Royal Artillery Association standard dedication
THE Newbury and District branch of the Royal Artillery Association has laid up its standard of 25 years and dedicated a new Branch Standard.
The new standard will now be used on parade to mark Armed Forces Day and Remembrance Sunday, at veterans’ funerals and at other public events.
The Rev Keri Eynon presided over the service on Saturday, held at Newbury Royal British Legion Club, which was attended by the Royal Artillery’s regimental secretary Col Matthew Carter and president of the Newbury branch of the RBL Janine Westropp.
Branch secretary Trevor Lisseman, said: “It was a privilege to arrange the Service of Dedication for the new standard, which embodies the honour and traditions of the Royal Artillery Association.”
The Artillery Association branch president Col Mike Relph added: “The branch is grateful to all those who attended this important event, and particularly to Col Matthew Carter who represents Headquarters Royal Artillery, which contributed so generously to the cost of the new standard.”
Mrs Westropp said: “Today is very special for the Newbury branch of the Royal Artillery Association, and I send them many congratulations on behalf of the Royal British Legion and myself.
“My late husband Michael and I have been members of this excellent branch for over 27 years and during this long period have seen many different events and changes.
“We have also seen the wonderful support and friendship this branch has always given to members. I wish them well in the future.”
The current standard bearer, Mark Ballard, had the honour of carrying the new standard.
Other guests at the service included West Berkshire Council chairman Clive Hooker and Gary Norman, Newbury’s deputy mayor.
Newbury’s Royal British Legion standard was also paraded in honour of the dedication of the new standard, and the branch’s affiliation with the regular army was marked by a detachment of soldiers from 74 Battery (the Battle Axe Company) Royal Artillery, from Larkhill Garrison.
Newbury and District branch of the Royal Artillery Association meets at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of each month in the RBL Club Newbury.
Veterans from any service or branch of the military interested in joining will be made very welcome.