
Dear members
As you are all aware, yesterday saw the sad passing of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. He was a remarkable man who was alongside Her Majesty for 73 years and he was so supportive to her throughout all the trials and tribulations which she has faced over the years.
I will be writing to the Queen, our Patron, on behalf of our Association to extend our deepest sympathy to her, and all the members of the Royal Family, as they come to terms with their loss.
I know that you will all remember Prince Philip in your own thoughts and prayers.
John Sharpe MBE
National Chairman 10th April 2021

NATIONAL REUNION 2021 LIVERPOOL
Latest news and booking forms sent out to all Groups.
Links to pdf files are given below.
Word document files are available from your Group by email or printed copy if preferred .
Special instructions
Booking Form not yet available
JUNE JAY Remembers D-Day with the Normandy Landings Veterans link here
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![]() BENTLEY PRIORY MUSEUM PODCASTS Listen to Podcast number two: "The Eyes and Ears" of the RAF. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1384627/8068263 Podcast number three: The ROC https://www.buzzsprout.com/1384627/8233635 |
![]() DID YOU SERVE AS AN AIRCAFT PLOTTER?
A New Exhibition – RAF/ROC Women through the Wars The Museum has, in planning stage, a new exhibition which reaches out to all female personnel who served in the RAF/ROC, either at Neatishead itself, or Coltishall, or anywhere in the UK/UK Overseas bases from the Cold War period through to serving currently. The aim is to record these memories for generations to come before they are lost to time, so the display will consist of still photographs and digital recordings. If you have served in the RAF/ROC during this period and would be keen to share your memories with us, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Lynn Kerslake, Manager, ADRM, email: manager@radarmuseum.co.uk; leave a message on 01692 631485. |
![]() SOUTH MOLTON REMEMBERS THE ROC Link here
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NOTICE TO ALL GROUPS FROM THE WEBSITE EDITOR :- ARE ALL YOUR CONTACT DETAILS CORRECT? PLEASE CHECK AND LET ME KNOW AS I BELIEVE THERE COULD BE SOME AMENDMENTS MISSING. Thankyou |
OBITUARY RALPH PICKERING
22 Group Carlisle Passed away December 2020. Sadly missed. Read his Obituary here |
SAD NEWS:
We are sorry to announce that Chris Howard has passed away. Read Tributes from his RAFBF colleagues Li nk here |
A BLAST FROM THE PAST!
Remenber when we lodged the ROC Banner at RAF Cranwell? This was officially recorded in HANSARD back in 1996 Link here |
![]() BENTLEY PRIORY MUSEUM ITN News bulletin Take a look at the ITN News report from Bentley Priory celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Link below https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgND_-JDWjo |
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![]() Capel le Ferne MEMORIAL DAY 2021 Sunday 4th July 2021 More details nearer the date |

VE DAY 75
The Legion is now working hard in collaboration with others to develop plans to appropriately mark this significant WW2 anniversary within the challenging constraints of social distancing.
In the virtual space, The Royal British Legion will be hosting a livestream via our online channels featuring stories and memories from those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War and VE related activities – www.britishlegion.org.uk/veday75
On 8 May, we are inviting people across all generations and communities to join us in a national moment of reflection and remembrance at 1100hrs as we pause for a Two Minute Silence to honour the service and sacrifice of the Second World War Generation and reflect on the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on so many lives across the World. There is no right or wrong way to take part in the Silence, some may wish to stand at their windows, step outside their homes while remaining distanced from others, or simply sit in a quiet moment of reflection.
ROCA HERITAGE TEAM CELEBRATES VE DAY 75 Link here

COVID-19 VIRUS - IMPORTANT MESSAGES
from the National Committee 24th March 2020
from the Chairman from the Secretary
from Tim Kitching Reference Group Standard Bearers
from ROC A President Cliff Spink
PLEASE NOTE UPDATED EVENTS DIARY WITH CANCELLATIONS - THIS WILL BE UPDATED AS WE HAVE FURTHER INFORMATION.

The BENTLEY PRIORY MUSEUM -
CLOSED
We will be Re-Opening after the current Lockdown
WATCH THIS SPACE
When we do Please note new times:-
Open Days: to be advised
Opening Hours: To be advised
Entry Charges: £8 adults / £7 for concessions & Military
£4 for 6 - 16 year olds, 5 & under free
Refreshments available: Free Parking in museum.
PRE BOOKING REQUIRED please come along - we need your support.
Address: Mansion House Drive, Stanmore. Sat Nav postcode – HA7 3HT.
Visit our website www.bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk or call 0208 950 5526
CLOSED
We will be Re-Opening after the current Lockdown
WATCH THIS SPACE
When we do Please note new times:-
Open Days: to be advised
Opening Hours: To be advised
Entry Charges: £8 adults / £7 for concessions & Military
£4 for 6 - 16 year olds, 5 & under free
Refreshments available: Free Parking in museum.
PRE BOOKING REQUIRED please come along - we need your support.
Address: Mansion House Drive, Stanmore. Sat Nav postcode – HA7 3HT.
Visit our website www.bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk or call 0208 950 5526
THE VOLUNTEER SPIRITLIVES ON!
Two members from 13 Group respond to the call for volunteers to help build the new Dragon Heart Hospital in Cardiff Link here |
NEW POST RESTORED at RUSHTON SPENCER
Now open for visitors the newly restored underground ROC Post in Staffordshire is ready. For full details on how and when to get there click on the link here. You can also read the memories of one of their Wartime Observers who served during WW2 Link |
![]() VERYAN BUNKERS OPEN DAYS 2021 From Lawrence Holmes: Due to the Covid situation no Open Days are yet planned for 2021. The situation will be reviewed again in May / June |
![]() UPDATE ON THE ROC BENEVOLENT FUND October 2019 Following the merger of the ROC BF with the RAF Benevolent Fund, two years ago, an update was presented to members by the Area Director at the 2019 Reunion in Buxton. Click here for details |
![]() 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 |
![]() NATIONAL ARMED FORCES DAY
2019 - SALISBURY For the 2019 NAFD Display and Parade the Heritage Team traveled to Salisbury. For Edwina Holden's report and photos of the event - Link Here |
DATA PROTECTION ACT - NATIONAL POLICY DOCUMENT. Released by the National Secretary Link here
IMPORTANT STATEMENT FROM THE HERITAGE TEAM If you are involved with memorabilia, collections or ROC Restoration projects please read this:- Click here |
THE ROC BENEVOLENT FUND now part of the RAF Benevolent Fund
A ceremony was held at Bentley Priory on the 1st November 2017 when the ROC Benevolent Fund was fully integrated into the RAF Benevolent Fund. This will enhance the administration and processing of claims. Pictures of the attendees Link here For more details go to the RAFBF site link here. Press release link here |
Site Editors Notes:-

OBITUARIES Obituaries are initially posted on the Home Page for a short period. Afterwards they are transferred permanently to the Remembrance page listings. Link here
EDITORS E-MAIL ADDRESS:- PLEASE NOTE 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 enrolment enquiries.
Searching for former ROC members records:-
The ROC Museum in Winchester is 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 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.
Send details to:- Norman Hart tel: 01773 431178 email:- arroca04@gmail.com
Enrolment enquiries via the website now stands at 430 Updated 30th January 2020
GROUP NEWSLETTERS 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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EDITORS E-MAIL ADDRESS:- PLEASE NOTE 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 enrolment enquiries.
Searching for former ROC members records:-
The ROC Museum in Winchester is 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 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.
Send details to:- Norman Hart tel: 01773 431178 email:- arroca04@gmail.com
Enrolment enquiries via the website now stands at 430 Updated 30th January 2020
GROUP NEWSLETTERS 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:-
National secretary's Snippets Go to National News page
ROC BENEVOLENT FUND now integrated into the RAF BF Link here
Battle Of Britain Commemoration Services Link Here
National Armed Forces Day - 2019 Link Here
Our Sovereigns Banner The Laying Up Service in St Clement Danes link here
OBITUARIES A new dedicated page has been set up Link here.
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Recently Published:-
Apr 08th 21 Group Preston Newsletter Spring 2021 Go to Group News page
Mar 31st 10 Group Exeter Newsletter April 2021 Go to Group News page
Mar 24th 25 Group Ayr Newsletter Spring 2021 Go to Group News page
Mar 18th 07 Group Bedford Newsletter March 2021 Go to Group News page
Mar 17th 23 Group Durham Newsletter March 2021 Go to Group News page
Mar 02nd 12 Group Bristol Newsletter March 2021 Go to Group News page
Feb 27th National Secretary's Snippets Feb 2021 Go to National News page
Jan 10th National Heritage Report and Heritage Reports from Scotland & Northern Ireland Go to National News page
Jan 05th 14 Group Winchester Newsletter December 2020 Go to Group News page
Dec 21st 06 Group Norwich Newsletter Christmas 2020 Go to Group News page
Dec 21st 09 Group Yeovil Newsletter Christmas 2020 Go to Group News page
Dec 12th 16 Group Shrewsbury Newsletter Winter 2020 Go to Group News page
Dec 12th 15 Group Lincoln Newsletter Winter 2020 Go to Group News page
Dec 11th 03 Group Oxford Newsletter Decembe 2020 Go to Group News page
Dec 9th 20 Group York Newsletter Winter 2020 Go to Group News page
Dec 5th 01 Group Maidstone Newsletter Winter 2020 Go to Group News page
Dec 1st 24 Group Edinburgh Newsletter December 2020 Go to Grup News page
Oct 31st 04 Group Colchester Newsletter Autumn 2020 Go to Group News page
Apr 01st 22 Group Carlisle Newsletter Spring 2020 Go to Group News page
Mar 05th 31 Group Belfast Group Committee minutes September 2019 Go to Group News page
Mar 05th 31 Group Belfast Newsletter Spring 2020 Go to Group News page
Dec 21st 13 Group South Wales Newsletter Winter 2019 Go to Group News Page
Mar 06th DATA PROTECTION National Policy from the Secretary Link above
NOTE: To find earlier issues of Group Newsletters Go to Group News Page
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY -
FOR UPDATES ON CANCELLED EVENTS AND PLANS FOR 2021
GO TO NATIONAL NEWS PAGE & NAT SEC's FEBRUARY SNIPPETS

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 now incorporated within the RAF Benevolent Fund The 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 this link to the ROCBF pages |
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 |