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British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association

AGM Report and Summer Edition 2004 Newsletter

War Pensions Blackpool During any other business, after David had left, a member asked “Why is it tharThe Associatioi0is not taking action for damages against the MoD. Why is it left to each individual member to take actionVThe simple fact is, (and 1 have taken legal advice on this very issue), that “The Association" (as an entity) have no claim against the MoD. Any harm that may have been perpetrated is against each individual, and must be progressed as such. Of course each veteran has the right to pursue their own claim if they so wish, however it is far better, and less expensive, to make these claims collectively, than it is individually.

1 he intended presentation by War Pensions did not take place, as their speaker failed to attend. No letter of apology was received Litigation David Harris, of Alexander Harris Solicitors, part of the legal team handling the litigation on our behalf, gave a comprehensive update on the latest position regarding our claims. Anv Other Business The raffle raised £135.00

I would have thought that most members present would have had an informative afternoon,and I am left wondering just what it is that people expect of an AGM. Perhaps you will drop me a line if you have any ideas as to how we enliven next years meeting.

98 Members of the Association Registered their presence at the AGM Chairman’s Report Only 98 members registered attendance at this year’s) AGM. I would like to believe, that the fact so few of you bothered to attend, signifies you appreciation of the excellent work undertaken bv thee Executive Committee during this past year, and that it does not signify a falling of interest.

You may rest assured of one thing that will change next year. The Chairman will not spend the afternoon rushing around the hall delivering a microphone to those who wish to speak. Next year, although microphones will be provided, one at each end of the top table, members wishing to speak will have to approach the microphones themselves. It is the Chairman's duty to take charge of the meeting, not act as it’s servant.

After the AGM, in fact it was in the entrance hall of the Salvation Army Citadel, I was advised that the AGM this year was boring. Was it? Not from where 1 was sitting.

The evening entertainment was again excellent. The proof of the pudding^Avere in the number who had to be forced to leave at midnight. AnjQme who didn’t bother to attend missed a real treat. As usual, on the Sunday morning, we were made most welcome at the Salvation Army citadel. However we were,(Unfortunately unable to parade our standards through the streets of Blackpool,as we have in previous year^as the police had requested that we did not do so.^tjaat gave very short notice and we were left with no time to protest. They are asking for a six month notice of our intentions on a future occasio^ Please be assured that we will apply extremely early to confirm next year’s parade, but do you want to paracteJNone of us is getting any younger, and the thought has occurred to me that this may be a good time to discontinue doing so. Just because we did something in the past does not mean we must continue to do it for ever. However the committee are there to comply with your requirements, so please drop me a line with your opinions on this matter.

The purpose of any AGM is to receive reports of the work of the past year, to pass accounts, to plan for the year ahead and to approve suggestions put forward regarding future policy and activities. This is exactly what was undertaken at this yeg(rs/ meeting. Along with various reports, there were the additions to the rule book to be considered, an amendment to the constitution to be debated, and the granting of the honorary membership to our Chaplain. All these should have allowed for enthralling debate. This was the time for members to put their “four pennyworth”, but we cannot force people to express their opinions. However, if they are not prepared to accept the opportunity at the time, what is the point in expressing an opinion later. The vote had been taken and the decisions made. It had been agreed that a representative from the The Veterans Agency ( war pensions) would address the meeting. They failed to attend and thereby robbed us of, what could have been a golden opportunity to make them aware of our feelings about the way they are mishandling our claims. Unfortunately this was something beyond our control

We have been invited to participate at the Cambridge History Festival Queens College this year, the weekend of 2 to 5 September. We have a number of videos which should be of interest to historians, and the intention is to show these by means of a television set installed on our exhibition stand, thus generating support for our cause. The festival organisers have agreed to show ‘ Children of the bomb’ on a large screen in the main exhibition hall. We also intend to sell memorabilia, in order to raise funds for the Association. If you live close to Cambridge, or intend

However David Harris, representing th^w}legal team who have undertaken litigation on behaif of many of you, did attend, and outlined the latest position in regard to the claims, answering all the questions put to him.

= War Pensions Blackpool During any other business, after David had left, a member asked “Why is it that Phe Associatioi0is nojtaking action for damages against the MoD. Why is it left to each individual member to take action®The simple fact is, (and 1 have taken legal advice on this very issue), that “The Association" (as an entity) have no claim against the MoD. Any harm that may have been perpetrated is against each individual, and must he progressed as such. Of course each veteran has the right to pursue their own claim if they so wish, however it is far better, and less expensive, to make these claims collectively, than it is individually.

The intended presentation by War Pensions did not take place, as their speaker failed to attend. No letter of apology was received Litigation David Harris, of Alexander Harris Solicitors, part of the legal team handling the litigation on our behalf, gave a comprehensive update on the latest position regarding our claims. Anv Other Business The raffle raised £135.00

l would have thought that most members present would have had an informative afternoon,and 1 am left wondering just what it is that people expect of an AGM. Perhaps you will drop me a line if you have any ideas as to how we enliven next years meeting.

98 Members of the Association Registered their presence at the AGM Chairman's Report Only 98 members registered attendance at this yea^s) AGM. 1 would like to believe, that the fact so few of you bothered to attend, signifies ycmjfippredation of the excellent work undertaken by me Executive Committee during this past year, and that it does not signify a falling of interest.

After the AGM, in fact it was in the entrance hall of the Salvation Army Citadel, I was advised that the AGM this year was boring. Was it? Not from where I was sitting.

The evening entertainment was again excellent. The proof of the puddin^ZWere in the number who had to be forced to leave at midnight. An\(J)ne who didn’t bother to attend missed a real treat. As usual, on the Sunday morning, we were made most welcome at the Salvation Army citadel. However we were.QJnfortunately unable to parade our standards through the streets of Blackpool,as we have in previous year^as the police had requested that we did not do so.^t^at gave very short notice and we were left with no time to protest. They are asking for a six month notice of our intentions on a future occasio^sj Please be assured that we will apply extremely early to confirm next year’s parade, but do you want to paraaeJ None of us is getting any younger, and the thought has occurred to me that this may be a good time to discontinue doing so. Just because we did something in the past does not mean we must continue to do it for ever. However the committee are there to comply with your requirements, so please drop me a line with your opinions on this matter.

The purpose of any AGM is to receive reports of the work of the past year, to pass accounts, to plan for the year ahead and to approve suggestions put forward regarding future policy and activities. This is exactly what was undertaken at this yegrsJ meeting. Along with various reports, there were the additions to the rule book to be considered, an amendment to the constitution to be debated, and the granting of the honorary membership to our Chaplain. All these should have allowed for enthralling debate. This was the time for members to put their “four pennyworth”, but we cannot force people to express their opinions. However, if they are not prepared to accept the opportunity at the time, what is the point in expressing an opinion later. The vote had been taken and the decisions made. It had been agreed that a representative from the The Veterans Agency ( war pensions) would address the meeting. They failed to attend and thereby robbed us of, what could have been a golden opportunity to make them aware of our feelings about the way they are mishandling our claims. Unfortunately this was something beyond our control

However David Harris, representing thpylegal team who have undertaken litigation on beharf of many of you, did attend, and outlined the latest position in regard to the claims, answering all the questions put to him.

t*-

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have come to Black po» m ™ Annual Conference. I th* have a pa rticular You have just cause to be an},

>nd your fc.ml.es of what I am sayingand even without ^ yQur Chap]aln, it more than 16 years hope, but in traordinary experience to find scarcely

to visit the festival, and can offer assistance, we wi bo most obliged. Just telling the visitors your own experiences would be of a great help. We are all “living history.” Again 1 would like to thank Blackpool Pleasure Beach Ltd. for the great courtesy shown to us on the AGM day.

has been my ex of any bitterness - P»m^“ing ail that, a common injusticfesVell, but ovu , • t for a\\ who

rrs-anam many cates or

John Lowe their widows.

The address given on behalf of our Chaplain at the Sunday service at Blackpool.

And there is much pride also - pr.de in shared service, pride in cooperation with veterans of other nationsjust look at the wide variety of flags on parade toe ay and a deep sense, against all prevailing odds, and under governments of all possible persuasions, that all will be well. It is not too much to say that this chimes in very well with the Easter story,^ and we meet, f needless to say, in the season of Easter. On Good Friday afternoon, everything seemed lost. Jesus was a lost cause, and his disciples went off and locked themselves away in terror. But by the grace of God, remember that with God. all things are possible. The Easter event, whatever exactly happened in that empty tomb and in the garden, was a turning point Christians would say the turning point - in human history, after which nothing was quite the same again. It provides hope and purpose for our faith and for our life, and perhaps the awareness that nothing is beyond the power of God may give you fresh hope and inspiration, and fresh cause for prayer as you continue to seek justice and recognition.

I would like yc/u miagine that you are sitting on a hillside in Galilee, listening to Jesus - the young preacher. He seems to speak with a kind of authority that you have not heard before, and what he says seems to make no sense at all. i

He is telling the crowd about the sort of people that God counts as especially blessed/[you - or rather, we , because we all think this way - expect him to say “Blessed are the strong, the successful, the wealthy, the beautiful people....” Instead he gives something totally different- “Who does God count especially blessed? The pure in heart and the poor, the meek,and the merciful, the peacemakers and the persecuted.” If you were feeling especially courageous, you might have stood up and put your hand up and said, But, Jesus,our world is not like that! I think the Lord would have replied, “No,it is not. but one day it will b^QOne day feet will be washed, people will learn to forgive and receive forgiveness 70x7 times, and all will be valued for just who they are. Not yet, I grant you, but it will be so when my kingdom has come, on earth as in heaven”.

i/raljy wish I could be with you this weekend - please Gbd' next year. If I may be allowed a personal word. I am now doing well and hope to be back in action by the middle of next month. The greetings, flowers and good wishes from t(hj\ssociation and ft’s! members have meant a great deal to me. I would like to thank you all, and I would also like to thank the Major and the members of the Salvation Army citadel here in Blackpool for the courtesy of allowing me to address you in this way. I really hoped to be with you, but 1 think my consultant felt the wind in Blackpool and the excessive hospitality of the veterans might finally do for me!

The teaching of Jesus in the sermon on the mount, which is surely the very heart of his good news, does indeed turn the world’s standards upside-down. It provides an inspiration for those who want to create Gods kingdom here on earth, which,after all,is the Christian calling. But it is very hard, because human nature is different. Human nature is inclined to be aggressive, to value strength and wealth and influence and importance. But the point is this. Jesus took our human nature in order to transform it and show a better way. The Easter season reminds us that he triumphed over pain and sin,and injustice,and more than that, promised a share in the new life which was to follow to all who put their trust in him

I send you my prayers and good wishes, and my very warm late greeting for a happy and holy Easter.

Nicholas Frayling Dean of Chichester

Minutes of the committee meeting held at the Paradise Room Blackpool

I said that it is difficult, and indeed it is, but for those with faith which certainly does not mean those who do not struggle, but faith can often be a struggle, those with faith, those who put their trust in God, find that there is meaning and purpose, even in the most seemingly hopeless situations. Perhaps I could address a word to the Nuclear tests Veterans who

Immediately after the AGM on the 17th April 2004 Present John Lowe - Derick Redfern Ken Roberts - Derick Heaps - Mavis Gardner - Bob

Smith ■ Peter Williams ■ Trevor Butler

This meeting was called to solve the problem caused by there being no nomination for the position of secretary, and therefore no secretary appointed to serve for the next year.

Membership fees Have you paid for this year? Are you one of the 150 members who have not bothered to pay their suscriptions this year? Just £10.00

Derick Redfern had volunteered to take over the post prior to the AGM.

Or have you just forgotten send your cheques to Ken Roberts 1 Regal Close Seaton Carew Hartlepool Cleveland TS25 IDG

However, as all nominations had to be in the hands of the secretary 10 days prior to the AGM (clause 10 of the constitution), and as the Chairman was prevented from taking nominations from the floor, his offer could not be accepted. The Chairman explained that he had taken legal advice over the matter, and outlined the procedure that was required to remedy the situation.

Branch News East Anglia Branch

It was necessary for Derick Redfern to resign from the Committee. Derick promptly resigned.

Keith Holmes writes to tell us all that he is in the process of setting up an East Anglia Branch of the BNTVA. Any members in that area who would like to be involved please contact Keith at the following address Keith Holmes 18 Henby Way Thorpe St Andrew Norwich Norfolk NR7OLD

Derick Heaps was then elected by unanimous vote to serve as Vice Chairman for the next year, (under clause 9 of the constitution) Derick Redfern was then elected to serve as National Secretary for the next year, (under clause 9e of the constitution) This left a vacancy for a committee member, however as the constitution calls for there to be not less than five and not more than nine members there is no necessity to co-opt any one else at this time.

email keithholmes@henby.fslife.co.uk Scotland Branch

John Lowe. Treasurers report June 2004 With all known bills paid at the end of M/Q200.4, we_^ had £6,4312.52 in the current account a(ndf629963. in the^business account. Vs^~~-------

There was an informal branch meeting at Balaklava Club Stirling on Saturday June 5th. The meeting was attended by 26 members. Bob Smith thanked them all for coming, Bob was released as before the meeting started he was worrred. that no one would turn up. Several questions were put to Bob which he tried to answer.

The mejn-b^ership fees are very slow this year. At the y we had only 799 paid up members. I am end of hoping \\Tien this newsletter is read, I will see a jump.

Some members expressed concern about the lawsuit which is in progress at the moment. Bob tried as best he could to put their minds at rest and to reassure them.

I have had to transfer monies from the business account to the current account to meet our bills; this would not normally happen at this time of year - so its fingers crossed.

Time was given for all to have a general chat two of the members present had not seen each otheVTor forty years despite both living in Scotland', addresses and phone numbers were exchange^ lets Hope they continue to speak to each other.

We have made Trevor Butler of Humberside responsible for buying and selling tee shirts and baseball caps. We are verylfrateful to him. The cost of these items can be seeittit the advertisement in this issue.

The possibility of future meetings was raised and it was decided to hold another on Saturday 4th December 2004 at the same venue.

Ken Roberts

During the meeting we appointed a branch treasurer

“Looking for 11 ad in the with his and your a sma and fir/dj Put . of the Newsletter Comrades” section name, unit, ship, ttc.

and deputy. The treasurer is Archie Loudon and the deputy is Alex Dickson. Looking forward to seeing more of the Scottish members at the next meeting. Bob Smith Scottish rep.

Message from the President.

Hastings Crash

Thankyou to all of you who donated to the appeal in the last newsletter, we raised about £50Q well done. We still need some more, so all you members in the London land the South East come on, the Standards are for your branches. Please send what you can to Ken Taylor 7 Turley Close Stratford London E15 3JD Cheques only please made out to London Branch BNTVA. Please do not send cash

In the last newsletter we had a report of a crash involving a Hastings aircraft. Another of the survivors from the crash has written to confirm the details as reported in the newsletter. He has added a comment about the accident report which had not been seen by our writer. The report was available, in it the investigators put their thoughts as to how the accident happened. A second aircraft was used to reproduce the same conditions as the first aircraft had experienced. The second aircraft was flown at 10,000 feet, the investigators came to the conclusion that the buffeting experienced by the first aircraft was due to

“Ho^vs^ that”

slow for the conditions. Due to the nervious experience of ^osjhg a propeller in flight the Captain mis-diagnosed the symptom of the stall as a prop coming off and therefore feathered the port outer engine. This made the crash inevitable.

In the Spring issue we had a report headed Ho^vs That. Two of our members have written in to expand on the story.

The cockpit fire remained a mystery.

/p\

Frank Craig has written to tell us he was the clerk who typed the the Station Routine Orders issued by Group Captain Giles.

This an edited version jaf the lette^r- the full letter is available for all to rea^pjease contact the editor. Cross Stitch

Patrick Munro has \vritten in and sent a copy of the original orders the exact wbding is as follows: Order Nol^D^sipline Swimming All Ranks

Apologies to all of you who are waiting for the cross stitch information. They will all be sent out over the next couple of weeks. Ted Whitehead writes that not all cross stitchers are doing it in secret. He has won several prizes for his work. A kneeler he worked is in Walkhampton Parish Church Devon.

The practice of swimming or sunbathing in the nude is to cease forthwith. “Pride of ownership is an understandable and human trait, but it is a service tradition that equip ment not intended for immediate use should be stowed away out of sight” In other words “wear shorts”..

He tells us that it is thought that ladies prefer kits and the men like to design their own items.

Message from the Editor

DEADLINE

In this edition of the newsletter you will have seen that there is very little from the membership. The next edition will be going out with blank pages if you do not send in your stories and reports.

The deadline for copy and photographs for the next issue of the newsletter is September 30th Please send newsletter itenjes only to the Editor Jeff Liddiatt 13 Wetlands Lane Portishead Bristol BS20 6RA email editor@bntva.com

In the nexUxlition two new items will be included, “What’s onQj^bnd in details of events in your branch area. Looking for Comrades(’ Is there someone you have not seen for many years arfid would like to try

ease aKe Note Sheila

Gray is no longer the secretary of the BNTVA. We will he most obiged if ever discontinued sending her BNTVAyone mail, as she only has to forward it on, and this is causing her a great deal of inconvenience as she is not in the best of health Please could you send all BNTVA mail to the secretary Derick Rcdfern 32 St Aubyn Crescent Newquay Cornwall TR72RQ

Special Event Come to East Anglia in July 3rd July 2004 at the Anglia Motel Washway Road on the A17(T) east of Holbeach Spalding Lines Grand Evening Entertainment with Dancing

8pm to 12.30am £2.50 on the door all proceeds to the National Funds of the BNTVA held in conjunction with the

Custom Car Show

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE YOUR STORY

Motel Accommodation +Tents+ Caravan Park+ Chalets contact Harold Payne at the Anglia Motel on

Volunteers needed to share their iexperiences for a book documenting thej British Nuclear Tests Veterans.

01406 422766 with the possibility of a BNTVA Church Parade on the Sunday 4th July

For further details please contact: David Illman 01273 736707 / 07947 005947 Top Floor, 8 Tisbury Road Hove East Sussex BN3 3BA

Yorkshire Branch On the 15 May a half marathon was run in Leeds. Ian Reed ran to raise funds for the West Yorkshire Branch of the BNTVAfhe ran a fine race, well within the alloted time,it also gave the BNTVA a lot of good publicity. It the phcftgraph above you see Ian with his father in-law Brian Gay who is the branch treasurer. Keep up the good work Ian and keep training for next year. On October 3rd 2004 the West Yorkshire Branch will be holding a parade and service at Leeds Parish Church at 10.30am to mark National Veterans Day and the anniversary of the first atom test. All are welcome

FOR SALE Base B^ll caps

one size to fit all

£11.50 each

Tee-Shirts

Large and Extra Large from stock other sizes to order

£12.50 each

Teddy Bears

to order only

£12.00 each

All prices inclusive of Postage & Packing Orders with cheque made out to the BNTVA to:Trevor Butler 75 Woldcarr Road Hull HU36TR 9

BRITISH NUCLEAR TESTS VETERANS ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN

NATIONAL SECRETARY

John G. Lowe 45 SheflS^ke Road Broadftemh Altrincham Cheshire WA14 5LJ Tel/Fax 0161 941 52164

Derick Re fern 32 St. Aivhyn Crescent Newquay Cornwall TR72RQ

VICE CHAIRMAN & TRIBUNALS OFFICER Derek Heaps 4 Bakewell Drive Castle Donnington Derby DE7 2NF

Tel/Fax 0163 787 9048

Tel/Fax 0133 281 1429

TREASURER

WIDOWS REPRESENTATIVE

Ken Roberts 1 Regal Close Seaton Carew Hartlepool Cleveland TS25 IDG Tel/Fax 0142 927 3392

Mavis Gardner 3£PLink Road ^Njsty Leicester LE7 7BW

Bob Smith 11 Holyknowe Crescent Lennoxtown Glasgow G65 7DY

Tel/Fax 0116 236 4737

Tel 01360 311300

Peter Williams 27 Heol Myryddin Ffairfach Llandeilo Dyfed SA196PD Tel 0155 882 2141

Trevor Butler 75 Woldcarr Road Hull Humberside HU3 6TR Tel 0148 257 1431

ADVISORS TO THE COMMITTEE HON PRESIDENT Peter Fletcher MBE 11 Lord Street St.Helens Merseyside WA10 2SJ Tel/^c 01744 630612

ADVISING SOLICITOR Ian Greenhalgh LLB 15 Beech Hall Street Wigan WN6 7HT Tel 01942 820202 F^c)01942 235293

NEWSLETTER EDITOR & WEB SITE MANAGER

NATIONAL STANDARD BEARER

Jeff Liddiatt 13 Wetlands Lane Portishead Bristol BS20 6RA

Douglas Hern 36 Bell Lane Moulton Spalding Lines PE12 6PH Tel 0140 637 1134

Tel.01275 848965 email for newsletter items only editor@bntva.com

CHAPLAIN The Very Revd. Nicholas Frayling Dean of Chichester The Deanery Canon Lane Chichester West Susex P019IPX

' :

branch represenatives Scot land

North Wales

South Wales

Bob Smith 11 Holy k no we Crosepent Lennoxtown Glasgow G65 7DY

Peter & Gron Williams 27 Heol Myryddin Fairfach Llandeilo Dyfed

Tel 01360 311300

Peter J3ullen Penland Mill Cottage Llanddegai Bangor Gwynedd LL574LG Tel 0124 835 2708

Tel 0155 882 2141

Hu mberside

West Yorkshire

Greater Manchester & Cheshire

Trevor Butler 75 Woldcarr Road Hull Humberside HU3 6TR

Wally Hols worth 11 Foundry Walk Leeds LS8 3PZ , \

Tel 0148 257 1431

Tel 0113 297 6149

East Midlands Marilyn Hall (Mrs) 335 Shetland Road Leicester LE4 6RS

4 Milton Kevnes Pat Hurley 24 Caxton Road Old Wolverton Milton Keynes MK12 50PG Tel 0190 831 3024

Tel 0116 225 1783 Fax 0116 225 1784

&.Ps>

Cornwall Noel Hendy 2 Bowdens Row West End Redruth Cornwall TR15 2TS Tel 0120 921 4814

Portsmouth Les Gosling 49 Lincoln Road Fra t ton Portsmouth Hants POl5BG

Sussex Jim Cooper 30 Beaumont Road Worthing West Sussex BN14 8HD

Tel ^129^261 4673

Tel 0190 323 2108

East Anglia Keith Holmes 18 Henby Way Thorpe St Andrew Norwich Norfolk NR7OLD

Dorset & Somerset Richard Wallis Broadville 15 Highland Road Weymouth Dorset DT4 OBJ

Australia Ron Knight

Tel:

Tel 0130 575 5941 Fax 0130 575 9259

Tel 0061 1863 777 003

London Ken Taylor 7 Turley Close Stratford London E15 3JD Tel 0208 555 2644