Latest news 2021.
Tony Pettigrew
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Ladies and Gents
It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of another ex IV Para, A Company veteran Tony Pettigrew. Tony sadly passed after a long illness on Christmas Day.
We offer our deepest condolences to Tony’s family and friends at this difficult time.
As soon as details of the funeral are confirmed I will inform members.
RIP Tony
Brian Welsh
Branch Secretary
Liverpool PRA
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Ladies and Gents
Please accept the details for the funeral of Kevin Swarze.
Location:
West Lancashire Crematorium, Pippin St,
Ormskirk
L40 7SP
Date: 6th January 2022
Time: 15.00
Brian Welsh
Branch Secretary
Liverpool PRA
KEVIN SWARZE - A COMPANY MORTAR PLATOON 4 PARA
Ladies and Gents
Once again we find ourselves mourning the untimely death of another of our airborne brothers, a friend and one of A Company (Mortar Platoon) 4 Para’s greatest characters. It is my sad duty to inform you of the death of Kevin Swarze, who passed on Friday evening after a short illness.
As I receive further information from Kevin’s family I will keep you informed
Our deepest condolences from Liverpool Parachute Regimental Association to Kevin’s family and friends at this difficult and time.
Kind Regards
Brian Welsh
Branch Secretary
Liverpool PRA
Funeral of WO2 Sid Wilson
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Ladies and Gents
Sid Wilson is currently resting at,
Peter Coyne Funeral Directors Chapel of Repose,
475 Queens Drive
Walton,
Clubmoor,
Visiting times are 11.00-17.00. No appointment required
Sid's funeral details next week:
Date: 13th December
Location: Springwood Crematorium,
Springwood Ave,
Allerton,
Liverpool L25 7UN
Time: 12.00
Please ensure all Covid restrictions are adhered to and where required face masks must be worn. Please abide by any social distancing rules to ensure the health and safety of yourselves and friends
After the service there will be a celebratory drink at The Rose of Mossley, Mossley Hill, L18 5EA
Regards
Brian Welsh
Branch Secretary
Liverpool PRA
Funeral of Captain Eric Dickinson - Chindit and Paratrooper
The funeral of Eric Dickinson will take place on Thursday 09th December 2021 at 3pm
WEST LANCS CREMATORIUM
Pippin St
Ormskirk.
L40 7SP
An honour guard will be line the route as Eric is carried in by the fire service.
Standards are welcome.
If anyone would like to be part of the Honour Guard please wear beret and if possible, medals. Any ex firefighters are welcome to join the guard also.
Thank you for your cooperation with this matter.
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The funeral details are now in
for two of our most fervent and long standing members.
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Firstly, please accept the funeral details for Joe McAllister.
Date: 29th November
Time: 12.00
Location:
West Lancs Crematorium.
Pippin St,
Ormskirk
L40 7SP
Then afterwards onto,
The Aviary,
Bindman's Lane,
Scarisbrick
L39 3SP.
Secondly,
Please accept the details for Sid (Tug) Wilsons funeral
Date: 13th December
Time: 12.00
Location:
Springwood Crematorium,
Springwood Ave,
Allerton,
Liverpool L25 7UN
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Please could you contact me regarding your attendance, only so we can contact the family with provisional numbers attending so an after service venue can be arranged.
Joe McAllister Arnhem veteran
Ladies and Gents
It is my sad duty to inform you of the death of our very own Joe McAllister. Joe was one of the last Arnhem veterans and has honoured us all with his presence since the formation of our branch.
More on Joe in the last post section.
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WO2 Sid (Tug) Wilson
Ladies and Gents
It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Sid (Tug )Wilson.
Sid joined 4 para in 1960’s the and served in the rifle company before moving across to support company and the mortar platoon where he rose to the rank of WOII. He was also Senior APJI in A Coy for a number of years
Sid served for over 25 years with A Coy (Mortar Platoon) before finishing his career as WOII with the North West Training Team at Fulwood Barracks.
He served in any overseas locations including USA, Ghana, Germany, Denmark, France and Jamaica and parachuted with 4 Para, A Coy on the infamous Bold Guard jump.
When he finished his military career, Sid stepped into the role of branch secretary for Liverpool PRA giving his time selflessly and supporting the branch to grow into the position we find ourselves today.
Sid also had the honour of being the first Parachute Regiment Reserve soldier to be accepted into the Chelsea pensioners where he represented the Regiment with dignity and making many new friends along the way.
Tonight we should raise a glass to Sid, and remember him as a prime example of a good man who served the Regiment with pride and honour. Our sympathies go out to his family and friends.
I will keep you updated with funeral details as they arrive from RHC
Goodnight and God Bless Tug.
Best Regards
Brian
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Ladies and Gents
Please accept the following information regarding the funeral of George Rawsthorne:
Date: Monday 15th November
Location: 45 St Pauls Church, 221 Warrington Road, Penketh, WA5 2RX
Time: 10.00
Some finer details for the rest of the day are to be confirmed and I will let you know once I get the information.
Please accept the following information regarding the funeral of Tommy Nevin:
Date: Monday 22nd November
Location: Thornton Crematorium, Lydiate Ln, Thornton, Liverpool L23 1TP
Time: 12.45
Then back to Picolas in Litherland.
Families of both George and Tommy have welcomed as many serving or veterans of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces to the funerals.
Brian Welsh
Branch Secretary
Liverpool PRA
Mob: 07871901206
E-mail: brianwelsh4@icloud.com
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Ladies and Gents,
Regarding PRA meeting:
We have had difficulty in booking the venue on 9th November or alternative dates next week for or rearranged PRA meeting. With such a tight timescale, the decision has been made to cancel the PRA meeting for 9th November. However, we will continue to explore a date later in the month to meet so watch this space.
It is vital that those who have submitted their name for the Christmas dinner on 3rd December pay their outstanding balance to Brian Blanchard within the next 10 days as our treasurer will be asked to pay the balance for the event by the 19th November. Those that do not pay their balance may lose their place. For those who wish to discuss payment and challenges this date may throw up for them, please contact Brian Blanchard directly. I will keep you informed of the details of the Christmas dinner over the coming weeks.
11th November:
There are no formal arrangements by Liverpool City Council to lay wreaths at the Cenotaph on the 11th November. However, our Chairman, Bruce will be laying a wreath on behalf of Liverpool PRA at the Cenotaph along with many other Veterans Associations on the 11th. There are no restrictions from Liverpool City Council on who can attend, as the area is open to the public.
Additionally, Frank Boyle will be laying a wreath at Yew Tree cemetery on 11th for Eddie Beach.
For those that would like to join Bruce or Frank they will be laying the wreaths at 11.00
14th November:
Details for remembrance Sunday are as follows:
Muster at the Anglican cathedral for 09.50
The Garrison SGT Major will feed veterans into the cathedral for the service.
The remainder of the event is yet to be confirmed, but the following march to the cenotaph from the cathedral is subject to Police and Council approval.
What we are asking as a branch is for two volunteers that will be able to provide safety for the day with regards to traffic control. These people will wear hi visibility vests and walk in front and alongside the parade halting traffic at respective junctions en route to Lime St/London Road. All veterans associations are asking the same of their members. With some of the challenges we have had with the Council, we may have to steward the event ourselves. The availability of associations to provide two stewards may determine the success of the march taking place towards Lime St (halt on London Road)
Please contact me as soon as possible if you are able to provide the stewards duties and be aware for those who are not as fleet of foot as you once where. The march is approximately 1.9 miles. I am require to confirm number with the Police no later than Monday evening.
I will keep you all updates regularly as soon as the details of the march are confirmed.
Many thanks for your patience
Regards
Brian
Brian Welsh
Branch Secretary
Liverpool PRA
Mob: 07871901206
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Ladies and gents
Please accept the details for Bob Magee’s funeral:
Bob served in12/13 Battalion the Parachute Regiment and 4 Para in the 60’s and 70’s. His funeral will be held on 12th November at 11.00, Springwood Crematorium (Chapels) Springwood Ave, Allerton, Liverpool L25. All are welcome to attend and afterwards to celebrate Bobs life.
Brian Welsh
Branch Secretary
Liverpool PRA
Freedom of the City of Liverpool
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All photos kindly provided by professional photographer James O'Hanlon.
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Click on the button below for more of James photos.
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Text from Freedom of the City Scroll:
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At an Extraordinary Meeting of the
City Council of the City of Liverpool
held on Wednesday, 4th March 2020 within the Town Hall,
in the presence of a full Council, it was moved
and resolved unanimously that:
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The Parachute Regimental
Association, Liverpool Branch
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be admitted to Liverpool City Councils Freedom Roll of
Associations and Institutions including the Freedom Right
of Entry in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the
local community. The Parachute Regimental Association
(PRA), formed at the end of World War Two, has a long
and proud association with Liverpool.
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The Liverpool Branch came into existence in the early
1960’s and is now one of the largest PRA Branches,
and one of the biggest military associations in the city.
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The Association provides tremendous support work for the
veteran community, promoting opportunities to continue
enduring associations and friendships formed during
their service and offering vital support to families and
dependents of veterans who are in need.
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Their dedication is invaluable to veterans within our
communities and it is right and proper that we recognise
their important contribution
Signed
Mayor of Liverpool
Councillor Joanne Anderson
Signed
Lord Mayor
Councillor Mary Rasmussen
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Remembrance Sunday 2021
Ladies and gents
I have received confirmation that a Service of Remembrance will be held in Liverpool on Sunday 14th November for the first time since 2019. However due to the ongoing works on Lime Street and the area surrounding St Georges Hall, the service will be held in Liverpool Cathedral, St James’ Mount, off Upper Duke Street, Liverpool, L1 7AZ. There will be no parade to the Cathedral and those attending the service will be required to be seated in the Cathedral by 10.30am.
Arrangements for a Parade after the Service have not yet been finalised but, at a minimum, will consist of a Parade within the Cathedral grounds. On a previous occasion this comprised a march from the front of the Cathedral, around the side and past a Saluting Dais on the west facing steps of the Cathedral, with the parade being dismissed on the approach road to the Cathedral known as Cathedral Gate.
In the light of these initial plans by the City Council Culture Team, our Committee will discuss any additional arrangements for our normal attendance at the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces Memorial in St Johns Gardens.
Brian Welsh
Branch Secretary
Liverpool PRA
Ladies and Gentlemen
We have received details for the funeral of Tommy O’Neill
1st July – 12.00 at St Josephs Church, Wheatlands Lane, Seacombe, Wallasey, Cheshire, CH44 7ED
Following the church service the funeral will travel to Landican Cemetery for the committal.
Address, Landican Cemetery, Arrowe Park Road, Woodchurch, Wirral, Merseyside, L49 5LW
Tommy’s family have asked for a good airborne send off with beret, blazers and medals to be worn.
May I also ask that if, as a member of Liverpool PRA you can let me know who is attending from our branch, I can inform the family due to numbers and to ensure we continue to align to government Covid numbers.
Pleas ensure social distancing rules and the wearing of face masks are followed throughout the day.
The only other thing I can say is, if you can make it let’s try and give Tommy the send-off he deserves from his airborne brothers.
Ladies and Gents
May I take this opportunity to inform you of the death of one of our members, Tommy O’Neill. Tommy sadly passed on Thursday morning aged 91, he was Para REME. I haven’t been passed any additional information from the family yet regarding funeral details, but as soon as I do I will let you all know
Best regards
Brian Welsh
Branch Secretary
The definitive account of the Falklands war.
3 Days in June
Written by Liverpool PRA member James O'Connell
Falklands war 3 Days in June will be available in hardback 3rd June 2021. It can be pre-ordered using the links below Amazon is £18.99. 3 Para Battle Group
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Ladies and Gents,
I have just received these details of the Funeral of Terry Gifford (ex 3 Para) from the Regional Secretary, Joe Hardicker. Whilst there may well be limited numbers able to attend inside the Crematorium, the family would be pleased for a turnout of Standards and Para's to form a guard of Honour, details as follows;
Date 17th May 2021
Time 11.00am
Venue Accrington Crematorium
Burnley Road
Accrington
Lanc's
BB5 6HA
If anybody is available to attend and willing to carry our branch standard please let me know as I have it at home. If so, I will drop it off at your location
Whilst Monday the day of the Funeral is on the 1st day of the relaxing of lockdown rules please take care and for safety's case please carry and and be prepared to wear a facemask and to observe social distancing.
Regards
Brian Welsh
Branch Secretary
Liverpool PRA
Mob: 07871901206
Dennis Mooney.
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Ladies and Gents
It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Dennis Mooney. Dennis passed away on 29th March and his funeral is on the 15th April at 10.30am, at Our Lady of Walsinghams, Stand Park Avenue, Bootle, L30 3SA.
Although there has been no formal request from Dennis’s family for an attendance from Liverpool PRA, those wishing to attend should continue to abide by COVID restrictions in place on the day.
Best Regards
Brian Welsh
Branch Secretary, Liverpool PRA
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10th March 2021 - Newsletter
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my sad duty to inform you of the sad passing of a number of our members over the last few of weeks. Our condolences as a branch go to both Alf Bradshaw and Sid Stephens family, friends and colleagues. Two of our airborne brothers have leaped through gods’ window for the last time and we will raise a glass to you both.
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Alf Bradshaw left us on Sunday 28th February. Alf’s funeral will be held at 11.00 on 17th March at St Gabriel’s in Huyton.
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Alf’s family have asked if possible, could an attendance can be made by the Parachute Regimental Association at the church. A standard bearer has been arranged for Alf funeral. If anybody has a Parachute Regiment flag that we could borrow to drape over Alf’s coffin, his family would be very grateful. I will ensure its return.
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Sid Stephens left us on 6th March. Sid’s funeral will be held at 11.00 on 22nd March at St Faiths Church, Crosby Road North and will drive to Thornton Crematorium for 12.00.
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One of Sid’s final wishes to his son Dan (ex 3 Para) was to have a guard of honour at his funeral and if possible a standard bearer. I have a Union flag which our branch will provide to Sid’s family to drape over his coffin.
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Could those able to attend both or either funerals please let me know as I will be the single point of contact for any PRA members attending and will liaise with both Alf (via Elaine) and Sid’s families to ensure we keep in line with government guidance on numbers.
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As part of our ongoing desire to ensure our members, friends and families remain safe and well regarding possible exposure to COVID, formal requests for Liverpool PRA’s attendance at funerals will continue to be fed through the committee and passed to members. However, there will be a slight change to members formally attending funerals on behalf of the branch. A single point of contact (Branch Secretary) from the branch will be identified as liaison with the bereaved family and Liverpool PRA members to ensure compliance with government guidelines on numbers attending funerals is continuously complied with.
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Welfare Report:
Bruce has been in contact with 20 members over the last couple of days with most of our elderly members having both of their jabs. A number of additional phone calls have been made from other members and I’m happy to report that the feedback has been very good. Col Joe Harkon continues to recover from his exposure to COVID-19. We wish you a speedy recover Sir and look forward to getting back to business.
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I would ask again that if anyone has the virus, is self-isolating or simply locked down at home, please keep in touch and let us know as support is always available from the association.
Treasurers update:
Please accept that there will be a suspension of the treasurer’s report this month while we consider the appointment of a temporary treasurer until we can formally appoint one over the coming weeks. As detailed in previous 2021 newsletters we believe it is important to continue to collect subs as I think we would all agree there will be a number of events and celebrations in the latter period of 2021 we will be able to subsidise.
Due to the lack of physical monthly meetings during 2020 and into 2021 we will determine a fair and equitable process for identifying 2021 subs. If any members would like to offer their services as a temporary treasurer, please contact me and I will update the committee members accordingly.
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AOB:
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The committee will be meeting via a team’s conference call this week and will go firm on a number of outstanding issues while we also try and come to terms with likely dates we can hold our future branch meetings safely. Once the committee come up with suggestions I will circulate to all members for views, comments and any additional thoughts.
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I am in the process of updating members’ details on our database. If you have changed address, phone number or e-mail, please can you let me know so I can ensure you are receiving all of the information the committee share with members.
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IV Para reunion 2021
Due to ongoing restrictions around Covid, the 4 Para reunion for Saturday 8th May 2021 has been cancelled and will not take place in 2021
The same venue has been provisionally booked for Saturday 7th May 2022. Any deposits for 2021 will be carried over to 2022 event
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In addition to this month’s PRAHQ Newsletter, please see link below for the fundraising page launched by Support Our Paras for Jon Noble, to raise £45K for a Jaco Robotic Arm. There is a link to a video in the fundraising page showing Jon having a trial and you can see how life changing this is for him, to be able to feed himself, open/close doors, go to the shops and give him much more independence.
www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/robotarmforjon
Stay safe everyone, keep well and hope to see you all very soon
Brian Welsh
Branch Secretary
Liverpool PRA
Mob: 07871901206
E-mail: brianwelsh4@icloud.com
Please find attached the latest PRAHQ Newsletter:
Please check out the events list on the website for details of Regimental and Local events near you:
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The Parachute Regimental Association
Liverpool Branch Treasurer
Mike Hurst
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with a very heavy heart that I contact you with regards to the passing of our very own Mike Hurst.
Mike was taken from us last night after a battle with COVID and then finally pneumonia.
I think the first thing to say about Mike is that he was simply a true gentleman with a great sense of humour, a paratrooper a legend. There are many happy memories of Mike, such a professional paratrooper yet always at the centre of of the banter between his beloved Mortars and the Rifle Company at Grace Road
Mike has also been a stalwart in Liverpool PRA and during his time as treasurer we have seen our membership grow from strength to strength due to his continuous hard work with Joe, Bruce, Arthur, Frank and members. Mike has been instrumental in the PRA Liverpool Branch receiving the Freedom Roll of Association from the Lord Mayors Office and successful Beacon funding. Once again this is all about Mike using his intelligent and brilliant leadership qualities to help others.
“Death ends a life and not a relationship” this is very true with regards to Mike. He has been such a positive influence on so many lives and his memory will live on in everyone who knew him.
Covid and the lockdown has provided us all with time to reflect on many things and never more than now with the loss of a good man. Liverpool PRA would like to pass on our condolences to all of Mikes family, friends and his airborne brothers.
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For those who have contacted us with regards to where to send cards, flowers etc as a message of condolence to Mike’s family
Those wishing to send any cards etc, please send to Mike’s home address where his family will kindly receive them.
9 Jedburgh Drive
Melling Mount
Kirkby
L33 1 EQ
The details for Mike's funeral:
February 5th, 13.00
Springwood Crematorium.
Due to the current lockdown rules attendance is limited.
However, for those that are unable to attend it will be available to watch remotely .
To view the funeral please use the link below, it will be streamed live on the day.
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Goodnight and God bless Mike
Brian Welsh
Branch Secretary
Parachute Regiment Association
Liverpool Branch
Mob: 07871901206
E mail: brianwelsh4@icloud.com
Information regarding Covid19 vaccination Merseyside
Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine
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The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus.
In England, the vaccine is being offered in some hospitals and pharmacies, at hundreds of local vaccination centres run by GPs and at larger vaccination centres. More centres are opening all the time.
It's being given to:
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people aged 80 and over
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people who live or work in care homes
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health and social care workers at high risk
You also need to be registered with a GP surgery in England. You can register with a GP if you do not have one.
The vaccine will be offered more widely as soon as possible.
The order in which people will be offered the vaccine is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Read the latest JCVI advice on priority groups for the COVID-19 vaccination on GOV.UK
Wait to be contacted
The NHS will let you know when it's your turn to have the vaccine. It's important not to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then.