Reunion issues

[Rog Ball 01]

Like Al, I am an individual member of the RWFCA. I also would be willing to pay towards membership.

Out of curiosity, has anyone got any comments from the RRW/SWB or Welch CA's; and are these CA's still active? It would be interesting to see what their members say about the amalgimation of the CA's into the one CA (RWCA).

[ap1]

Cheers Benny,

I think Des is a member of the forum, so he will hopefully see my idea in his own good time. Its just a suggestion of how to increase membership and up the revenue of the RWFCA. Others may have better ideas or objections. As an individual member I play no part in the association, so its really for the branch guys to get to grips with. Although the RWF Forum by the very nature of its members would obviously be willing to assist. Bob certainly has the technical expertise.

Good luck with the AGM guys, I suspect the answer to all the issues lies in the middle ground coupled with better communication between you all. If the Committee would agree to publishing the AGM minutes on here, that would be a good step forward as well.

[ap1]

The news letter could let all the RWFCA branches know of the events we attend. two of these are as follow, Swansea branch have been going to the continent for some 18 years,I do not think these trips are widely known to take place. And on most of these trips Swansea have managed to incorporate Swansea, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Wrexham and London branch members.And we are going again this year in October. We usually visit the Menin Gate and are always to be seen laying wreaths on the Evrecy monument to the 1st battalion who fought in and around Caen, with a great loss of life.

Thats a great example Don. Those types are trips are the sort of thing that many of us Individual Members would like to be involved in but are not considered. Of course you must always ensure the branch guys get their seats, but at least if this type of stuff was advertised on the web and via an email shot to all Individual Members, you may get guys coming forward to fill any spare seats.

[Rog Ball 01]

Regarding the non branch members of the RWFCA, I am all in favour of there being a RWFCA Newsletter, published every quarter. It could include such items of meetings, social events and social functions. Regarding the payment into the RWFCA 'fund', a non branch member should be encouraged to donate a fixed sum each year to the 'funds'. I am willing to do this and i believe that a large number of non-branch members will also like to do this.

[tony.t.corbett]

Hi Benny,

You've certainly generated the sort of discussion that was needed. I think the confusion between RWCA and RWFCA has arisen since the Resignation of Maj Gen Brian Plummer, and Maj General Roddy Porter,.. who seems to have turned Green overnight, replacing him. Brian Plummer did state that there would always be a RWFCA until the last man was standing. Since then the Information being issued from Cardiff has muddied the waters, and with Des Williams being double hattedIt would appear he is being steered to that way of thinking. Des is doing an excellent job in difficult circumstances - I think you have smoothed the waters a little with your words. See you in a couple of weeks.

Regards TC

[Brian Robert Dexter Dando]

Hi All,
Some very good points brought out by members in response to my thread, this is good so that all thoes that use the forum hear whats going on. If someone is going to speak at the AGM on any idea regarding the future of the RWFCA and how to strengthen it, then don't forget that you have to notify the secretary Des Williams 14 days before the meeting so it can be put on the agenda, so not long before your too late. I think that we will have new members coming through from the 1st BN RW for a few years yet. As an ex SWB I know how long it takes for the old regiment to filter out of the thoughts and affiliation of the members of the amalgamated regiment. However one day in the very distant future there will be no old members left and that is the time for the RWFCA to become the RWCA and not before. As for all the funds and memorabilia of the RWFCA they would auomatically be transfered over to the RWCA for their use but not before The RWCA can support theirselves and build up their own funds over the years not expect us to subsidise them. Well I think I will shut the F--k up onw and see you all at the comrades weekend

Brian

[jungle1810]

Hello Bertie 01,Al, Tony Corbett.
Firstly re Bertie;s comments on the RRW set up of their comrades associations. Y Cymro list the following branches I quote the RRW have a branch in London who meet quarterly in London (Royal Chelsea Hospital )the RRW also have a Birmingham Branch who meet 2nd Wednesday each month but the list states the following Feb/March/ September/ October. In general the RRW are fairly well spread in both south and mid Wales.Y Cymro also list the following Associated branches 6/S.W.B.(Now closed) 2nd Mons meetings as arranged.Whilst in Cardiff for the A.F.Day, several members of the RRW expressed the view they did not like the new standard? I think the RRW are in a state of flux regarding most of the details of the merger and the new standard and the timing of any possible mergers with the various RWFCA branches which of course must be equitable and on a mutual agreement basis. And to conform to the best interests of the RWFCA branches. My branch only want to remain RWFCA for as long as possible and are finding it difficult to put our point across.As regards my personal feelings I have had a difference of opinion with Cardiff on several issues. But after a little water has passed under the bridge I found Colonel Gooderson, Major Wheadon,Major Hooley quite compatible and amenable during the course of my meetings and talks with them. The main obstacle that my branch find difficult to understand is why so many diktats are being issued to us as RWFCA branches WITH OUT THE PROPER CONSULTATION AND THE USUAL VOTING SYSTEM BEING ALLOWED TO ENTER THE EQUATION, AND THE FACT THAT THE RIGHT OF FREE SPEECH HAS BEEN OVER RIDDEN. Free speech is a RIGHT not privilege, certain people have been allowed to filibuster with out let or hindrance, whilst others are ordered to keep quiet. In response to Tony Corbett's observations he is perfectly correct in his opinion of our Regt secretary Des Williams (D.C.M.) he is a most hard working man and honest and helpful to both the RWFCA branches and myself.Now regarding Al's point on enlarging the RWFCA comrades association. I have passed his e mail over to Des for his consideration. Re the trips we make I will also try and expedite circulating info and seating availability on the forum with the Swansea social secretary and see if these trips can accommodate "Individual members". If any of the forum supporters and branch members have any queries or ideas speak up at the A.G.M. This A.G.M. can be best likened to our water shed, now is the time to do away with ambiguity and the apparent loss of free speech and DEMOCRACY.
Regards to all my readers,RBD akajungle1810

[Paul Hinge]

This has been a most interesting and thought provoking thread which I think has brought to the forefront some of the major issues that are vexing RWFCA members be they branch or individual members.

The crux of the whole matter is that the RRW comrades and comrades from their antecedent regiments (SWB and the Welch Regt) have never ever enjoyed the democratic system that has existed since the formation of the RWFCA and that is probably the structural divide that Cardiff cannot quite get their heads around at present....it's always been a top down, high ranking commissioned officer driven entity for them which is not the case for those of use privileged to have served in the RWF.

For any organisation to flourish and/or survive it has to be relevant to the people it is constituted to support....the old fashioned, outdated top-down model is a dinosaur of the past and we as those fortunate to represent the element on the RWRA from the RWF are making every effort to ensure the new Regimental Association is relevant to all its members and not a military dictatorship!

With regards to the RWFCA....we are a fully constituted entity on our own right, and it would take the agreement of the members to disband and be subsumed into the RWRA.....and your Executive has said categorically that whilst there's RWFCA members still standing and wishing to keep the RWFCA alive then that's what will happen......but be warned! You need to support it to make it viable to continue.

A quarterly newsletter created electronically and for those dinosaurs who have not yet discovered the electronic era...a hard copy format is a brilliant idea.....but for it to work then stories and pictures will have to keep coming in on a very regular basis.

I'm RWF through and through and always will be. But like those far-sighted people back in the early 1920's who formed our Association I feel it's our responsibility to ensure the comradeship and welfare we enjoy with those we served with is there for our lads and lasses who now serve with the new Regiment as they rely on us to make that home for them when they leave the Army.

I hope this clears up any/all of the issues raised in this thread. If you have any questions prior to the AGM ask Des, or bring them to the floor of the AGM on 3rd September at 1200hrs in the War Memorial Hall in Wrexham.

Cofion cynnes/Kind regards

Hingey

[Gerrycc943]

Hi,

To echo TC's post, an interesting and overdue debate in view of the current speculation regarding the future of the reunion and in particular the RWFCA.

I have today received an email from Brigadier (Retd) AC Vivian CBE, London Branch President, requesting me to inform all London Branch members of the content - indeed, I feel that forum members (including those purporting a Branch but still don't have one) should be included:

Dear Gerry,

I have been in touch with Gen Roddy Porter concerning the rumour that all comrades Branches, be they RWF or RRW, are to amalgamate. He assures me that this is not so. Only those Branches who wish to merge may do so. The remainder, and that includes us the London Branch, will continue as we are. However, for the future all comrades Branches, be they RWF or RRW, will be administered, and I mean administered, under one organisation to be called the ROYAL WELSH ASSOCIATION. So it would appear that Des Williams will work for the RRW as well as the RWF. We should stress that we wish that the RWF comrades reunion should remain in WREXHAM, and nowehere else! I shall make this point to Gen Porter. I hope this clears the air a bit - we should continue to monitor the situation closely!"

Regards, Anthony Vivian

General.


It's been a pretty multi topic debate, I have the following contributions to make at present:

Trustees.

Brian Dando informs us of Major Robinsons involvement regarding Trustees and his intension to raise the issue at the AGM.

Lt Col Nic Channing Williams, Chairman The Royal Welch Fusiliers Officers' Association, and a member of The London Branch RWFCA, has assured the Branch that trustees have the option of making their own vote regarding merging and amalgamation. He will be at the AGM.


Non Branch Vets - Recruitment

It's been a pretty multi 'topic' debate, again as I've previously said, overdue, but I make particular reference to those not belonging to a Branch, not privvy to Regimemtal update or event as a result of either not being in a Branch catchment area or the forum.

London Branch probably has the widest geographic spread compared to our counter Branches. Examples are: Berlin, Birmingham, Bulford, Warminster, Margate Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Farnborough, Chippenham, Colchester. We really are a mixed bunch but we also make the effort!!

Branch membership is 32 - 22 are on email. In addition to myself, our Branch Chairman - Tony Corbett, Social Secrtetary - Lofty 23 plus a few other members are on the forum so we really are fortunate to have a hands on availability with regard to day to day events that concern matters such as the reunion and most importantly the future of the RWFCA and have the ability to update our Branch members accordingly.

We meet quarterly, 3rd Mon Jan, Apr, Jul (AGM), Oct at The Royal Hospital Chelsea 1300hrs for 1330hrs. We have the usual hard core attendees who delight and look forward to the meeting which afterwards ascends to the Pensioners Club - the highlight of the afternoon and the chewing of the fat!!

Trips and visits are co-ordinated by our Social Secretary which have included a day out at Windsor Castle, The Tower of London, to name a few. We have also on occasion tagged onto other reciprocal Branches with overseas War Graves/Battlefield ventures.

Branch Subscriptions are £10.00 - Direct Debit paid 1st June.

We have recently recruited Major (Retd) Larry Bohana (Warminster) and Mr David (Ned) Huntley (Hemel Hempstead) and still working on Colonel Dick Clarke and Roger Ball (Berie Ball 01) who keep threatening to join us.

Members outside of any RWFCA Branch catchment area are more than welcome. Indeed, splintered individuals, who do not belong to any particular Branch, give a misleading figure as to the actual all up total of the RWFCA. You can also deny yourself any benefits available throughout the RWFCA if you are not a member.

MY MESSAGE FOR THOSE OUTSIDE OF BRANCH CATCHMENT AREAS, JOIN US AT LONDON BRANCH.

Speak to you soon,

Gerry 43
Hon Secretary
London Branch RWFCA

[Paul Hinge]

Gerry

Many thanks for your post. The letter from Anthony Vivian is both illuminating and I will say a little concerning:

1. Des Williams already works for the RWRA as the Assist Regt Sec (North) and has primary responsibility for Welfare Matters for the RW and for the Comrades...he also is the Secretary of both the RWFCA and the RWRA as Merfyn Lloyd is the Chairman.....just to clear that point up.

2. This next point is what worries me is Roddy Porter's statement (as outlined in your post) “However, for the future all comrades Branches, be they RWF or RRW, will be administered, and I mean administered, under one organisation to be called the ROYAL WELSH ASSOCIATION."

I'm quite happy with that as a benign statement. However, it could also mean that our financial independence will be subsumed into the RWRA coffers and become part of the old guard methodology of administration where RHQ knows best and the rest are subservient to this. This I cannot subscribe to and would take this up with the Charity Commission as the money's in the RWFCA are from (in the main) our days pay scheme and it's our to do as we would with and not the Royal Welsh Regimental Headquarters.....if this is the case then there will be rebellion on the 3rd September!
I do hope someone will show this post to Roddy Porter (who I might add is due at any moment to leave the Regular Forces) as he must be made aware that the RWFCA will at this present moment in time will not be subsumed in-part or whole into the RWRA as there are still far too many RWF comrades out there who would not wish this to happen for many years to come.

Cofion cynnes/Kind regards

Hingey