NEW DATES FOR YOUR DIARY - Scroll down the page for more. Coming soon: National Secretaries July Snippets.
CAPEL le FERNE 2017
Sunday July 9th. Report and pictures from Maidstone Group. Hover on National Events tab above. |
ALL WELCOME TO THE ROCA GATHERING
AT THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM Saturday May 13th. 2017 This year we mark the 70th anniversary of the reformation of the ROC in 1947. Meet up at the ROC Grove at 13.00 Berets and medals please. |
HOLBEACH POST IN LINCOLN GROUP - open day September 7th.
As part of this years National Heritage Week events Holbeach Post will be open to the pubic as above. For details Link here |
THE TRAGIC TRURO RAID 6 AUGUST 1942 Read Lawrence Holmes's account of the Tip and Run raid on the Cornish city of Truro extracted from the Summer edition of the 10 Group News Letter Link here |
Obituary: Ian Burrows of Horsham Group
After many months of suffering Ian passed peacefully away on Sunday the 16th of April. He was a stalwart member of No 2 Group and well known nationaly for his attendance at memorial services where he often carried the Group and National Standards. His funeral took place on Friday May 5th at St Mary the Virgin Church, Branshott, Liphook A Guard of Honour of twelve members formed at the Church door. The ROCA National and two Group standards preceded Ians coffin. |
Obituary: Obs Capt Sid Deedman
Many of you will remember Sid, especially those in Metropolitan and Southern Areas. After a long illness he passed away on Saturday 8th April 2017. His funeral, took place: Tuesday 25th April at 11.30 in the Ringwood Parish Church, Market Square, followed by a private cremation. On line donations can be made to Macmillan Care in the Community. Condolences can be sent to: Mrs Janet Deedman Three Bridges, The Bridges, Ringwood, Hants BH24 1EA |
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NATIONAL REUNION 2017
PALACE HOTEL BUXTON 6th - 8th OCTOBER 2017 We are returning to this popular hotel again this year. Full details are available on the Booking Form which can be downloaded here |
ROCA POLO SHIRTS AND FLEECES AVAILABLE NOW!
A range of monogrammed polo shirts and fleeces are available from the National Secretary Jenny Morris. Click here for details |
22 GROUP THRELKELD POST OPEN DAYS 2017 Carlisle Group have announced the first 2017 Open Day for their restored 51 Post. This will be on Sunday 23rd of April For more information click here https://carlisle51post.wordpress.com |
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NATIONAL CHAIRMAN - JOHN SHARPE MBE John has been awarded the MBE in the 2017 New Years Honours List. The listing in the Daily Telegraph reads:- "John Sharpe National Chair, Royal Observer Corps Association. For voluntary service to the Children's Hearings System in Scotland and the Royal Observer Corps." Well done John a well deserved award. |
ROCBF Secretary Christopher Howard Annual Report as given at the 2016 Annual Delegates Meeting Buxton Link here |
Last Autumn, Jenny Major caried out a full survey of the progress of the Group Trees, within the Royal Observer Grove. At the National Memorial Arboretum. She presented it to the National Reunion at Buxton in October.
To enable Groups a chance to see the condition of their individual trees, we have published a separate page with the survey and images. Link Here |
FORMER HORSHAM GROUP COMMANDANT DERRICK BALLINGTON 1923-2016
Observer Commander Derrick Ballington passed away on the 13th November 2016 at the age of 93. He was Group Commandant of No 2 Group from 1973 - 1983. As Observer Officer Ballington he was the Junior Officer selected to receive the Sovereigns Banner from Her Majesty the Queen at the Royal Review held at RAF Bentley Priory in 1966. Following his retirement he became active member of No 2 Group ROCA and was their President for many years. |
FORMER SOUTHERN AREA COMMANDANT - ALAN PRICE TALBOT
Alans funeral took place on Wednesday the 2nd. November at the Thornhill Crematorium, Cardiff Read his Obituary here |
FORMER SADO ROC HQ BENTLEY PRIORY -
OBSERVER COMMANDER RON GLOVER We are saddened to report that Obs/Cdr Ron Glover died peacefully on November 25th at St David Hospice in Llandudno. His funeral arrangements are:- Service will be held at the English Methodist Church, Penmaenmauwr Road, Llanfairfecan, LL33 0AS at 10.30am on Friday 9th December; followed by Committal at 12.00 at Bangor Crematorium, Llandegai Road, Bangor LL57 4HP Link : Ron's Service Record |
WHO's WHO on the ROCA Heritage Team
Want to know who does what etc. on our Heritage Team? National Heritage Officer - Edwina Holden MBE - has updated the team list which outlines the various duties of the team members. They all put in an enormous amount of time and effort to ensure that the public are made aware of the history and achievements of the Corps covering the 70 years of its existence. Note website address: www.roc-heritage.co.uk Click here for team details |
VERYAN BUNKERS OPEN DAYS 2017
Lawrence Holmes has secured the 2017 dates for the Open days with National Trust. The Veryan ROC Post will be open together with the Decoy Command Bunker Link here for more details |
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our Royal Patron.
All members of the Royal Observer Corps Association are pleased to send their Sincere Congratulations to
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her 90th Birthday. Long may she continue to reign over us.
The Patrons Lunch - The Mall London 12th June 2016 Link here
All members of the Royal Observer Corps Association are pleased to send their Sincere Congratulations to
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her 90th Birthday. Long may she continue to reign over us.
The Patrons Lunch - The Mall London 12th June 2016 Link here
Holbeach underground post (LIN/66) A GREAT SUCCESS!! Sunny wethear and a lot of interest in this summers Holbeach Post Open Days. Charles Parker would like more volunteers to take part next year Click here for his report |
NEW:- DRESS CODE FOR PARADES
After a very lively debate at this years Annual Delegates Meeting it was felt necessary to repeat the instructions for formal parades issued in 2012 The National Committee are carrying out a Survey of Dress Codes. See Secretary's Snippets for February 2017 Go to National News page for more details. Current dress code Link here |
THE ROC BENEVOLENT FUND See the latest video filmed at the Armed Forces Day event in Cleethorpes. Chairman of the ROCBF Trustees Christopher Howard explains. Link below https://www.facebook.com/ROCBenFund/videos/1756185474662213/ |
NEW LAPEL BADGE AVAILABLE
A Poppy themed lapel badge featuring the ROC Crest is proving popular with members. National Secretary Jenny Morris has procured a supply and is offering them at £10 each which includes Postage and Packaging & a small donation to Association Funds. Go to Organisation - National page for Jenny's telephone or e-mail contact details |
 Photo by Edwina Holden
Sunday April 2nd 2017 St Clement Danes - London ROCA members at the Annual Service to Commemorate the 99th Anniversary of the Founding of the RAF in 1918 The ROCA National Standard was carried by Rosemary Ward of Oxford Group, with the 20 Group Standard carried by Tim Kitchen Report and more pictures link here. |
IMPORTANT STATEMENT FROM THE HERITAGE TEAM If you are involved with memorabilia, collections or ROC Restoration projects please read this:- Click here 
1941 The year when women were allowed to serve in the ROC
Read a fascinating account of one such lady Marjorie Gay who served in Bristol Group - written by National Secretary Jenny Morris Link here |
LAWRENCE HOLMES INTERVIEWS on ROC HISTORY
As custodian of the Veryan Post Museum in Cornwall Lawrence was approached by an old friend Duncan Little who was keen on creating a series of You Tube videos on the history of the ROC suitable for students researching the Cold War. The videos are available now Follow this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtEIOS9v16A |
RAF Sector Clock Comes Home
An 11 Group RAF Sector Clock that had been damaged in the fire here at Bentley Priory in 1979 has been restored and was brought back to the Museum. Believed to have been stolen it was in fact in the custody of the RAF Police. Read the full story here http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/the-raf-police-turn-back-time-10122015 |
NEW BOOK
Were you awarded the ROC Medal? If so your name should be in this book. Click here for review by Lawrence Holmes |
The OBSERVER CORPS How it all began.....
Ninety years ago - in the skies over Norfolk To read on click here |
B17 crash in 1945 Two ROC members on board.
link here |
The Bentley Priory Museum is open to the Public.
Open Days: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays Opening Hours: 10:00 -17:00 (Last admission 16:00) Entry Charges: £9 for adults / £7 for concessions / £5 for children (under 5s free) Refreshments available: Free Parking in museum. Address: Mansion House Drive, Stanmore. Sat Nav postcode – HA7 3HT. For more information see our website www.bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk or call 0208 950 5526 Read about the Official opening September 2013 Click here ___________________________________________________________________ |
Edwina pays tribute
Whilst travelling to Belgium to take part in the daily memorial service, to the fallen of the First World War, National Heritage Officer Edwina Holden MBE runs into a former member of the ROC and more besides. Read on |
Site Editors Notes:-
My E-MAIL ADDRESS:- To help me with site administration please use my btinternet.com address shown below for all messages.
The outlook.com address shown on the Membership Enquiry form is used exclusively for these enquiries.
ROCA ORIGINAL WEBSITE I am pleased to tell you that Roy McDowells daughter has agreed to continue to provide access to the original rocassoc site set up in 2001. Roy left instructions for her to do this so that the site will continue to be a valuable source of past news and events.
ADMIN ASSISTANT In response to the National Secretary's appeal Tim Kitching of 20 Group York has been appointed Admin Assistant to the National Committee. Go to National Organisation page for details
ASSISTANT WEB EDITOR Appointed
Go to National Organisation page for details
All Groups URGENT REMINDER:-
ROC BENEVOLENT FUND LIAISON OFFICERS: An IMPORTANT MEMO action required all Groups:
Go to National Organisation page, scroll to the bottom of the page for details.
Searching for former ROC members records:-
The ROC Museum in Winchester is now the custodian of the old record cards from the MOD. Not all ROC Group's records were kept after the Stand Down, but quite a lot were saved.
For the (revised) Application Form and details of how to send it Click Here
Recruiting new members:-
The on-line submission form, for potential new members, has proved to be worth while (See panel below). If you receive an enquiry form in this way please ensure that any response is followed up promptly. Always keep the National Membership Secretary* up to date when new members join.
Special Call to All Ex-Members of 17 Group:-
North Wales need your help to boost their membership. If you would like more information on their activities please contact Michael Shinton at roca17nwa@gmail.com
* National Membership Secretary is Norman Hart tel: 01773 431178 (New) email address arroca04@gmail.com
MONTHLY REPORT: For JUNE:- 1850 Site Visitors
Enrolment enquiries via the website now stands at 267 Updated 30th June 2017
Group News Letters are copyright to the publishing Group. Always ask permission before copying any pictures or text for publishing elsewhere. I'm always on the lookout for new stories and news items for the website. If you have anything you wish to share please let me know.
Please note: Older editions of Group Newsletters are no longer available on the old rocassoc.org.uk website.
Website Editor Michael Marks: michael8marks@btinternet.com
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The outlook.com address shown on the Membership Enquiry form is used exclusively for these enquiries.
ROCA ORIGINAL WEBSITE I am pleased to tell you that Roy McDowells daughter has agreed to continue to provide access to the original rocassoc site set up in 2001. Roy left instructions for her to do this so that the site will continue to be a valuable source of past news and events.
ADMIN ASSISTANT In response to the National Secretary's appeal Tim Kitching of 20 Group York has been appointed Admin Assistant to the National Committee. Go to National Organisation page for details
ASSISTANT WEB EDITOR Appointed
Go to National Organisation page for details
All Groups URGENT REMINDER:-
ROC BENEVOLENT FUND LIAISON OFFICERS: An IMPORTANT MEMO action required all Groups:
Go to National Organisation page, scroll to the bottom of the page for details.
Searching for former ROC members records:-
The ROC Museum in Winchester is now the custodian of the old record cards from the MOD. Not all ROC Group's records were kept after the Stand Down, but quite a lot were saved.
For the (revised) Application Form and details of how to send it Click Here
Recruiting new members:-
The on-line submission form, for potential new members, has proved to be worth while (See panel below). If you receive an enquiry form in this way please ensure that any response is followed up promptly. Always keep the National Membership Secretary* up to date when new members join.
Special Call to All Ex-Members of 17 Group:-
North Wales need your help to boost their membership. If you would like more information on their activities please contact Michael Shinton at roca17nwa@gmail.com
* National Membership Secretary is Norman Hart tel: 01773 431178 (New) email address arroca04@gmail.com
MONTHLY REPORT: For JUNE:- 1850 Site Visitors
Enrolment enquiries via the website now stands at 267 Updated 30th June 2017
Group News Letters are copyright to the publishing Group. Always ask permission before copying any pictures or text for publishing elsewhere. I'm always on the lookout for new stories and news items for the website. If you have anything you wish to share please let me know.
Please note: Older editions of Group Newsletters are no longer available on the old rocassoc.org.uk website.
Website Editor Michael Marks: michael8marks@btinternet.com
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QUICK LINKS:-
31st Allied Air Forces Memorial Day - Elvington September 2016 Link Here
Battle Of Britain Commemoration Services Link Here
National Armed Forces Day - 2016 Link Here
Capel le Ferne Battle of Britain Memorial Parade 2016 Link here
The Patrons Lunch Sunday 12th June on the Mall Link here
CUCKFOLD Restored Post - OPEN DAYS 2016 Go to Local Events page
Battle of Britain flypast -2015 Go to Links page
Remembrance Day 2015 Link here
Our Sovereigns Banner The Laying Up Service in St Clement Danes link here
Our Sovereigns Banner Lodging out at RAF Cranwell link here
31 Group Belfast - Parade of New Standard Battle Of Britain Parade ALDERGROVE 25th September 2015 Click here
28 Group Dedicate their new Group Standard link here
ARMED FORCES DAY Parade 2015 GUILDFORD Link here
OBITUARIES A new dedicated page has been set up Link here
2014 A Year to Remember The Great War - The Poppies at the Tower - the Cenotaph Parade Click here
31 Group Belfast - NEW STANDARD Dedication Service 4th October 2014 Click here
SHETLANDS ROC POSTS Look & Listen to ex members stories of yesteryear: Link here http://www.coldwarprojects.com/
Latest Snippets from the National Secretary Go to National News page.
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Recently Published:-
July 26th 25 Group Ayr Newsletter Summer 2017 Go to Group News page
July 19th 15 Group Lincoln Newsletter Summer 2017 Go to Group News Page
July 12th 07 Group Bedford Newsletter June 2017 Go to Group News page
July 11th 10 Group Exeter Newsletter July 2017 Go to Group News Page
June 28th 24 Group Edinburgh Newsletter Summer 2017 Go to Group News page
June 24th 22 Group Carlisle Newsletter June 2017 Go to Group news page
June 14th 23 Group Durham Newsletter June 2017 Go to Group News page
June 06th 12 Group Bristol Newsletter June 2017 Go to Group News page
May 16th 16 Group Shrewsbury Newsletter Spring 2017 Go to Group News page
May 08th 09 Group Yeovil Newsletter May 2017 Go to Group News page
April 23rd 21 Group Preston Newsletter Spring 2017 Go to Group News page
April 19th 20 Group York Newsletter March 2017 Go to Group News page
April 18th 03 Group Oxford Newsletter Spring 2017 Go to Group News page
April 15th 14 Group Winchester Newsletter Spring 2017 Go to Group News page
April 11th 01 Group Maidstone Newsletter Spring 2017 Go to Group News Page
April 11th 08 Group Coventry Newsletter Late Spring 2017 Go to Group News Page
Mar 20th 06 Group Norwich Newsletter Spring 2017 Go to Group News Page
Feb 23rd National Secretary's Snippets February 2017 Go to National News page
Feb 21st 31 Group Belfast Committee minutes Jan 2017 Go to Group News page scroll to bottom of page
Feb 21st. ROC Benevolent Fund Annual Briefing by Secretary Christopher Howard See link above
Feb 13th National Reunion 2017 Palace Hotel Buxton Booking forms Download here
Sep 27th 04 Group Colchester Newsletter August 2016 Go to Group News Page
July 22nd 02 Group Horsham Newsletter Summer 2016 Go to Group News page
June 21st ALREWAS 2016 Go to National Events
June 9th Broadway Tower Service 2016 link here
NOTE: To find earlier issues of Group Newsletters Go to Group News Page
Earlier published, items can be found on their relevant pages. See 'Site Guide' below for location :-
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2017 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY -
5th August Broadway Tower open day
14th August Veryan Post Open day - Booking essential phone 01872 278234
3rd September RAF Elvington Museum 32nd Allied Air Forces Memorial Day
10th September Veryan Post Open day - Booking essential phone 01872 278234
17th September Battle of Britain Anniversary Service Westminster Abbey
17th September York Minster Battle of Britain Service and parade
6th - 8th October 29th National Reunion Annual Delegates Meeting - Palace Hotel Buxton
7th October Annual Delegates Meeting - Palace Hotel Buxton
9th November Field of Remembrance Service St Margarets Westminster
12th November Remembrance Sunday Parade at the London Cenotaph
5th August Broadway Tower open day
14th August Veryan Post Open day - Booking essential phone 01872 278234
3rd September RAF Elvington Museum 32nd Allied Air Forces Memorial Day
10th September Veryan Post Open day - Booking essential phone 01872 278234
17th September Battle of Britain Anniversary Service Westminster Abbey
17th September York Minster Battle of Britain Service and parade
6th - 8th October 29th National Reunion Annual Delegates Meeting - Palace Hotel Buxton
7th October Annual Delegates Meeting - Palace Hotel Buxton
9th November Field of Remembrance Service St Margarets Westminster
12th November Remembrance Sunday Parade at the London Cenotaph
For non members:-
Did you serve in the Royal Observer Corps? You can become FULL members of ROCA
Would you like to know more about the ROC Association? Not in the ROC? Applications for ASSOCIATE membership are welcomed
For more details see the Information Sheet and download the Postal Form here
YOU CAN Also Apply on Line click here to access the Application Form.
IMPORTANT: Before completing the on line form please read information sheet first to see membership categories.
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Did you serve in the Royal Observer Corps? You can become FULL members of ROCA
Would you like to know more about the ROC Association? Not in the ROC? Applications for ASSOCIATE membership are welcomed
For more details see the Information Sheet and download the Postal Form here
YOU CAN Also Apply on Line click here to access the Application Form.
IMPORTANT: Before completing the on line form please read information sheet first to see membership categories.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Site guide :-
You may navigate the site from here - click on the blue tab names:-
OPEN PAGES
HOME TAB This page : NATIONAL EVENTS Parades, Reunions, Memorial Services & Dedications etc. : LOCAL EVENTS Group Social events, Parades, Memorial Services, OBITUARIES, Museum Visits, YOU TUBE films. etc: ROCBF Information on the Royal Observer Corps Benevolent Fund and link to their website.:
LINKS A link to the original rocassoc site, the ROC Heritage Team site, and other related sites. PRESIDENT Pen portrait of our President
MEMBERS ONLY PAGES (Password protected)
GROUP NEWSLETTERS Latest news from the Groups. : ORGANISATION Details of the National Committee and Office bearers : GROUP INFO Details of Group Committees and Area Representatives. : NATIONAL NEWS National secretary's Snippets and other news from the National Committee.
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OPEN PAGES
HOME TAB This page : NATIONAL EVENTS Parades, Reunions, Memorial Services & Dedications etc. : LOCAL EVENTS Group Social events, Parades, Memorial Services, OBITUARIES, Museum Visits, YOU TUBE films. etc: ROCBF Information on the Royal Observer Corps Benevolent Fund and link to their website.:
LINKS A link to the original rocassoc site, the ROC Heritage Team site, and other related sites. PRESIDENT Pen portrait of our President
MEMBERS ONLY PAGES (Password protected)
GROUP NEWSLETTERS Latest news from the Groups. : ORGANISATION Details of the National Committee and Office bearers : GROUP INFO Details of Group Committees and Area Representatives. : NATIONAL NEWS National secretary's Snippets and other news from the National Committee.
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REMEMBER
The Royal Observer Corps Benevolent Fund is still there for those that are in need.
It may not be you, but it could be someone that you know. For more information follow the link to the ROCBF pages using the headings at the top of this page, or the site guide above. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
OUR HERITAGE
It has been 26 years now since the ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS stood down, and 2015 marked the 90th Anniversary since the Corps was founded back in 1925. The ROCA Heritage Committee continues to deal with enquiries from past members, families of members and researchers too. If you haven't yet done so take a look at their website www.roc-heritage.co.uk |