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 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 |
OBITUARY - GERALD WEBB ex GC Colchetser Group
We are saddened to announce that ex Observer Commander Gerald Webb has passed away. His funeral will be held on Friday 10th September at 1.30 pm at the Seven Hills Crematorium Felixstowe Road Ipswich. Tribute to Gerald: 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
The BENTLEY PRIORY MUSEUM -
WE'RE OPEN
Open Days: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
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
NOTE FOR ex ROC MEMBERS: Be sure to visit the BUNKER DISPLAY where
you can listen to former members of ROC NRC09 talking about their role.
LATEST NEWS:- WHAT'S on July - September 2021 link here
WE'RE OPEN
Open Days: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
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
NOTE FOR ex ROC MEMBERS: Be sure to visit the BUNKER DISPLAY where
you can listen to former members of ROC NRC09 talking about their role.
LATEST NEWS:- WHAT'S on July - September 2021 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
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
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 |
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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. |
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CONGRATULATIONS to Vice President HILARY DANIEL 90 14th January 2021 We send you our best wishes for a speedy recovery. |
SOUTH MOLTON REMEMBERS THE ROC Link here
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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 |
JUNE JAY Remembers D-Day with the Normandy Landings Veterans link here
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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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COVID-19 VIRUS - IMPORTANT MESSAGES from the Chairman from the Secretary from Tim Kitching Reference Group Standard Bearers from ROC A President Cliff Spink EVENTS DIARY WITH WILL BE UPDATED WHEN WE HAVE FURTHER INFORMATION. |
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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 |
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 |
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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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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:-
Dec2nd. 15 Group Lincoln Newsletter December 2021 Go to Group News page
Dec 2nd. 12 Group Bristol Newsletter December 2021 Go to Group News page
Nov 30th 10 Group Exeter Newsletter December 2021 Go to Group News page
Nov 03rd 04 Group Colchester Newsletter Autumn 2021 Go to Group News page
Oct 29th 14 Group Winchester Newsletter September 2021 Go to Group news page
Oct 27th 21 Group Preston Newsletter Special edition Oct 2021 Go to Group Nes page
Oct 04th 25 Group Ayr Newsletter Autumn 2021 Go to Group News page
Sep 27th 23 Group Durham Newsletter September 2021 Go to Group News page
Sep 27th 20 Group York Newsletter September 2021 Go to Group News page
Sep 09th 06 Group Norwich Newsletter Summer 2021 Go to Group News page
Sep 09th 24 Group Edinburgh Newsletter Summer 2021 Go to Group News page
Aug 28th 07 Group Bedford Newsletter special edition Aug 2021 Go to Group News page
Apr 17th 03 Group Oxford Newsletter April 2021 Go to Group News page
Apr 15th 16 Group Shrewsbury Newsletter Spring 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 pa
Dec 21st 09 Group Yeovil Newsletter Christmas 2020 Go to Group News pa
Dec 5th 01 Group Maidstone Newsletter Winter 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
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 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 |