Flanders

Secretary writes:

I have been asked whether we have any English speaking guides in Flanders with a knowledge of the First World War. If you fit these criteria please can you let me know.

IWM Library

Frank Baldwin writes:

Members may be aware that the IWM is proposing closing its library. A petition against the closure has been raised. Details are in the note below:

I am contacting you to make you aware of damaging proposals which will see the closure of the library at the Imperial War Museum's London site and cuts to the education services that IWM provides.

In the year of the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, and following a £40m refurbishment in London, IWM now faces an annual £4m funding deficit. Proposals to deal with the deficit that have been put to IWM staff include:

·         closure of IWM's library and disposal of the majority of its holdings

·         cuts in important education services

·         60-80 job losses

·         closure of the widely emulated ‘Explore History’ facility in London

I am sure that this news will be a significant concern for you and all other members of the WFA.

Prospect, the trade union which represents the specialist museum staff who work for IWM, has launched a petition seeking additional Government funding to protect the important services the Museum provides and to protect its standing as a globally important centre for the study of conflict. Our petition can be accessed at http://bit.ly/save_IWM and a copy of the union's press release on this issue can be found here http://www.prospect.org.uk/news/id/2014/November/4/Imperial-War-Museum-staff-fight-library-closure-threat

I hope you will be able to bring the petition and the press release to the attention of all members in your Branch of the WFA in order to encourage as much support for our campaign as possible.

If you would like any further information, then please do contact me (andy.bye@prospect.org.uk). Many thanks for any support you can provide.

Andy Bye

Negotiations Officer & WFA Member

T: 020 7902 6649

F: 020 7902 6684

www.twitter.com/prospectunion

Speaker Wanted

Ryan Geering writes:

Can anyone help?

The Potteries Museum in Stoke on Trent are after someone to do a talk / presentation on The Christmas Truce on 6th December.

If anyone has experience on this topic and is able to make this date please contact Melanie Firman, Audience Development Officer, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Bethesda Street, Stoke-on-Trent. ST1 3DW

t 01782 232512

e melanie.firman@stoke.gov.uk

Who Do you Think You Are Live

Mike Peters writes:

I have received the following which may be of interest to members:

Who Do You Think You Are? Live, the family history show will take place at the NEC, Birmingham from April 16th to 18th 2015 and as at the last show in February this year, there will be a specialist Military Area with many organisations such as The National Archives, The Imperial War Museums and the National Army Museum, to name but a few, in attendance.

At the show in February we were fortunate enough to also have the Royal Air Force Museum, Belgian Tourist Office, Spirit of Remembrance and Forces War Records in the Military Area and we’re confident that they will decide to attend in 2015 as well. We also have a specialist Military Memorabilia Checkpoint which is organised on our behalf by the Ogilby Trust and in 2014 the Imperial War Museums invited Dan Snow, the TV historian, to take part in the Key Note workshop presentations in his role as Ambassador for the “Lives of the First World War” project.