BNTVA Newsletter March 2000

BRITISH NUCLEAR TESTS VETERANS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

THE PARADISE ROOM, PLEASURELAND, BLACKPOOL SATURDAY I 5 th APRIL 2000 at 1330 Hrs. prompt.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ AGENDA

I. Parade of Standards. 2. Last Post, Reveille, National Anthem. 3. Apologies for absence, Letters etc. 4. Chairman's welcoming address. Introduction of Guest Speakers. 5. Minutes of 1999 AGM 6. Treasurer's Report 7. INTERVAL 8. Events since last AGM 9. Questions & Answers [45 Minutes] I 0. Stand down of Executive Committee I I. Election of Officers I 2. Chairman's Closing Address

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BRITISH NUCLEAR TESTS VETERANS ASSOCIATION

All we seek is justice

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:1

NEWSLETTER MARCH 2000

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

I am shocked and surprised to hear of some people giving up the struggle because of the recent decision from Strasbourg. Let me assure you all that we are far from finished yet. I have great confidence in Ian Anderson, who, on reading the judgement was immediately setting up his next move. Some preferred to say in the press that the Government should allow the veterans further tests on blood, and teeth, I would not go along with that suggestion for many reasons. You will recall that recently six Gulf War Veterans went to the USA, and were found to be contaminated with depleted uranium[DU]. The Government refused to accept those extremely professional findings. Also, the Government has refused to accept our own rnost recent self-funded study. The only real answer is for the Government to yield to the ongoing NRPB study [see Mike Doyle's article}, and set up ICt;lslaclon similar to that in the USA. Under Rule 73, we still have the opportunity of eakine ou, , . Chamber in Strasbourg. We have to fight on, and mc1lntal1 we have set in our campaign. I have little to say regarding the on-going problems wltl1!11 tl!ll N:11 Executive, but I can assure you all that it has affected the 1111:,11 Ii of mnny of us who had to deal with them. The.whole truth will comu 011L 11hoi ily, nnd I wish to thank the majority of the National Committee, and Aro:i Rui11 usomntlves who stood by our decisions.

++++++++++++++++++ VICE Cfi_A/R

The last ten months or so have been the most rnlscrablo, nlr,lllfli3rlsh ten i11onths of my life. They include seven weeks in hospital [Ci11•fst1nns & Now Year yet again]. On Dec. 15 th I fell & broke my ankle in three places, cl. wh!I in hospital contracted a lung infection, which led to pneumonia, which aim saw my demise. However, God is good, & here I am back at home. Every AGM is very important to all members, but please let me assure you that this year, the 2000 AGM will probably prove to be the most important meeting in our history, & I do urge each and every one of you to attend. The future of our elite BNTVA could be at stake. We must stick together, & continue our fight for pensions, recognition, and justice. Peter Fletcher

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TREASURER'S REPORT

I wish to thank all the members for their loyal support over the last eight years as Treasurer of the Association. I have been thankful for your support all the way through, even when things were a bit hard you were all there to support me. Yes, I know the past ten months have been a nightmare for me, and all because I asked questions about an amount of money that had not been accounted for. I can assure you that it has not been at all easy for me as I have had to take a lot of stick over the matter. I only hope I can carry on as National Treasurer, and that is why I will be standing for re-election at our AGM. I do hope that once again I will have your support. Bill Kittsen

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ACTING SECRETARY�S_REF'_ORT

Some weeks after the dismissal of Sheila Gray from her position as National Secretary, Ken McGinley requested me to take on the job as Caretaker until a replacement could be found, I agreed on the basis that it would only be for a couple of months as I have a business to run. It started off with the very unpleasant task of writing letters of dismissal etc., and because of the response we received to a few very simple questions things were looked into in a much greater detail. What was uncovered was not very nice at all, and even today it leaves a very nasty taste in my mouth. Suffice to say that almost every single penny Sheila Gray worked so diligently to obtain on behalf of the Association has gone, but as we did not have the money in the first place, we cannot miss it too much. The research programme proved to be invaluable, it finished last year. The reasons for her dismissal were purely an internal matter private to this Association.What we are talking about is direct disobedience of direct orders, and I'm sure that you all remember the penalties for that. It would be far too lengthy, and costly to go into great detail at this time, but as a "co opted" member of the Committee, and one who has been closely associated with the proceedings it is my firm conviction that your National Committee acted in the best interests of our Association which is exactly wnat you voted them to do. Then came the organising of the petitions, numerous letters, talking to people, and the general day-to-day business. The job has not been an easy one, in fact it's been very hard work. At times it has been distasteful, stressful, and worrying, but above all it has been interesting, and I have learnt an awful lot. I am only Acting Secretary until the AGM, and I will not be standing for the position much as I enjoy it as I simply do not have the time to do the job efficiently. ?.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

I am shocked and surprised to hear of some people giving up the struggle because of the recent decision from Strasbourg. Let me assure you all that we are far from finished yet. I have great confidence in Ian Anderson, who, on reading the judgement was immediately setting up his next move. Some preferred to say in the press that the Government should allow the veterans further tests on blood, and teeth, I would not go along with that suggestion for many reasons. You will recall that recently six Gulf War Veterans went to the USA, and were found to be contaminated with depleted uranium[DU]. The Government refused to accept those extremely professional findings. Also, the Government has refused to accept our own rnost recent self-funded study. The only real answer is for the Government to yield to the ongoing NRPB study [see Mike Doyle's article}, and set up ICt;lslaclon similar to that in the USA. Under Rule 73, we still have the opportunity of eakine ou, , . Chamber in Strasbourg. We have to fight on, and mc1lntal1 we have set in our campaign. I have little to say regarding the on-going problems wltl1!11 tl!ll N:11 Executive, but I can assure you all that it has affected the 1111:,11 Ii of mnny of us who had to deal with them. The.whole truth will comu 011L 11hoi ily, nnd I wish to thank the majority of the National Committee, and Aro:i Rui11 usomntlves who stood by our decisions.

++++++++++++++++++ VICE Cfi_A/R

The last ten months or so have been the most rnlscrablo, nlr,lllfli3rlsh ten i11onths of my life. They include seven weeks in hospital [Ci11•fst1nns & Now Year yet again]. On Dec. 15 th I fell & broke my ankle in three places, cl. wh!I in hospital contracted a lung infection, which led to pneumonia, which aim saw my demise. However, God is good, & here I am back at home. Every AGM is very important to all members, but please let me assure you that this year, the 2000 AGM will probably prove to be the most important meeting in our history, & I do urge each and every one of you to attend. The future of our elite BNTVA could be at stake. We must stick together, & continue our fight for pensions, recognition, and justice. Peter Fletcher

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

TREASURER'S REPORT

I wish to thank all the members for their loyal support over the last eight years as Treasurer of the Association. I have been thankful for your support all the way through, even when things were a bit hard you were all there to support me. Yes, I know the past ten months have been a nightmare for me, and all because I asked questions about an amount of money that had not been accounted for. I can assure you that it has not been at all easy for me as I have had to take a lot of stick over the matter. I only hope I can carry on as National Treasurer, and that is why I will be standing for re-election at our AGM. I do hope that once again I will have your support. Bill Kittsen

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ACTING SECRETARY�S_REF'_ORT

Some weeks after the dismissal of Sheila Gray from her position as National Secretary, Ken McGinley requested me to take on the job as Caretaker until a replacement could be found, I agreed on the basis that it would only be for a couple of months as I have a business to run. It started off with the very unpleasant task of writing letters of dismissal etc., and because of the response we received to a few very simple questions things were looked into in a much greater detail. What was uncovered was not very nice at all, and even today it leaves a very nasty taste in my mouth. Suffice to say that almost every single penny Sheila Gray worked so diligently to obtain on behalf of the Association has gone, but as we did not have the money in the first place, we cannot miss it too much. The research programme proved to be invaluable, it finished last year. The reasons for her dismissal were purely an internal matter private to this Association.What we are talking about is direct disobedience of direct orders, and I'm sure that you all remember the penalties for that. It would be far too lengthy, and costly to go into great detail at this time, but as a "co opted" member of the Committee, and one who has been closely associated with the proceedings it is my firm conviction that your National Committee acted in the best interests of our Association which is exactly wnat you voted them to do. Then came the organising of the petitions, numerous letters, talking to people, and the general day-to-day business. The job has not been an easy one, in fact it's been very hard work. At times it has been distasteful, stressful, and worrying, but above all it has been interesting, and I have learnt an awful lot. I am only Acting Secretary until the AGM, and I will not be standing for the position much as I enjoy it as I simply do not have the time to do the job efficiently. ?.

KIRIBAT/ & TUVALUASSOC/AT/ON

You all will have heard the verdict of the Review Court in Strasbourg. What a stitch up again! The S Judges who voted against us stated that "It does not matter that the UK government gave false evidence before, the rules have been changed, and it does not apply". In other words they moved the goal posts which is exactly why we protested last year. The protests fell on deaf ears. So what can we do, and where do we go from here? Firstly, don't lay down and die as the MoD would like us to do. Make a personal visit to your local MP, make a noise, and ask him 2 simple questions: Firstly. Why did the government feel it necessary to tell lies in an open court, and will he/she ask questions iri the house about it? Secondly. If the government is so convinced that none of us have any complaints that can be related to the nuclear tests because every precaution was taken, and not one person received any exposure to radiation. Why does it still refuse to release the extremely important records that we all need, and why has it spent millions on keeping them from us? After all, those records are 40/50 years old now and cannot possibly have any bearing on nuclear proliferation, nor can they still be official secrets. What are they afraid of? If you MP refuses to accept anything you say, get in touch with your local press and tell them all about it. Derek Fiddaman

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NORTH EAST BRANCH

It was with great disappointment that I heard of the result of-the European Court case, & the evidence we gave being ignored. It is really surprising how we have been treated. Ian Anderson, our Solicitor, is now looking for other avenues we can possibly go down. Meanwhile, we are still hoping that the study by the NRPB will come out with some constructive evidence which will place the Government in a position of having to rethink about the whole issue. There is no doubt about it, we have not been given a fair chance , & have been blatantly hindered at every turn. My second disappointment was to be told that the date of our AGM was changed for some reason. I, & my family had gone ahead & booked a holiday to celebrate our 40 th wedding anniversary in the knowledge that I would be able to return in time for the Blackpool AGM. Unfortunately the dates now clash, so I must give my sincere apologies that for the first time I will not be with you on April I 5th • However, I send my highest regards to you all, & will miss seeing you. Mike Reid ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1

·�

On 10 th July last year John & I attended the 20 th Kiribati Independence Day celebrations which were held at Gang Warily Recreation Centre, Fawley, Hants, about 2 miles from where we live. We only heard about it by chance, and unfortunately it was too late to inform other veterans. We had a phone call from the Secretary asking for help in finding a supply of firewood, so we went along to help, and found Pat Hurley there. We pitched our tent, went exploring, and came across a large pit which the men had dug out on the Friday. Inside was a beautifully parcelled pig cooking away. The pit had been lined with stones, the pig had been wrapped in tin foil, and wire mesh. The fire had been lit on the Friday evening, and as the flames subsided a sheet of corrugated iron was thrown on top of the flames & hot stones. The parcelled . was carefully laid on top, and several pairs of hands shovelled earth over it until no smoke was escaping. That is how they cook pork on Christmas Island, and I can tell you it was utterly delicious. It was a joy to attend & witness their AGM, it was a happy & friendly .affair. After the AGM the real celebrations got under way. We had a blessing of the feast, the tables were loaded with various delicious dishes, [FOOD FOR THE SOUL], and a glass of champagne. A speech was given to celebrate the day, the Kiribati National Anthem was sung & we all moved outside to the tennis courts for the dancing programme. It was wonderful to see so many people in such a happy atmosphere. Discussions continue with our Government over the cleaning up of the island. A report had been completed in early July of last year, and hopefully an amicable solution will be found soon. Bobbie Brewster ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ STRASBOURG

As anticipated by thousands of people who signed the petition of protest against the unbalanced bench selected in Strasbourg to hear the revision cases of McGinley & Egan v UK, 5 of the 7 judges ruled against the request on January 28th 2000. The 5 judges who ruled against the veterans included the 2 judges from Hungary & Ukraine who had p1·eviously voted against the veterans in the very narrow 5 - 4 decision in 1998, & the governments own hand-picked "spy" judge Sir Simon Brown. Two of the dissenting judges agreed with the thousands of petitioners, & human rights organisations which also lodged protests at Strasbourg against the unbalanced bench. These two judges ruled that the 7-judge bench should 4

KIRIBAT/ & TUVALUASSOC/AT/ON

You all will have heard the verdict of the Review Court in Strasbourg. What a stitch up again! The S Judges who voted against us stated that "It does not matter that the UK government gave false evidence before, the rules have been changed, and it does not apply". In other words they moved the goal posts which is exactly why we protested last year. The protests fell on deaf ears. So what can we do, and where do we go from here? Firstly, don't lay down and die as the MoD would like us to do. Make a personal visit to your local MP, make a noise, and ask him 2 simple questions: Firstly. Why did the government feel it necessary to tell lies in an open court, and will he/she ask questions iri the house about it? Secondly. If the government is so convinced that none of us have any complaints that can be related to the nuclear tests because every precaution was taken, and not one person received any exposure to radiation. Why does it still refuse to release the extremely important records that we all need, and why has it spent millions on keeping them from us? After all, those records are 40/50 years old now and cannot possibly have any bearing on nuclear proliferation, nor can they still be official secrets. What are they afraid of? If you MP refuses to accept anything you say, get in touch with your local press and tell them all about it. Derek Fiddaman

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NORTH EAST BRANCH

It was with great disappointment that I heard of the result of-the European Court case, & the evidence we gave being ignored. It is really surprising how we have been treated. Ian Anderson, our Solicitor, is now looking for other avenues we can possibly go down. Meanwhile, we are still hoping that the study by the NRPB will come out with some constructive evidence which will place the Government in a position of having to rethink about the whole issue. There is no doubt about it, we have not been given a fair chance , & have been blatantly hindered at every turn. My second disappointment was to be told that the date of our AGM was changed for some reason. I, & my family had gone ahead & booked a holiday to celebrate our 40 th wedding anniversary in the knowledge that I would be able to return in time for the Blackpool AGM. Unfortunately the dates now clash, so I must give my sincere apologies that for the first time I will not be with you on April I 5th • However, I send my highest regards to you all, & will miss seeing you. Mike Reid ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1

·�

On 10 th July last year John & I attended the 20 th Kiribati Independence Day celebrations which were held at Gang Warily Recreation Centre, Fawley, Hants, about 2 miles from where we live. We only heard about it by chance, and unfortunately it was too late to inform other veterans. We had a phone call from the Secretary asking for help in finding a supply of firewood, so we went along to help, and found Pat Hurley there. We pitched our tent, went exploring, and came across a large pit which the men had dug out on the Friday. Inside was a beautifully parcelled pig cooking away. The pit had been lined with stones, the pig had been wrapped in tin foil, and wire mesh. The fire had been lit on the Friday evening, and as the flames subsided a sheet of corrugated iron was thrown on top of the flames & hot stones. The parcelled . was carefully laid on top, and several pairs of hands shovelled earth over it until no smoke was escaping. That is how they cook pork on Christmas Island, and I can tell you it was utterly delicious. It was a joy to attend & witness their AGM, it was a happy & friendly .affair. After the AGM the real celebrations got under way. We had a blessing of the feast, the tables were loaded with various delicious dishes, [FOOD FOR THE SOUL], and a glass of champagne. A speech was given to celebrate the day, the Kiribati National Anthem was sung & we all moved outside to the tennis courts for the dancing programme. It was wonderful to see so many people in such a happy atmosphere. Discussions continue with our Government over the cleaning up of the island. A report had been completed in early July of last year, and hopefully an amicable solution will be found soon. Bobbie Brewster ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ STRASBOURG

As anticipated by thousands of people who signed the petition of protest against the unbalanced bench selected in Strasbourg to hear the revision cases of McGinley & Egan v UK, 5 of the 7 judges ruled against the request on January 28th 2000. The 5 judges who ruled against the veterans included the 2 judges from Hungary & Ukraine who had p1·eviously voted against the veterans in the very narrow 5 - 4 decision in 1998, & the governments own hand-picked "spy" judge Sir Simon Brown. Two of the dissenting judges agreed with the thousands of petitioners, & human rights organisations which also lodged protests at Strasbourg against the unbalanced bench. These two judges ruled that the 7-judge bench should 4

not have heard the revision request in the first place. They ruled that the Grand Chamber of the Court consisting of 1 7 judges should have heard the revision request due to the important nature of the case & the unique issues which were raised. Since the cases were brought on a representative basis, & effected the rights of all other nuclear test veterans & their families, a Grand Chamber of the Court should have dealt with the request. The President of the Court of Human Rights, luzius Wildhaber of Switzerland, refused to refer the matter to the Grand Chamber in 1998.

I\

:I

The majority of 5 judges dismissed the revision request by the dubious means of retroactively applying a rule to the case which was not even in existence when the request was made in J 998. The dissenting judges expressed their difficulty in following the reasoning of the majority on this point. In lay language, the majority simply moved the goal posts to defeat the revision request. STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO OBTAIN A FURTHER RULING ON THIS ISSUE.

The Cathedral service was held on 26th.February this year when about 80 turned up with the BNTVA standards from the North West, the Portsmouth branch, and the Royal Engineers. The service was as moving as ever before we moved to our stone in the Garden of Remembrance. Once again the Piper & Bugler did us proud enhancing, as only the pipes & bugle can, what is a poignant moment of remembrance in the year for so many of our members. Sadly Peter Fletcher was unable to support us this year, & we missed him. He is a good friend of the Portsmouth branch, & we wish him well.

As appears from the above the substantial issues in the case, ie the UK's exposure of thousands of British servicemen to ionising radiation, & their rights to compensation, have been buried temporarily under a mound of technical rules & arcane Court procedures. In 1 996, certain provisions which would have provided compensation for ALL veterans suffering from radiation linked illnesses, including widows, & genetically impaired children, were submitted to the European Court & transmitted to the UK government. The government rejected these proposals & refused to settle the cases.

We hope to have a few more members than usual at the AGM in Blackpool this year when we can meet old friends again, & hopefully as an Association renew our commitment to help those who are unable to help themselves. Norman Aplin

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

While the battle of "RED TAPE" continues in the representative cases of McGinley & Egan, similar representative cases brought by the Fijian Veterans & Christmas Island civilians against the UK are progressing on a parallel track at Strasbourg. Ian Anderson New York, 18th February 2000

EAS_T MIDLANDS BRANCH

During wartime there are a few differences between the three services; The Nayy: Officers & men go off together & fight. The Army: Officers send men forward to fight. Thdl.AF: The men send the officers off to fight.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PORTSMOUTH BRANCH Branch meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month at the Hampshire Ex-Servicemens Club, Fratton Road, Portsmouth, except in July, & December when informal gatherings are held at the Royal Naval Home Club, Queen's Street, Portsmouth. Our membership numbers about 60 of which up to 12 attend the monthly meetings, & all of those who can ensure that we have a good turn out at the Annual BNTVA Commemorative Service at the Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral in February which the branch organises & funds. _Ii

We usually have members attending the Cenotaph Parade, but last year through old age & infirmity we did not do so well at what we see as an important public statement. We did however contribute to the public debate in January prior to the judgement from Strasbourg when local television televised our meeting interviewing some members, but giving special attention & viewing time to our Chairman, Dave Riley & Derek Fiddaman who both aquitted themselves in a dignified manner on screen to the credit BNTVA and our ongoing fight for justice.

'I

This past year one of our members was honoured by being made the Lady Mayoress of Leicester, Marilyn Hall, the widow of the late John Hall. We are very proud of her. On Remembrance Sunday she arranged to lay a wreath on the BNTVA memorial stone during the main proceedings which bought the attention of people to our memorial, who otherwise might have walked away without reading the inscribed words. The branch has been very quiet the last few months, mainly awaiting news from Europe. Now this has come, we feel a little deflated, but not down. Another battle lost, but not the war yet. Come on members, pick yourselves 6

not have heard the revision request in the first place. They ruled that the Grand Chamber of the Court consisting of 1 7 judges should have heard the revision request due to the important nature of the case & the unique issues which were raised. Since the cases were brought on a representative basis, & effected the rights of all other nuclear test veterans & their families, a Grand Chamber of the Court should have dealt with the request. The President of the Court of Human Rights, luzius Wildhaber of Switzerland, refused to refer the matter to the Grand Chamber in 1998.

I\

:I

The majority of 5 judges dismissed the revision request by the dubious means of retroactively applying a rule to the case which was not even in existence when the request was made in J 998. The dissenting judges expressed their difficulty in following the reasoning of the majority on this point. In lay language, the majority simply moved the goal posts to defeat the revision request. STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO OBTAIN A FURTHER RULING ON THIS ISSUE.

The Cathedral service was held on 26th.February this year when about 80 turned up with the BNTVA standards from the North West, the Portsmouth branch, and the Royal Engineers. The service was as moving as ever before we moved to our stone in the Garden of Remembrance. Once again the Piper & Bugler did us proud enhancing, as only the pipes & bugle can, what is a poignant moment of remembrance in the year for so many of our members. Sadly Peter Fletcher was unable to support us this year, & we missed him. He is a good friend of the Portsmouth branch, & we wish him well.

As appears from the above the substantial issues in the case, ie the UK's exposure of thousands of British servicemen to ionising radiation, & their rights to compensation, have been buried temporarily under a mound of technical rules & arcane Court procedures. In 1 996, certain provisions which would have provided compensation for ALL veterans suffering from radiation linked illnesses, including widows, & genetically impaired children, were submitted to the European Court & transmitted to the UK government. The government rejected these proposals & refused to settle the cases.

We hope to have a few more members than usual at the AGM in Blackpool this year when we can meet old friends again, & hopefully as an Association renew our commitment to help those who are unable to help themselves. Norman Aplin

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

While the battle of "RED TAPE" continues in the representative cases of McGinley & Egan, similar representative cases brought by the Fijian Veterans & Christmas Island civilians against the UK are progressing on a parallel track at Strasbourg. Ian Anderson New York, 18th February 2000

EAS_T MIDLANDS BRANCH

During wartime there are a few differences between the three services; The Nayy: Officers & men go off together & fight. The Army: Officers send men forward to fight. Thdl.AF: The men send the officers off to fight.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PORTSMOUTH BRANCH Branch meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month at the Hampshire Ex-Servicemens Club, Fratton Road, Portsmouth, except in July, & December when informal gatherings are held at the Royal Naval Home Club, Queen's Street, Portsmouth. Our membership numbers about 60 of which up to 12 attend the monthly meetings, & all of those who can ensure that we have a good turn out at the Annual BNTVA Commemorative Service at the Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral in February which the branch organises & funds. _Ii

We usually have members attending the Cenotaph Parade, but last year through old age & infirmity we did not do so well at what we see as an important public statement. We did however contribute to the public debate in January prior to the judgement from Strasbourg when local television televised our meeting interviewing some members, but giving special attention & viewing time to our Chairman, Dave Riley & Derek Fiddaman who both aquitted themselves in a dignified manner on screen to the credit BNTVA and our ongoing fight for justice.

'I

This past year one of our members was honoured by being made the Lady Mayoress of Leicester, Marilyn Hall, the widow of the late John Hall. We are very proud of her. On Remembrance Sunday she arranged to lay a wreath on the BNTVA memorial stone during the main proceedings which bought the attention of people to our memorial, who otherwise might have walked away without reading the inscribed words. The branch has been very quiet the last few months, mainly awaiting news from Europe. Now this has come, we feel a little deflated, but not down. Another battle lost, but not the war yet. Come on members, pick yourselves 6

up, dust yourselves off, & let's fight on again. It would suit the MoD for us to pack it all in now. We are winning a few pension claims, & there is the new Nuclear Test Veterans Study Group taking place with our own Mike Doyle on the Committee as an observer. This has been set up by the Defence Minister, & we think we may well go forward with this independent group of personnel. Derek Heaps +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SUSSEX BRANCH Greetings to all Sussex based veterans, associates, and their families, we rrus1 rllat this new millennium will bring good news & fortune to the BNTVA rnembership---lt's been a long time coming! Special thanks to our Worthing friends, with Jim Cooper, who arranged tile_social week-end at Lancing last year. It was very much appreciated, and I'm sorry I was not able to attend personally, or arrange a mani meeting, due to continuing family health problems. However, I am always pleased to hear your news & views on 0 1798 812025. Good luck,-and best wishes to you all. Hope to see you soon. Andrew Blosse ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NRPB UPDATE The defence minister has asked the National Radiological Proteaion Board to undertake a further study into the incidences of multiple rnyeloma & ocl1er diseases in the veterans of the UK nuclear tests. This new study will be overseen by an advisory group [which is a new approach], & their terms of reference are: I] To advise on the conduct of an epidemiological analysis based on extended follow-up. 2] To oversee the condua of the study. 3] To receive & review the draft report before publication. The BNTVA was invited to send a representative as an observer, & in that capacity I have attended the first meeting. The MoD are also sending an observer, a Lt. Col. RAMC. I. At the meeting the Chairman said that the observers would be welcome to comment on the proceedings, & make suggestions, but not become involved in the final appraisals. He also asked the 7

members to declare any conflicts of interest. The panel agreed two positive points: To include other cancers & causes of death besides multiple

1] myeloma. 2] To examine the many extra cases of multiple myeloma recorded by the Association, & Dundee University in an attempt to account for the large difference. I listened to some very constructive talking, & at present have high hopes that this may turn out to be a very progressive study, but only time will tell. My very best regards to all of you.

Mike Doyle ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ISLE OF MAN BRANCH

A sincere thank you to Anthony Brown [Air New Zealand], Manx Airlines, Archie Ross, Alistair Haywood, my husband Ray [for being so supportive], Betty, John, Chris, Becky, Caroline, & all who gave so generously toys, clothes, & the little extras for the Christmas Islanders. We have sent a number of consignments, the first got stuck in Fiji for five months because the "Air Marshall" wanted payment to take the boxes on to Chr:istmas Island. Anthony Brown got in touch with me to find out what could be done about the situation, & with a bit of luck I remembered Bert Mori telling us about a Fijian Veteran's daughter living in Fiji. We managed to get .the consignment released to her. I then wrote to Father Bermond on Christmas Island, he replied saying "I am so glad the boxes have been give_n to the Fijians as their sugar crop failed, & they need all the help they can get. On a recent visit to Liverpool, l was in a charity shop, & the people who ran it gave me a £ l 00 donation for the people of Christmas Island, which has also been sent on. Mary Carbery ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NEWS_8l_ VIEWS Fellow Members, On February 1 5 th 2000, I won my Appeal Tribunal at Chancery Lane, London. The following week Pat Rainham won her Appeal Tribunal at the same venue having travelled from Canada. Many congratulations to Pat for her R

up, dust yourselves off, & let's fight on again. It would suit the MoD for us to pack it all in now. We are winning a few pension claims, & there is the new Nuclear Test Veterans Study Group taking place with our own Mike Doyle on the Committee as an observer. This has been set up by the Defence Minister, & we think we may well go forward with this independent group of personnel. Derek Heaps +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SUSSEX BRANCH Greetings to all Sussex based veterans, associates, and their families, we rrus1 rllat this new millennium will bring good news & fortune to the BNTVA rnembership---lt's been a long time coming! Special thanks to our Worthing friends, with Jim Cooper, who arranged tile_social week-end at Lancing last year. It was very much appreciated, and I'm sorry I was not able to attend personally, or arrange a mani meeting, due to continuing family health problems. However, I am always pleased to hear your news & views on 0 1798 812025. Good luck,-and best wishes to you all. Hope to see you soon. Andrew Blosse ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NRPB UPDATE The defence minister has asked the National Radiological Proteaion Board to undertake a further study into the incidences of multiple rnyeloma & ocl1er diseases in the veterans of the UK nuclear tests. This new study will be overseen by an advisory group [which is a new approach], & their terms of reference are: I] To advise on the conduct of an epidemiological analysis based on extended follow-up. 2] To oversee the condua of the study. 3] To receive & review the draft report before publication. The BNTVA was invited to send a representative as an observer, & in that capacity I have attended the first meeting. The MoD are also sending an observer, a Lt. Col. RAMC. I. At the meeting the Chairman said that the observers would be welcome to comment on the proceedings, & make suggestions, but not become involved in the final appraisals. He also asked the 7

members to declare any conflicts of interest. The panel agreed two positive points: To include other cancers & causes of death besides multiple

1] myeloma. 2] To examine the many extra cases of multiple myeloma recorded by the Association, & Dundee University in an attempt to account for the large difference. I listened to some very constructive talking, & at present have high hopes that this may turn out to be a very progressive study, but only time will tell. My very best regards to all of you.

Mike Doyle ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ISLE OF MAN BRANCH

A sincere thank you to Anthony Brown [Air New Zealand], Manx Airlines, Archie Ross, Alistair Haywood, my husband Ray [for being so supportive], Betty, John, Chris, Becky, Caroline, & all who gave so generously toys, clothes, & the little extras for the Christmas Islanders. We have sent a number of consignments, the first got stuck in Fiji for five months because the "Air Marshall" wanted payment to take the boxes on to Chr:istmas Island. Anthony Brown got in touch with me to find out what could be done about the situation, & with a bit of luck I remembered Bert Mori telling us about a Fijian Veteran's daughter living in Fiji. We managed to get .the consignment released to her. I then wrote to Father Bermond on Christmas Island, he replied saying "I am so glad the boxes have been give_n to the Fijians as their sugar crop failed, & they need all the help they can get. On a recent visit to Liverpool, l was in a charity shop, & the people who ran it gave me a £ l 00 donation for the people of Christmas Island, which has also been sent on. Mary Carbery ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NEWS_8l_ VIEWS Fellow Members, On February 1 5 th 2000, I won my Appeal Tribunal at Chancery Lane, London. The following week Pat Rainham won her Appeal Tribunal at the same venue having travelled from Canada. Many congratulations to Pat for her R

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P.Gosling writes to us from Cosham in Hampshire wishing to contact any ex-Royal Engineers who sailed to Christmas Island with him aboard HMS Warrior.

tenacity, determination, and dedication of purpose in this achievement. I say to you all: "STRIKE NOW", Appeal!, APPEAL!, APPEAL!. Keep knocking & banging on the door - it WILL open. It isn't easy, & they will put obstacles & stumbling in your way, BUT FIGHT ON!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Instead of the usual Disco, we have arranged for the Kiribati Dancers to entertain us this year. They will be travelling from all over the country to Blackpool, and will have to stay overnight. All contributions to help off-set the cost would be ve1y much appreciated on the Saturday evening.

REMEMBER, the government & MoD will say that the veterans were fully protected from radiation effects.....ASK "HOW"?. They cannot PROVE that veterans were not damaged. Shirley Denson ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Both Ken Taylor, & Chrg Rowlands have retired from the Executive Committee due to ill health. We wish them all the very best for the future, & thanks very much for all their hard work & effort given to the BNTVA over the years. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In previous newsletters many veterans, & their families sent photographs of great sentimental value for publication. All carried names & addresses on 1iie back, but sadly many have not been returned. Whoever holds these photographs at this time are asked to please return rhem to tile owners,· and may we ask that in future all photographs be returned to their original owner promptly. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The retirement of Chris, and Ken means that two new members are required for the Executive Committee. If you wish to propose a particular person for a position, please put your proposal, together with a seconder, in writing to: Derek Fiddaman, 15,Downsview Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH 12 4PF by no later than April I st 2000.

A] If you have rt:eent!y been awarded a pension, or a war widows pe11sion; it is vitally that a copy of the decision be sent to the Chairman as soon .,s possible.

The same applies if you have a proposal that you feel would be for the good of our Association.

13] On the sad demise of a veteran, it is also essential that a copy of the Death Cert1flcate be sent to the Chairman.

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Cj Will members please note that any change of address should be sent ro the National Treasurer who needs up - to - date information. DJ Would veterans, widows, or families with knowledge of veterans who ii.we suffe1·ed, or are suffering psychological distress, Altzheimers Disease, or even suicide, please inform the Chairman or Natinal Secreta1y.

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+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Due to iii health, cataracts, & failing eyesight, Sid Hardwick cannot cominue m.�nufacturing our plaques etc. If any member feels like taking on this valuable usk, please contact Sid who will be only to pleased to teach you the ropes. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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