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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
LATEST LETTER TO ALL GROUPS FROM NATIONAL SECRETARY DATED 18 APRIL 2020
PLEASE NOTE UPDATED EVENTS DIARY WITH CANCELLATIONS - THIS WILL BE UPDATED AS WE HAVE FURTHER INFORMATION.
******* New >> NATIONAL SEC's SNIPPETS MAY 2020 Go to National News page
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THE VOLUNTEER SPIRIT
LIVES ON! Two members from 13 Group respond to the call for volunteers to help build the new Dragon Heart Hospital in Cardiff Link here |
OBITUARY:
Obs/Lt. KEN ALGAR 10 Group A tribute to a long serving stalwart member Ken Algar who assed away in January 2020. By Lawrence Holmes 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 |
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FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR DIANA JOHNSON For her many friends and colleagues Gordon has advised that Diana's funeral will be held on MONDAY JANUARY 27th at CANLEY CREMATORIUM, Cannon Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7DF at 2.15p.m.
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D-DAY 1944 A PLAQUE for Salter.
To remember Seaborne Observer W J Salter, who was killed during the D-Day Landings, Lawrence Holmes records the efforts of Exeter Group ROCA to place a plaque in his memory. Link here |
VERYAN BUNKERS OPEN DAYS 2020 Lawrence Holmes has secured the 2020 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 |
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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REMINDER FROM THE EDITOR:-
Please use my bt email address when corresponding. My Outlook one is FOR ENROLMENT ENQUIRIES ONLY. Thanks |
PRESIDENT's CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION Presented in Exeter Group by Lawrence Holmes on behalf of the President..
Link here for the story |
DATA PROTECTION ACT - NATIONAL POLICY DOCUMENT. Released by the National Secretary Link here
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Remember the WW2 story of BERNARD BULLIVANT – his escape from France?
Well, through the vigorous researching by the Heritage Team, we can now reveal details of his ROC service. Read it here. |
PASSWORD HAS CHANGED:
MEMO to all Groups. Please note that the site password, to the members only pages, has changed Please ensure that it is not published in e-mails or any other open written format. For more information check with your Group Chair / Secretary, NOT the site Editor. |
OBITUARY: GEOFF PAINE
Some of you may have heard of the passing of Geoff Paine. Geoff passed away in hospital on 29th August 2019. Lawrence Holmes has written his obituary - a moving tribute to a remarkable man Link Here |
The BENTLEY PRIORY MUSEUM is open to the Public.CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
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 |
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RAF 100 SERVICE WESTMINSTER ABBEY JULY 2018
Ten members represented the Association in London on the 10th of July. Read Ann Maasz's piece here |
WREXHAM bestows the FREEDOM of the BOROUGH to the RAF in Wales
ROCA members attend the service. Link here |
OBITUARY Peter Longden Former DGC at Lincoln Group passed away on Friday 27th July 2018
Details here OBITUARY Frank Saunston Lincoln Group. Passed away 7th August 2018 Details here |
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THE CITY OF LONDON SAYS "THANK YOU" The Lord Mayor of London held a Reception at the Historic Guildhall on Thursday 19th April 2018 To pay Tribute to the RAF and to celebrate their 100 years Anniversary Two members represented the ROCA Link here |
BELFAST GROUP CELEBRATE WITH THE RAF 31 GROUP BELFAST were invited to take part in a Service to commemorate the RAF's 100th Anniversary on the 29th April 2018 Read Paddy Malone's write up here |
NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM
ANNUAL GATHERING 2018 This years annual gathering at Alrewas was changed to co-incide with the RAFA's planed event to celebrate the RAF's 100th Anniversary. It was a splendid occasion Photo gallery here |
SEABORNE MEMBER AWARDED FRENCH LEGION OF HONOUR
Some 73 years after D-Day Donald March is presented with his award for his service on board SS Jim Bridger. Read his story here |
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JACK KELWAY's NEW HEADSTONE The grave of the only member of the Royal Observer Corps killed whist on duty, in the UK, during WW2 has been given a new headstone. After many years of research and consultation the project has been concluded.
Read the full story 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 |
IMPORTANT STATEMENT FROM THE HERITAGE TEAM
If you are involved with memorabilia, collections or ROC Restoration projects please read this:- Click here
ROCA 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 |
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 |
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. Dated 31st December 2017 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:-
Jun 27th 07 Group Bedford Newsletter Summer 2020 Go to Group News page
Jun 27th 16 Group Shrewsbury Newsletter Summer 2020 Go to Group News page
Jun 27th 23 Group Durham Newsletter Summer 2020 Go to Group News page
Jun 12th 25 Group Ayr Newsletter Summer 2020 Go to Group News age
June 1st 12 Group Bristol Newsletter June 2020 Go To Group News Page
May 26th 01 Group Maidstone Newsletter Spring 2020 Go to Group News page
Apr 30th 10 Group Exeter Newsletter Spring 2020 Go to Group News page
Apr 28th 03 Group Oxford Newsletter Spring 2020 Go to Group News page
Apr 09th 20 Group York Newsletter April 2020 Go to Group News page
Apr 07th 24 Group Edinburgh Newsletter Spring 2020 Go to Group News page
Apr 07th 21 Group Preston Newsletter Spring 2020 Go to Group News page
Apr 02nd 04 Group Colchester Newsletter Spring 2020 Go to Group News page
Apr 01st 22 Group Carlisle Newsletter Spring 2020 Go to Group News page
Mar 26th 15 Group Lincoln Newsletter Spring 2020 Go to Group News page
Mar 26th 06 Group Norwich 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
Jan 28th 14 Group Winchester Newsletter December 2019 Go to Group News Page
Dec 24th 09 Group Yeovil Newsletter January 2020 Go to Group News Page
Dec 21st 13 Group South Wales Newsletter Winter 2019 Go to Group News Page
Dec 08th National Secretary's Snippets November 2019 Go to National News page
Aug 09th 08 Group Coventry Newsletter Late Summer 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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2020 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY -
19th April Sunday St Clement Danes Service to commemorate formation of the RAF -
Tickets - Midland Area. CANCELLED
16th May Sat ROC Grove National Arboretum Alrewas Meet from 12 noon CANCELLED
14th June Sunday RAF Cosford Airshow ROCA Display CANCELLED
27th June Saturday Armed Forces National Parade Scarborough ROCA Heritage Display in the Veterans Village CANCELLED
12th July Sunday Capel-le-Ferne Battle of Britain parade & Service CANCELLED
17th to 19th July Friday/ Saturday/ Sunday. Royal International Air Tattoo Fairford National ROCA Display in Veterans Village CANCELLED
12th Sept Saturday Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Commemorative Day ROCA Display
12th/13th September 11 Group, Fighter Command Bunker Battle of Britain Commemorative Days National ROCA Display
20th September Sunday. Battle of Britain Service Westminster Abbey – Western Area
9th - 11th October ~ ROCA 31st National Annual Reunion & ADM Adelphi Hotel Liverpool
5th November Thursday. Field of Remembrance Westminster – Metropolitan Area
8th November Sunday. Remembrance Parade Cenotaph London
* Asterisked Dates & OTHER Events WILL BE POSTED WHEN KNOWN
19th April Sunday St Clement Danes Service to commemorate formation of the RAF -
Tickets - Midland Area. CANCELLED
16th May Sat ROC Grove National Arboretum Alrewas Meet from 12 noon CANCELLED
14th June Sunday RAF Cosford Airshow ROCA Display CANCELLED
27th June Saturday Armed Forces National Parade Scarborough ROCA Heritage Display in the Veterans Village CANCELLED
12th July Sunday Capel-le-Ferne Battle of Britain parade & Service CANCELLED
17th to 19th July Friday/ Saturday/ Sunday. Royal International Air Tattoo Fairford National ROCA Display in Veterans Village CANCELLED
12th Sept Saturday Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Commemorative Day ROCA Display
12th/13th September 11 Group, Fighter Command Bunker Battle of Britain Commemorative Days National ROCA Display
20th September Sunday. Battle of Britain Service Westminster Abbey – Western Area
9th - 11th October ~ ROCA 31st National Annual Reunion & ADM Adelphi Hotel Liverpool
5th November Thursday. Field of Remembrance Westminster – Metropolitan Area
8th November Sunday. Remembrance Parade Cenotaph London
* Asterisked Dates & OTHER Events WILL BE POSTED WHEN KNOWN
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 |