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Message from the Association President June 2023

Summer is here, I know that because Mrs B is directing me on operations in the garden. I have noticed rather like the 4 seasons we move through, the AEA is something similar.  The events and services we attend throughout the year form the year for us as well.

We all have our own small services that we attend and support, some linked to the AEA others to where we live and event others to National events. It amazes me that then when I was serving I didn’t think about attending these events as we were directed by the system when and where. Now of course it’s having to sort your diary out to attend the many events that are around. Of course, the positive side is that slowly we as veterans are being recognised by the nation.

Regards events I just wanted to mention here the 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, Freedom weekend and Open day at Woodbridge on the 28th 29th and 30th of July. The Regt have this organised, with details to follow but the basic details are Freedom Parade on the Friday Morning, and with insurance  covered, sleeping accommodation is provided now in the Gym. Saturday is the AGM for the REA (Airborne) followed by the open day with an all ranks curry in the evening.

I hope to meet as many of you that can make it on the weekend. Jon Nichols will be attending with the Shop and I hope that we can run a stand showing off the Airborne Engineers.  I am after one favour; I hope to have a photographic show running off the laptop. If you have some interesting photos to share that I could use it would be appreciated. You can send them to me electronically, “weTransfer” offers a free service from email to email, if you do send them to me a description would assist. mrb375@gmail.com. Obviously the aim is to attract members and to show them where our branches are located. So, photos of social events, operations construction projects Adv Trg etc would all assist.

Of course, the other aim is for the AEA and the REA (Airborne) to gather together under the umbrella of the Regt and I hope for those who only know Woodbridge to realise there is the other Association that organises and runs events on behalf of the Airborne Engineers.
Until next time, stay safe all.

Baz Bassett
President, Airborne Engineers Association

Message from the Association Chairman June 2023

Hi everyone from myself and Mel.

As I write this we are supposed to be in the middle of ‘Flaming June’ but the temperature outside is 12 degrees C and it feels more like Autumn than Summer.

Its been a very busy year so far with work and personal issues but the tide of AEA events goes on and there are many events taking place this year that the Association is supporting.

The President has already mentioned the Regimental open day in July. This is our chance to bring the Association to the attention of the Regiment and I hope as many of you as possible will attend.

In October the Scotland Branch will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a Dinner in October which Melanie and I have been invited to attend. We are both looking forward to this and to meeting up with many old friends North of the Border.

I was proud to be present at this year’s Hardwick Memorial service where we had the largest Airborne Engineer attendance that I can remember made up of ex 9 Sqn members and members of the Birmingham Branch. Of the six standards on Parade, three were carried by Association members and there were 13 AEA members in total. Thanks to all of you for helping to break the Para Regiment’s stranglehold on this event!

Once again, the Association has been granted 36 Tickets for the Annual Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. The places will initially be offered to the AEA branches (3 each) and to AEA members not affiliated to a Particular Branch, any remaining tickets will then be offered to the Wider Airborne Engineer family on a First Come, First Served basis.

The Association has both a serious and a social side and I know that many branches have upcoming events, BBQ’s etc, during the summer months and I wish you all the best and hope that you enjoy these events.

Mel and I are particularly looking forward to the AGM and GALA Ball to be hosted by the Wales and West Branch in October, knowing those involved with the organisation of this event it will be excellent.

I am also pleased that the Scotland Branch have agreed to host the 2025 AGM at a venue to be decided. I am sure that this will be a tremendous event with a welcome to our Scottish friends and lots of Haggis and Whisky, I’m just nervous about whether Andy Shankland will turn up with his Bagpipes!

In closing I wish you all the best for the coming months, may you enjoy the summer and continue to support the Association socially as well as at the formal commemorative events.

Steve Wallis
Chairman, Airborne Engineers Association

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