Grenadier Guards Association
FOUNDED 1913Patron: Her Majesty the Queen
President: Colonel R E H Aubrey-Fletcher
General Secretary: Major A J Green
Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, LONDON, SW1E 6HQ
(Civ) 020-7414-3225 (Fax)020-7222-430 (Mil) 94631 3225/3285
All Branch Secretaries & General Members09February 2015
NOTES IN PREPARATION FOR THE GRENADIER GUARDS ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – SATURDAY21st MARCH 2015
INTRODUCTION
1.General. Branch Secretaries shouldarrive at Wellington Barracks between 0900hrs and 1000hrs and make their way to the Garrison Sergeants’ Mess to complete the reception process. The normal BranchSecretaries(only)meeting will take place between 1000hrs and 1130hrs and will allow for the customary discussion to take place. (Please note that the Finance and Executive Committee meetings will take place in Wellington Barracks on Wednesday 11th March 2014 for which separate instructions have been issued).
2.During the initial reception process all Secretaries should:
a. Furnish the RQMS RHQ with receipts for their travel expenses (Motor Mileage – post codes required or 2nd Class Rail Fare). Hotel expenses for those who require them can be claimed but only with the prior agreement of the General Secretary and again on production of a receipt. Please note that receipts are now necessary to support all such expenditure.
b.Collect their previously ordered Gazettes. (Orders are to be with the Assn NCO by Thursday19th March 2015 at the latest please).
c.Complete details for QBP and Review ticket requirements.
3.The AGM will start at 1200hours with business being concluded by 1400hrs. Lunch for Secretaries will be served in the Garrison Sergeants’ Mess directly after the AGM.Those Secretaries that cannot attend the AGM are invited to send their apologies to the General Secretary for the attention of the President and if possible nominate a suitable replacement, also to the General Secretary.
ASSOCIATION AREA REPRESENTATIVES
4.The following hold the above appointments:
- South Eastern Area: Mr Steve
Branches: East Kent, Kingston, London, Medway, Surrey.
- Southern Area: Mr Derek Money MBE
Branches: Aylesbury, Oxford, Reading, Sussex, Wessex, Windsor.
- Eastern Area: Mr Ross Donaldson
Branches: Cambridge, Essex, Lincoln, March, Norfolk, Spalding, Suffolk.
- Midland Area: Mr Roy Jones
Branches: Leicestershire, Northampton, Tamworth, Walsall, Wolverhampton.
- North Midland Area: Mr Geoff
Branches: Chesterfield, Derby, Matlock, North Staffs, Nottingham.
- Western Area: Mr Chris Savage
Branches: Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, Worcestershire.
- Northern Area: MrBarry Taylor
Branches: Liverpool, Manchester, North Lancs, Northumbria, Wigan, Yorkshire.
5.Business that warrants the attention of the Executive Committee (policy) should be brought to the attention of respective Area Representatives by Branch Secretaries in good time for representation at Executive Committee meetings (next meeting on Wed 11 Mar 15).
6.Finance Committee Business. Any Branch Secretary that would like to bring any matter to the attention of the Finance Committee should do so through the General Secretary (next meeting on Wed 11 Mar 15).
EVENTS
GRENADIER DAY
7.Grenadier Day will next be held in 2016 and details will be promulgated in due course.
REGIMENTAL REMEMBRANCE DAY
8.General. This annual eventwill take place at Wellington Barracks and Horse Guards Parade on Sunday 17 May 2015. As in previous years all those attending are asked to be seated in the Guards Chapel by 1445hrs. The service will start at 1500hrs and tickets are not required.
9. Wreath Bearers.Subject to confirmation from their Branches,the wreath bearers this year will beBernard Taylor (Suffolk) and Terry Taylor (Surrey) who were both Colour Points last year. They are both required to report to the General Secretary at 1330 hours at the entrance to the Chapel for briefing.Branch Secretaries are asked to confirm the availability of both (or replacements) to the General Secretary.
10.Colour Points. There is no requirement for The Association Camp Colours to be on parade this year.
11. Salute.It is yet to be confirmed if The Colonel will be present to take the Salute.
12.Parking. Limited car parking at Wellington Barracks is available for VIPs and disabled personnel only. Anyone wishing to park in Barracks is to send their details to the Regimental Affairs NCO at RHQ or to in good time so that their details can be held at the Guardroom to facilitate entry (passes will not be sent out by post). All disabled personnel MUST be in possession of their blue badges to confirm entitlement to parking. The entry point for cars is the Petty France (Guardroom) gate. Those without their details recordedwill not bepermitted to park in Wellington Barracks. Subject to confirmation, other cars (and coaches – space permitting) can be parked on the North Ride in The Mall. Otherwise coaches are to find alternative parking space where they can.
13.Security. Members are to be in possession of their Assn Membership Cards and one other means of identification, preferably with a photograph. All members on foot are to enter Wellington Barracks using the West Picquet Gate (nearest Buckingham Palace) after Guard Mounting (1230 hours) and not the Petty France (Guardroom) gate. Coaches are to drop off in Birdcage Walk but they may enter Barracks after the parade via the West Gate to pick up.
14. Disabled Personnel andWheelchair Users. Those in wheelchairs may join the end of the Parade with their helpers. There will be no shuttle service to and from Horse Guards. Those who are too infirm to use the lavatory facilities on the first floor of the Barracks will have access to the Officers’ Mess.
15.The Battle of Mareth 16th March 1943.There will not be a Mareth Cross Service. There will, however, be a wreath laid by the Regimental Adjutant at the same time as the Regimental wreath is laid in the Chapel Cloisters.
16.Refreshments. A light refreshment area will be located at the Chapel end of the Parade Square.
THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE
17.The1st BattalionWelsh Guards will Troop their Colour on The Queen’s Birthday Paradeon Saturday 13th June 2015. It will be preceded by The Major General's Review on Saturday 30th May (tickets are free) and the Colonel's Review on Saturday 6th June (tickets are £10.00 each). Two tickets for the 13th June will be available to each Branch at a cost of £30.00 each but must be bid for along with those for each of the Reviews to the Regtl Affairs NCO at the AGM. Basic and limited Portaloo toilet facilities are available on Horse Guards. Limited wheelchair spaces are also available although separate applications are required for them.
18.No refund can be given if the event (Reviews or QBP) is cancelled for reasons beyond the control of the organisers.
HOUSEHOLD DIVISION BEATING RETREAT
19.The Massed Bands, Pipes and Drums and Corps of Drums of the Household Division supported by the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery and a guest band present a floodlit evening of military music and fireworks on Horse Guards Parade on Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th June 2015 at 2030hrs.
20.Tickets are available from 0844 8472435 for the Ticketmaster Household Division Beating Retreat hotline or through the link at starting at £15 depending upon the seating area chosen. A family ticket (2 adults and 2 children, aged 16 and under) is available at £40 in certain areas. A 10% discount will be given for bookings of 10 or more tickets. Wheelchair access is available at a cost of £15 and allows free entry for a carer.
21.Basic Portaloo facilities are available on Horse Guards. No refunds can be given if the event is cancelled for reasons beyond the organiser’s control.
ROYAL GARDEN PARTIES
22.The Association have been allocated four tickets for the Garden Party on Tue 12th May 2015and nominations have been made already from those requested last year from Branches under the terms laid down in the Guidance for Branch Secretaries. Regimentally, a further four were allocated to the Association for the Garden Party on Wed 20th May and these places have also been allocated from previous applications.
THE SERGEANTS’ (PAST & PRESENT) CLUB DINNER
23.The annual dinner will take place at Lille Barracks, Aldershot on Saturday 31 October 2015. Further details will be published at a later date by the Committee through the RQMS, RHQ.
FIELD OF REMEMBRANCE
24.This event takes place at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 5th November 2015. Tickets are required for entry and are always limited. Bids are to be made to the Assn NCO by Friday 7th August 2015 to ensure we get our bid in on time.
FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE
25.The festival will be held at The Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 7th November 2015. Information on tickets for those who are interested can be obtained through local and national Royal British Legion offices and online in due course at
CENOTAPH PARADE
26.This parade takes place on Sunday 8th November 2015 and those wishing to take part should apply for tickets to the Assn NCO by Friday 7th August 2015.
PLACES OF INTEREST
27.HM Tower of London. The Ceremony of the Keys takes place daily at 2200hrs. Interested parties/individuals should write direct to the Ceremony of the Keys Office, Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB giving at least two months’ notice (three months at certain times) and enclosing a stamped addressed envelope. Groups are limited to a maximum of six persons between 1st April and 31st October inclusive. During the period 1st November to 31st March inclusive, groups will be limited to a maximum of fifteen persons. Further information at
28.The Guards Museum. The museum is located in Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London, SW1E 6HQ adjacent to The Guards Chapel. Opening times daily are 1000hrs to 1600hrs (last admission 1530hrs). It is open Bank Holidays, except Christmas Day. The opening times may be restricted on days of ceremonial occasions (please ring 0207 414 3271/3428 for details). The Museum is also closed during January each yearfor cleaning and general maintenance. Admission prices are £5.00 for adults, £2.50 for ex-military personnel, students and those aged over 65 and £1.00 for serving personnel. For those aged 16 and under admission is free.The museum is also available for hire as a social/corporate venue. Details are available from the curator Mr Andrew Wallis MBE on the above number. For further information visit
29.The National Army Museum. The museum has been closed since 30 April 2014 due to building work. It will re-open in 2016.
BRANCH MATTERS
30.Branch Activities. The Forthcoming Events page on the Assn web-site at lists all known events both Association and Regimental. Branches should advise the General Secretary or Association NCO of relevant events and dates as they are known in order to keep the page updated.
31.Corps of Drums Engagements. The Battalion Corps of Drums is available each year for up to four 'expenses only' events for Branches of the Association subject, of course to their military commitments. All bids are to be sent to the General Secretary and not made directly to the Battalion.
32.Branch Dinners/Lunches. Due to the level of commitments it is becoming increasingly important to get the dates of Branch Dinners/Lunches to Regimental Headquarters in plenty of time to enable Regimental representatives to be allocated and correctly briefed. Please furnish your requirement to the General Secretary/Association NCO as soon as they are known and they will maintain the diary and liaise with the Regimental Adjutant to try and satisfy the requirement. It will also of course serve to get your dates on to the web-site. Where possible each Branch will only be allocated one Regimental representative a year.
33.Loyal Messages. Those for Her Majesty the Queen should be addressed to The Assistant Private Secretary to Her Majesty The Queen, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA. Those for His Royal Highness the Colonel are to be sent to The Assistant Equerryat Regimental Headquarters.
34.Welfare. We currently have a number of members in receipt of Association Supplementary Benefits of £7.50 per week (paid quarterly at £97.50). These are intended to assist those of State Retirement Age who exist solely on a State Retirement Pension (a small occupational pension is generally disregarded) and for some other reason, (usually poor health) find it difficult to manage. The Finance Committee considers applications on our Common Application Form in March and October each year although the Director of Welfare may consider a grant on a pro-rata basis between these dates. The level of uptake has reduced to its lowest figure for some years and therefore Branches are asked to ensure they are aware of all those who may be eligible and where it is found necessary, apply for those most in need.
35.Christmas Gifts. Applications should reach the Assn NCO by 1st November 2015. Branches are again asked to give careful consideration to the lists they submit. It is not a 'means tested' gift, nor is it an automatic one on reaching State Retirement Age. It is intended for those of State Retirement Age whom the Branch considers would benefit from a little extra, at that time of the year. Please note it is not to be used in the context of 'services rendered'. It is again intended to pay these allowances along with Branch Gift Aided donations and Supplementary Benefits on or by 1st December 2015.
36.Wreaths. Association Poppy Wreaths for the funerals of members are provided through Association Headquarters with the cost borne by Central Funds. Branch Secretaries may order two wreaths at a time and retain them against eventual need. Wreaths may also be provided direct from RHQ for those who do not belong to the Association, although, invariably, the nearest Branch will be given the funeral details and be invited to send a representative.
37.Wreaths for any other purpose may be applied for to Association Headquarters and will be considered on a case by case basis.
38.Please be reminded that wreaths at the Guards’ Memorial on Horse Guards are removed from the Memorial on the Friday after The Queen's Birthday Parade, replaced on the last Friday in October, removed again on the last Friday in November and replaced on the second Friday in March of each year. This is in view of the concern over the deterioration of these wreaths caused by the weather and the high cost in replacing them throughout the year.
39.Grenadier Gazette. The price is now £5.75 plus £1.25 p&p (subject to Post Office rates) and will be available from 17thMarch 2015. The reporting year for Branch Reports runs from 01 November to 31st October with articles and photographs submitted by 15thNovember annually.
40.Should you wish to have your Gazettes delivered in bulk to an address of your choosing a charge will be incurred. Please let the Assn NCO know if you wish to use this facility otherwise it is understood that they will be collected by the Branch Secretaries at the AGM, bids for these are to be rendered to the Association NCO by 19th March 2015.
41.The Guards Magazine. Headquarters Household Division is continuously seeking to improve the circulation of the Guards Magazine which is issued three times a year and would be grateful if you could give this some publicity in your Branch Newsletters. The annual subscription is £16 and further details can be obtained from The Clerk to Treasurer, Household Division Funds, Horse Guards, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AA. The subscription hotline number is: 0207 414 2271. Over the next three years this publication will be a great read for those with an interest in WW1 and the Napoleonic era. It also contains a wealth of information and news from the Division at large. It really is recommended to those who already subscribe and those who have not seen it for a while.
42.The Association Shop. The profit from the shop is paid directly into Assn funds to support our various streams of expenditure. Please ensure that it is advertised as widely as possible and can of course be visited at
43.The Regimental Christmas Card. The subject for the photograph for the 2015 card will be The Colonel. Order forms will be distributed in the Spring for return to RHQ by 31 July 2015. The amount we order from the printers will reflect orders received. Please avoid disappointment and book in good time; full details to follow.
44.The Regimental Website. As many of you know the Regiment’s website can be found at and you will be aware that the Association has pages of its own which we will endeavour to update as often as possible. Should you have any information or item of news that you wish to add to the site please let the Assn NCO know. All members should also be made aware of the excellent Email alert service that can be found on the home page by clicking on “Latest News” and encouraged to register. It is easy to sign up for the alert service and genuinely useful. The Association Headquarters Email addresses are:
for the General Secretary.
for the Assn NCO.
SPRING 2015 SNIPPETS
45.NEW MEDALS ANNOUNCEMENT FROM VETERANS WORLD SEP 14 ISSUE 33 - changes to Ministry of Defence Medals and Clasps following Sir John Holmes’s Independent Review. Autumn 2014 saw the first of the new military awards made as a result of the independent medals review. The Ministry of Defence Medal Office is now planning the implementation of the new awards. A phased approach has been adopted to allow time for their design and manufacture. The details are: