Rattes Tayle

May/June 2002

Dear Rattes,

I have written reviews and articles for the Rattes Tayle before, but this one is proving rather difficult to compose. The past year has not been great for the regiment, ECWS or even to re-enactment as a whole. Good events have been thin on the ground due to Foot & Mouth, lack of budgets (especially after year 2000) and changes within the society.

Over the past few months the emotions have been stretched both one way and then the other. It was a sad day when John Ward passed away earlier this year, but nothing could prepare us for the heartache we felt for Judith & Steve when we heard about baby Sam. The regiment’s best wishes go out to John’s partner Pat and to Judith & Steve.

On top of this, Simon Palmer had a horrific motorbike accident in April. Thankfully, Simon is recovering well and everyone in Norfolkes hopes he gets well soon.

On a happier note we welcome several new additions to the regiment. Many congratulations to Cara & Andy Simmonds on the birth of Robert Alexander (born in December), to Heather Johnson & Andrew Fanner on the birth of Sarah Marian Catherine (born in April), as well as getting engaged, and also to Jo and Jon Crane on the birth of Samuel (born in May). Lastly, congratulations to David Stell and Rebecca Gale who get married on June 8^th.

As for musters, the Easter event at Mells has been and gone. This year was our first time as organisers of this event and I wish to thank Frances & Mark Rostron for getting everything into place. All the regimental members who helped out over the weekend can give themselves a hearty pat on the back as well. Everyone I have spoken to thoroughly enjoyed it and they have already started talking about next year! Hopefully we can have a more relaxing time, as Blackwell’s regiment should be organising it next time.

By the time you read this, the Bath & Wells show will also have been held. I am not sure how many NTB’s were going, but hopefully those who went had a good time.

The full list of events coming up should be in this issue somewhere. PLEASE BE AWARE that if you want to go to Hounslow you must be in possession of your R.A. card. If you have not rejoined this year then send in your application forms now. Mark Hillyard is the membership secretary this year and he will need your forms as soon as possible to get them processed. His address is also in this issue.

I have also included a copy of the latest draft of the RA dress regulations for your perusal. Have a read and feel free to pass on any comments. If you pass your comments to Eddie then he will ensure that everyone can see them in the next Rattes Tayle.

Anyway, I hope that things improve from here on. There are some good events coming up and the warning orders for Wythenshawe and Ickenham are enclosed. I also heartily recommend Powderham Castle if you have not been there before. Hopton’s tend to put on pretty good events and with camping available from Wednesday to Wednesday, either side of the August Bank Holiday, it is an ideal chance to have a few days in the West Country.

I hope to see you all soon, but in the meantime good health and fortune to all.

Yours in the cause,

Bruce Goodridge,

Captain of the Norfolke Trayned Bandes

NOTES

E-mail: We try to circulate a lot of information by e-mail, but there are several addresses we have been given that are getting bounced. If you have changed your e-mail address, or if you have recently set one up, please let Bruce Goodridge and Mark Hillyard know so we can keep everything up to date.

Greyhill: As usual, there is a lot going on up at Greyhill this year. For more information please contact the following people.

Stuart Peachey, 117 Farleigh Rd, Backwell, Bristol BS48 3PG

( (01275) 436 041 * stuart@hmaltd.freeserve.co.uk

Frances Rostron, 3 Midleaze, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 6DY

( (01935) 813 941 * Rostron@lineone.net

Membership: Please note that the membership secretaries of the RA and the regiment have changed. If you require membership forms please contact Mark as follows.

Mark Hillyard, 15 Calder Ave, Freckleton, Lancashire PR4 1DN

( (01772) 635 398 * mark.hillyard@baesystems.com

Rattes Tayle Editor: Please send any items for publishing to Eddie. Anything of interest will do.

Ed Duralski, 80 Hove Road, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire FY8 1XH

( (01253) 720 300 * eddie@duralski.freeserve.co.uk

C.O.’s address:

Bruce Goodridge, 52 Hove Road, Lytham St. Annes, Lancs FY8 1TP

( (01253) 713 840 * bruce.goodridge@virgin.net

EVENT DIARY 2002

Notes:

There may be a Blackwell’s event at Wainfleet, but as yet I have not heard any confirmation or seen a warning order. If I hear of anything I will try to circulate the information as soon as possible.

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