IN REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE WHO DID NOT MAKE IT THIS FAR AND IN SUPPORT OF THOSE WHO HAVE
The Journal of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association Registered Charity number 1131134
CAMPAIGN Summer 2010
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BNTVA New Contact Details Registered Charity Number 1131134
24 Hr Telephone service 0208
144 3080
BNTVA PO BOX No 00000000000000 London SW1A 4WW This is the only correspondence address and telephone number for the Association National Treasurer National Chairman
Carol Longden
Nigel Heaps (Skype nigel.heaps) email: chairman @bntva.com
National Membership Secretary
National Vice Chairman
Derek Heaps email derek.heaps@homecall.co.uk
Bob Smith, Membership fees , Data Controller email: membership@bntva.com
National Secretary
Chaplain
Jeff Liddiatt
The Very Revd Nicholas Frayling
email: secretary@bntva.com
Dean of Chichester
BA,
LLD
email dean@chichestercathedral.org.uk
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Trustee
London Events Organiser & Trustee
Mrs Tracey Morris
Don James
email tm269@st-andrews.ac.uk
Trustee
CAMPAIGN Editor and Web Manager As Secretary
National Standard Bearer Terry Washington ‘Little Hey’ 8 Butley Close Tytherington Macclesfield SK10 2HL
Ian Greenhalgh LLB email ian.greenhalgh@greenhalghs.net
Shop Manager & Trustee
Widows’s Contact Mavis Gardner 30 Link Road Anstey Leicester LE7 7BY Trevor Butler
Archive Administrator & Trustee
G2+ Committee Secretary Janet Bird Members/Advisors Tracey Morris Nigel Heaps Owen Stevens & Carol Longden
Doug Hern email doughern@tiscali.co.uk
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It occurs to me that the story is not well enough known, and that we should lose no opportunity to tell a new generation (not that the people I spoke to were young) about this significant episode, though shameful in its aftermath, in the life of our country. The Chaplain writes:
It is always good to meet or hear What a marvellous time we all had from members, and I am sure everybody will have drawn fresh in Blackpool! heart from the united spirit of the Blackpool Conference in 2010 and It was the first time I had been the new directions in which the there without a howling wind. Association is moving through the initiative of its new Chairman and When I was Rector of Liverpool, we went to a conference in a hotel the Trustees. on the northern end of the seafront, My hopes and prayers are with you and it wasn’t until we got there all as we await the outcome of the that we discovered it was a current Court proceedings. Temperance establishment! The heating was not working either (it was February) so it rather coloured Nicholas Frayling my view of the resort. However, Dean of Chichester thanks to the BNTVA, all my prejudices have melted away. Speaking of which, I told some people in Chichester where I had been, and they were amazed to hear the story of the Nuclear Tests and the long campaign of the Veterans to obtain fair recognition for the service that they gave.
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AGM Conference Blackpool A number of the members who attended for the first time asked 2010 about the arrangements for the 2011 AGM Conference as they intended to come again.
The AGM weekend started at The Parisienne Hotel on Friday 23 rd April when a large number of those Arrangements for the 2011 are attending the AGM Conference under way and will be announced were all staying at the same Hotel. in the next edition of ‘Campaign’ so watch this space. Many old friends met and new ones were made during dinner and The hotel accommodation package at the get together with will be available again, so it is entertainment provided by the hoped that many more will take hotel. Many of the members advantage of this special offer attending were doing so for the which will be available only via first time. the BNTVA. 210 members and supporters attended the AGM Conference business meeting in the Paradise Room on Saturday afternoon. A coach was organised to enable all those staying at the hotel to attend the meeting without having to worry about transport. It was a very successful meeting with a large amount of business conducted, and plans for the future confirmed.
It is hoped that the early announcement of the AGM Conference dates will enable as many as possible to attend. As Secretary I wish to thank all those who took the trouble to contact both me and the Chairman to congratulate us on the success of the AGM Conference this year.
The atmosphere both in the meeting and at the hotel was one of comradeship, fellowship, and mutual understanding, which in turn contributed to the weekend being a resounding success. 6
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting and Conference Blackpool 2010 Standards were displayed at the front of the room. New Opening ceremony with video and audio Ratification of Chairman’s Appointment Apologies for absence: Roddy Moffat, Mr Liddle, Mr & Mrs Buck, Mr & Mrs A O’Malley-Daly, Mike Saffery Connecticut USA,Sophie Pickering, David Palmer, John Kitchen. Minutes of the 2009 AGM as printed in Campaign accepted as a true record The Very Reverend Nicholas Frayling BNTVA Chaplain addressed the meeting Ms. Lisa Bainbridge Head of Public Policy Royal British Legion brought greetings from the RBL and the promise of co-operation in the future. Reports from the Officers and Trustees are printed . Presentation of the draft accounts for 2009/10 accepted by the meeting NB Accounts cover a period of 15 months this time due to the change in the financial year end. Motions brought before the meeting by the Trustees The Primary Aim of the BNTVA To reflect the significant evolution of the Association, it is recognised that a clear coherent message needs to be sent out regarding ‘what we are about’. To this end it is proposed that the primary aim of the BNTVA be amended within the governing document to read; To promote and deliver Education, Research and Support for all matters relating to t he heritage, health and well being of Atomic Test Veterans, their spouses and their Descendents. Jeff Liddiatt Passed unanimously 7
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Atomic Veterans Awareness Day The BNTVA will inaugurate a National Atomic Veterans Awareness Day, the main focus of the day will be a celebration and remembrance of Veterans and their Descendents. The annual event will be held at the National Arboretum. Bob Smith Passed unanimously
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Family Membership Package Rules on membership to be amended to reflect the introduction of a Family Group Membership scheme; Family Group Membership entitles two adults, and any number of related descendents under the age of 18, to obtain membership of the Association, on payment of an amount equal to two single adult membership fees. Bob Smith Passed subject to trustees review.
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Collection of Membership Fees In recognising that the collection of fees is a time consuming and costly undertaking it is intended to introduce the following changes; a. Any new applicants for membership wishing to pay by cash or cheque will be subject to a £5.00 processing surcharge for their first year. b. Existing members who change to a Direct Payment system will receive a one-time £5.00 reduction of their membership fee for that initial year. c. New members electing to pay their fees with the Direct Payment option will receive a gift incentive. Ian Greenhalgh Passed unanimously
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Running of the Association Ÿ
To ensure continuity and transfer of experience the posts of ‘Designate Officials’ will be created. These posts will
commence at the close of the conference, the year before the handover of the position. Designate O fficials will work alongside their counterparts during the following year, familiarising themselves with the duties of the positions. The posts will be filled under the same rules as for other officials of the Association. It is proposed to create Designate Officials in 2010 for the posts of, National Secretary, and Membership Secretary. 타 All appointments to the trustees and management positions will carry tenure of four years only, following which the incumbent must retire, but will be able to seek re-election. To maintain continuity, the trustees and management positions will be filled on a rotation basis, with a maximum of three posts being open to be filled in any one year. The only exception being the retirement or resignation of any official out of the rotation. 타 All persons holding officer posts in the Association must become Trustees of the Association. Trustees do not have to hold managerial posts within the Association. Management positions do not require the post holder to be a trustee. Jeff Liddiatt Passed unanimously 6.
Fundraising 1. The Association should create a Charitable Trust Fund as a matter of urgency, all monies raised in support of the aims of Education, Research and Support should be lodged in this fund. Ian Greenhalgh Passed unanimously 2. The engagement of a professional fundraiser should be examined, under terms of best financial practise, to maximise the fundraising income to the Charitable Trust Fund. Ian Greenhalgh Passed unanimously but referred back to the trustees
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Media Representation While the post of Press Officer exists on the Management Committee, it is recognised that professional assistance to this role may significantly raise the visibility of the Association and its activities. The potential for engaging such professional assistance should be investigated and acted on Doug Hern Passed unanimously
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Education 1. A full feasibility study should be undertaken to examine the possibility of producing a number of exhibits relating to the human aspects of Atomic Testing, to be placed in Museums and other venues. 2. An information pack for schools and colleges should be produced, illustrating the history of atomic testing, its place in the Cold War and the serviceman’s perspective Tracey Morris Passed unanimously 3. The provision of items with the BNTVA corporate branding should be reviewed to ensure we are targeting the right products at the right market. Trevor Butler Passed unanimously
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Research 1. Conference commits the management committee to working with the MOD in support of a study examining the health and well-being of Veterans, Dependents and Descendents. Jeff Liddiatt Passed unanimously 2. The potential to establish links with national and international non-political organisations that may have the information or resources to benefit, either our members, or our main aims, must be examined. Derek Heaps Passed unanimously
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Support 1. The Association should examine the possibility of gaining our members entry to an established Credit Union to provide both ethical saving and credit facilities to them. Don James 2. Where Health and Well-being needs are identified, the Association will seek to develop conduits with other organisations working toward the support of those needs. Tracey Morris Passed unanimously The Election of Officers and Trustees As no nominations have been received, The Trustees of the Charity will continue in office. The Trustees are, Nigel Heaps, Derek Heaps, Jeff Liddiatt, The Very Revd Nicholas Frayling, Bob Smith, Mrs Carol Longden, Doug Hern, Don James, Ian Greenhalgh, Trevor Butler and Mrs Tracey Morris.
Any other business Two items of AOB 1. Student concession membership fee 2. £50 family membership package both AOB items referred to the trustees for consideration Officers and Trustees reports. Chairperson’s Report When I joined the Management Committee at the end of the last AGM I did not expect to be standing before the next conference as Chairperson. Well, things change and things grow, I had to make several changes to my personal and professional life to accommodate the demands of the role but I am happy to say that even though I have only been in post for a couple of months I have embraced the challenge and am enjoying working on your behalf.
Since taking office I have worked closely with Jeff Liddiatt to realise the ideas developed by the Trustees during our ‘Way Forward’ meeting in February. These ideas are the basis for many of the motions on the agenda of the AGM, and I urge as many of you as possible to give them your full attention and support. In a number of articles featured in Campaign during the last year, I have stated quite clearly my determination to ensure the future of the Association. This is the year where we begin the work of building an Association that will endure and meet all the challenges of the future. On a grass roots level, I have attended meetings on behalf of the Association, with both the Ministry of Defence and the Royal British Legion. The MOD study is slowly moving forward, we really need this study to inform our direction and support, for both Veterans and their Descendents, and I believe we should continue to give our assistance to the MOD in the matter. Our last meeting with the Royal British Legion was certainly a notable landmark for the Association, we have built bridges with the premier charity for veterans; bridges that will enable mutual sharing of resource and experience that will support and enhance the services we provide to our members, bridges that will help preserve and share the heritage of our Atomic Veterans. Conference this year will contain a mixture of new innovative experiences, combined with the more traditional ones; this is no accident and is not without significance. This will be the conference during which I will launch our new initiative, the initiative of actions to take the Association forward, forward in terms of what we do for our members and forward in terms of who our members are. ‘Going Forward Together’ is the banner under which all activity designed to promote the future of the Association will be presented. Under the three headings are Education, Research and Support. I sincerely look forward to many years working with both the Veterans and all the other members of this great Association. Nige Heaps
Vice Chairman’s and Tribunal Officers report Tribunals Service Chief Executive Kevin Sandler proposed to bring together the Tribunal Service and Her Majesty's Courts Service together into one Agency. Adding to this move are proposals to refine the Tribunal process of allowing the premise of one case to another. ie, Two men on the same test with the same irradiated illness could be looked at as one, after which, individual cases can be applied."What jobs were they on etc". Judge Stubbs requested this refinement to be completed earlier, but the SPVA could not get all the details in time as requested, so the answers had to be provided by 19th April 2010 All this delay has been causing distress to the thirteen or so who are waiting for dates for their tribunals. Derek Heaps
National Secretary’s report This year has been a very busy one. My first action as Secretary was to organise and administer the Postal Ballot, called for at the 2009 AGM. The result of the ballot was a resounding YES for the BNTVA to become a Registered Charity. Having decided to become a Registered Charity, the formal documentation had to be completed, Trustees Appointed, and submitted to the Charity Commission. The BNTVA officially became a charity on 14 August 2009 Registered Number 1131134. In connection with charity status, I attended a training course in charity administration during the year. Meetings with the SPVA and the MOD to set up the health investigations for veterans and descendants have taken place during the past year; progress has been slow. The study has been referred to the ethics committee of the MOD. I have attended several meetings with the other organisations including the Royal British Legion, RAFA, RAF Ben Fund, and I have been in
contact with the Royal Naval Association and the Soldiers Charity (Army Ben Fund). All were invited to attend our AGM Conference this year. The RNA and The Soldiers Charity, although unable to attend the AGM, sent their best wishes to the Association. We welcome Lisa Bainbridge of the RBL to our AGM. During 2009/10, meetings have been held between the Association and the members of the Shadow Defence team. I have also met with John Baron MP a number of times in the past year. John is a staunch supporter of the BNTVA, speaking for us in the House, and attending the meetings with us at the MOD. He has also held many meetings with other MP’s and ex-service organisations on behalf of the BNTVA. I sit on the War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Appeals Advisory Steering Group on behalf of the Association. Meetings with the Ministry of Justice and tribunal service managers have taken place during the year to discuss war pension procedures In December last, Don James and I attended the Royal British Legion Parliamentary reception for Lord Alf Morris, in honour of his work for the disabled and the Armed Forces family, held in the Members Dining Room of the House of Commons. The RBL hold occasional events and it was the first time that the BNTVA were invited to attend. It has been a very busy year, both on line and using Royal Mail, with over 2500 emails received and answered from around the world and around 1500 letters sent out in the mail. No record is kept of the total number of telephone calls received and made! This year has also been one of major change, not only obtaining Charity status but also with members of the committee. John Lowe resigned as Chairman. John and I had worked together over a long period. We are very fortunate that Nigel Heaps was willing to step up and fill the vacancy. On a personal note, I informed the AGM that I will be standing down as National Secretary at the 2011 AGM / Conference but I will continue to serve as a Trustee, web manager, magazine editor and attend official meetings on behalf of the BNTVA Jeff Liddiatt
Income
The British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association Draft Income and Expenditure Account For the 15 months ending 31 March 2010 2009/10
Subscriptions
2008
22381
12631
Donations & collections
4704
6297
Sales of goods Bank interest AGM Raffles
2170 16 349
1299 405 430
Award medals royalties Campaign advertisements Gift aid tax refund from HMRC
832 300 5071
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£35823
£21062
6117 6839 1321 1348 2434 333 613 1262 1031 79 1500 290 295 904
5617 4318 835 4006 1452 334 164 780 102 105 1480 25 116 176 -
75 233 £24674
£19510
11149
1552
Expenditure Operating Expenses Printing Stationery Postage Telephone & fax Accountancy Website & database expenses Purchase of goods for sale Purchase of equipment Arboretum & memorial stone expenses Depreciation Research COBSEO subscription Wreaths, poppies,& flowers Bank charges Postal ballot costs Donation to Christmas Island Children;s School Fund Insurance Trustees Indemnity
Surplus/Deficit for the year
Actual balances at bank Currant account Deposit account Balance carried forward
£18772.03 £16867.61 £35604.04
Treasurer’s report The draft accounts for the year ending 31st March 2010 are as printed above. The income includes the first payment of Gift Aid tax refund. I am very pleased to report that in the year 2009/10 we are again able to show an operating surplus. Carol Longden
Campaign Editors report Short and to the point, There has been almost no support from the membership with contributions for the magazine since the last AGM. At the 2009 AGM you all expressed the opinion that you wanted the magazine to stay. It cannot go on in its present form without contributions from the members. Jeff Liddiatt Web Managers report
The web site is being redesigned and will be up and may be running early in May. It will be updated each week but will be in a new format ‘Looking Forward’ . The new web site will not be available until September. Jeff Liddiatt Membership Secretary’s report During the last year the decision was taken to stop magazines for those who had not paid since 2008. This removed 157 people from the mailing list. From December to April some £12,000 in membership subscriptions has been received with more still to come. Sadly the take - up on the standing orders did not go as well as we had hoped, with only 230 people taking advantage of the direct payment system. I am hopeful for a better take - up next year. It still brought in some £2750 in subscriptions, so it was a success in a way. We are aware that some building societies/banks do not process yearly standing orders, so I will be making suggestions in the next magazine about alternative methods of direct payment. There have been some deaths this year, but I do not always get notified. We are a dwindling group, which is why we are putting the ideas forward to help increase the membership. Bob Smith
Shop Manager’s report I have had a busy year with the shop, except, as I explained at the last trustees meeting, not sending out the magazine saw sales fall dramatically, and bounced back immediately after the next issue. It just shows the power of advertising. Income and Expenditure figures are in the treasurer’s report. Trevor Butler Archivist’s Report Since the 2009 AGM, there have been changes. The office of litigation secretary has been discontinued, but I am still fielding queries from litigants, and from atomic veterans, both members and non-members of the Association wishing to join the Litigation. All requests, names and any documentation is forwarded to Rosenblatt for processing. I received a very interesting item from Australia regarding the disposal of Nuclear Radiation spoil from Maralinga. It was dumped in an ammunition dump called Deer Park, which is North of Melbourne My new post as Archivist, involves the storing of new membership and family forms, copies of death certificates, and any DVD, Audio, or other media, of programmes which the Association has been involved in both old and new. These are stored in a dry security storage facility for future use when necessary. I have collated many photographs of various events appertaining to the Nuclear Test Veterans and am in the process of storing them all on memory sticks. The Waddington International Air Show takes place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th July 2010, and a small number of Nuclear Veterans will be there, staffing a stall to raise funds for the Children of Christmas Island. Mr Ken Wallis with his Giro-copter "Little Nelly” of James Bond Film Fame will be there. The Kiribati Dancers will be giving a dancing display. It would be nice to see some familiar faces there this year Doug Hern
Trustee report It is said that a lot happens in a year and this year has been no exception. The BNTVA successfully became a charity with your backing. I am sure with the General Election coming up envious eyes would look upon the turnout of those who voted. It shows how the BNTVA can really be representative of it’s members. I was an advisor on the G2+ Committee, and with representation and legacy in mind, again you helped to shape the future of the BNTVA by getting descendants to fill out questionnaires. The job in hand could not have been accomplished without your help. Last year, as you are aware, an interim report was compiled produced for the 2009 AGM. With the help of descendants a number of issues were raised and presented to the Management Committee. In regards to how the BNTVA were representing the views of the children and grandchildren of nuclear test veterans a number called for ‘raising awareness’. The Management Committee have thought long and hard about this issue and I hope you will recognise the motions put forward will reflect this we call for your help. As the BNTVA successfully obtained charity status, alongside Nigel, I became involved in the Management Committee and became a Trustee. This has meant much communication between us all to thrash out ideas to continue the legacy of the BNTVA. And yet another theme emerged: that of professionalism. To raise awareness we recognised that we need to be more professional. We are competing against charities who have more public appeal – such as the RSPCA, and the Great Ormond Street Wishing Well Appeal. With new technologies emerging, we are also looking at different ways to get our message across. Again, I hope you will recognise that the motions put forward today will reflect the necessity to be more professional – we call again for your help. In the past year I have seen first hand the hard work each member of the management puts in, often without thanks, and putting the BNTVA before family. So I wish to thank you all, as members, for all the help you have given in my research, and for turning up. I know it is a great commitment to you all, and I can assure you it is much appreciated. I wish to thank the Committee for all their time, friendliness and their
sheer determination to carry the BNTVA forward for the generations to come. My final thanks go to John and Jeff for getting me involved, and I hope John can at last devote some quality time to his family, and thanks to Nigel in stepping into the breach. Tracey Morris MA, BA hons.
Triathlon Report In Memory of Robert Senior Blackwell 1936-2007 During one of my infrequent visits to my local gym, I met a lovely man who told me that he had just done a triathlon to raise money for charity. This got me thinking.... My father had died during the previous year and I had wanted to raise some money for his fellow servicemen with whom he'd served at Christmas Island in 1958. I was aware of the situation and litigation surrounding Christmas Island and I was also aware that what had occurred there probably contributed to my father's illness' that had plagued him for so many years. I had got to know Jeff Liddiatt via Rosenblatt’s solicitors, and after hearing of all the similar stories that the servicemen had encountered I felt that I could do something to help. I registered that day for a triathlon that would be held locally in Southwell, Nottingham. It would consist of a 400m swim, followed by a 20k bike ride and finished by a leg burning 5k run! Knowing what I had to do (and what I hadn't done in the past) I started training that week! The training was very daunting at first, I had never been much of a sports person, but after just a few weeks what I initially felt to be exhausting and considered to be a drain upon my time, became something that I started to enjoy and look forward to and realise was important! My only goal was to complete it, I wanted to finish what I set out to do - to get to the finish line! For 6 months I trained, running and cycling all around the streets of Nottingham and regularly
swimming at my local gym - I even took swimming lessons for the first time in over thirty years. The week before the event I went and bought my tri-suit, an all in one suit that you swim, cycle and run in you don’t have time to change! As the day neared I became extremely nervous. I arrived at Southwell at 7.30 am. After registering, I was given my numbers to put onto my t-shirt (after the swim) and then after setting up my bike and other equipment I went to the pool to start my first triathlon. There were 500 entrants, varying in age from from 18 to 75! I jumped into the pool, the whistle blew and I began to swim. I loved it from that moment to the moment I stumbled over the finishing line. It was the most fantastic experience of my life. I smiled from start to finish and found it utterly exhilarating. All the participants were fabulous, spurring you on; some were very competitive, others, like me, were simply there to have fun. I finished 496th! I had completed the triathlon in 1 hour 52 minutes and had achieved what I had set out to achieve. I know that my father was looking down at me, as proud as ever. The money raised will hopefully help the servicemen and their families in some, however, small way. This is what my father would have wanted. He died of similar cancers that other veterans have had, and continue to suffer from. Would I do a triathlon again? I have no doubt about it, NO. Rachel Blackwell Rachel raised £1224 for the BNTVA through sponsorship
ON Thursday 27 May 2010, Councillor Colin Hall, the eldest son of the late BNTVA member John Hall, was elected Lord Mayor of the City of Leicester. John, an aircraft electrician, served on Christmas Island and was present at Grapple 'Y' test in 1958. His case was to have been the test case for BNTVA in the early 1990's, but sadly he died in 1992 before the case got under way.
A former member of Leicester City Council, John was a serving Leicestershire County Councillor at the time of his death. His son Colin has maintained his dedication to improve the lives of others.
In his inaugural speech as Lord Mayor, Colin told fellow councillors and guests "My dad did so much to make me the person I am, with his fervent belief in public service. "As Lord Mayor, I vow that the struggle in which he was involved for so long during his last years, and still remains, will continue until it is won."
Needless to say, I, as East Midlands Representative of BNTVA, John's widow and Colin's mother, am justly proud of this achievement, as I'm sure John would have been, and wish Colin a truly memorable year of office. MARILYN HALL
Sadly my father passed away in January 1982 aged 56, after almost 4 years of a debilitating illness, suffering puzzling symptoms and undergoing open heart surgery and other surgical procedures.
New Contact for North Wales My name is Elaine Jenkins. I live in Penrhyn Bay North Wales with my three teenage children. My mother, Joan Day,(who is one of the original members of the BNTVA), lives in Cardiff , so I have connections with both North and South Wales.
It was only after his death and the subsequent formation of the BNTVA that we began to realise that his illness could have been a direct result of witnessing the nuclear tests during his time on Christmas Island.
I currently work full time, but in my free time I am willing to assist My contact number is 01492 the BNTVA as much as I possibly 547770 or mobile 07785754686. can, and am happy to be a The best time to reach me is during representative for the North & the evening; however there is an South of Wales. answer phone available if you My Father, RAF Sgt Vivian (Taff) wish to leave a message. Day, served on Christmas island 1958/59 during the Grapple Z Or if you prefer, you can email me tests. He was the NCO i/c Air on ejenkins28@btinternet.com Movements. Previous to this he was stationed at RAF Waddington, in Supplies, mainly to do with servicing the Vulcan Bombers.
(Incidentally, if there is anyone out there who served with my father, or remembers him from his RAF days, I would love to hear from you.)
In 1962 he was part of the Joint Services Team at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida to do with Skybolt, and after that he was based in Scampton, Lincs.
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Tracey’s first report from From Behind the Scenes: I first met Jeff Liddiatt in person during the Parliamentary Debate back on the 13th October, 2007. I know him as a humble man, always smiling and always diplomatic. Jeff is someone who works extremely hard for the BNTVA both in front of the scenes as a Trustee and Management Committee Member, and behind the scenes trying to serve the members’ best interests.
with Shell Oil on a wartime T2 Tanker named ‘Thallepus’. I then joined the Union Castle Line for a number of trips from Southampton to South Africa a round trip of six weeks. Fate again took a hand in my life I was told that during my last trip that I was not needed again for the next trip and looked for another ship.
I was 17½ and I realized that I would be due for National Service, so I investigated the Royal Navy and the Royal I know Jeff would never blow his Air Force to join own trumpet, so I asked, in fact as a regular, the nagged, him to tell me more about RAF won. I himself, and I am sure you’ll agree joined the RAF it is an interesting tale. on a 9-year engagement in 1958. During my J R Liddiatt Biography technical training, I took my GCEs and passed Maths, Physics, and I left school at 15 years old and went to work for British Railways Chemistry. as an engine cleaner. This did not I served on a last long as I fell off the running number of RAF board of a locomotive and broke stations in the both arms. The Railway doctor UK and abroad told me that I could collect my in Singapore, cards, as I would be no good to Borneo and Australia. them with weak arms. I then went to the National Sea Training school at Gravesend to train for the In 1963 after the long winter, merchant navy. My first trip was reorganisation of the RAF took 24
place and again the hand of fate stepped in, this time my trade group was over manned.
continues with courses in the administration of Charities and responsibilities of being a trustee.
I took the opportunity to leave the RAF and join my father in his business. It did not work out, I returned to my RAF Trade of motor transport fitter, with a plant hire company. I stayed with the hire company for a couple years but had itchy feet and wanted a better job. I took a job with the programmed learning division of Imperial Tobacco, running short training courses around the UK and servicing the teaching machines, the fore runners of computer learning.
In September 1964, I married my sweetheart of many years (since I was 14). We have three children, five grandchildren, and just a few weeks ago, our first great grandchild called Theo. During the early part of our married life, I was with the Gloucestershire Ambulance Service as an Volunteer emergency driver, part of Civil Defence. I also trained as an officer in the Boys’ Brigade, and worked with the new BB Company in our town of Yate - I had been in the Boys’ Brigade as a boy.
My working life developed until I had my own company printing and publishing magazines for well known companies including the BBC. All the employment I was involved in required me to learn new skills and to undertake training, with memberships of professional bodies following, although I have never used the letters after my name. As I am still willing to learn, I followed my interest in computing, and two years ago I completed an external BSc hons degree in computer studies, with all the work completed on line. My learning
When Annette and I moved to Clevedon in 1979, I took over as Captain of the local Boys’ Brigade Company, a position I held until 1985 when work commitments curtailed my availability to attend meetings. I retired as Captain to enable the Company to have continuity and grow. During all of this time we have both been members of the Methodist Church, being involved in all its work locally. At the age of 50, fate took another hand in my life, I was diagnosed
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with TB, this meant 12 months of treatment both in hospital and at home, it left me with damaged lungs. From then on illness has become part of my life. I will not go into the full details but I have undergone 10 major operations to date, and I have an untreatable heart condition, and problems with my spine amongst other things. However, not wishing to waste my life, despite not being able to work, I became involved with the Patient Forums of the NHS (1999). I joined the Avon Ambulance Forum as a member, after a while I was asked to take over as Chairman. I continued as Chairman until the Ambulance services in the area combined. I was elected Chairman of the new Great Western Ambulance Forum, unfortunately, this only lasted a short while, and illness took over again. Currently, I am a member of the Great Western Ambulance External Reference Group, which has taken the place of the patient forum, which has ceased to exist.
Another of my life long interests is steam locomotives, railways, ships and transport in general. I take my grandson to the local station to see steam hauled trains as they make their way west. The first time he saw a steam train at speed he could not get over the noise and the thrill of that experience.
I have had a number of interests throughout my life: I joined the church choir at the age of 7 and soon became a soloist, my singing included Eisteddfod entries with school and individually until my voice broke.
I joined the BNTVA in 1990 mainly to see if I could contact any old friends from my time at Maralinga. I took over as Newsletter editor at the request of Peter Fletcher, after I had indicated that my past work
After my RAF service, I took up signing again in the church choir and Gilbert and Sullivan society. I was soon taking solos in the G&S, classical concerts and Church services. In the early 1980, I helped reform the Clevedon Choral Society, which included taking the society to Ettlingen in Germany the twin town of Clevedon. The highlight of those years was singing ‘Messiah’ in German at two sell out concerts in Ettlingen and Karlsruhe. My responsibility was to organise all the travel and accommodation for the choir. I continued to sing until I contracted TB, which ended my singing.
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experience might help. This was in 1998. I have been involved with the Executive Committee and now the trustees since 2001. As part of my work as National Secretary of the BNTVA, I sit on the War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Appeals Advisory Steering Group, The SPVA /MOD working group for the health study, Ministry of Justice working group, Tribunals service liaison, all this as well as my duties as magazine editor and National Secretary.
electronically. Selecting pictures to be used, designing the pages, slotting in any advertisements into the pages and preparing the finished magazine for the printers with instructions for production. As part of the magazine production, I maintain the mailing database, in conjunction with Bob Smith.
reformatting copy sent in
Tracey Morris
I also prepare the Gift Aid claim forms for HMRC for tax refunds due to the Charity.
The work I carry out for the BNTVA is something I enjoy; it is A few facts and figures, on this challenging and yet has so many year as BNTVA National rewards. Have I found any of my Secretary: 20 meetings attended, old friends? Yes, just one, Jack 4132 miles travelled by road, train, Eaglesham, and it is through the and air. Approximately 2500 BNTVA I have made many more emails received and answered new friends, through the welcome from around the world, and this is support I receive from you as on the increase. For example, on members. returning from my recent week’s holiday, 619 emails were sitting in Jeff Liddiatt my inbox, some were spam, but a large number needed answering. I I hope this has given you an insight into one of our Trustees have answered 1500 letters via Royal Mail. I do not keep a record and Management Committee of the telephone calls received and members, their life story, and the voluntary work they carry out for answered but I do receive calls the BNTVA. everyday. I may grab another Committee As editor of Campaign the preparation of the magazine takes member’s life story and the work a full week’s work - with retyping they carry out in the next issue of Campaign! the copy that is sent in on paper,
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After returning from our will work out well, you know you conference at Blackpool on the have our support. 24th April 2010. I felt that I had to put pen to paper. I would like to thank Bob, Trevor, Doug, Don, Carol,Tracey, Ian and In all the years I have attended The Very Revd Nicholas Fraying these meetings I can honestly say I for all the work and input you have enjoyed being there this year. given to make this year so special. My Husband Derek has worked tirelessly throughout the past 19 years or so, even though he has been ill, he has always put the members needs first. Only the partners of the committee past and present will appreciate what I am saying, . Thanks to you all because we clear the way for our partners to achieve what they do. We have come a long way since the early days and it's good to see that we are still going forward.
It is wonderful to see the young ones coming forward to help, and they are getting along together so well. Come on Mums and Dads talk to your children and grandchildren, bring them along with you. Lets show the country we are not going away, we are here to stay VALERIE HEAPS East Midlands
My son Nigel is now your Chairperson, his Dad and myself feel very proud of how he has worked putting the conference together along with Jeff. I know there hasn't been a day go by that Nigel has not worked for the Association for at least two hours, besides working full time in his own job. But it turned out to be well worth all the hard work. Becky, Dad and I wish you well and hope all you wish to achieve 28
Remembrance Sunday Sunday 14th November 2010 The BNTVA have been allocated 48 tickets for the Remembrance Parade in Whitehall. If you wish to attend the tickets will be issued on a first come first served basis. Please send your request for tickets, stating the number required together with a SAE to Don James Flat 8a, Peabody Estate, Abbey Orchard Street, Westminster London SW1 2LJ (only requests with a SAE will be actioned) Please do not request more tickets than you intend to use. The Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey will be opened by the Duke of Edinburgh on the Thursday 11th November. Don will again be in attendance representing the BNTVA. He would appreciate your support if you are able to attend. If you have never been to visit the Field of Remembrance with it’s rows of Poppy Crosses, it is a most worthwhile and moving experience reflecting on those who have gone before and given so much.
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Christmas Island. His name is Gordon 'Pappy' Papworth he isn't online, and I'm trying to do this as I served on Xmas Island in 1958 a surprise for him. If you have any with Royal engineers living in me or get tented accommodation and wiring ideas then please email me by contact to online, not those huts built by Fijians. I did know 2 post. veterans in Harrogate, but heard nothing recently. I did write in to 56 belle isle Crescent Panorama a long time ago and was Brampton Huntingdon told I was now registered at Camb's Birmingham University I would pe28 4sh appreciate knowing if there are john.revell@hotmail.co.uk any more around apart from me, John Revell from my unit
Where are they NOW?
leslie412@btinternet .com Leslie Jones
Hi! May I ask a question, please? In January 1957 I was a Writer and Arthur to My name is Tony Roberts. I was a sent to HMS Royal had been who another replace leading signalman on HMS Diana drafted to HMS Narvik. at Unfortunately I can’t remember Monte Bello and I have been his name. He was a local man, trying to trace any of my married with a young baby, and messmates for classes. some time now without success, I studying at local evening Cheers! am a member of the HMS Diana Association, but no one else of my Brian Sylvester commission is a member. The As I recall, Narvik sailed on 28th people I am trying to trace are Taff Evans, January and my “oppo’s” out was Mitch Mitchell, Ivy Benson, Barry application to buy himself 1st of AFOs the in approved Woodhall and anyone else. February ‘57. I immediately Tony Roberts slapped in a request to replace him but obviously nothing came of it. Hello, I'm searching for old comrades, who might still be alive, To satisfy my 50+ year old who may have known my uncle. curiosity, can you remember this He was an NCO in the RAF, at 30
“scribe”, did he complete the cruise, photos and videos to look at. I was lucky though to be able and is he still around, please? to understand most of it with the help of my wife ChrisCheers! tine who is fluent. Brian Sylvester No 2 Special Air Formation I would love to hear from any of my friends from the No2 SAF, two special friends were James Kehoe and Ron Elliot. We worked together laying the cable to airfield and Port London from main camp. We also laid an experimental cable with aluminium conductors to the drop zone. Ron Elliot
From France Exploring AVEN across the Channel The other day I went on the AVEN website. It is the “Association des Vétérans des Essais Nucléaires " the equivalent of our BNTVA. It was founded in 2001 and they represent veterans from Sahara Tests and French Polynesia Tests from 19601996. Though I am not fluent in French at all I was curious to explore their site. Forget the texts in French, there are many
I must say, I particularly like their Compilation of images and videos of tests. Even though the Music was hard and very modern, it was a good choice to match those shots of Beauty and Evil. It would be good for the G2 Generation to view this Compilation. For those who have access, here it is: www.aven.org For the page to view video: go into "Une compil?" then click "Galerie video". Here is a photo of their Memorial. They have wealthy backers !!! Don James
Book Review: ------------------“Christmas
Island Cracker" by A/V Marshal Wilfred E Oulton
This is an account of the planning and execution of the first "Megaton Thermo-Nuclear HBomb" tests on Christmas Island in November 1957.
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It is an intensely fascinating tale of the creation of the first Task Force starting in 1956: moving four thousands men and thousands of tons of supplies half way around the world. All this in little more than a year!
the first Nuclear Test in October 1952 in the Monte Bello Islands, NW Australia.
He was a steel fixer by trade, and worked on the construction of the steel building which was the Control Centre of the Test. He Quote - A/V Marshal LEES to A/C will also be remembered as the man who sat up with the coffin of Wilf OULTON: Frank Furlong, who was killed and buried on the Islands, but later -I want you to go out and drop a interred in Onslow, NW Australia. bomb somewhere in the Pacific and take a picture On returning to the UK, the of it with a Brownie camera. Squadron was split up, and some of us went to East Africa, and I -Doesn’t sound too difficult What lost touch with Paddy. Many kind of bomb? ( Pause ) years later I found out that he had returned to live in Limerick, and I -A Megaton Thermo-Nuclear deused to visit Ireland every vice. September, when we would sit and try to put the world to rights over a - Good God! - Unquotefew cups of tea. READ ON ... Don James Sadly that is now at an end. There In Memoriam of Paddy will be a few who will remember Connery him in the Association, but I believe he was well known in the Dear Jeff Legion in Ireland. I am writing to you today to see if there is a possibility of putting a I have also attached a photograph, mention in the Campaign of the taken in 2005, which it would be passing of Christy (Paddy) nice to print if you have space. ( Connery on 8 May in Limerick, next page) Thank you. Kind Republic of Ireland, and aged 86. regards Derek Hickman Paddy - as he was known to us all - Membership No. H108 was a member of 71 Squadron, on 32
Derek Hickman and PaddtyConnery
Sapper Furlong’s grave at Onslow 33 West Australia
Going Forward Together – the variety of support available to our members. Step Two Volunteers Needed In my address to the AGM I announced my intention to launch new voluntary posts under the ‘going forward together’ initiative. These posts will be called BNTVA Support Workers. Whilst we are working on refining the role profile and the training requirements, we are still in a position to commence recruiting potential candidates. Essentially we need to recruit a number of people across the UK who are prepared to give a few hours a year to visit members, identify their problems and produce a Well being Report.
The volunteers need to provide a comprehensive service to our members ensuring that all potential areas for support are identified, and that submissions made to the appropriate bodies maintain the high quality and integrity of the Association. To this end we will provide full training and guidance to the successful volunteers. The establishment of these posts represents an excellent opportunity for involving the Veterans’ Sons and Daughters, let them share in your heritage and learn the satisfaction of helping others.
If you or anyone you know may be interested in becoming a voluntary This report will then be used by the Support Worker for the BNTVA, Association to place requests for please write direct to me for more support, financial or otherwise, details with the relevant organisations. Nigel Heaps BNTVA Chairperson We already have a working relationship with the Royal British Legion, and are able to present The Chair’s Blog cases to gain members RBL At the AGM I advised people that I support for our members. We are would be keeping a Web Log currently busy working to identify (Blog) of happenings from the other organisations, both within perspective of the BNTVA Chair. the ex-forces community and in This is available to anyone on the the wider charity field, to further
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internet and can be found at: http://bntvachair.blogspot.com/ I post regular news of happenings, events, and achievements, relating to the Association. This is probably one of the fastest ways of getting the latest information from the BNTVA. You can also submit questions direct to me on the blog and leave comments on any article.
without thanks. However, the support for Nigel was amazing, and I know he will serve you all well. I wish to thank Jeff, who deserves a huge amount of credit for mainly organising the event. The Parisienne Hotel was a mighty fine venue, with lovely hospitality and great food. The entertainment was brilliantly cheesy, and everyone had a great time!
I must give a huge thank you to the Obviously some events and news incredible help from a brilliant band of volunteers for helping me items are only for circulation to our members. They will not appear out with the raffles and tombola, on the blog, but will continue to be which along with compare Kevin's mystery donation and Bob's single featured in this journal. malt whisky, the BNTVA raised a whooping £658. I wish to thank Carol Longden, Annette Liddiatt, Tracey Morris — Report on the Val Heaps, Becky Barnes, Nigel AGM Heaps, Anne Shaw, Doris Butler, It was my third time at the BNTVA Don and Christine James for all AGM and I just want to say a big their help. We had some amazing thank you for the continued supprizes and I wish to thank all those port. It was an amazing weekend. who donated prizes. There are so The conference covered a lot of many to mention but a few examground and it was with your help ples: Don James's daughter works that it was such a success. You for Body Shop and they donated a raised many important points, lovely basket worth over £45; parwhich we will take on board, and ents and the trustees of Deal Gymwe have a lot of work to do over nastics Club donated a load of the coming year. I wish to thank prizes; as did Anne and Dennis Nigel for doing such an excellent Shaw job so far - it is not an easy job being a Chair and, often it is a job 35
David Pickering donated £20 in book vouchers; I, along with many of you had a huge sort out - so the raffle saw many bottles of spirits and gift prizes. I recently had a donation from B&Q of a £10 card voucher so we are already on the lookout for prizes for next year’s raffle! I must also thank all those that bought tickets, without you the raffle wouldn’t have been the success it was. I must point out the most amusing raffle prize tale: which must go to Bob Smith's single malt whisky (it raised £148) - it was initially won by Peter Gilbody (who gave me the tickets to look after in case he won, as he had to leave early). Peter, very kindly donated the prize back to the evening raffle, and so it was a pleasure when the prize was won by Bob in the evening raffle. I hope he enjoys a tipple! You will also be pleased to know the tin 'Car's' buckets left over from the tombola are now in a primary school, whose theme for this term is seaside.
Finally, shortly after the AGM, Jeff and I had a very successful meeting with the Royal British Legion, we are now collating information, including witness testimonies, which will be with the RBL by the beginning of June. The education packs are made available to an audience of 2- 2½ million school children and around 65,000 packs are made as part of the National Curriculum as part of Remembrance in the subjects of: Citizenship, English and History for Primary and Secondary Schools. The packs will also be available free from the RBL site. Jeff and I had a very tight deadline as the information gathered has to be ready by the beginning of June for teachers to be able to plan their lessons, during the summer holiday for the winter term. It is an exciting opportunity for the BNTVA, and I can only thank you for supporting the motion. Jeff and I will keep you informed of when the new education packs are available.
I want to say each year I meet so many friendly and lovely people: new faces such as Terry Larkins (Maralinga) and his lovely wife, to our former Chair John Lowe for coming and giving support – thank you to you all.
Best wishes, Tracey Morris MA, BA hons. (Trustee and Management Committee member). Letter to the Secretary
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the following day and the Union Flag raised in its place.
Bill Lawrie thought this piece of Christmas Island history would interest those members who served on the Island.
That night the mutiny took place and the Indian RA soldiers killed the British servicemen, by stabbing them in their beds then dumped the bodies in the sea.
Mutiny on Christmas Island in 1942 National Archive Files WO 32 21648, WO 32 21669
3 Weeks later the Japanese did land on the on the island, and honoured the Indians for killing the British Soldiers. Mr T P Cromwell was the District Commissioner on the Island, and was the main witness to these events.
At a General Court Marshall seven Indian Royal Artillery Soldiers were found guilty of mutiny and of killing 1 British Army officer (Captain Williams), and 4 British SNCO’s. The mutineers were sentenced to death by hanging. One of the mutineers sentence was commuted to serve penal servitude for life, later commuted to remission of sentence and sent back to India. On 9 March 1942 a Japanese naval force shelled the island. Captain Williams , aware that he could not attempt any serious resistance, concluded that it would pointless to resist and raised a white flag from one of the prominent buildings. The Japanese did not attempt to land any forces on that occasion, and the white flag was taken down
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Hi Jeff, I spoke to you at the AGM at Blackpool regarding our BNTVA Memorial Stone at Billingham, Teesside. I said I would send you some information.
BNTVA Shop Window
The Mastermind behind the Stone was Sheila Gray, whose husband Frank was a member of the BNTVA SHOP MANAGER Trevor Butler Association, but unfortunately 75 Woldcarr Road died some years ago.
Hull Humberside HU3 6TR Tel: 01482 571 431 Fax: 01482 569 241
I was there at the laying of the stone in 1999, and have been going most years since, on Remembrance Sunday British Legion Parade, but unfortunately I have been the only one going, and would like to know if there is anyone in this area who might be interested in attending. Please ask them to contact me on my e-mail address, bill.bremner1@ntlworld.com or telephone me on 01642 644543. Thanks Jeff. Bill Bremner
Badges Car Blazer Lapel
3.00 12.00 3.00
Small Medium Large Ex Large
12.50 12.50 12.50 12.50
BNTVA Grapple
7.50 9.50 22.00 11.00 3.00 5.50
Shirts
Ties
Fleece Baseball Caps Blue only Key Fobs Cuff links (pair) Tie Pins Blue SOLD OUT discontinued Campaign magazine is published by the British Nuclear Test BNTVA 3.50 Veterans Association. Editor: Jeff Liddiatt, . Next issue copy Lapel Badges BNTVA 3.00 Deadline 1st October 2010. BNTVA is not an anti-nuclear or an anti-war association. All opinions, views and quotations do not Scarf woollen BNTVA 12.00 represent official BNTVA policy and are the sole responsibility of the Scarf silk effect BNTVA 13.00 Copyright of owner writer. Photographs and images – acknowledged. Campaign cannot guarantee total accuracy for any Engraved Tankard 20.00 reproduction of letters / articles / transcripts. BNTVA is a ‘not for
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profit’ voluntary Association supporting past and present UK Nuclear Test Combined Service Veterans and their families.
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This important medal is a joint commission between the Australian and British Nuclear Veterans Associations providing medallic recognition to veterans who served in nuclear test site locations and supporting bases in Australia and the Pacific between 1952 and 1967. Next of kin or direct descendants can also apply. The obverse of the medal depicts the nuclear symbol surrounded by the words 'British Nuclear Weapons Tests in Australia & Pacific' and the reverse dramatically features a detonation cloud and the words 'For Service in Radioactive Areas 1952-1967'. The ribbon is white on the edges representing the blinding white flash that comes before the fireball and then subsides to the fireball which has the reddish fire in the centre and becomes the familiar mushroom shape. An easy care 100% polyester navy blue tie has been tastefully designed with stripes matching the ribbon colours and bears an authenticating label on the reverse. For further information and/or an application form contact Award Productions Ltd, (Dept. NNL) PO Box 300, Shrewsbury SY5 6WP, U.K. Tel: 01952 510053 Fax: 01952 510765 E-mail: award@crown-lane.co.uk
The Australian Nuclear Veterans Association and the British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association are the beneficiaries of this project.
www.awardmedals.com 40