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BATTLE OF BRITAIN DAY
AT BENTLEY PRIORY SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER Visit Bentley Priory and learn how to use the wartime Post Instrument! More information - Link here |
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THE FALKLANDS WAR
Do you recall this fascinating fact about the contribution made by the Royal Observer Corps to the Falklands War? Read the precis submitted by Edwina Holden - Link here |
VIP VISITORS TO THE ROCA DISPLAY AT COSFORD 2022
The ROCA Wartime display at the RAF Cosford Air Show in June received two VIP visitors See who they were - Link here |
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82nd ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN Parade at Capel le Ferne Terry and Jacqui Giles attended the ceremony at Capel le Ferne - Read their report - Link here. |
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NATIONAL ANNUAL REUNION 2022 APPLICATION FORM
The 33rd Reunion will be at held at The Prince of Wales Hotel, Southport, from Friday, 7th October to Sunday, 9th October 2022
Download your application form - Link here
Applications must be received by 30 September 2022
The 33rd Reunion will be at held at The Prince of Wales Hotel, Southport, from Friday, 7th October to Sunday, 9th October 2022
Download your application form - Link here
Applications must be received by 30 September 2022
PLATINUM JUBILEE BEACONS & EVENTS See how our members celebrated The Queen's Platinum Jubilee around the country. Link here This page is constantly being updated - please check regularly for new additions! Last update - 11 July 2022 |
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HER MAJESTY'S PLATINUM JUBILEE Let us have news of what's happening where you are! ----------------------------------------------------------- 12 Group Bristol event Link here 13 Group South Wales are JOINING IN Link here 25 Group Ayr are lighting a BEACON Link here EDWINA HAS COMPILED A LIST OF OTHER ROCA GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING in HER MAJESTY's JUBILEE Link here |
SEABORNE MEMORIAL AND DEDICATION Read Terry Giles's report from the ceremony at the National Arboretum here |
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WE ARE TEN YEARS OLD THIS YEAR!! We now have two Group News pages -
Group News 1 is for newsletters published from 2012 to 2021. Group News 2 is for all newsletters published from 2022 onwards. |
St CLEMENT DANES RE - VISITED 2022
The annual Service to Commemorate the Formation of the Royal Air Force was resumed this year. Read Terry Giles account of the ROCA attendance. Link here |
VERYAN BUNKERS OPEN DAYS 2022 Will be held on Sunday 26 June, Sunday 24 July, Monday 15 August and Sunday 25 September. Two tours per Open Day at 1100 to 1230hrs and 1330 to 1500hrs. Some Covid restrictions. For bookings and other details see ROC Heritage web site or contact Lawrence Holmes. |
UKRAINE MEMORIAL RE-VISITED
An extract from Exeter Group's April Newsletter reflecting on the plight of the Ukrainians who fled their homeland to escape the Communist regime. Link here |
The BENTLEY PRIORY MUSEUM - 2022
Open Days: Wednesdays and Saturdays
some Fridays (check website for details)
Opening Hours:
March to September 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
October to February 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Refreshments available: Free Parking in museum.
Address: Mansion House Drive, Stanmore. Sat Nav postcode – HA7 3HT.
Visit our website www.bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk or call 0208 950 5526
LATEST NEWS:- See New Flyer for 2022 Link here
OBITUARY : MRS JOYCE SHRUBBS MBE AIAgS - Vice President ROCA
It is with great sadness that we annouce that Joyce passed away peacefully on Friday 2nd July 2021 at the Ferndale Residential Home Flitwick Beds.
Joyce was undoubtedly one of the stalwarts of our Association following an equally unique career in the ROC where she rose through the ranks from Centre Observer in 1944 to Assistant Commandant ROC in 1991 in the rank of Observer Captain.
Should you wish to make a donation, in memory of Joyce please send them to the RAF Benevolent Fund (incorporating the ROC Benevolent Fund) with cheques payable to the RAF Benevolent Fund’. Use this link to the site www.rafbf.org/donate
She will be sadly mised by all of us. Rest in Peace Joyce
READ JOYCE'S OBITUARY IN THE DAILY TELEGRAPH Link here
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
EDITORS NOTE: To ex ROC members: If you have a special memory of Prince Philip, be it a photo or a memoir, and would like to share it on this site, please send them to me, I have publshed a special Tribute Page to his memory. PLease add your story For members only Link Here
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
EDITORS NOTE: To ex ROC members: If you have a special memory of Prince Philip, be it a photo or a memoir, and would like to share it on this site, please send them to me, I have publshed a special Tribute Page to his memory. PLease add your story For members only Link Here
EXTRACT FROM 12 GROUP BRISTOL JUNE NEWSLETTER How many people remember what it means to be Gazetted? Well, our Group Secretary has been. Here is an abbreviated extract from The London Gazette Supplement No. 1.St James Palace, London SW19 February 2021:- “The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to award the Imperial Service Medal to the following officer on her retirement. IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL MINISTRY OF DEFENCE SHIRE Mrs Patricia Joyce”. Congratulations Trish (More details on 12 Group's March 2022 Newsletter - Ed) |
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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.
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.
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 |
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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 |
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 |
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DATA PROTECTION ACT - NATIONAL POLICY DOCUMENT. Released by the National Secretary Link here
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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 493 Updated 27th September 2021
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 493 Updated 27th September 2021
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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Apr 08th
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:-
Aug 09th 03 Group Oxford Newsletter Summer 2022 Go to Current Group News
Aug 06th 25 Group Ayr Newsletter Summer 2022 Go to Current Group News
July 04th 07 Group Bedford Newsletter July 2022 Go to Group News 2
July 01st 10 Group Exeter Newsletter July 2022 Go to Group News 2
Jun 22nd 21 Group Preston Newsletter Summer 2022 Go to Group News 2
Jun 17th 23 Group Durham Newsletter Spring 2022 Go to Group News 2
Jun 01st 12 Group Bristol Newsletter June 2022 Go to Group News 2
May 26th 06 Group Norwich Newsletter Spring 2022 Go to Group News 2
May 4th 14 Group Winchester Newsletter April 2022 Go to Group News 2
Apr 26th 24 Group Edinburgh Newsletter Spring 2022 Go to Group News 2
Apr 13th 15 Group Lincoln Newsletter Spring 2022 Go to Group News 2
Apr 08th 20 Group York Newsletter Spring 2022 Go to Group News 2
Mar 27th Heritage Reports February 2022 Go to National News page
Mar 25th Nat Sec Snippets Feb 2022 Go to National News page
Mar 21st 01 Group Maidstone Newsletter Spring 2022 Go to Group News 2
Dec 26th 22 Group Carlisle Newsletter December 2021 Go to Group News page
Dec 22 04 Group Colchester Newsletter December 2021 Go to Group News page
Dec 19th 16 Group Shrewsbury Newsletter December 2021 Go to Group News page
NOTE: To find earlier issues of Group Newsletters Go to Group News Page
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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:-
Aug 09th 03 Group Oxford Newsletter Summer 2022 Go to Current Group News
Aug 06th 25 Group Ayr Newsletter Summer 2022 Go to Current Group News
July 04th 07 Group Bedford Newsletter July 2022 Go to Group News 2
July 01st 10 Group Exeter Newsletter July 2022 Go to Group News 2
Jun 22nd 21 Group Preston Newsletter Summer 2022 Go to Group News 2
Jun 17th 23 Group Durham Newsletter Spring 2022 Go to Group News 2
Jun 01st 12 Group Bristol Newsletter June 2022 Go to Group News 2
May 26th 06 Group Norwich Newsletter Spring 2022 Go to Group News 2
May 4th 14 Group Winchester Newsletter April 2022 Go to Group News 2
Apr 26th 24 Group Edinburgh Newsletter Spring 2022 Go to Group News 2
Apr 13th 15 Group Lincoln Newsletter Spring 2022 Go to Group News 2
Apr 08th 20 Group York Newsletter Spring 2022 Go to Group News 2
Mar 27th Heritage Reports February 2022 Go to National News page
Mar 25th Nat Sec Snippets Feb 2022 Go to National News page
Mar 21st 01 Group Maidstone Newsletter Spring 2022 Go to Group News 2
Dec 26th 22 Group Carlisle Newsletter December 2021 Go to Group News page
Dec 22 04 Group Colchester Newsletter December 2021 Go to Group News page
Dec 19th 16 Group Shrewsbury Newsletter December 2021 Go to Group News page
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 2022
GO TO NATIONAL NEWS PAGE & NAT SEC's 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.
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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 |