winter 2010

Winter 2010

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See page 22 for an article on this great garden railway

Hello again, for Atomic Veterans" this has opened the door to a huge potential increase in membership. As a charity membership is now open to all and by rejoining COBSEO (Confederation of British Service and ExService Organisations) we are in touch with a great number of Service and Ex-Service Organisations, this can only serve to spread awareness of us even further.

Summer is finally over and with it goes the main holiday period. I have been fortunate to enjoy a number of holidays this year from city breaks & Lake District walks through camping trips both in the UK and on the Continent, to sizzling by the pool under the Algarve sun. I don't lead a lavish lifestyle, but after many years of the odd restrained holiday I decided we needed to play 'catch-up'. Well I think I was right, I have managed to tackle all the challenges of this year without getting dragged down either physically or mentally, I have broken all my activities into manageable chunks and got on with them, with the result that at the back end of this year I am content that everything is in hand and progressing as it should.

During the review of our corporate image it also emerged that without a central office we appeared a rag tag of individuals, this was clearly not the best image to promote, so we set about investigating the various options. Rather than lease an office and presumably staff it, we have gone down the 'virtual technology' route. This does not mean that we have wired Jeff to the internet with welding goggles and rubber gloves covered in wires! We have simply made use of technology that allows us to have a London office address, and a National telephone number that will remain constant regardless of the changes of personnel running the Association. A permanent professional base.

This counts not just for myself but also for the way we have developed the Association since the AGM. We came away from Blackpool with a huge amount of work to do, some of which we didn't even have a clear idea how we could begin to achieve.

Well bit by bit, challenge by challenge, we are managing to move them all forward.

My only regret this year is that I have, as yet, not been able to attend any of the Branch meetings. However, in this edition of our Journal I intend to give every member a full update on what we have achieved so far this year.

The review of our corporate image has been commissioned and completed by an enterprising young design company 'Firm Creations', and you will begin to see the new branding appearing in our letters, magazine and website over the next few months.

On the subject of the National Telephone Contact number, please use this to contact any of the BNTVA Officers and Trustees.

We use a 'call back' system where you leave your name and contact number, and a brief message, stating your question, or who you wish to talk to, and we will then ring you. This will help members keep their phone bills down. Call back requests can be made at any time but we will only respond between the hours of 0900 -1700 Monday to Friday.

One of the greatest impacts of the rebranding is the subtle change to using the name "BNTVA - the Charity

As many of you are aware, Bob Smith is due to retire from the Membership Secretary role at the next AGM. Bob has worked 3

round the corner, or shop in the same supermarket as one? Only by generating a high level of interest will we bring the media spotlight in our direction, enabling us to turn this into an annual event.

long and hard, at what is one of the most essential jobs in any organisation. It was hoped that we had found someone willing to step into Bob's shoes, but unfortunately due to health reasons this was not to be. At our last meeting we agreed that the task of coordinating the membership records was so important to our operational activities that, if we could not find a suitable volunteer then we would have to look for a corporate solution. This now seems to be the best option, and surprisingly it is also a very economic option. Hopefully by the AGM Bob will have overseen the transition to the corporate solution, and the onerous task of keeping everything up to date will no longer fall to one of our volunteers.

The study is finally ready to go and I have written a separate article in the journal covering this.

The fantastic work done by Tracey and Jeff with the Royal British Legion on the Educational Pack should now be coming to fruition with its distribution to all schools. For me personally this is a great achievement, after years of pushing to get our story across, and gain recognition of what our veteran members experienced.

We have reached the stage where every schoolchild will have access. As these children grow they will take this knowledge we have shared, and it will create a wider awareness.

On the membership costs front, we have nitiated a Student Membership, currently 10 pa on production of a Student Card, am currently negotiating with Derby Jniversity to gain us the services of a Public Relations and Fundraising representative.

Taking on board all the concerns expressed by the AGM of appropriateness and cost we are looking to give a student the opportunity to gain valuable experience by putting their studies into practise. This solution will give us the input of fresh new skills at a very affordable rate, and will also put something back to the community, giving a young person positive, valuable experience, for their portfolio.

On the financial front we have created a trust fund and operating fund, as directed by the AGM and have also made ethical investments with BlackRock in to the Armed Forces Common Investment Fund (AFCIF).

We are still trying to identify a suitable Credit Union, but our requirement for a National service precludes us from the majority. The Royal British Legion were to review their plans to establish one, and we await developments.

NAVAD National Atomic Veterans Awareness Day 10th September 2011 at the National Memorial Arboretum. Expect to hear lots more about this event in the coming months. Plans are well underway.

A number of MP's have expressed interest in supporting the event but we are still looking to make contact with any celebrities who may show an interest. Do you live

Well that's a round-up of the key things we have been working on so far this year. We still have a lot to accomplish, but I firmly believe we are well on track to achieve the 'Going Forward Together' aims to ensure the future of the Association.

Nigel Heaps 4

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A WORD OR TWO OF INSPIRATION As I write this, people all over the world are rejoicing at the rescue of the miners in Chile - a story which has gripped the hearts of people in every land. It has been noteworthy for many reasons, but for me, one feature has stood out in all the coverage of the events as they unfolded: Cl IICUHSTHR the faith of the people - the families, the rescuers, the politicians and CATHEDfloL the trapped men themselves. All concerned prayed as if everything de­ pended on God and acted as if everything depended on them. That is a very good parable of the Christian life as it should be lived, as people recognize their dependence on God, and seek to cooperate with Him in the ordering of their daily lives, however challenging.

Which brings me to my second ‘word’. On 3rd October, the anniversary of the first sailing from Portsmouth to inaugurate the British atomic tests, in 1952, a group of veterans from that city came, with their wives, to Chichester for the Cathedral Eucharist. It was a joy to welcome them. One elderly lady said to the veterans, ‘It’s because of lads like you that people like me are here and safe and free: thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service.’ It would be good to think that such gratitude is received by today’s servicemen and women, especially those whose service puls their lives or their health at risk.

May I assure you all of my continuing prayers for you and your families, and send my warmest greetings for Christmas and the New Year, whatever it may hold.

I

5

Finally the Study Launched - We Need You In April 2009 the then Minister for Veterans and Under Secretary of State for Defence, Mr Kevan Jones announced; The Government is, however, determined to address the ongoing concerns of nuclear test veterans. I had a constructive meeting with the BNTVA and interested MPs on Monday 20 April. I am pleased to report that the BNTVA have agreed to help identify a representative sample of veterans and their descendants with a view to conducting an assessment of their health needs. I therefore announce today an intention that the Ministry of Defence will work with veterans and experts to finalise the details of research to investigate the particular health needs of nuclear test veterans and their offspring with a view to identifying priorities and taking action to improve health. I also intend some follow-up to last year's New Zealand chromosome study. The aim will be for projects to be of practical relevance to veterans with results delivered to a reasonable time scale. The work will be tendered in the normal manner and should be underway before the end of this year. A working group including representatives from the BNTVA will be established to take these projects forward. ' \

J

“WANTS

This signalled the start of a series of meetings involving ourselves, John Baron, our Patron and the Ministry of Defence.

The last AGM also gave us a clear mandate to work closely with Ministers and the MOD to achieve this study and we duly contacted all parties to reiterate this.

Since the election we had been concerned that little or no

movement had taken place and the alarm bells began to sound that funding may be cut or the study severely restricted. John pursued the matter with his parliamentary colleagues and we began to develop a plan of action should the worst happen. Thankfully at what seemed the eleventh hour Jeff and I attended a meeting with Miles & Green Associates, who are an independent specialist public health and management consultancy that have been successful in the tender to conduct the study.

We are pleased to announce that the study will shortly commence and that it does so with our full support and involvement.

Whilst it may seem the study may fall short of the initial announcement

by Kevan Jones, we have worked closely with the MoD, and Miles & Green Associates of Oxford, to identify the type of research that will provide the information we most desperately need whilst ensuring that it is robust enough to stand peer review.

To help us achieve our key aims, especially in the area of support, we need to quantify the health and wellbeing problems faced by Veterans to ensure we target our activities and resources to the greatest effect. This study will provide such information.

The issue of Veterans children & grandchildren will also be studied, but through the experience of the Veterans themselves. This is the only way such results can gain wider credibility, especially given that a comprehensive three month internet based initiative, launched almost two year ago to reach out to the minimal estimated 20,000 descendents of Tests Veterans resulted in a response level of less than 50. The results in relation to our Veterans descendents will also create the basis for us to formulate a structured approach to their specific issues, and should serve as a foundation to any future work.

The packs, along with a letter of endorsement from the BNTVA, will be out with Veterans shortly. Please participate and provide the researchers with as much information as you possibly can.

N Heaps Chairperson

7

The First Step The MOD has commissioned an independent study looking at the health and health needs of the British nuclear test veterans. The work will document how veterans think their health, and the health of their descendants, may have been affected by their military service. It will ask about major illnesses or disabilities that veterans have suffered from, and their views about the health and social care services they have received.

One of the aims of the work is to give clear recommendations on the services veterans need, and how existing services could be improved.

The study starts in November 2010 and should be completed in 6-8 months.

The work is being carried out by a small team of experienced researchers at Miles and Green Associates of Oxford.

The first part of the study is a postal questionnaire, which is open to any test veteran living in the UK to complete. All veteran members of the BNTVA will automatically receive a copy of this questionnaire in the post during November, and request that you complete it, and send it back in the envelope provided by the end of November. The more people, who take part by returning the questionnaire, will give the researchers a clearer picture of the issues veterans have faced, and are still facing in their daily lives.

In the second part of the research, in the New Year, the researchers will be running discussion groups around the UK to hear veterans' stories in more depth.

The findings of the research will be published in the spring of 2011.

Regular updates on how the research is going will be published in 'Campaign'.

Look out for more details coming to you in the post in November.

8

Behind the Scenes: Derek Heaps In the last issue of Campaign I asked Jeff Liddiatt, our National Secretary, to give our readers an insight to his life, and the work he carries out for the BNTVA. I now turn to Derek Heaps, who as a member of the Management Team, and a Trustee for the BNTVA is probably one, if not the longest serving member of our committee.

Over the years Derek has given countless hours on a voluntary basis and has helped many people, particularly widows, in helping them with War Pension claims.

I am sure you will find Derek’s life story very interesting. Tracey Morris.

exam each year. At the end of the two year course, covering all sorts of subjects besides the three ‘Rs’, the school suggested what sort of occupation they thought you would be suited for. My elder brother had gone to work at Rolls Royce in the drawing office.

When it came to me they suggested any metal trade but draughtsmanship with a bit more detailed training.

Our father had a small building firm and during the school holidays I loved going out with him on the building sites. So 1 said “I would like to be a Plumbing and Heating Engineer.” My father arranged for me to be trained at the largest P&H firm in the Derby area. I was a bound apprentice starting work forty eight hours per week @ 6p an hour for the first year, with rises of 6p an hour every year to the age of twenty one. 1 attended Technical Collage one day and three nights a week during term time. 1 finished up with 1st class City & Guilds in plumbing and then 1 studied for my National in building which I passed.

I was born in July 1933, started school at the age of three because my elder brother, Arthur, was there, and we were very close. I seemed to follow my brother educationally all my school life. Arthur passed a scholarship at the age of thirteen for the Derby Arts and Crafts school, and so did I. It was quite an accomplishment as only twelve boys and twelve girls out of the Derby Borough were allowed to pass the 9

RAF Padgate I was transferred to RAF St Athan in South Wales.

In January 1952 1 met this lovely girl at a dance, we got engaged a year later and we got married on my embarkation leave in November 1956. We have two children - Nigel born October 1962, and Debra born May 1965. We also have four grand children - Nigel has two boys and Debra has a boy and a girl.

During my life 1 have always enjoyed being on the stage entertaining.

Even at school 1 took the part of the Dragon in St George and the Dragon, The part brought the house down in more ways than one. 1 charged out of the cave 1 forgot to lower my head to get out of the cave and it got stuck on my horns. Later on in life I met up with some chaps and we went around working men’s clubs with a miming act. In May 1954, BBC TV wrote to our agent offering an audition. Unfortunately, we had to turn it down as we were all the same age, within a month or two, and we all was called up to serve Queen and Country. When 1 was at RAF St Athan I joined the entertainments group and took the part of the Dame in the Pantomime.

I have been in all sorts of theatrical societies, even operatic, after leaving the RAF. After trade training, I was posted to RAF Dishforth in Yorkshire, working on Hastings aircraft. I was promoted a couple of times, and reached the dizzy heights of Senior Air Craftsman, working on first line servicing on shift work (day and night flying). It was a master diversion unit so we worked on all types of aircraft.

In July 1954 I was dragged into the RAF on conscription. The recruiting Sergeant at RAF Cardington suggested that I should be trained on piston engines. I looked at him a little puzzled “What did my work in civvy street have any connections with that trade?” I thought. His logic was that there are pipes on engines! So after square bashing at 10

In November 1956, I, along with my girl friend Valeric, went to my friend’s wedding in Harrogate.

When I arrived home, there was a telephone message from one of the chaps on the squadron saying that my name was on orders to do detached duty on 1325 Might Dakota’s prior to being moved to Christmas Island. Valerie and 1 were planning to get married the following year. However, we moved it up on a special marriage licence and got married the following Saturday. How the family organised it at such short notice 1 do not know.

We had a traditional White Wedding at the church where 1 was a choirboy when 1 was younger; a three tiered wedding cake (the father in law worked at the Co-op bakery); lovely sit down reception, and a four day honeymoon in a hotel in London.

terminating at Christmas Island. It was a bit of a culture shock, we had lived in hotels on the way out, and at Christmas Island we was directed to a crab infested tent Cl9, a wire camp bed, and your back nearly rested on the Moor.

The Dakota’s arrived about three days later. Very quickly, the extra fuel tanks were taken out and a six days a week service to Malden Island began. We used to take it in turns to My with the aircraft. The Dakota only did about 120 miles an hour, so it took about 4 hours to get there, and of course, the same back.

Once 1 Mew with one of the aircraft down to Samoa, tiny grass strip landing Meld.

I saw the second Bomb explode over Malden; the blast rocked the aircraft a bit.

On getting back to work, we collected the three Dakota’s from Prestwick airport where they had been in storage. The Dakota’s had been Mtted with extra fuel tanks in the main body of the aircraft so that they could do the long haul Might from San Francisco to Honolulu (2000 miles). My own journey went the other way around the globe via: Malta, North Africa, Iraq, Pakistan, Ceylon, Singapore, and North Borneo, in addition to three different places in Australia, Fiji, Canton Island, before Mnally

The Squadron Leader volunteered the Might to go to Maralinga, myself and Mve others said that we did not want to go. The Squadron Leader was not very pleased, to put it mildly, and said he would make sure that we had all the dirty jobs to do on the island. As it turned out, we were the only aircraft tradesmen left on the island. Therefore, we saw to all the visiting aircraft and did the turn round for the aircraft taking the army lads back home. One day three Dakota’s came back with a 11

fancied teaching - I had passed enough exams to do it. One day my wife, Valerie, saw a post advertised at a Government Training Centre for an Instructor in Heating & Ventilating. I applied, passed the two hour theory lest; a three person interview; and a five hour practical test. Two weeks later, I was offered the post to start ASAP at Long Eaton Training Centre. It was the start of a long career in the training service, in various posts, finishing up as a skill centre manager. In November 1988 I had to take medical retirement.

very irate Squadron Leader when he found out what a good time we had had! He said “There is a ship leaving tomorrow it will take about four weeks to get back to England’' So we beat a hasty retreat to the tents, packed our kit and the next day sailed on The Empire Clyde through the Panama canal across the Caribbean and the Atlantic and docked in Liverpool. So 1 circumnavigated the world. After 28 days leave I went back to my old job on Long Range Squadron at RAF Dishforth. 1 was demobbed June 1958. good With fortune, I was offered a job within two days of leaving the RAF. I undertook the occupation of building maintenance • ^ work at Qualcast foundry. It was a ggjjg^ ' muckyjob, seven ------days a week, however, earning twice as much as out on the building sites. *■-

. ** i

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H.M.T. EMPIRE CLYDE

What does one do with your time after years of being busy? One day I saw an article about Archie Ross, and the long and short of it was, I got very involved with the Association on the tribunal side of things travelling

In January 1962 the family and I went to live in Paignton in South Devon, where we stayed until February 1964. We then returned to Derby. As an occupation, I always 12

all over England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Island. Alongside this, I was involved at: branch, group and county level of The Royal British Legion. In addition, I was accepted to serve on the East Midlands War Pensions Advisory Committee. 1 also worked for a number of years for COBSEO always pushing the needs of the BNTVA where possible.

The story is not yet ended -1 hope it has many years to run.

13

Congratulations

*u.

Doris and Trevor Butler celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on September 24Ih 2010. They took a cruise to Italy and on their return held a celebration lunch for family and friends. The pictures show Doris and Trevorcutting the cake and the special card Doris had made for Trevor. * When they returned fropn their cruise to Italy, a bouquet of roses was sent to Doris and Trevor frohn tfie B’NtVA trustees and membership to mark this special occasion.

I

BRANCH NEWS Humberside branch The Humberside Standard was paraded at the Veterans Weekend.

In the Veterans tent we were able to display pictures and shop items, I am pleased to report sales brought in £64.00, the new trolley tokens made £35.00 as I offered them for £1.00, Other stalls selling theirs at a lot more I had a short discussion with the new East Hull MP and discussed some of the BNTVA aims and concerns, one of them being the supposed fast track for medical treatment for veterans with illness caused by Military Service. Alan Johnson my MP has also been contacted.

I have met with Mr G Wilson a Maralinga Test Veteran who has just retired as a Hull City Councillor and is now an Alderman.

Trevor Butler

East Anglia Branch The BNTVA Anglian Branch meets 4 times a year in the small village of Croxton (nrThetford in Norfolk).

We have a wonderful turnout each meeting and there is always something nice to say or hear from the members. Sadly in August we lost a valued member of the Branch David Penny (David wasthegreat nephew of Sir William Penny). Membersattended hisfuneral at Kings Lynn, and at his widow Barbara's request, the coffin was dressed with the BNTVA colours. Barbara also asked for the Branch Standard to be paraded. The day was both emotional and very poignant.

David had left instructions that there were to be no flowers. Barbara requested donations only, which were to go to the Christmas Island Fund for the children of the Island. Barbara presented the fund with a cheque for £560.00 at out last branch meeting in September.

Mrs A Hern (Sandie) has now taken up the post of secretary for the branch.

Doug continues to pass legal enquiries to Rosenblatt Solicitors.

AH 15

Medway Group report Clive Barker writes to tell us that as a result of his appeal in Campaign new group from the Medway area has met for the first time. If any other veteran in the Medway area would like to join the group for the next meeting, which is programmed for Spring 2011 please contact Clive on 01795 428942

from left to right Douglas Caryer (RN) Ray Webber (REME) Derek Wood (RN) Clive Barker (RAF) Going Forward Together - Step Three In my address to the AGM I announced my intention to launch new voluntary posts under the 'going forward together' initiative. These posts are now known as BNTVA Support Workers.

In the last edition of the magazine I asked for volunteers to come forward. I am pleased to say that quite a few of you have, and a significant proportion are non-veteran members. This is fantastic, but we still have room for more, so if it passed you by or you were hesitating then now is the time to get in touch.

As part of our closer working relationship with the Royal British-Legion we are looking to run a training event, to provide our BNTVA Support Workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct assessments and raise cases for RBL support. This will advance the task of creating the Support Worker role, and I am confident we will be delivering a service across much of the country by the next AGM. These posts are an excellent opportunity for involving your Sons and Daughters.

Let them share in your heritage and learn the satisfaction of helping others.

NH 16

To build on the success of the 2010 AGM thg

2011 BNTVA AGM and ConfereM^; will to be held from Friday 13th Ma|^o<m Sunday 15th May 2011 at The Norbieck Castle HoteT it ^ i

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A package has been arranged the event to take place at one location for the whole weekend.

The cost is £85 per person for two nights Dinner Bed and Breakfast.

This price includes cancellation insurance.

At the last AGM some members who were unable to attend lost all their money as the payments were non refundable.

We have negotiated insurance cover for all payments made to the hotel for the 2011 AGM and Conference A booking form is included with this edition of the magazine bookings can only be made using this form.

All booking are on a first come first served basis, only a certain number of rooms have been reserved.

Late bookings will not be available this year.

For those members and supporters who will not be staying in the hotel, The Gala Dinner on Saturday 14th May will cost £19.50 per person.

The booking form should also be used for attendance at the Gala Dinner only.

17

BNTVA NEW CONTACT DETAILS Registered Charily Number 1131134

24 Hour Ring Back Service 0208 144 3080 BNTVA BM 5657 LONDON WC1N3XX This is the only correspondence address and telephone number for the Association National Chairman

National Treasurer

Nigel Heaps (Skype nigel.heaps) email: chairman @bntva.com

Carol Longden National Membership Secretary

National Vice Chairman

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

Derek Heaps email dcrck.heaps@gmail.com

Chaplain National Secretary

The Very Revd Nicholas Frayling BA, LLD

Jeff Liddiatt

Dean of Chichester email dcan@chichestercathedraI.org.uk

email: secrctary@bntva.com 18

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Trustee

London Events Organiser & Trustee

Mrs Tracey Morris email tm269@st-andre\vs.ac.uk

Trustee

Don Janies CAMPAIGN Editor and Web Manager As Secretary National Standard Bearer Terry Washington

Ian Grcenhalgh LLB email ian.grecnhalgh@greenhalghs.net

Widows’s Contact Mavis Gardner

Shop Manager & Trustee G2+ Committee Secretary Janet Bird

Trevor Butler

Members/Advisors Tracey Morris Nigel Heaps Owen Stevens Carol Longdcn

Archive Administrator & Trustee ::

•

Doug Hern email doughcm@tiscali.co.uk

19

BLACKPOOL VENUE

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To build on the success of last year at the trustees meeting 21st June, 2010, Carol Longden and I were given the task of checking out venues suitable for our BNTVA members. The BNTVA had received an invite to the Norbreck Castle Hotel to be part of their annual "Best of Britannia", Britannia Hotels Reunion Organiser's Ball, 5th September, 2010, and as Jeff and Nigel could not attend, due to other commitments, it was agreed at the trustees meeting that Carol and I would attend, and at the same time carry out a reconnaissance for other suitable venues.

which up until 2009 had been free.

It was decided that disabled access would be a priority. The ideal solution would be to have a conference venue within the hotel where the members were staying.

All possibilities were inspected by Carol and I with our partners. We walked from the South Promenade right to the Centre Promenade (where parking becomes a real issue) - we were later told by the Norbreck staff that far from walking the Golden Mile - we had actually walked several miles.

Conference Venues

The Parisienne and Tiffany's, for many, would be a hard venue to follow for the wonderful food, hospitality and entertainment.

However, in addition to hotel accommodation, Carol and I were also tasked with finding a suitable conference venue - Unfortunately neither The Parisienne or Tiffany's had a conference hall large enough for our needs.

Before going to Blackpool, Jeff and I looked into various conference venues including The Winter Gardens, who wanted £2,000 + VAT - whether booked through Blackpool's Tourist Team - Visit Blackpool or not. Similarly, the Paradise Rooms also wanted £1,750 + VAT. The Royal British Legion's main concert hall is always in use on a Saturday, and Blackpool Football Club prices were £895 + VAT plus extras. Blackpool and the Fylde College did not feel they could provide a suitable venue for the numbers required.

Many of us had been utterly shocked at the cost, at extremely of the Paradise short notice Rooms, Pleasure Beach in 2010, 20

Hotels with a Conference Room Factors into consideration: Disability access, parking, enough accommodation for our members, standard entertainment, of facility, affordability for members. Other factors: cost of refreshments, evening raffle.

From The Hilton Hotel, with parking for over 300 cars, four star accommodation,and274bedrooms, ^ . ... , ,. . ,( .

Rooms per night including breakfast r , Ul £140 per person fora double room; r„ £ . , r \ a \ £90 for a single room. Carol and I . ... . r n had the pleasure of seeing a George _ . ^ u • Formby convention when carrying -ru ^ a out our reconnaissance. The Grand . . .. . , r. . . .

Metropole Hotel, after an internet u , .

• | it -T-i search had no rooms available. The . . . . r.I . . . .r Imperial Hotel, one of the oldest, if not the oldest hotel in Blackpool, .. u 4. i u ion i •«i the hotel has 180 rooms, along with .. ... . . .

15 meeting rooms which can hold , up to 600 guests, but no rooms on the dates required. Finally, The Norbreck Castle Hotel, turned out to be the best on offer and

weekend Friday 13th May - Sunday 15th May 2011. For a two night package the price would be £107 inclusive of breakfast, a three course dinner.

The package includes the conference venue, in house entertainment and a three course gala dinner with entertainment the hotel also provides a raffle prize of a complimentary two night stay.

Je« has since negotiated a further ;educt,°n *e pr.ce, (see booking form and advertisement for further . _ . . _ information). The hotel has over ./ .

800 parking spaces, disabled . ^ , access, and lifts to all rooms. Pack . your swimming costumes as the , . , . , Hotel has an indoor pool , which , , , I have on good authority, the r , , .

7 Mayor of Blackpool uses every . , , , , morning! (The mayor announced 8°odthe facilities were at the Ball). As for the Ball is was a truly , r, . . , r , wonderful occasion and the food, , , . ~ entertainment and hospitality . , , was bnlliant ' '* was als0 a 8°°d opportunity to network with other char,Bes ,0 ,urthdr our cause'

Carol and took the opportunity to negotiate a good price for the

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Tracey Morris

The Crooked Valley Railroad The crooked valley railroad is a G scale or Garden Scale representation based on the narrow gauge railways used in America in the mining and timber areas. G scale is two inches or 45mm and equates to 1/32 scale.

The timber bridges came as kits forassembly but the metal ones arescratch built by me usinganelectricarc machine. Alloflherollingstockisbasedon American designs but there is European or German stock available. It just happens that 1 like the American ones.

American narrow gauge is three feet wide and carriages can hang over quite a bit but was best for mountain lines, because it was less work to clear the track-way and the tunnels were easier to dig.

22

I haven’t had the time I would have liked in the past few years, but intend to spend more time when 1 retire as membership secretary next year.

The models of people take a long while to set out so there are only a few in the photos, my favourite is Jeff and Nigc in conference at the Dunny outside.

Most ofyou know my address is in Lennoxtown but it was only called that to be subservient to the lady who owned the castle. She was supposed to be a direct descendant of Esme Stewart 1st Duke ofLennox, cousin to Charles 1. Itshould rightly be calledNewton ofCampsie (Newtown), The Clachan was the original village with Milton (Milltown) of Campsic a mile away from the Newton.

So where, you ask, does the crooked valley come in, well Campsie is Gaelic for crooked fairy hills, and I live between two rows of hills. The Fells at the back of my house rise about 1600 feet and the ones in front about 500.

' V"'

Life It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.

The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health.

He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.'

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, i

'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'

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True love is neither physical, nor romantic.

True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

The Happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did.

'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, But how to dance in the rain.'

We are all getting older Tomorrow may be our turn.

Enjoy life now—it has an expiration date you know!

THOUGHTS, IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS Although we are only half way through the Association year, in practical terms the next AGM is not that far away. I want to ensure that as many members as possible get the chance to voice their ideas and opinions. Now this doesn't mean you will have to stand up and present a motion or contribute to a debate, as I know many people find that a daunting prospect.

My job, as Chairperson, is to give everyone that fair chance, so with this in mind, if you don't think you are up to delivering a motion to the AGM, but want the chance for your ideas to be heard, I would like you to send them to me. I will undertake to research them and take them to the executive committee, where hopefully we will be able to produce motions to take your idea to the AGM. Please drop me a line, or send me an email with your thoughts, ideas and suggestions for any matter relating to the BNTVA. NH 25

I would like to bring to the notice of the BNTVA members of two people who have for over twenty five years represented North and South Wales.

Peter Bullen and Mrs Euronwy Williams - known as Gron, have despite ill health and other personal difficulties, worked for the Association for well over twenty five years.

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Peter has represented the voice of Wales at meetings, giving valuable and well reasoned input during heated discussion from the members. At the conception of the Association in 1984, he started the first newsletter, raising funds, producing and distributing it to members of the Association.

At that time, the newsletter was the main source of contact for members with the newly formed Association. Peter's work and enthusiasm have been much appreciated by the previous Chairman, John Lowe, and me, as we both have had many long conversations with him, going over our hopes for the future of the Association. He has been our spokesman in Wales for the newspapers and radio, and kept them informed, without elaboration, of our progress or lack of progress in the Courts.

Peter and Euronwy Williams became joint representatives for South Wales at the same time in 1984. Their hard work also helped to raise funds for the production of the news letter. In the last eighteen years they were co-organisers with Cllr Stan Jenkins the veterans' parade in Risca. Sadly, Peter died five years ago, his living memorial is "Peter's Tree’ planted in the National Arboretum, and funds were also raised for the installation of a Welsh bench at the site. Mrs Williams immediately took over where her husband left off, and continued with the fund raising work in Wales. She also continues with the help of her daughter Carol to work with Stan Jenkins organising the Risca parade.

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Peter, Gron, raised a great deal of money over the years for the Association, producing food for many buffets , giving raffle prices, and providing transport for local members who wished to attend branch meetings, and since Peter’s death Gron’s work for the Association continues with her daughter Carol Our heartfelt thanks to our friends in Wales, for their generosity and unstinting help throughout the years, despite the growing apathy among our ageing members.

Bob Smith.

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Media Representation - An Update Earlier this year media attention swung again toward our Test Veteran Members.

A number of journalists began chasing down their stories with the usual drive to get the best copy, and a few members were besieged with telephone calls, causing them anxiety and confusion. As Chairperson I am not prepared to stand by and watch our Veterans be subject to journalistic pressure and 'muck raking', and after consulting with a number of executive colleagues the decision was taken to appoint a Media Representative (Press Secretary).

Luckily the establishment of this office had been approved at the AGM and the Trustees had recently discussed the best practise for establishing and evaluating the role. Alan Rimmer was duly appointed to act as our Media Representative.

The role of Media Representative will be one of paramount importance during the next year as not only will we be approached for news copy regarding progression of the litigation, but also because we ourselves will be generating news, as we continue to implement the landmark changes agreed at the AGM. It is essential that a consistent coherent message be given to the media, thereby preventing potential damage to the Association, and indeed to the Litigation process, in which a considerable number of our members are engaged. Therefore, all requests for information or opinion from the media must now be directed straight to our Media Representative (contact details at the foot of this article). This will not prevent you as individuals contributing to any release in the press, but they must be made through the official channel.

We must stress that this is not a form of censorship; it is simply good practise to ensure we are neither deliberately, nor inadvertently misquoted, and that information is given the widest publicity possible. As an Association the BNTVA has gained a great deal of respect amongst our peers in the charity world, respect that translates into practical and valuable benefits toward achieving our aims and supporting our members. We can ill afford for these great advances to be placed in jeopardy.

As a final point: Alan is a portal to the media world, and thus becomes a resource for ensuring your message gets the widest exposure possible. This means that the short piece you may be considering for the town or county newspaper could easily be circulated by him across the whole UK! NH Contact details: Alan Rimmer 07801184011 alan-rimmer@live.com 27

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Kiritimati's fishing flats — it is the world's serious fisherman's paradise Letter from New Zealand Robert Griffiths writes about his recent return from the Fiji island group. I travelled on 'Air Pacific' —the in-flight magazine made interesting reading.

"Kiritimati or Christmas Island had a section all to itself. It read — Situated 1200 km south of Honolulu in the Central Pacific just north of the equator, Kiritimati (local for Christmas) is the largest coral atoll on the planet, where sea and sky naturally decorate a 250 square miles of white sand, iridescent aqua lagoons, coconut palms and endless flats.

The island comprises over 70% of the total land area of Kiribati, a nation encompassing 33 Pacific atolls and islands.

Consistent year-round weather, endless hard sand flats, and magnificent numbers of cruising bonefish and trevally - make it ideal for the serious angler. What makes the fishing so special and extraordinary is the natural and raw power of the bonefish - it can fight so hard with so much strength that it makes the anglers work twice as hard.

Paul Collery, of 'Sport Fishing Adventures', Australia is delighted about the re-commencement of flights to Kiritimati, a place he regards as one of the best bone fishing experiences in the world.

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Bird watching is also one of the favourite pastimes or> the island!!!!!! The island is well known for the millions of nesting tropical sea birds. Some parts of Kiritimati are actually declared reserves, as they are nesting grounds for many special seabirds More than 35 known species of seabirds have been recorded on Kiritimati The Phoenix Petrel for instance, is almost only endemic to Kiritimati. Locals call them Te Ruru, and they tend to forage offshore for fish and crustaceans.

Another feature of the island is the Captain Cook Hotel, which is the largest on the island. It offers scuba diving, surfing, snorkelling, bird watching, and cultural island tours, as well as fishing. The Hotel is named after Captain James Cook who discovered the island in 1777."

With thanks to Air Pacific.

Robert noted that all the information available did not mention any of the activities on the island 50 years ago!

(Perhaps it would not be good marketing to mention nuclear tests and the after effects? Ed)

Will You? As all members are aware the BNTVA is funded by the generosity of its members through donations and membership fees. We are an independent charity, with no government funding. A gift in a will, no matter how large or small, can provide a lasting legacy to further the aims of the BNTVA voted for by its members at the 2010 AGM: to promote and deliver: Education, research and support for all matters relating to the heritage, health and well-being ofAtomic test veterans, their spouses and the descendants. You can be assured that no legacy money that is left to us will be spent on general administration or overheads, but is used for the heart of the work the BNTVA aspires to provide. Whether your money is spent on research, welfare, or for education, you can be assured your money will make a huge difference. So whether your gift is as little as £10 or as large as £10,000 every gift counts.

Please contact 0208 144 3080.

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BNTVA Shop Window

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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

£11.00

Band 2 Items Scarves Fleece Scarves Silk Shirts Small to XXXL

£12.00 £13.00 £12.50

Band 3 Item Fleece Small to XXXL

£22.00

Band 4 Item Tankard Glass

£20.00

£3.00 £12.00

£2.50 £5.00 £2.00 £3.00 £1.00

£3.00 £9.50

£7.50

ALL PRICES PLUS POST AND PACKING

Shop Manager Trevor Butler BNTVA BM 5657 London WC1N3XX

Band 1 add £1.00 Band 2 add £3.00 Band 3 add £4.00 Band 4 add £5.00 i 30

Message from Bob There have been some problems with my telephone and I have not been able to access the internet etc for over six weeks, mostly about the time the letters being sent out. The list was prepared at the end of June and did not go out till August so some people who had paid between times got lettered, my apologies to all who where upset over that and for any mistakes made.

After Peter Williams died I said that I would do a further year that was nearly six years ago. To those who try to contact me on Thursdays and Fridays, please note that I work on these days and I am not available until after 18.30.

Please try to remember the Executive are all volunteers and do not get paid for the work that is not a complaint merely fact. We answer queries when and if we can and as Data Controller I am not able to give out information willy nilly, it is against the provisions of the Data Protection act to pass on personal details.

For those people who do not want to use the new facility provided for paying membership fees, then Cheques can be sent to me UP TO THE END OF APRIL 2011. New arrangements for receiving cheques will be put in place after this date.

The one thing I do know is my wife is desperate for me to give up and looking very much to not having to answer questions she knows nothing about. I will continue as a Trustee for a while but we I have to consider my future plans.

Completing the Standing Order Form It is important that you use the S.O. form correctly 1. membership no 2. Surname 3 Initial If you fail to do this it takes a while to sort out your membership please only use your new membership number. Someone sent a payment directly to the bank and although it went into our account we have no idea who sent it. Furthermore some payments were made through The Cumberland Building Society again without name or number sorry but I’m not able to mind read or work miracles to guess correctly who sent it. One Member said he could not be bothered to fill the form properly I hope he got his membership and has not been taken off this time. I realise it may be an inconvenience to some people but seriously when I get criticised for making a mistake I would say please try to be helpful and fill in the details on the form correctly.

Bob Smith 31

Mesothelioma thousands, if not millions of living veterans were exposed to toxic asbestos-containing materials during military service which could develop into mesothelioma. Our goal is to offer a one-stop resource on all asbestos and mesothelioma-related information ranging from occupational exposure to mesothelioma clinical trials.

The Mesothelioma Center is committed to providing the latest, up-to-date infomiation to their visitors in the hopes of spreading awareness about the dangers of asbestos cancer.

Asbestos.com offers information on Mesothelioma & Veterans, as well as a complete list of occupations, ships, and shipyards that could have put our Veterans at risk for developing a mesothelioma disease. Hundreds of

http://www.mesotheliomacenter.org/

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Memorials. !

Last April I had the pleasure of going to Manchester to deliver a conference paper and I was advised to visit a BNTVA memorial in the Manchester Peace Gardens.

We are aware that memorials can be found on the website of the United Kingdom National Inventory of War Memorials http://www.ukniwm.org.uk.

However, not all our members have access to the internet. Using your local knowledge please tell us the location of all the BNTVA memorial stones around the United Kingdom. This will enable a complete record for our archive.

Tracey

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letter to editor I served on Christmas Island with 2 Special Air formation Signals squadron for grapple X Y Z. I would like to hear from anyone who served at the same time.

Names I remember, Joe Jewis John “scouse” Larkin. The infamous Bill Coup, and my special mate Ronnie Johnson from up-north.

Our skipper was Capl Dick Richards if I remember. If you wish e-mail me on sparrow.welland@googlemail.com Best Wishes John ‘‘sparrow’’ Welland As Jeff likes variety in the post bag - many of you served in the Catering Corps or were cooks in the RAF or RN, and many members are simply mighty fine at cooking.

We all fancy some good old fashioned cooking at times, in an age of pasta, salad and cous cous, so please re-enlighten our taste buds with recipes of your favourite meals, snacks or deserts!

If cooking was not your occupation, way of life, or hobby - then 1 appeal to you to send into Campaign a photo of yourself with an article of you carrying out a hobby.

Tracey Letters to Members Regarding Subscriptions Many ofyou-400 to be exact! Will have received a letter from the Chairperson stating we had no record of you paying membership fees this year.

For a small number of you this caused a degree of concern because you had actually paid! This was due to a disparity in the accounting/ membership services process and we have taken steps to ensure it should not happen again. If you were one of these people please accept our apologies.

The net result of this ‘trial exercise’ conducted by the Chairperson was to regain the Association some £2500 of funds that we would otherwise have lost, and more importantly, re-connect with a significant number of Veterans and their families. Welcome back.

NH 33

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY BNTVA AGM & Conference Saturday 14th May 2011 j

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The Norbreck Castle Hotel Queens Promenade Blackpool Doors open at 13.00 hrs meeting starts at 13.30 hrs.

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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 - © 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.

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Mature Sngle Travellers!

Forget any qualms you may have of travelling alone.

During 2010 will escort you to: PRAGUE 5 Days

from £629 inc.

KRAKOW 5 Days

all tours £599 inc.

CHINA 10 Days

from £ 1455 inc.

ST. PETERSBURG 6 Days

from £ I 175 inc.

PRAGUE VIENNA & BUDAPEST - 8 Days

from £949 inc.

for our latest brochure contact Ian Darkin (son of Bob Darkin, Grapple Z)

0844 8005053

(BT 5p/min)

or visit www.onetraveller.co.uk "Travelling alone has never been more sociable”

traveller

This important medal is a joint commission between the Australian and British Nuclear Veterans Associations providing medal lie 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) The Australian Nuclear Veterans Association and the British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association are the beneficiaries ofthis project.

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PO Box 300, Shrewsbury SYS 6WP, U.K. Tel: 01952 510053 Fax: 01952 510765

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E-mail: award@:rown lane.co.uk

productions mvw.awardmedals. com

INTERNATIONAL MEDALLISTS