Membership Eligibility If you have served in the RE (PS)/(PCC)/(PCS) you are eligible to join the PCS Branch of the REA. If you served in the ATS or WRAC and trained as a Postal & Courier … READ MORE
REA PARTICIPATION SAPPER GAMES 2023
REA PARTICIPATION SAPPER GAMES 2023.
Introduction. 2023 will be the first year that REA members have been eligible to take part in the Sapper Games. Below is the outline detail required for REA members to compete and represent the REA!
1. Outline. The Field Army’s Sapper Games Instruction has been released. Whilst there is some relevance in the document it shouldn’t be used and neither should the Sapper Games website which does not account for REA participation. For example the REA is only eligible to compete in certain sports, this detail is not in the instruction.
2. General. There are no entry or insurance fees, this is covered by the REA, but to be eligible competitors must be under the age of 69 and be a veteran (insurance criteria). The competition days are the 4th, 5th of July. REA competitors do not need to attend for the 4 days that are advertised. REA competitors can simply turn up, compete and leave or stay around for the evening social events which are taking place on Brompton Barracks (3rd,4th,5th July). But individuals must register as an REA competitor to gain access to the Barracks. If they do not they risk being refused entry – an REA membership card does not grant access to the barracks.
3. Accommodation & Feeding. REA Competitors are to be aware that they are responsible for their own accommodation and feeding arrangements. Food can be purchased from food stalls situated on Great Lines and in Brompton Barracks. There is no accommodation available on Brompton Barracks and Kitchener Barracks does not exist anymore.
4. Participating. Teams will be filled on a first come first served basis. If you have members wish to compete their details are to be emailed to directoropsREA@rhqre.co.uk:
| Number | DOB | Name | Contact Number | Branch | ||
Once details are received individual’s will be notified if they have been successful or unsuccesful in securing a place.
5. To keep informed about the REA involvement in the Sapper Games sign up to https://sappercom.com/forum/general-discussion/sapper-games.
Sapper Games 2023 Sports Locations and Timings
| Ser | Sport | Team Size | Location | Date/Time |
| (a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) |
| 1 | Angling | 3 | Monk Lake Road,Staplehurst, Marden, TN129BS | 4 Jul – 0730hrs |
| 2 | Cross Country | 6 | Islingham Farm Road Wainscott Rochester Medway ME3 8BP | 4 Jul – 0830hrs |
| 3 | Sailing | 4 | Lower Upnor, Rochester, Kent, ME2 4XB | 4 Jul – 0830hrs |
| 4 | Golf | 4 | High Elms Golf Course High Elms Road, Downe, Kent, BR6 7JL | 4 Jul – 0830hrs |
| 5 | Tennis | 3 | Frindsbury Tennis Club, Upnor Road, Upnor, ME2 4UX | 4 & 5 Jul – 0730hrs |
| 6 | Squash | 5 | Top Gym, Chatham station, ME44UG | 4 & 5 Jul – 0800hrs |
| 7 | Badminton | 6 | Medway Park, Mill Rd, Gillingham ME7 1HF | 4 & 5 Jul – 0800hrs |
| 8 | Football | 9 | Great lines, Brompton Rd, Gillingham ME7 5HB | 4 & 5 Jul – 0830hrs |
| 9 | Mountain biking | 4 | Islingham Farm Road Wainscott Rochester Medway ME3 8BP | 5 Jul – 0830hrs |
| 10 | Climbing | 4 | Unit G15, Baltic Wharf St Peter’s Street Maidstone, ME16 0ST | 5 Jul – 0900hrs |
| 11 | Orienteering | 6 | Brompton Barracks, ME44UG (Cenotaph) | 5 Jul – WBGT Dep |
| 12 | Road Cycling | 7 | Cyclopark, Watling, Gravesend, DA11 7NP | 5 Jul – 1100hrs |
CORPS FREEDOM OF MEDWAY AND MEMORIAL PARADE 15-17 SEPTEMBER 2023
CORPS FREEDOM OF MEDWAY AND MEMORIAL PARADE 15-17 SEPTEMBER 2023
1. Introduction. Previously known as The Corps Memorial and Veterans Weekend, The Corps Freedom of Medway and Memorial Parade (CFMMP) will take place over 15-17 Sep 23 in Chatham. There will be events across the weekend to promote esprit de Corps between veterans and serving members. I would like to emphasise that the primary purpose of the weekend is the Memorial Parade and the subsequent service in Rochester Cathedral, held on Sun 17 Sep 23, in remembrance of those Sappers who have died on operations or otherwise.
2. Planned Events. The weekend will start with a meet and greet on the Friday night in the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess. This event will be led by the REA Medway branch and will include a buffet and the Dove Cup Darts Competition. Saturday will encompass a Corps SM update, The National Standard Bearer Competition, an opportunity to visit the trade bays and take part in the Families’ Event held within the station; transport will be available for easy access to the local area throughout the afternoon. Saturday will finish with a formal dinner in the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess. A detailed programme of timings and events will be contained within the welcome pack issued on arrival. Key events, dates and timings are as follows:
Ser Date Time Activity Location
1. 15 Sep 2. 31200hrs. Arrivals. Student Reception
2. 1800hrs. Reception & Dove CuP WOs’& Sgts’Mess
3. 16 Sep 23. 0930hrs. CSM Update. Auditorium
4. 1030hrs. Standard Bearer Comp. Regt’l Square
5. 1400hrs. Trade Bay/Families’ Day Event Station
6. 1930hrs. Formal Dinner. WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess
7. 17 Sep 23. 0900hrs. Memorial Parade. Obelisk
1115hrs. Cathedral. Rochester
3. Memorial Parade. The main parade at Brompton Barracks on Sun 17 Sep 23 will again be centred at the Obelisk.
4. Notice of Attendance. Branch Secretaries are requested to return completed notice of attendance proforma (Enclosure 1) and Branch attendance nominal rolls (Enclosure 2) with accurate figures for attendance by 21 July 23 to the following address:
SSgt M Flood
Hackett Troop, 36 Training Squadron
1 RSME Regiment
Brompton Barracks
Chatham, Kent
ME4 4UG
5. Reception. On arrival each member must book in at the Student Reception Centre in Brompton Barracks. The reception will be open from 1400-2300 on Fri 15 Sep 23 and 0800-1800 on Sat 16 Sep 23. All personnel will be escorted to their accommodation and issued a detailed programme of events. The Warrant Officers’ & Sergeants’ Mess will be open for refreshments from 1500hrs on Fri 15 Sep 23.
6. Accommodation. Accommodation for unaccompanied veterans will be available at zero cost within Collingwood Triangle on Friday and Saturday evening. Unfortunately, accompanied personnel cannot be accommodated. Accommodation is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. The enclosed accommodation request proforma (Enclosure 3) should be completed and returned by 21 July 23. Any bids received after this date will be considered but not guaranteed. To ensure disabled personnel are allocated ground floor accommodation, please ensure they are identified on the return; this includes individuals who may have difficulty negotiating stairs. It should be noted that there will be no accommodation available in the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess.
7. Local Hotels. A list of hotels in the Medway area is enclosed (Enclosure 4). The list is not exhaustive and does not constitute official endorsement. Prices can be obtained by contacting the proprietor directly.
8. Meals. Breakfast and Lunch meals can be purchased in the Central Mess Brompton Barracks. Evening meals will be served in the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess on the Friday and Saturday evenings. Branch Secretaries are requested to complete the enclosed meals required proforma (Enclosure 5) and return it to SSgt Flood on the address in Para 3 by 21 July 23, annotating the total number from your branch who intend to take each meal, in order to allow sufficient food to be ordered. If individuals wish to eat prior to the events on the Friday or Saturday evening, they are welcome to eat beforehand in the Central Mess.
9. Dress. All attending personnel and their guests are to ensure they have the appropriate attire for both formal and informal events held with the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess and the Memorial Service.
10. Security. The security and integrity of Chatham station is of the utmost importance, and cars entering camp are liable to be searched. Occupants are requested to be patient and fully cooperative with the security measures in place over the weekend. REA members are to carry their REA membership cards at all times whilst within the confines of camp.
11. Vehicle Parking. There is only limited vehicle parking within Brompton Barracks, REA members are strongly encouraged to share cars where possible.
12. Returns. Branch Secretaries are requested to ensure that all returns are sent to SSgt Flood by 21 July 23. All returns are to be sent on a word document and not PDF to ease with data collection.
13. Payment. CFMMP 23 personnel that are attending are asked to contribute £20pp towards the weekend. The contribution is put towards the whole weekend and not, for example, just the Friday night meet and greet. This cost is less than previous years, due to the event not taking place in 2022. Branch chairs are requested to collect funds per branch and transfer to 1 RSME Regiment as a one-off payment by the return cut-off date 21 July 23. Transfers are to be referenced with your branch location; for example, ‘CFMMP23-REA Medway’ for the Medway branch ‘CFMMP23-REA Plymouth’ for the Plymouth branch, and to be made payable to:
Central Bank 1 RSME
Sort Code – 16-19-26
Account Number – 10324912
Reference – CFMMP23 REA “Branch Name”
14. Cancellations. Cancellations are to be forwarded to SSgt Flood as soon as they occur. This will ensure REA funds are not wasted through non-attendance.
15. Media. Veterans wishing to draft an article for Sapper Magazine are encouraged to do so. Please send all articles including separate pictures to: HQ REA, Ravelin Building, Brompton Barracks, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4UG.
16. Correspondence. All correspondence regarding Corps Memorial Parade should be labelled in the top left corner of the envelope ‘CFMMP23’ (Email to contain this phrase in the subject line). Any questions regarding the weekend, or any special requirements, should be directed to the RSM or SSgt Flood, Hackett Troop,1 RSME Regt (mark.flood910@mod.gov.uk).
{Electronic signed on MODNet}
S Eardley
WO1 (RSM)
For Station Commander
Enclosures:
1.Notice of Attendance Proforma.
2.Branch Personnel Attendance Nominal Roll.
3.Accommodation Request Proforma.
4.List of Local Hotels.
5.Meal Booking Proforma.
Distribution:
All REA Members via Branch Secretaries (sent via HQ REA)
Copy to:
CO 1 RSME Regt
Adjt 1 RSME Regt
Ops Offr 1 RSME Regt
Provost Sgt 1 RSME Regt
REA Operations Director
Enclosure 1
CORPS FREEDOM OF MEDWAY AND MEMORIAL PARADE 2023 NOTICE OF ATTENDANCE PROFORMA
To:From:
SSgt FloodBranch _______________________
Hackett Troop
1 RSME RegtAddress
Brompton Barracks
CHATHAM
Kent
ME4 4UG
Email: mark.flood910@mod.gov.uk Email: _______________________
- Please fill in the table below (in block capitals). Once complete, return it to the above address by 21 July 23.
| Ser | Information Requirement | Response
Y / N |
Number(s) | Remarks |
| 1 | Will your Branch be attending the Corps Memorial and Veterans Weekend – Chatham 2023? | Including wives/partners attending. | ||
| 2 | Will your Branch Standard participate in the Memorial Parade, Memorial Service and Freedom Parade on Sun 17 Sep 23? | N/A | ||
| 3 | Is your Branch entering the darts competition on Fri 15 Sep 23? | N/A | Y or N response only. | |
| 4 | Is your Branch entering the Standard Bearer Competition on Sat 16 Sep 23? | N/A | Y or N response only | |
| 5 | Will your Branch attend the official function in the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess on the evening of Sat 16 Sep 23? (Numbers required for catering purposes) | Include wives/partners in the numbers attending | ||
| 6 | Will your Branch take part in the Memorial Parade on Sun 17 Sep 23? | Number of marching contingents only. | ||
| 7 | Will your Branch take part in the Memorial Service in Rochester Cathedral on Sun 17 Sep 23? | Number to show those requiring seats in the Cathedral only. | ||
| 8 | Will your Branch take part in the Freedom of Medway parade on Sun 17 Sep 23 in Rochester High Street? | Number of marching contingents only. | ||
| 9 | Will your Branch require parking provision? (Name of driver, VRN, make, model & No. of passengers – to be forwarded to SSgt XXXX, XXXX, 1 RSME Regt by 21 July 23 (Enclosure 3). | Indicate total number of vehicles requiring parking provision.
|
Signed: ____________ Name: ____________ Branch Appointment: ________________
CORPS FREEDOM OF MEDWAY AND MEMORIAL PARADE 2023 – BRANCH PERSONNEL ATTENDANCE NOMINAL ROLL
- Please fill in the table below with details of all Branch members attending, written in BLOCK CAPITALS.
- Please supply full details of collective transport (minibus etc.) and any private vehicles your Branch members intend to bring and confirm payment.
From: _______________________________ Branch
| Ser | Name | Arrival Date | Vehicle Details | £20 Paid | ||
| Registration | Make | Model | ||||
| 1 | Total Personnel: | |||||
CORPS FREEDOM OF MEDWAY AND MEMORIAL PARADE 2023 – ACCOMMODATION REQUEST PROFORMA[1]
Branch: ______________________________________
| Name |
Disabilities[2](Require ground floor accommodation) |
Fr 15 Sep 23
|
Sat 16 Sep 23 (Nil cost) |
Remarks |
CORPS FREEDOM OF MEDWAY AND MEMORIAL PARADE 2023 – MEAL BOOKING PROFORMA
Branch: ______________________________________
- Please fill in the table below in BLOCK CAPITALS and return it to SSgt XXXX, XXXX, 1 RSME Regt by 21 July 23.
| Meal | Total Number Taking Meal | Remarks | |
| Lunch | Fri 15 Sep 23 | To be taken in Central Mess Brompton Barracks | |
| Buffet | WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess Brompton Barracks | ||
| Breakfast | Sat 16 Sep 23 | To be taken in Central Mess Brompton Barracks | |
| Lunch | To be taken in Central Mess Brompton Barracks | ||
| Formal Dinner | WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess Brompton Barracks | ||
| Breakfast | Sun 17 Sep 23 | To be taken in Central Mess Brompton Barracks | |
| Lunch | To be taken in Central Mess Brompton Barracks | ||
Note – Friday lunch is between 1215hrs and 1330hrs. The weekends meal timings will be contained in the Programme of Events issued on arrival.
[1] Accommodation within Brompton Barracks is only available for unaccompanied members of the REA.
[2] Make comments with reference to any disabilities that will affect allocation of accommodation.
News
OPERATION TELIC POSTAL & COURIER RESERVES REUNION 2023
Situation
1. It is 20 years since a full squadron of PCS reservists and attached personnel mobilised for service in 2003. In recognition of this historic occasion in our history a reunion is to be scoped. Furthermore 2023 is a particularly poignant year whereby the Army Reservists of PCS disband after 140 years of dedication and service.
Aim
2. The aim of this reunion weekend is to bring together those who served with TA PCS during 2003 to conduct a celebration and recognise the commitment and loyalty of all past and present PCS reserve personnel. This is to be a total civilian based event.
Execution
3. Intent. To deliver a celebratory dinner at the Hilton Hotel, East Midlands Airport. The proposed date is 4 Nov 2023. This whole event will be developed and planned dependent on the number of responses received. This event will likely comprise of 3 phases as follows:
- Phase 1. All attendees arrive at the hotel on the Saturday, with an option to arrive on the Friday.
- Phase 2. Dinner at hotel, with guest speaker(s).
- Phase 3. Optional breakfast Sunday, dispersal.
4. Main Effort. To deliver a great reunion, safely and effectively.
Tasks
5. All recipients you are requested to:
- Notify the secretary if you are just interested or keen to attend by 1 Mar 2023.
- At this point, contact details are unknown for many of those eligible to attend. Therefore, please circulate this warning order to eligible members known to you. (Better for them to get it more than once than not at all).
- Email the secretary your rank or ex rank, name, email address and contact telephone number.
6. Event Secretary is to:
- Complete a central register of responses.
- Acknowledge email responses received.
CO-ORDINATING INSTRUCTION
7. Timings – Detailed timings will follow in subsequent Admin Instructions.
8. Admin Instruction – A detailed Admin Instruction to support this event will be produced by the secretary and distributed NLT 1 Jun 2023.
9. Attendance – Attendance at this reunion is open to all PCS reservists who were serving in 2003 and their respective spouses/partners. Should we be restricted by numbers, we may have to prioritise those who mobilised in 2003.
SERVICE SUPPORT
10. Dress – Dress for the weekend will be collar and tie, dresses/trouser suit for ladies. Medals optional.
11. Transport – This is a non-military organised event; therefore, all attendees need to make their own travel arrangements.
12. Costs – This will be a self-funding event and all costs will be borne by those attending.
COMMAND AND SIGNAL
13. The C2 for the weekend is as follows:
- a. Reunion Director: Lt Col Kevin Bingham.
- OIC Event/Dinner: Mr Kevin Thornley.
- Event Secretary: Mr Cameron Hill MBE (cameron.hill146@mod.gov.uk)
SUMMARY
14. This is an opportunity for us all to meet up with friends old and new to mark and celebrate the achievements of the Reserve Postal & Courier Trade over the past 140 Years.
CA Hill MBE
Secretary
RLC 30 – The Corps 30th Anniversary
Please find the following amendment from The RLC Regimental Secretary,
Lt Col Steve Yafai. If you have already responded to the original
request, please do not resend. Your interest will have already been
noted.
Please note, as published in the recent edition of The Sustainer, that
The RLC will be celebrating their 30th Anniversary throughout 2023 with
a major event on Thu 01 Jun 23 that includes a service in Winchester
Cathedral, a parade/march-past in Winchester, followed by lunch and
events in Worthy Down.
In response to the above, the intent of this correspondence is to focus
on the parade/march-past where the Corps is keen for circa 100 veterans
to join the parade. We are looking for interested personnel from The
RLC, RASC and RCT, RAOC, RPC, ACC and members of the Postal and Courier Branch of the RE Associations.
Accordingly, if you are interested in attending what will be significant
event (we would love you to join us), please contact the Veterans,
Families and Civil Engagement Officer (VFCEO) Victoria (Vic) Parkes at
Victoria.parkes100@mod.gov.uk or vfceo@rhqtherlc.org.uk to register
your interest.
Members
BLUF: We would like to invite you, your members and branches to attend the March Armed Forces Fair (MAFF) on Sun 3 Sept 23.
The MAFF
The MAFF is not just an REA event, its open to all Armed Forces Organisations, one of its Aims is to get ALL of us working together more and share events so we can all prosper.
The Fenland Sappers are heavily involved organising and delivering the MAFF and will be having their gazebo on parade. We are looking forward to seeing other Sappers especially our neighbouring branches, the Peterborough & Cambridge branches as Jesse, Chairman & Tony, Sec are keen to arrange another Games Night or Gold day.
The Invite:
1. Bring your REA gazebo/tent and set up within our Armed Forces Area, Advertise what you do, where you meet and show non REA members the comradeship we have. Some branches attended last year and are planning to attend in 2023. If you wish to attend, please book in via our website application and Mark Wilding will co-ordnate, MAFF 2IC and Ex Sapper.
2. Have any of your members or their families got a stalls, we would like to invite them to have a stall within the MAFF. Another Aim is use the event to showcase and support our veterans with companies. Stallholders application via website and I’m co-ordinating this.
3. Have any of your members or friends got a military display or vehicle, we would like them to take part within the MAFF. We want people to display their pride & joys. We may be able to assist transport costs, via me again.
4. Your Standards and members to take part within the Parade of Standards and Act of Remembrance, Mark Wilding.
5. Last of all your members and their families to attend, it should be a good day out and we are making FREE for visitors.
VIP’s Attending
Major General (Retd) Alastair Dickinson CBE, President of the Royal Engineers Association subject to commitments will be attending.
Ken Kirk, Chief Executive Officer, REA attended this year and will be attending in 2023.
Both of whom will be keen to meet your members and socialise with fellow Sappers.
More details can be found within: https://maff2023.com/
