Reunion issues

[BennytheBall]

I, as you all know have voiced (spouted off) my personal opinion on this very good debate/thread, but now reading between some of the lines will this debate/thread if it continues to run in the fashion it is, MARR/stain this years Reunion? My personal opinion is I think this debate/thread has run its course. Just look at the countdown only 1 week to go (just over) and I believe all our answers will be answered at the AGM. Some salient points by Vic on capturing the next generation of Royal Welchman, As an "old f-rt" I have the utmost respect for the young servicemen/women of (having 2 sons of my own serving) today on the very difficult service life they lead.


So, All, let's make this year's Reunion something to look back on and stay proud Royal Welchman as we have for generations past.

[Gwyn Nicholas]

Gerry

I have probably said more than enough on this matter but, I have to disagree that the splinter reunions are to the detrement of the reunion dinner. 2 years ago we had our first ever Signals reunion on the Friday of the comrades which was well attended indeed some of those attendind had either never been to a reunion or had not been for many a year (myself included - many a year). I believe three of those present at least attended the dinner so rather than being a detrement they actually added to the number. I have never been to a dinner myself because personally I prefer a quick chinese and back to bar with the lads. That said, in the current climate had I been attending, I would have reconsidered and put my "bum on a seat". I cannot however attend this year.

I have heard various reasons for the decline of numbers for the meal but it would be wrong of me to repeat them as I myself have not had the experience. Again perhaps a little honesty is needed here, and those who have given their reasons for not attending, give those same reasons to the powers that be for consideration rather than look for scapegoats who have chosen to have a separate reunion on the Friday to encompass the whole weekend reunion experience. Consider this, if the platoon/company reunions were held at a separate venue at a different time, would those people travel again for the Wrexham reunion. I believe mini reunions are here to stay and indeed expect to hear more of them cropping up especially with all that has gone before with the formation of the new comrades association. Change takes time and some take longer to accept it than others - fact of life.

[Thom15]

One of the main reasons I came over from Canada for the Reunion in 2009 was because there was a Signal Platoon reunion happening at the same time. I also killed several birds with one stone by entering the golf tournament, going to the AGM dinner and marching in the parade (which many members do not do). For me this was one big package and loved every minute of it. The sad part was that it was also the last time I saw my good pal Neil Wilson before he passed away. However, I will be forever grateful that I spent some quality time with Neil and other pals before he left us. I will always see that great big grin on his face at the sigs reunion because he was thrilled that so many people had turned up for the weekend.

[roddy porter]

Dear All, Thanks for the many views I have been reading on the future of the Comrades Association. Naturally there is a lot of concern out there about what that future might be and a great deal of rumour abounds. Most of it is untrue. As President of the Association I will be at the AGM on Sat 3rd September and I will explain in detail exactly what the future looks like. It will take too long to write it down here but after the AGM I will write to all Branch Chairmen summarising what I say at the AGM. Let me, however, say this now. There is no intention, nor will there ever, EVER, be any intention, to force RWF Comrades Branches to become Royal Welsh Branches. You guys joined and served in the Royal Welch Fusiliers. Your Branch reflects and represents the Regiment you served in and of which you are very proud. The Royal Welsh Association intent is to ensure you can continue to do so. If any Branch wishes to become Royal Welsh (as former RRW Branches did), it can do so at any time through a democratic vote by its members. If the Royal Welch Fusilier Branches wish to continue to meet annually at Wrexham, that is their decision and they will continue to do so. The Royal Welsh Association will hold an annual gathering, one year in the North, the next in the South. We are in a transitional period and some things are very difficult as we seek to build a new Regiment. We are building a Regiment of which we can be proud but we will not, in so doing, sacrifice what we hold dear in the former Regiments we served in. I was a proud Royal Welchman - I still am. I am also a proud Royal Welshman and today's men in the Battalions look to the likes of me to do for them what our Regiments did for us in our younger days. I'll explain more at the AGM - please come and please bring your questions. Let's make it a great weekend,Roddy Porter

[tony.t.corbett]

Gentlemen,
I think it has been a very lively blog and it is now time to put it to bed. Thanks to Roddy Porter for answering many of our fears all be it at the 11th hour. Lets get behind the RWFCA and if possible turn up at Wrexham next week. There are plenty of guest houses in Wrexham,if the hotels are full. I am staying at the Ramahda.
Regards
TC

[jungle1810]

Hello All,
Re Tony Corbett putting the reunion issue to bed, I agree but I would like to place my swan song on a thread. In thread 30 I had an e mail stating that any questions had to be placed on the agenda or you will be told to sit down. This is contrary to thread 54 by Gen Porter, who states he will be pleased to answer any RWFCA members questions and also states that a lot of rumours are flying around.Who is correct on this issue?(Gen Porter or R.H.Q.) I would hate to be the one who orders a fully recognised member of the RWFCA to sit down on the RWFCA 's A.G.M.and let us not forget IT IS OUR A.G.M.It must not be run like an oligarchy. Another point is the fact that no one can alter the fact that the new title exists and absolutely nothing can be done about it. I would like to place on the record the fact that the 1st 2nd and the 3rd have met all the difficulties that this form of military merger turns up like the gentlemen they are and I wish all of them the very best of luck in the future and they become a homogeneous band of Welsh brothers in all aspects whilst serving their country I would also like to retain the friendship of the 3 regimental units especially both the Sjts messes as a former senior N.C.O .I would also like to address the use of uncomplimentary invectives used to describe an elderly comrade as an old F**T, I think on a purely personal point that a better use of the English language can be used. Plus of course will the person who used this objectionable term be a DAY YOUNGER TOMORROW. I very much doubt it but if that is the language he chooses to use so be it.In conclusion the A.G.M. will be a most interesting meeting because of the well being of our A.G.M.is at stake and to clarify that it is being held on a yearly basis every year in Wrexham and will not be a joint affair, and these prognostications are minuted to avoid more ambiguity. Furthermore contrary to many peoples beliefs I am on good terms with all at Cardiff despite my previous differences of opinions. In conclusion I would like to take the opportunity to wish the ROYAL WELSH all the best for their future.I would also like for certain people to know that the wishes of my branch are that we can retain our name and title RWFCA with out causing doubts and offence about where our loyalties lie this is not much to ask.And the fact that we were not as RWFCA consulted over the design and cost of the new standard
Regards RBD aka jungle1810

[Bob Bacon]

Although I am sure that all possible discussion on the subject hasn't yet been exhausted, with just over a week to go before the reunion I think it is now time to close this thread from taking new comments.

This has been a great thread, articulately debated, heated at times, with many passionately stating their case for or against. But it's never been boring!

Thank you to all those that contributed and took part in this debate and thanks to Roddy Porter for his contribution, which is greatly appreciated.