266 GVA Battery Reunions

Serving and retired members of the Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery have been invited to a reunion in Bristol. To be held on Friday, November 3, at 7.30pm, soldiers, NCOs, warrant officers or officer and civilian staff members are expected to turn out.

It will be held at the Gunners Arms, in the Artillery Grounds on Whiteladies Road. The event is being Organised by former members Mike Roach and Derek Driscoll. People who want to attend can email or call.

GVA Comrades Association

Reunion

Friday 3rd November 2006 @ 7.30 P.M.

Gunners Arms, Artillery Grounds, Whiteladies Road , Bristol BS8 2LG

All Members of the Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery, retired or serving, Soldier, NCO, Warrant Officer or Officer and Civilian Staff, are invited to the above Reunion , which it is hoped will become a regular event. The Reunion is particularly timely as the current Battery approaches its 150th birthday, having been raised as part of the Volunteer Movement of 1859 by Colonel Savile in Clifton.

The event is being organised by Mike Roach (Signaler and Officers Mess, 1981-1986) and WO II Derek Driscoll (1971-1989). Those wishing to attend are requested to either email or call leaving their name, rank and contact number both for catering purposes and to provide updates.

Mike Roach said, "I have very fond memories of my time with the Battery and over the years have run into several of my mates who served with me, and it has always been a pleasure to meet them again. More recently my work led me to research the Battery's history and after 20 years I found myself renewing contact with a number of Officers. When I discovered that the Officers still met I thought 'Hang about. Why don't we have a Soldiers Reunion?' Then of course the Battery is approaching its 150th Birthday, so we can't let that go by without a big do."

WO II Derek Driscoll said "Full marks to Mike Roach for getting the Reunion rolling. I'll be there and so will you, or else! I promise to leave my Parade Ground voice at home unless sponsored to bring it out on the night for charity."

Major Richard Hutt RA (V) TD said "I am delighted to hear of the preparations now being made for this long overdue event. Even when the Battery was top heavy with Officers in its Observation Post role I would say that 80%+ of its strength was made up of other ranks. It is wonderful that they should now have the opportunity to get together, and it is a privilege to have been asked to come down from London to attend and propose a toast to all. I'll be there."