SHREWSBURY REUNION UPDATE
WOII (Retd) Keith Bath, BEM

The following General Information has just been received:

Unfortunately due to an MOD commitment at Sandhurst we have been unable to secure the services of The Rifles Band but every effort is being made to provide a TA band(s). The Bugles however will be available . The Bugle Major is in discussions with the DoM and BM of each TA band to cover the Saturday programme.

There will be no Sounding Retreat or Cocktail Party on the Friday evening but the LI bar will be open from 1930hrs to 0100hrs . The Saturday will be the same format as years past but, hopefully with some additional displays etc. The Association Parade will be better managed to ensure maximum participation, particularly for the LI Contingent.

Nesscliff Camp has been secured for use by members on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 Jun 10 and some 200 places will be available. Once again there is no military manpower available but Maj Paul Evanson (ex 2LI) and his staff have kindly agreed to once more manage the workload. 

The lack of MOD funds means that all payments for overtime for the barracks and the security staff have ceased and these costs will now have to be covered from reunion funds. A request has been made for 5 regular soldiers to act as the workforce but the outcome will not be known for some time yet.

Given the fact that more funds are required for manpower, extra tentage, portaloos etc it is even more important that the grand draw is at least as successful as last year so a plea to give as much publicity and support as possible to the sale of tickets. Doc Halliday has once again kindly agreed to manage the draw.

To improve the service and standard of the food and drink will mean that the costs will need to be reviewed but any increase will be kept as low as possible. It should also be noted that last years VAT costs were based on 15% and they have now reverted to 17.5%.

The detailed programme has yet to be finalised but shown below are the planning dates as they stand to date:

a. Thu 28 Jan:  Initial planning meeting for Administrative Staff.

b. Mid Feb: Planning meeting Record of Decisions (ROD) issued.

c. Mid March: Calling in letter sent out.

d. Early May: Returns in to Reunion Coordinator.

e. Late May: Tickets issued  

It is the intention to produce polo shirts for the Reunion. These will be green and support The Light Infantry Bugle Badge with ‘LI Reunion estb 1994' surrounding the badge. A photo will be available shortly and this will be sent to Rifles Offices and Web sites. These will be available for sale at Copthorne and Nesscliff. Full details will be published when finalised.

As all football fans will be aware the World Cup starts on Saturday 12 Jun 10 and England's opening game against the USA kicks off at 1930hrs and this clashes with the Association Dinner. Not a great deal can be done to get round this but we will try and find a solution that will enable the scores to be conveyed to the diners. It is hoped that Shrewsbury Council will set up a large screen for those wishing to watch the match.

More later - watch this space!!

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Light Infantry Reunited
Reunion Representative