BNTVA Journal Spring 2011

IN REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE WHO DID NOT MAKE IT THIS FAR AND IN SUPPORT OF THOSE WHO HAVE

CAMPAIGN The Journal of the BNTVA Registered Charity number 1131134

Spring 2011

London

Leicester

Billingham

Liverpool

Billingham

Paisley

Only three weeks left to book your rooms at

The Norbreck Castle Hotel Queens Promenade Blackpool FY2 9AA For the

2011 BNTVA AGM and Conference Friday 13th May to Sunday 15th May 2011

This is your last chance to book.

Our reserved rooms will not be available after the end of March.

Anyone trying to book after this date will not be guaranteed the availability of a room.

A booking form is included with this edition of the magazine, bookings can only be made using this form.

Those of you who have booked please remember that the balance of your payment is due by the 25th March 2011.

The Gala Dinner on Saturday 14th May at 19.00 hrs For those members and supporters who will not be staying in the hotel, the cost of the Gala Dinner is ÂŁ19.50 per person. The booking form should also be used for attendance at the Gala Dinner only. Payment due with form

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY BNTVA AGM & Conference Saturday 14th May 2011 The Norbreck Castle Hotel Queens Promenade Blackpool

Doors open at 13.00 hrs meeting starts at 13.30 hrs.

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Notes from the Secretary

group. Anyone who is still thinking of volunteering to become a BNTVA support worker, please contact Nigel Heaps who will be able to give you full details.

During my time as Secretary I have not written a piece for ‘Campaign’. I am standing down as National Secretary at the Conference and AGM in May. So I thought I would write something this time.

This is the time of year when we normally ask for nominations for posts within the BNTVA. Following decisions at the AGM last year when fixed term appointments were agreed, nominations are not required for any posts this year. Also last year we decided that designate positions for each officer and management roll should be created, we need names to be put forward for any future vacancies in the management team. In particular we need someone with a flair for selling to become the shop manager when Trevor stands down in 2012. We need younger candidates to fill future positions to take the charity forward to future success.

We have reached our goal of becoming a Registered Charity; we have taken part in the study into the Health and well being of Nuclear Veterans.

What does the future hold for us?

In September we are holding the first National Atomic Veterans Awareness day at the National Memorial Arboretum Alrewas Staffordshire. The day will include the rededication of the BNTVA memorial which has had to have some rectification work carried out. The event is to be by invitation only due to the restricted accommodation available. The trustees have adopted two new logos for the day; each logo includes the Forget-Me-Not flower.

Another project which is coming to fruition is the training of support workers for the BNTVA. We still have a number of vacancies to complete the 4

This is an appeal for you all to support the Conference and AGM in Blackpool.

Please book your room to stay for the weekend. If you cannot stay for the whole weekend please come to the Gala Dinner in the evening after the AGM meeting in the afternoon. The trustees have arranged the whole Conference and AGM in one place to stop the need of travel between different locations.

Easy parking, indoor swimming pool, cheap beer, all this adds to the attraction of staying in a high

class hotel. With a tram stop outside the hotel, any of the wives and partners who do not wish to come to the AGM in the afternoon, then Blackpool or Lytham is only a short tram ride away.

Resolutions for discussion at Conference/AGM must be submitted in writing to the Secretary 21days before the AGM. Each resolution must be proposed and seconded by a paid up member of the Association. The proposer must be in the meeting and be willing to present the resolution to the meeting.

Lastly I would like to thank all of you who have supported me in the past with the magazine and my work as secretary and for your friendship. Please can I ask for your support for Tracey as she takes on the job of National Secretary.

JRL

A Service to Mark the 40th Anniversary of the Implementation of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 30 March 2011 at 11:00 am

A Service to Mark the 40th Anniversary of the Implementation of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act (1970) will be held at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 30 March 2011 at 11am.

The Act was brought in through a Private Member’s Bill by Lord Morris of Manchester (then Alf Morris MP for Wythenshawe) on the 5th December 1969 and was endorsed by the House of Commons and became an Act of Parliament in 1970. The Act had a major impact on the lives of disabled people, ex service personnel and provided a springboard for much of the legislation in force today.

The BNTVA have been allocated 10 tickets which are available on a first come first served basis.

Please send a SAE to Jeff Liddiatt 13 Wetlands Lane Portishead Bristol BS20 6RA 5

The Chaplain writes: The date 21st February is a special one in the history of Chichester Cathedral. It was on that day, in 1861, that the spire of the Cathedral collapsed, in spite of many months of effort to save it. There are clear early photographs of the heap of rubble inside the building.

Mercifully, nobody was killed or even injured – the workmen had escaped just in time. The 14th century masonry of the tower was not strong enough to take the weight indefinitely (though it did so for 500 years!).

On to theuse anniversary I was invited to dedicate a small museum and learning centre Pic Chichesterday, Portsmouth 001.jpg in a former chapel. Why? Because it was built entirely out of stone from the collapsed The Chaplain spire, as were some other local buildings, when people were fortunate enough to obtain writes The message someChaplain’s stones from the huge pile of debris. It is called The Clock House and provides an opportunity for children to learn how things work – clocks, telephones, and aallmarvellous manner What t A ORofTWO INSPIRATION of WORD machines manyOF sizes - by dismantling them and putting them together again when inout Blackpool! they have revealed their mysteries. I was able to speak of good coming of disaster: a As I and writesafe this,spire people over the worlda are rejoicing at the rescue of thelease miners in Chile a new onall the Cathedral; sturdy chapel getting a new of life, and –an story which has gripped the hearts of people in every land. It has been noteworthy for many imaginative new project to excite young people - none of which would have occurred It was the first time reasons, but for me, one feature has stood out in all the coverage of the events as they without the collapse. unfolded: the faith of the people – the families, the rescuers, the politicians and the trapped there without a how men themselves. All concerned prayed as if everything depended on God and acted as if Good coming out of evil, triumph out of tragedy, are at the heart of our life Christian faith, everything depended on them. That is a very good parable of the Christian as it should as we shall be remembering as we approach Easter, on a wholly different level than a be lived, as people recognize their dependence on God, and seek to cooperate withIHim in Rector When was cathedral spire falling to the ground, of course; but that has provided me with an the ordering of their daily lives, however challenging. we wentandtonew a confer opportunity to reflect on the greater mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection, the the first sailing Which brings to my second ‘word’. On 3rd October, the anniversary ofon beginnings inme unpromising circumstances. northern end from Portsmouth to inaugurate the British atomic tests, in 1952, a group of veterans from that and it sttowasn’t city with wives, message to Chichester for theitCathedral was a joy Thatcame, was to betheir my Easter – indeed is; but onEucharist. the very Itnight of 21 February until w welcome elderly lady saidintoChristchurch, the veterans, New ‘It’s because ladsthat liketerrible you thatimages came thethem. newsOne of the earthquake Zealand,ofwith the we discovered people like me are here andthe safespire and free: thank you from the bottom of myuncannily heart for your of destruction, including of Christchurch Cathedral, looking like our Temperance service.’

It would be good to think that such gratitude is received by today’s servicemen andestablis 19th century photos. There are no words at a time like this, except words of prayer. As I women, especially those whose service puts their lives or their health at risk. heating was not wo have often said to members of our Association when they have faced discouragement, sickness and disappointment, ‘God is our hope and strength, a very present February) May I assure you all of my continuing prayers for you and your families, was and send myhelp in so it trouble.’

That is a message for every day… warmest greetings for Christmas and the New Year, whatever it may hold.

I wish you and your families a holy and happy Easter.

Nicholas Frayling Chichester Cathedral 22nd February 2011 6

my view of the reso thanks to the BNT prejudices have me

Speaking of which, people in Chicheste been, and they wer hear the story of the and the long camp

Christmas Island Memories

Reading the last issue of Campaign brought many recollections of my time on Christmas Island.

Being in the advance party we arrived on the beach by landing craft from the tramp steamer, SS Charlton Star, at the Port Camp and were transported to the Main Camp by lorry where we were assigned our tents.

As an RAF telegraphist I was put in a tent with fellow telegraphists, we were one corporal and five Senior Aircraftmen, all regular ex-boy entrants.

The mention of the cooks and food reminded me of our eating facilities. Army Royal Catering Corp chaps cooked on large black diesel burners in the open. Our meals were dished up on compartmented metal trays where we made a dash for the mess tent, either to avoid the flies or to get out of the wet in the rainy season.

We were also supplied with salt tablets to take with our meals.

If we had a pudding with custard, that was eaten first, as in no time the custard was covered in large flies drowning and stuck in the glutinous liquid.

Talking of flies, as a shift worker, when sleeping off night duty in our tent with the sides rolled up, occasionally a crop spraying aircraft (which was shipped out in a

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box on a Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel), would fly over the main camp spraying DDT, which would fill our tent and we’d wake up choking and spluttering. Imagine that being allowed now!

On a few occasions the U.S. Air Force Pacific Band came out to entertain us. The enlisted men found they could not eat our food so NCO’s and airmen were assigned to the Officers Mess.

Apparently this proved unsatisfactory too as on their second and subsequent visits they brought their own food and cooks.

On arrival on the island when first going on duty we worked inside the back of a lorry about two miles outside camp. Using Morse we communicated with the Americans at Hickam Field in Honolulu, Civilian Cable & Wireless operators in Fiji and also with the air signallers on the Hastings aircraft which came in on a shuttle service bringing supplies from Hawaii. We had a tented office outside the wireless truck and on opening it up in the morning for the early shift we had to drive out about a dozen or more giant land crabs with a broom which had got in during the night.

Later during my service on the island the Joint Operations Centre was built where we kept a twenty-four hour watch working with RAF and Naval personnel.

On the first Malden Island drop, I was in contact by Morse, with the air signaller on the Valiant aircraft, and on receiving the message that the bomb had gone, I rushed my hand-written copy into the radio teleprinter room where it was sent direct to London by high speed radio teleprinter signal. This was transmitted via a huge Swab 8 transmitter. I recollect that on one occasion our signals warrant officer, who was a Ham Radio enthusiast, came in with a flask of gin during the evening, linked his mike up to the Swab 8 and began to call up fellow enthusiasts.

This brought in complaints from far and wide that he was drowning out military and civil frequencies in the area of the Pacific Ocean around the island and further afield.

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Regarding the piece on bone fish, those of us who were keen anglers would use handlines bought from the NAAFI (or the shop, run by two members of the Womens Voluntary Service) and go down to the beach at high tide. Shoals of bone fish would come in to the pools where there was a break in the reef, and baiting up our hooks with the tails of the hundreds of land hermit crabs that lived under the bushes at the top of the beach, we’d catch these beautiful fish. They are called bone fish as their eyes were covered with a strong membrane like the cover of a small aircraft cockpit, which protects their eyes from the sharp corral. Once we caught a huge grouper which we attempted to cook on the beach after getting some dripping from the cooks. I can remember it was not very successful as it was only half-cooked, it being so big!

A friend of mine, who I meet every Tuesday for a walk and meal in a local pub, was also on Christmas Island as a civilian radar technician employed by Marconi’s. He reminded me of the strong rum ration we were given in our tea when we were subjected to weeks of heavy rain during the wet season. Our camp beds had to be put on wooden platforms as the rain used to run through our tents. The platforms also kept the land crabs from us when they managed to sneak into the tent at night.

At the end of my time on the island I was given the option of sailing back to the U.K. on the aircraft carrier, HMS Warrior, making visits to countries around South America or travelling back by air across the USA. As the time on the ship would be deducted from my accrued leave and as I’d been away from home for quite some time I chose the quick return option. After a long leave I was given a choice of various RAF stations, so I plumped for RAF Uxbridge, a short scooter ride from my home in central London.

Roger Fleming

Pictures sent in by Vic Mitchell Christmas Island as we remember it.

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email: chairman @bntva.com

National Vice Chairman

Bob’s page

National Mem Secretary

This will be my last Bob’s page as I am standing down as Membership Secretary at the coming Conference and AGM in Blackpool.

We are often told that the only things in life that are constant are death and taxes. I would add a third and that is change.

Changes happen all the time and many people do not like facing it but there is no alternative.

Derek Heaps Before you all get your backs up Bob Smith, and startemail shouting that Bob is talking rubbish, let me point out a few pertinent derek.heaps@homecall.co.uk facts which have happened in our lifetime.

Membership fees

email: membersh

The majority of veterans were born between 1928 and 1948 this allows the National Chaplain youngest to have beenSecretary 18 years old at the 1966 clean up at Maralinga in Australia. We have lived through the Second World War, Korean War, numerous so called police actions and terrorist outrages. We experienced rationing, depravation, poor housing, poor education, and were taught to obey without question. This was drummed into Conscripts and also us regulars who signed on to serve in HM Forces. Many regulars like me felt that we were treated as the lowest of the low. Train travel below the rank of sergeant was THIRD CLASS.

Aircraft engines have gone from radial piston engines to Olympus 593 which powered the supersonic Concorde, steam has been replaced on the main line by Very electric and diesel traction (I can travel to London in 4 hours from The Glasgow, but Revd N LLD Jeff Liddiatt do not try to travel to Bristol or Derby in a hurry —you cannot). Cars are found Dean of Chiches in most households instead of being the reserve of the doctor, minister or other email: secretary@bntva.com email dean@chic professional. Television is everywhere, as are many other electronic appliances; I say this as I sit at my PC writing this piece, so change happens. .

The Association has changed beyond recognition. We are now a Registered 19 Charity and fiscally viable. We have moved away from the confrontational times of the past to a democratic organisation, in which all members can be involved.

In the latter part of 2010 the questionnaire for the health study/audit were sent out to all paid up members on our mailing list and to others who had contacted the research company directly. The start of this study encouraged one veteran who was not involved, to circulate aggressive and inaccurate emails to a large circulation. Only the quick action of Nigel, Jeff and Tracey stopped any permanent damage to the study, or persons targeted in the emails. We, as 10

an Association have long been critical of the previous NRPB studies, which only looked at DEATH and not at the living.

The MOD has paid for a totally independent audit/study into the health needs of nuclear veterans, which as I write is in its closing stages, with focus groups meeting around the country. Some 866 questionnaires were sent out and around 626 returned completed, which means about 240 of those who received the questionnaire did not bother to return it. After all those years of complaining about the NRPB reports we still have some members who leave it to someone else.

Will changes continue? Yes, because we must evolve.

Jeff and Tracey spent time last year completing the BNTVA contribution to the Royal British Legion Schools and Colleges education pack, which is sent out to educational establishments, and is available free of charge to all working with youth in the UK. This is the first time that the BNTVA has been invited to contribute. Preparations are underway for the 2011 pack, which will be published later in the year. With this resource being available to all teachers and tutors, our story is being told to a new generation of children and young people.

This will make sure that our experiences whilst serving in HM Forces either as a national serviceman or as a regular is not forgotten.

New ideas and volunteers are always welcome; please contact the Secretary or Chairman.

N.B. A few copies of the RBL Education Pack are available from the Secretary

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LEGASEE – WAR VETERANS ONLINE ARCHIVE The Legasee Film Company launched their new web site on Friday 11th February 2011.

Legasee is one of the first consolidated attempts to document the views of individuals who have served their country. While remembrance ceremonies and battle anniversaries are regularly reported on TV, this coverage rarely focuses on veterans’ personal experiences for more than a few seconds and is of restricted value as an educational tool or record of personal achievement.

Legasee’s online video archive aims to cover military life in much more depth focusing on individuals stories and opinions. The films are available to view on www.legasee.org.uk and will also be made available to schools, libraries, and museums.

Legasee started searching for veterans in mid December 2010 and the first interviews were filmed in mid January 2011. From these first interviews, 12

the following veterans were added to the web site.

Colin Parker - Coldstream Guards - was left for dead on a battlefield in Aden.

Rob Stirling - Para, Hussars, SAS, Rhodesian Army and then South African Army - talks about his many experiences.

Sidney Mitchell - Royal Corps of Signals - at 92 still has a very vivid memory of all the action he saw during WWII. Ted “Smokey” Verbiest - Fleet Air Arm - gives a graphic account of being attacked by German fighter planes during WWII. Brian Bird - RAF Spitfire Pilot - very interesting interview of how he learnt to fly then went straight into action in north Africa and Italy.

Now that the Legasee web site has been launched, new interviews will be added every week. The following Veterans will be the next to appear online.

Rex Shepherd – Royal Fusiliers – a veteran of the “Forgotten War” in Korea.

Peter Noad MBE – The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment – left the Army as an RSM after a colourful career in Northern Ireland in the intelligence section.

Bryan “Tab” Hunter – 1 Para – a humorous account of his time in the Paras in Cyprus.

Lyle Thompson – RAF – an interesting account of his work with Chinooks, including call sign BN in the Falklands, now known as the luckiest aircraft in the RAF.

Legasee is interested in hearing from BNTVA members that are interested in sharing their stories for the benefit of future generations. Any veterans interested in being interviewed should contact Dave Player at: dave@ legasee.org.uk or telephone 0782 462 8029.

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Recipes From Montalba SE France Dear Mrs Tracey Morris Having just received my winter’ Campaign’, and read your suggestion that members and, bods like us to send in menus for publication. I did send some to Jeff Liddiatt which were printed in the magazine. I did point out at that time that I had almost finished my paperback on such ideas. It is entitled “Ken 66 and all that” nothing to do with that battle in 1066. I started doing menus and recipes when I was 66 years old hence the name.

Typically at our age we are not as active as we were. It is only recently that I stopped building an extension to my shack, Thank God!!

I won’t repeat the items I sent to Jeff last time.

I go into Spain to buy my meat, which is lower in price than in France and butchered by themselves, not like the packs in supermarkets. I do not buy as much meat as I did in the past, as I have intestinal problems. I make a large amount of soup, vegetables and meat mixed gives me the right combination of protein etc, the soup can be left whole or liquidized as required, this soup can be frozen in portions.

I also make fish soup from fish purchased in the local fish market. When this is combined with suitable vegetables it makes a change from meat based soups.

Take any fish, place in a pan, cover with water and boil for a few minutes, remove from heat and drain off the liquid. Refill the pan covering the fish, bring to the boil. Add your own selection of vegetables continue to cook until the vegetables are cooked. Drain the liquid into a container, remove the veg. Take the fish and place on a working surface; remove the bones and any unwanted parts. Replace the fish, liquid, and veg in the pan, season to taste, thicken if required. Take a hand held liquidizer and blitz the contents of the pan until smooth. This can also be frozen in portion size containers.

Ken Gray Montalba South East France.

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THE DAMPER

Years ago, in the Australian outback, drovers would cook “dampers” each time they had set up camp. To cook it they would wrap the” damper” around a stick or put it in a cast iron pot and bury it in the dampened* coals of a hot camp fire.

As the stockmen only carried the bare necessities, the ingredients were basic: Flour, salt, baking soda (sometimes) and water.

You guessed it; “the damper” is the cattleman’s bread. So let’s go to the kitchen and cook this simplest of un-yeasted bread.

This is a version for home cooking. It is all measured in cups as the drovers only carried a kind of tin mug.

Ingredients : 2 cups self-raising flour ; 1/2 teaspoon salt ; 1 cup milk ; 1 teaspoon sugar ; 2 teaspoons butter.

Method: Preheat oven gas mark 6/210°c Mix flour, salt, and sugar together Cut in butter until fine crumbs form Add milk slowly and mix to form soft dough Knead lightly on floured board until smooth Shape into a round loaf and brush with milk Cut a cross on top of dough Place in a greased round cake tin Bake in oven for 30 to 40mn To test if it is done, tap on the loaf. It should sound hollow.

Best served warm once you can break the damper with your fingers the drover’s way. Dunk it in your favourite gravy, stew, soup or spread some homemade jam on it for tea. Bon appétit!

*To dampen a fire you throw a little water on it to lower the temperature.

Hence the name of this loaf “Damper” Christine James

Damper being prepared over hot coals

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Registered Charity Number 1131134

24 Hr Telephone service 0208

144 3080 BNTVA New Contact Details BNTVA New Contact Details BNTVA BNTVA NewCharity Contact Details Registered Number 1131134 Registered Charity Number 1131134 BNTVA New Contact Details BM 5657 Registered Charity Number 1131134 24 24 HrHr Telephone service 1443080 3080 Telephone service 0208 0208 144 Registered Charity Number 1131134 24 Hour Ring Back Service 0208 144 3080 BNTVA New Contact Details BNTVA New Contact Details LONDON BNTVA 24 Hr TelephoneBNTVA service 02081131134 144 3080 Registered Charity Charity Number Number 1131134 Registered BNTVA WC1N 3XX BM 5657 BNTVA 24 Hr Hr Telephone Telephone service 0208 144 144 3080 3080 24 service 0208 BM 5657 BM 5657 BM 5657 LONDON This is the only correspondence address and telephone number BNTVA BNTVA LONDON LONDON LONDON WC1N 3XX BM 5657 BM 5657 for the Association WC1N 3XX WC1N 3XX WC1N 3XX This is Chairman the only correspondence address and telephone number LONDON LONDON National Treasurer National Thisonly is thecorrespondence only correspondence address and telephone number ThisThis is the address and telephone number is the only correspondence address and telephone number forfor the Association WC1N 3XX WC1N 3XX the Association for forthe the Association Association National Treasurer This is is the the only correspondence correspondence address and telephone number number This only address and telephone National Chairman National Treasurer National Treasurer National Chairman National Chairman for the the Association Association for National Chairman National Chairman Chairman National

National Treasurer National Treasurer Treasurer National

Carol Longden

Nigel Heaps (Skype nigel.heaps)

email: chairman @bntva.com Nigel Heaps (Skype nigel.heaps) Nigel Heaps (Skype nigel.heaps) National Vice Chairman email: @bntva.com Nigelchairman Heaps (Skype nigel.heaps) email: chairman @bntva.com Nigel Heaps ( Skype nigel.heaps) email: chairman @bntva.com Nigel Heaps Heaps Skype nigel.heaps) Nigel nigel.heaps) National Vice((Skype Chairman National Vice Chairman email: chairman @bntva.com email: chairman @bntva.com email: chairman @bntva.com

National Vice Chairman National Vice Chairman National Vice Chairman National Vice Chairman

Derek Heaps

Derek Heaps Heaps emailDerek derek.heaps@homecall.co.uk email emailderek.heaps@homecall.co.uk derek.heaps@homecall.co.uk Derek Heaps Derek DerekHeaps Heaps email derek.heaps@homecall.co.uk email derek.heaps@homecall.co.uk Derek Heaps email derek.heaps@gmail.com National Secretary National Secretary National Secretary email derek.heaps@homecall.co.uk

National Secretary National NationalSecretary Secretary

National Secretary

Carol Longden National Membership Carol CarolLongden Longden National Membership Secretary CarolLongden Longden Carol Longden Carol National Membership

Secretary National Membership Secretary Secretary National Membership National Membership National Membership Secretary Secretary Secretary

Bob Smith,

Bob Smith, BobSmith, Smith, Bob Membership fees Data Controller Membership fees ,, Data Controller Membershipfees fees Data Controller Membership , ,Data Controller email: membership@bntva.com Bob Smith, Bob Smith, email: membership@bntva.com email: membership@bntva.com email: membership@bntva.com

Membership fees ,, Data Data Controller Controller Membership fees Bob Smith, Chaplain Chaplain Chaplain

email: membership@bntva.com email: membership@bntva.com Chaplain Membership fees , Data Controller Chaplain Chaplain email: membership@bntva.com

Chaplain

The Nicholas Frayling The Very Revd Nicholas Frayling BA, TheVery VeryRevd Revd Nicholas Frayling BA,

Jeff Liddiatt Jeff JeffLiddiatt Liddiatt Jeffemail: Liddiatt email:secretary@bntva.com secretary@bntva.com email: secretary@bntva.com Jeff Liddiatt Jeff Liddiatt email: secretary@bntva.com email: secretary@bntva.com secretary@bntva.com email:

Jeff Liddiatt

email: secretary@bntva.com

The Very Revd Nicholas Frayling BA, LLD Dean of The Very Revd Nicholas Nicholas Frayling Frayling The Very Revd Dean ofChichester Chichester Dean of email Deandean@chichestercathedral.org.uk ofChichester Chichester LLD LLD

LLD

BA,

BA, BA,

LLD LLD

emailof dean@chichestercathedral.org.uk Dean of Chichester Dean Chichester email emaildean@chichestercathedral.org.uk dean@chichestercathedral.org.uk email dean@chichestercathedral.org.uk email dean@chichestercathedral.org.uk The Very Revd Nicholas Frayling

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LLD

BA,

19 19 Dean of Chichester 19 19 email dean@chichestercathedral.org.uk

Trustee

London Events Organiser & Trustee

Mrs Tracey Morris

Don James

email tm269@st-andrews.ac.uk

Trustee

Ian Greenhalgh LLB

email ian.greenhalgh@greenhalghs.net

Shop Manager & Trustee

Trevor Butler

Archive Administrator & Trustee

Media Representative CAMPAIGN Editor and Web Manager As Secretary Alan Rimmer National Standard CAMPAIGN EditorBearer and Web Manager Terry Washington As Secretary ‘Little Hey’ 8 Butley Close National Standard Bearer Tytherington Terry Washington Macclesfield SK10 2HL Widows’s Contact Mavis Gardner Widows’s Contact

Mavis Gardner 30 Link Road G2+ Committee Anstey Secretary Leicester Janet Bird LE7 7BY Members/Advisors Tracey Morris G2+ Committee Nigel Heaps Secretary Janet Bird Owen Stevens Members/Advisors Carol Longden Tracey Morris Nigel Heaps Owen Stevens & Carol Longden

Doug Hern

email doughern@tiscali.co.uk

17

20

in memoriam

Brian Roberts Peter Bullen writes to tell us all of the death in November last year of Brian Roberts aged 72.

Brian was a popular and loyal member of the BNTVA over many years. He will be remembered by many members from his attendances at the AGM. Brian came from Rduddlan in North Wales. His family was supported by his many friends at his funeral held in Rhyl North Wales.

David Jenner It is with sadness that we have learned of the death of David Jenner in November last year. David was the Web Manager for the BNTVA, he set up the web site with his brother in memory of their father, J C (Ian) Jenner ex Christmas island 1958.

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“Behind the Scenes” I began the narratives with Jeff Liddiatt’s biography and the work he carries out for the BNTVA. In the last edition of ‘Campaign’ Derek Heaps, our Vice Chairman also provided a wonderful insight to his life, and his involvement in our charity. As Trevor and Doris Butler celebrated their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary last year, I asked Trevor to write a piece for ‘Campaign’. As many of you are aware Trevor has worked for many years as a BNTVA volunteer selling our merchandise, from enamel lapel badges, to fleeces. However, Trevor’s work does not stop there, as a Trustee, and a member of the Management Committee, Trevor helps to shape and implement BNTVA policy. As we all live in different parts of the country, Trevor travels all over Britain to attend our meetings. It is always a pleasure to see the support Doris gives him, and our charity, as she is always by his side. (Tracey Morris).

My Story: Trevor M Butler The story began on 7th March, 1938, in Hull - a year later World War II started. My parents decided, as Hull was heavily bombed (this was never mentioned, only that a city in the north east was raided,) to move to Cottingham three miles to the North West. My earliest picture is of me with my mother then grandfather aged about two.

8 months 2 years 17 years 8 months

2 years 17 years reaching school age I started at the school in the8 months On village complete with gas mask.

8 months 2 years

After failing the eleven plus, I managed to pass an exam and interview to attend the 2 years

Hull Municipal Technical College for two years, this was a build-up to me becoming an

apprentice bricklayer. I left school at the age of fifteen and because I had been to the building school

was allowed to start my apprenticeship.

My main

pastimes at this time were a Youth club run by the

Methodist Church, Army Cadet Force band combined

with infantry training

My next major step was problematic asTraining scheme. the firm

Cadet force band went bankrupt and I found that my for deferment Training scheme.

Cadet force band

National Service would have been rescinded, unless

T Cadet force band

T Cadet force band 19

Myself Susan &Neil

I could find a firm to employ me, as I only had a few months of my apprenticeship to serve. It proved impossible to be employed, so, I had to report to the Recruiting Office and soon found myself in the Royal Engineers. First, to Malvern to No 1 Training Regiment, where I soon found out that the real Army had very little in the way of similarities to the Cadet force, although, I did find that I could pick up the basics easily.

Later I moved on to No 3 Training Regiment for thirteen weeks of Engineer training - moving on to Ripon for two way radio training, and then to 38 Engineer Regiment, 61 Squadron 1Troop, for immediate embarkation leave.

On returning to camp, we soon were transported by train to Southampton, to board the troopship Duneara Jan 58 to sail to Christmas Island. During the operation, our duties were at the Main camp, concreting bases for the new huts. Two H bombs later, we moved to B site for three A bombs, and then returned home by B.O.A.C in Dec 58, and home to use up my accrued leave. On returning to Ripon I found that the Regiment had been deployed to Otterburn, to construct a road on the Artillery ranges.

One Saturday afternoon, my pal Gordon Sandell, a Sheffield lad, came to me as I had a new motorcycle, and said we were going to Newcastle to go dancing. I had to point out that being under canvas again I only had jeans shirt and a thick jumper, so, I could not go. As he was a keen ballroom dancer and had won many competitions, he returned with a complete outfit: suit, shirt, tie, overcoat, cravat, all borrowed from lads on weekend duties or punishment. It was at the dance held in the Oxford Galleries Newcastle that I met Doris, my wife. Being a smartly dressed young man in October 59, we married in September 1960, after being demobbed. Returning to the building trade, it was agreed that as I had been doing building duties in the Royal Engineers it would count as the missing six months and I was put on full pay. Doris and I looked to buy property in the area where she lived. But as we are seeing now this last winter, well, in Co Durham it started snowing in November and all building work stopped. Therefore, I moved back home to Cottingham since the weather was not so severe. Doris followed, after transferring from the Ministry of Pension to the Inland Revenue.

We then managed to purchase a house in Hull.

20

Training scheme.

1963 saw the birth of our daughter Susan and in 1965 came the

birth of our first son Keith, who only lived one day as his kidneys had not developed (nobody, to this day, has said it could have

been genetically caused by my exposure to excessive radiation due to my Army service). In 1965 I had to undergo cataract surgery to my right eye - as this had developed rapidly, and the ophthalmic

surgeon could not understand how this had happened, as he had when I was fourteen.

Unfortunately, photographs, and seen me Training scheme.

especially coloured, were not taken then.

et force band

Our second son Neil was born

1966 with no obvious health

problems. Neil was only a week Myself Susan &Neil

old when I fell playing football Son Neil 2 years and fractured my right wrist. This accident caused me endless problems. So, Doris trained to be a teacher and after she had qualified I returned to evening classes to 8 months further my education, to have the paper qualifications to 2 years 17 years enable me to go into the training field.

I started with a scheme in our area called ‘Community Industries’, helping disadvantaged youths to find work. I moved on, in 1980, to be a Civilian Instructor in brickwork

falgar Square 1957

Son Neil 2 years at Everthorpe Borstal.

In 1984, Doris saw an article in our local paper of a group asking for Nuclear Test veterans to

attend a meeting. Therefore, along with Derek I was to be one of the early members forming the Humberside

Branch of the BNTVA.

In 1987, I made my last career move since the Borstal, after being a Young Offenders

Training scheme.

Prison, was due toCadet force band become an adult Prison.

I managed to secure a position with Hull City

Council, as a housing officer - processing housing repair and refurbishment grants to the private sector. During this time I applied,

and was granted, a City & Guilds Licentiate - this entitles me to put L C G after my name and

they allowed me to buy a City & Guilds tie.

Myself Susan &Neil My daughter and son are married, unfortunately my daughter is unable to have children, our son and his wife have a son and daughter. Doris and I are very proud of our two grandchildren. Our latest celebration mentioned in a previous issue was our Golden Wedding.

Trafalgar Square 1957

Son Neil 2 years

Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, NHS Foundation Trust, Bath The BNTVA, along with other charities representing military veterans, were invited as guests to attend an all-day seminar, 19th January 2011, to inform charities representing veterans of it’s services to support ex- service personnel. The trustees agreed that it would be a very useful opportunity to get to know what the National hospital had to offer; to enhance our knowledge, and to network with other charities to further our aims.

The day itself lasted from 11:30am until 15:30 and after a warm welcome by Chairman Peter Franklyn – Jeff (accompanied by Annette his wheelchair pusher), and myself, sat through various presentations covering, chronic pain; neuro rehabilitation; complex regional pain syndrome and phantom limb pain. The question and answer session also covered the hospital’s Falls and Osteoporosis service – something close to my own heart as my husband was once a Falls and Osteoporosis specialist nurse (he could spot a worn walking stick ferrule a mile away!).

Justin Cunningham gave a presentation on the aims of the NHS South West Ex Service and Veterans’ Forum which was very informative. The South West has a population of approximately 5 million, and has many service establishments, it was interesting to find out that the NHS South West Forum not only discusses and develops policies to ensure that it can deliver appropriate care in the South West, but also that nine Strategic Health Authorities are to use the South West Forum model. The forum also informs and provides feedback to both the Department of Health and the Ministry of Defence. It was discussed that with the emergence of a new NHS policy from the Coalition Government, charities are now being seen as an emerging third sector of healthcare policy. With the formation of forum meetings in the other nine SHAs it is hoped that BNTVA representation will be secured on each meeting.

One thing that was evident from the day was how many ex-service personnel are executives in the NHS, which really seems to put services to ex-service personnel and their families, high on the agenda. The hospital was also keen to stress, despite being small, that it is a National Hospital that can be accessed by veterans nationwide, as long as they are referred by their GP. Needless to say, it was a very informative day, and the attendee list included many well known names such as, The Royal Marines Association, Combat Stress, RAFA, The Royal British Legion, Royal British Legion Poppy Factory, Service Personnel and Veterans Agency, SSAFA, St Dunstan’s, SAMA. As a consequence of the day Jeff and I have both been invited to participate in the hospital’s larger forum to promote the services of the hospital – and Jeff has been invited to join a smaller forum to look at a framework for services available for ex-service personnel, which will hopefully also be rolled out across the country.

Tracey Morris 22

Falls Falls

Falls Falls Age UK: one in three 65fall fall each equating to 3.4 to 3.4 ding to According Age UK:toone in three over over the the ageage ofof65 eachyear, year, equating Falls According to people.

Age UK:For onefalls in three over the age of 65 fall each year, equating to 3.4 £1.6 million in the over 65s it costs the NHS 4.6 million everyday, Falls n According people. For falls overover 65sthe it costs the 4.6 million £1.6 to Age UK: in onethe in three age of 65 fallNHS each year, equating everyday, to 3.4 millionBillion people.

For falls in the over 65s it costs the NHS 4.6 million everyday, £1.6 aAge year (http://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/archive/falls-over-65s-cost According to UK: one in three over the age of 65 fall each year, equating to 3.4 For falls in the over 65s it costs the NHS 4.6 million everyday, £1.6 amillion yearapeople. (http://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/archive/falls-over-65s-costBillion year (http://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/archive/falls-over-65s-costwe, The BNTVA wish through Campaign to help to our more According to Age one in over age of 65 fall4.6 each year,everyday, equating 3.4 millionnhs/?paging=false).

ForUK: falls in So thethree over 65s itthe costs the NHS million £1.6 Billion apeople. year (http://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/archive/falls-over-65s-costCampaign to help our more aging=false).

So we, The BNTVA wish through Campaign to help our more nhs/?paging=false).

So we, The BNTVA wish through vulnerable members to prevent a fall from happening. million people.

For falls in the over 65s it costs the NHS 4.6 million everyday, £1.6 Billion a year (http://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/archive/falls-over-65s-costnhs/?paging=false).

So we, The BNTVA wish through Campaign to help our more vulnerable members to prevent a fall from happening.

Billion a year (http://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/archive/falls-over-65s-costable members toSoprevent aa fall fallfrom from happening. nhs/?paging=false).

The BNTVA wishhappening. through Campaign to help our more vulnerable members towe, prevent

nhs/?paging=false).

So The BNTVA wishhappening. through Campaign to help our more vulnerable members towe, fallfalling from Fear :prevent The feara of increases the fall risk. vulnerable members to prevent a fall from happening.

Fear: The fear of falling increases the fall risk. : The fear of falling increases the fall risk.

FearFear : The fear of falling increases the fall risk.

Fear: The fear of falling increases the fall risk.

Fear: The fear of falling increases the fall risk.

Exercise: - particularly in strength and balance – can you rise out of a Exercise: - particularly strength andbalance balanceto–remain can youupright? rise out Exercise of a chair?

Go for a walk? Doinyou have the can Exercise: - particularly in strength and balance – can you rise out of a chair?

Go for a walk?

Do you have the balance to remain upright?

Exercise can reduce by 60%.

Exercise: - particularly in strength and balance – can you rise out of acan chair?

Go for afalls walk?

Do you have the balance to remain upright?

Exercise Exercise: - 60%. particularly strength balance – can youof rise reduce falls by Exercise: particularly ininstrength and and balance – can you rise out acan out of a chair?

Go for a walk?

Do you have the balance to remain upright?

Exercise reduce falls by 60%.

Go a walk?

Doyou you have balance to remain upright?upright?

Exercise can chair?chair?

Go for aforwalk? havethethe balance to remain Exercise reduce falls by 60%.Do Vision: reduce falls by 60%. Check that you regularly have your eyes checked, and reduce falls by 60%.

Vision: Check thatifyou have your eyes checked, appropriate glasses youregularly suffer with impaired vision.

Cleanand your glasses at least Vision: Check that you regularly have your eyes checked, and appropriate glasses if you suffer with impaired vision.

Clean your glasses at least once a day.

Vision: Check thatsuffer you regularly have your eyes checked, and appropriate glasses if you with impaired vision.

Clean your glasses at least once a day.

Vision: Check that you regularly have your eyes checked, and appropriate once a day. glasses if you suffer with impaired vision. Clean your glasses at least appropriate you suffer with impaired vision.

Clean yourchecked, glasses at least Vision: Checkifthat you regularly have your eyes and once a day. glasses once a day. appropriate glasses if you suffer with impaired vision.

Clean your glasses a Footwear: Wear appropriate footwear – sloppy slippers maybe Footwear: Wear appropriate footwear – sloppy slippers maybe butWear they can also leadfootwear to falls. Check that the soles of your footwear once a day.comfortable, Footwear: appropriate – sloppy slippers maybe comfortable, but they can also lead to falls.

Check that the soles of your footwear are Footwear: appropriate.

Wear appropriate footwear sloppy maybe comfortable, but they can also lead to falls.

Check–that the slippers soles of your footwear are appropriate.

Footwear: Wear appropriate footwear –that sloppy slippers maybe comfortable, but they can also lead to falls.

Check the soles of your footwear are appropriate. comfortable, but they can also lead to falls.

Check that the soles of your footwear are appropriate. are appropriate.

Clothes: Ensure that clothes are not too loose fitting. slippers maybe Footwear: Wear appropriate footwear – sloppy Clothes: Ensure that clothes are not too loose fitting .

23 Clothes: Ensure clothes not tooCheck loose fitting comfortable, but they canthat also lead are to falls. that. the soles of your foo Clothes: Ensure that clothes are not too loose fitting.

Footwear: Wear appropriate footwear – sloppy slippers maybe comfortable, but they can also lead to falls. Check that the soles of your footwear are appropriate.

Clothes: Ensure that clothes are not too loose fitting.

Diet: a nutritional assessment through your GP: If you are found to Diet: Have Have a nutritional assessment through your GP: If you are found to Diet: a nutritional assessment youCalcium are found to be at high risk Have of developing osteoporosis thenthrough ensureyour yourGP: dietIfhas and be at high risk of developing osteoporosis then ensure your diet has Calcium and Have amay nutritional assessment youCalcium are found to Vitamin DDiet: –risk your prescribe supplements. be at high of GP developing osteoporosis thenthrough ensureyour yourGP: dietIfhas and

Vitamin D – your GP may prescribe supplements. be at high of GP developing osteoporosis thenthrough ensureyour yourGP: dietIfhas and Vitamin DDiet: –risk your prescribe supplements.

Have amay nutritional assessment youCalcium are found to Vitamin D – your GP may prescribe supplements. be at high risk of developing osteoporosis then ensure your diet has Calcium and Vitamin D – your GP may prescribe supplements.

Medication: A variety of medications can be associated with a risk of Medication: A variety of medications can be associated with a risk of falls. Medication, such as antidepressants, sleeping tablets, and diuretics (water Medication: A variety of medications can be associated with a risk of falls. Medication, such as antidepressants, sleeping tablets, and diuretics (water Medication: A variety of medications can be with a risk of tablets), also medications for other conditions, such as,associated heartand conditions and falls. Medication, such as antidepressants, sleeping tablets, diuretics (water tablets), also medications for other conditions, such as, heart conditions and falls.

Medication, such as antidepressants, sleeping tablets, and diuretics (water Parkinson’s disease.

If you areother concerned aboutsuch falling and your medication tablets), also medications for conditions, as,associated heart conditions andyou variety of medications be with a risk of Parkinson’sMedication: disease. If A you are concerned aboutcan falling and your medication you tablets), also medications for other conditions, such as,and heart conditions and can ask a pharmacist or your GP for a medication review especially if you are Parkinson’s disease.

If you are concerned about falling your medication you falls.

Medication, such as antidepressants, sleeping tablets, and diuretics (water can ask a pharmacist or your GP for a medication review especially if you are Parkinson’s disease. you are concerned falling and your medication taking than fourIfor different tablets on aabout daily basis. can askmore aalso pharmacist your forconditions, a medication review especially if youand areyou tablets), medications for GP other such as, heart conditions taking more than four different tablets on a daily basis. can askmore a pharmacist your GPtablets for a medication review especially if you are taking than fourIfor different on aabout dailyfalling basis.

Parkinson’s disease. you are concerned and your medication you taking more than four different tablets on a daily basis. can ask a pharmacist or your GP for a medication review especially if you are taking more than four tablets on a daily basis. for use – check that Mobility Aids:different Ensure Mobility Aids are suitable Mobility Aids: Ensure Mobility Aids are suitable for use – check that ferrules (rubbers) are not worn,Mobility particularly withsuitable walkingfor frames walking Mobility Aids: Ensure Aids are use –and check that ferrules (rubbers) are not worn, particularly with walking frames and walking Mobility Ensure are suitable for use check that sticks. thatAids: your mobility aids areAids at the correct height for–use. ferrulesCheck (rubbers) are not worn,Mobility particularly with walking frames and walking sticks. Check that your mobility aids are at the correct height for use. ferrules (rubbers) are not worn,aids particularly with walking frames and walking sticks. Check thatAids: your mobility areAids at the height for–use.

Mobility Ensure Mobility arecorrect suitable for use check that sticks. Check that your mobility aids are at the correct height for use. ferrules (rubbers) are not worn, particularly with walking frames and walking sticks. Check that your mobility aids are at the correct height for use.

Good Housekeeping: check the floor for clutter, and trip hazards such as Good Housekeeping: check the floor for clutter, and trip hazards such as trailing cables.

Good Housekeeping: check the floor for clutter, and trip hazards such as trailing cables.

Good Housekeeping: check the floor for clutter, and trip hazards such as trailing cables. trailing cables.

Good Housekeeping: check the floor for clutter, and trip hazards such as trailing cables.

Floor: Check floor areas for wear and tear, and for uneven surfaces.

Floor: Check floor areas for wear and tear, and for uneven surfaces.

Floor: Check floor areas for wear and tear, and for uneven surfaces.

Floor: Check floor areas for wear and tear, and for uneven surfaces.

Floor: Check floor areas for wear and tear, and for uneven surfaces.

Lighting: Ensure that you have good natural light and appropriate light at night.

Lighting: Ensure that you have good natural light and appropriate light at night.

Good lightening reduces the risk of have falls.

Lighting: Ensure that you Good lightening reduces the risk of falls.good natural light and appropriate light at night.

Lighting: Ensure that you have Good lightening reduces the risk of falls.good natural light and appropriate light at night.

Good lightening reduces the risk of falls.

Lighting: Ensure that you have good natural light and appropriate light at night.

Floor: Check floor areas for wear and tear, and for uneven surfaces.

Floor: Check floor areas for wear and tear, and for uneven surfaces.

Lighting: Ensure that you have good natural light and appropriate light at night.

Good lightening reduces risk ofhave falls.good natural light and appropriate light at night.

Lighting: Ensurethe that you Good lightening reduces the risk of falls.

Check your local Health Authority, or speak to your GP, to check if they have a falls service.

Check your local Health Authority, or speak to your GP, to check if they have a falls service.

If you have experienced a fall, or if you feel at high risk of a fall, it may be worthwhile with your GP or about thefeel useatofhigh hip protectors, can If you discussing have experienced a fall, if you risk of a fall,which it may reduce injury. discussing with your GP about the use of hip protectors, which can be worthwhile reduce injury.

If you live alone it maybe worthwhile in investing in a careline service – with a press of a button help can be on its way immediately, rather than lying alone struggling If you live alone it maybe worthwhile in investing in a careline service – with a to get to a phone. Get in touch with your Local Authority for more details. press of a button help can be on its way immediately, rather than lying alone struggling to get to a phone. Get in touch with your Local Authority for more details.

Finally, for those that surf the net, check out the Age UK’s new website, which is packed full of information: http://www.ageuk.org.uk Finally, for those that surf the net, check out the Age UK’s new website, which is packed full of information: http://www.ageuk.org.uk TM TM

25

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY BNTVA AGM & Conference Saturday 14th May 2011 The Norbreck Castle Hotel Queens Promenade Blackpool Doors open at 13.00 hrs meeting starts at 13.30 hrs.

Campaign magazine is published by the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association. Editor: Jeff Liddiatt, . Next issue copy Deadline 1st March 2010. BNTVA is not an anti-nuclear or an anti-war association. All opinions, views and quotations do not represent official BNTVA policy and are the sole responsibility of the writer. Photographs and images – Š Copyright of owner acknowledged. Campaign cannot guarantee total accuracy for any reproduction of letters / articles / transcripts. BNTVA is a Registered Charity Reg. No 1131134 supporting past and present UK Nuclear Test Combined Service Veterans and their families.

26

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

If a survey of the most read articles in Campaign were taken, those which seek to long lost comrades would feature very highly, I suggest. I know I for one look eag page to see if I recognise a name - or a face if there's a pic. So far I've been disap

OK. the editor must get manywhich similar written requests veterans, I'm sure, b If a survey of the most read articles in Campaign were taken, those seek tofrom renew 'chew the fat' with the guys in this 1958 photo. It was taken outside Main Camp s which, I think I recall correctly, eight of us used to bunk down after slogging away contact with long lost comrades would feature very highly, I suggest. I know I for one look umpteen barrels of bitumen and crates of AWRE 'supplies', the latter's contents Anno tricks us all - and years who can blam eagerly through each page to see if I recognise a name - Domini or a plays face if with there’s a after pic.more Sothan far50 I’ve lapse - but I'm sure that, from left to right, that's Alan Clack, Ray Bromwich(?), yo been disappointed. correspondent, Tom Sands and Derek Brown.

OK. the editor must get many similar written requests from veterans, I’m sure, but I’d dearly love to ‘chew the fat’ with the guys in this 1958 photo. It was taken outside Main Camp stores troop tent in which, I think I recall correctly, eight of us used to bunk down after slogging away all day unloading umpteen barrels of bitumen and crates of AWRE ‘supplies’, the latter’s contents a mystery to us.

Anno Domini plays tricks with us all - and after more than 50 years who can blame the odd memory lapse Also - but from toGerry right, underI’m canvassure with methat, in the stores team left were Cpl. Woods - a Taff from Jimmy Mackie from Kirkcaldy, Yorkshireman Anthony Judge and electrical storek that’s Alan Clack, Ray Bromwich(?), your bandy-legged correspondent, Tom Sands and Thurman, some of us beholden to Sergeant Stray, bless him, and all of us under Captain Rawlings (not a bad sort).

Derek Brown.

We'd have one hell of a time together, were we to meet again.

RonGerry Taylor Also under canvas with me in the stores team were Cpl. Woods - a Taff from Bridgend (Cpl., 73 Christmas Island Squadron). (?), Jimmy Mackie from Kirkcaldy, Yorkshireman Anthony Judge and electrical storekeeper 0-0-0-0-0-0-0Tony Thurman, some of us beholden to Sergeant Stray, bless him, and all of us under the Does anyone remember SAC David Smith? Hello to whoever reads this. command of Captain Rawlings (not a bad sort).

Unfortunately my dad (David Smith) is very ill with dementia.

We’d have one hell of a time together, were we to meet

I knowagain. he was on Christmas Island for 2 of the 3 tests, but not sure what he did, a about the experience. So I was hoping you could ask your members if anyone cou Ron Taylor Sadly all I have to go on is an old luggage label which says the following (Cpl., 73 Christmas Island Squadron).

Name: SAC Smith Destination: XMAS ISLAND Service: DBH 148 Any information will be gratefully received.

Thank you Paul Smith.

Keith Goosey

Can anyone help me find Keith Goosey? A family friend of the Osborne’s when we lived in Stockbridge in the 1950’s. Keith was in the RAF in Australia during the tests in the 50’s’.

He was Cpl Goosey K RAF Support Unit RAAF Edinburgh Field BFPO 151.

My late mother began searching for Keith after we lost touch when the media published details of the effects suffered by servicemen caused serving in the test areas. I would have loved to have been able to give my mother some news before she died unfortunately this was not to be. I then found the BNTVA web site hence this appeal.

Brenda Chandler brenniebunting@gmial.com or the editor.

27

Letter from Portsmouth Norman Aplin writes to tell us that the Portsmouth group continue to meet, although the Hampshire Ex Serviceman’s Club, which they have always met, has recently closed. The group will meet at the Froddington Arms Fratton Road Portsmouth on the last Wednesday of each month, except December.

The group tries to send representatives to the Conference AGM in Blackpool, The Weymouth Veterans Parade in July each year, and the Cenotaph Remembrance Parade in London. The group Standard Bearer is registered with Portsmouth City Council and is invited to attend parades, especially in November.

Weymouth Veterans Parade

The group wish to mention the work done year after year by Don James, supported by his wife Christine organising the Remembrance events. The Thursday before Remembrance Sunday the Garden of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey is opened. Don works during the days before hand placing the crosses on the BNTVA plot. He always marshals the parade Remembrance Sunday, and with his helpers he also makes, arrangements for lunch both on occasions.

Don James

Editor: Norman asked about the position of Standard Bearers in the constitution. Standard Bearers are not mentioned separately in the constitution. The BNTVA has Public Liability, Third party and Employers Liability Insurance (volunteers who work for and on behalf of the BNTVA are treated as employees when on BNTVA duty) this insurance covers Standard Bearers and others Garden of Remembrance Westminster Abbey whenever they are taking part in a parade or other public duty on behalf of the BNTVA 28

Does anyone remember SAC David Smith?

Hello to whoever reads this.

Unfortunately my dad (David Smith) is very ill with dementia.

I know he was on Christmas Island for 2 of the 3 tests, but not sure what he did, as he rarely spoke about the experience. So I was hoping you could ask your members if anyone could remember him.

Sadly all I have to go on is an old luggage label which says the following Name: SAC Smith Destination: XMAS ISLAND Service: DBH 148 Any information will be gratefully received.

Thank you Paul Smith.

Hi Jeff A request for the Magazine.

Does any of the Stevedores from Port Camp early to mid 1959 remember loading a Meadows Generator addressed to the AWRE Atomic Weapons Research Establishment at Aldermaston on to any Ship returning to England. The M.o.D. have denied ever sending one back but I know that I crated it up and Stencilled the address on to it early in 59, it was recovered from “ A “ site and was one that the boffins had used during the A Bomb Tests and I had the unenviable job of cleaning it down with a compressed air line and then preserving it and crating it up ready to be shipped back to the UK. Any memories will be much appreciated.

Denis Shaw denis.shaw@homecall.co.uk

29

BNTVA Shop Window

Band 1 items Car Badge Blazer Badge Lapel Badge Cuff Links Key Fob Tie Clip Trolley Token New item Bookmark New item Grapple Tie BNTVA Tie Baseball Caps

£3.00 £12.00 £2.50 £5.00 £2.00 £3.00 £1.00 £3.00 £9.50 £7.50 £11.00

Band 2 Items Scarves Fleece Scarves Silk Shirts Small to XXXL

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Band 3 Item Fleece Small to XXXL

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Band 4 Item Tankard Glass

£20.00

ALL PRICES PLUS POST AND PACKING Band 1 add £1.00 Band 2 add £3.00 Band 3 add £4.00 Band 4 add £5.00

30

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24