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Every year, I try to arrange extra events for members to enjoy.
Members may bring guests to most events. Non-Members are welcome to apply direct to me, the Honorary Secretary, for
to events and, if possible, will be allowed to join in.
The first thing everyone notices about MGC/OCA events is how friendly and
welcoming everyone is. Name badges are supplied with the status of the
wearer. Those attending their first event have
this fact mentioned under their name on their badge. Members can easily tell who
is new and make a special effort to include those who might feel
shy or awkward. A great deal of trouble is taken to ensure no one feels
left out, particularly when a new member attends without a partner. If you make an effort to be friendly, you can guarantee that OCA members
will meet you more than half way.
Judith Lappin
Honorary Secretary
1st July, 2007
Here is some information about some past events to give you an idea of what the OCA does.
Private Tour of the Tower of London
Friday 11th May, 2007.
Annual Observance & Luncheon
Saturday, 12th May, 2007.
Followed by the AGM.
SPRING VISIT 2005
This took place in April and was a private tour of the South Wales Borderers Museum at Brecon.
We were delighted to listen to Arfon '71' Williams talk about the museum and the deeds
of the men of the SW Borderers.
After the talk, we walked along to a local hostelry where we enjoyed a chat
and a very appetising lunch.
ANNUAL OBSERVANCE & LUNCHEON MAY 14TH 2005
Once again Colonel the Reverend John Barrie conducted a beautiful service of
Remembrance. The Horsham RBL Band played for us.
On to the Mayfair Conference Centre for animated conversation and a delightful meal.
Annual General Meeting. 4pm.
PRIVATE TOUR AND SUPPER AT THE TOWER OF LONDON 2005
Friday 15th July, 2005
This was a superb evening with John Keohane, Chief Goaler, taking members round and giving us the
benfit of his experience and knowledge of the Tower. Followed by a delicious supper at the mess.
ANNUAL LECTURE & LUNCH AT GRANTHAM 2005
Saturday 8th October 2005
Angel & Royal Hotel, Grantham.
Speaker to be arranged.
This event had to be cancelled.
MGC PLOT AT RBL FIELD OF REMEMBRANCE
Thursday prior to Remembrance Sunday.
Thursday 9th November 2005
SMALL WREATH LAYING SERVICE AT THE BOY DAVID MEMORIAL, HYDE PARK CORNER.
Remembrance Sunday, 13th November 2005.
VICKERS TACTICS: Lecture by Paul Hannon
This event was held at Grantham on Saturday 14th October 2002. In the morning an opportunity to view the MGC Book of Remembrance at St. Wulfram's
Church was available as well as a visit to the stained glass window at St Mary's (Catholic) Church.
Fifty guests attended.
Paul Hannon was warmly welcomed and had brought along a Vickers .303 gun with all
possible accessories to discuss the tactics used during WW1. Paul also brought a Lewis gun
since many members relatives who had served in the Corps had used the Lewis rather than the Vickers. Paul was extremely knowledgeable
and his talk fascinated the audience. We were delighted that he had shared some of his vast depth of knowledge with us.
An informal buffet lunch followed, old friendships
were resumed and new ones forged. Many members brought along items of interest
for display. As always at an OCA event, the
emphasis was on friendly and animated conversation with many members staying late.
FIELD OF REMEMBRANCE
Westminster Abbey,
Thursday 9th November
A small group of members attended this annual event.
WREATH LAYING SERVICE AT THE BOY DAVID MEMORIAL
Hyde Park Corner, Remembrance Sunday.
A dozen members gathered at the Boy David to honour the fallen, laying wreaths on
behalf of Veterans and members.
THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER
In March, we were warmly welcomed
and toured the Palace of Westminster. This was followed by a talk, given by Andrew McKinley
MP, on
the men shot at dawn during WWI.
PRIVATE TOUR OF THE TOWER OF LONDON
The tour on the evening of Friday 18th May was arranged by one of our members and resulted in one of the most
successful events held by the OCA. We enjoyed the tour and the masterful knowledge
of the Yeoman Warder. This was followed by an excellent buffet supper.
EXERCISE 'PARTING SHOT'
Sunday 14th July 2002.
This absolutely fantastic event was held at Bisley and was arranged by the Royal Logistics Corps Lt Col Edward Waite Roberts
and Major John Butler. Eight Vickers were borrowed from various places such as The Imperial War Museum and the Royal Armouries at Leeds and
guests were allowed to actually fire the Vickers. Extensive safety precautions were taken and it was marvellous to watch two WW1 Veterans, 'Smiler' Marshall and Harry Patch
fire the Vickers again. Those attending were mainly MGC/OCA members but members of other interested organisations were also invited.
This was a magnificant day, the Army did a great job and a goodly sum of money was given to the OCA in consequence.
All members of the OCA would thank the many hundreds of people involved in making this such a spectacular day. This was probably the last time any civilians in the UK will get to fire the Grand Old Lady of No Man's Land.
(The title of a book on the gun by the world renowned expert, Dolf Goldmith, who was also in attendance.)
MGC/OCA BATTLEFIELD TOUR OF YPRES & THE SALIENT
3rd to 6th September 2002 inclusive.
The tour arranged in conjunction with the War Research Society, Birmingham.
Thirty or so members went on the tour.
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