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
Postie News
Chairman’s Chat
Hello all,
A big welcome to the April 2021 Chairman’s chat as we begin to ease our way out of this challenging Covid lockdown. Again, I do hope you, your families and friends continue to be well and in good health during this prolonged and challenging time, and that many of you will have had your vaccination(s) by now?
IMPORTANT NOTICE – PCS BRANCH REUNION UPDATE
Hopefully, you have seen the notice on Facebook and on this site, that due to the latest Governments announcements and roadmap, relevant to activities in England, the PCS Branch Reunion Dinner at the Village Hotel Liverpool has now been postponed until Saturday 9 April 22. Members who already have room bookings will need to contact the Village Hotel using the following email address, micc@village-hotels.com to have their booking moved to the new date. All bookings can be moved to the new date free of charge. Third time lucky!
Those who have booked rail travel should contact the relevant Train Operating Company to amend their bookings.
As of the 29th March we have seen the first welcome stage of easing implemented and things are beginning to look positive at last. Unfortunately, as I write, Covid continues to mean we are still unable to hold many activities in the immediate future, which continues to frustrate and disappoint. Happily, we are moving into an ‘easing’ phase from Monday 29th March, which will allow us to meet family and friends outdoors, even if only in a very limited context.
In relation to the latest announcements and the Governments roadmap (see March 2021 newsletter) relevant to activities, the following 3 points still apply:
- 29th March – Rule of SIX or two households may meet outdoors
- 2. 17th May – Rule of SIX or two households indoors 30 Person limit outdoors
- 3. 21st June – No legal limit on social contact, larger events permitted.
Obviously, during all of these stages, social distancing, face coverings and proper Covid controls will probably still need to be applied, until advised otherwise.
We are getting closer to a more normal way of life. It’s still not easy, but it is now looking really positive and hopefully, the long-awaited day will lift our spirits somewhat and allow us to get back to doing what we love to do.
Importantly however we are still in lockdown. As I have said previously, please don’t let folk struggle either, especially as we near the end, a simple phone call, email or photos can bring real purpose and a welcome lifting of the spirits. Of course, now you may be able to pop round and see them in the garden!
Take care, stay safe, and follow the rules…….if you can, get out and about and perhaps renew some friendships or see family.
Catch up soon….sincerest wishes,
Roy
Bereavements
Eddie (Paddy) Guiller
It is with regret that we have learned of the passing of Eddie (Paddy) Guiller, who passed away on 3 April 2021.
Our condolences to the family.
RIP and REspect
WO2 Dave Hankinson
It is with regret that we have learned of the passing of Dave Hankinson, who passed away on 1 April 2021.
The funeral arrangements for David Hankinson, which is on the 27th April 2021 at 12.30 at the Medway Crematorium, Robin Hood Lane, Blue Bell Hill, Chatham ME5 9QU in guidance with COVID rules. Emma David’s daughter will be providing a link for the funeral, as it will be live for all to see. Also, Emma is creating a slideshow, so if any members have pictures of David, Emma would be very grateful for them.
The following link David Hankinson will take you to his obituary page at the Funeral Director’s T.Allen Funeral Service, Strood.
Our condolences to the family.
RIP and REspect
WO1 (RSM) Peter William John Golightly
It is with regret that we have learned of the passing of Peter Golightly, who passed on 26 March 2021.
John Jackett has kindly provided the following regarding Peter’s funeral.
Peter had not been well for some months, his final request was to be at home. Sandie and Kim had arranged for his room to have a view of their garden and listening to the birds, the certifying doctor commented on what a special place.
You will all be aware that under the present COVID restrictions, only a limited number will attend his family only funeral, which will take place on Friday 23rd April. His final resting place is the village burial ground with a view to the Humber Bridge – their special landmark for being home once more.
Donations in Pete’s memory may be made out to Blood Cancer, UK. Kim is arranging a link for that, details will follow, probably after Easter. No flowers please, at the family’s request.
Kim has printed off for Sandie, all of the messages on the 2 PCS Facebook pages, they wish to thank you all for your very kind words and of course wonderful memories.
Peter’s funeral post and donations information.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1390588871308093&id=100010709794998
Our condolences to the family.
RIP and REspect Peter
Forces News
Veterans New Railcard
Government fulfils promise to veterans with new railcard.
Military veterans to get cut-price train travel to help boost job prospects and bring them closer to family and friends.
Military veterans will get cut-price train travel to help boost job prospects and bring them closer to family and friends, with a new railcard on sale from Armistice Day, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced today (22 January 2020).
Available from Armistice Day this year, the railcard will extend discounted train travel to the more than 830,000 veterans not covered by existing discounts.
Vetrans’ ID Card
18 February 2019
The launch of a Veterans’ ID Card has been announced.
The delivery is to be rolled out in two tranches:
Phase 1: The Veterans ID Card will be provided to all Service Leavers only, as part of the discharge process with effect from today, and retrospectively to those who left on or after 17 December 2018.
Phase 2: Applications from the wider Veteran Community will be encouraged once the process has been agreed. Information on how to apply will be made available closer to the time, before the end of 2019.
The UK Armed Forces Veteran ID Card
The Ministry of Defence will be launching a new Veterans ID card on 18 February which will enable public and charitable sector services to instantly recognise the service of a Veteran. This card will provide proof that a Veteran has served in HM Armed Forces in line with the Government definition of a Veteran, which is one day’s service.
Currently, there is no way for existing Veterans to easily prove the fact that they have served, and the administrative burden on providers when verifying that a person is a Veteran can be considerable, both in time and cost. This card will allow you to confidentially verify that someone has served in the Armed Forces.
However, this card will not be held by all Veterans as it is being rolled out in tranches and some genuine Veterans in need may not have the capacity to apply for one.
Therefore, please do not take the absence of a Veterans ID card as proof that a person is not a Veteran. Instead continue to use your existing processes to verify their Veteran status.
If you are asked questions about the ID card, please refer Veterans to the Veterans UK helpline number and they will be able to provide the relevant information, details below.
Telephone: 0808 1914 218
Website – www.veterans-uk.info [Read more…]