F COY HOME SERVICE FORCE
WALKING AND ROAD MARCHING SECTION - WARMS
The Home Service Force (HSF) was formed in 1982. A (Royal Norfolk) Coy,
6 R ANGLIAN, of which the Norfolk Editor was OC, based in the TA Centre in
Aylsham Rd, Norwich, were honoured to be one of the pilot host units.
The late Maj David Standley was its first OC. F Coy was regrettably only in
existence for 10 years but its members formed a thriving association. Activities arranged
this year include walks, hence the title WARMS, a visit to the Somme, a meal and a show in
London.
At the Annual Reunion Dinner for members, guests and their ladies held at the Friendly
Hotel, Bowthorpe, in November 1996 the highlight of the evening was a theatrical
production by John Buckle of 'Cinderella in Boots', performed by the HSF EYSWTLY
Players (Every Year Something Worse Than Last Year).
It starred Arthur Woodward (wearing his Royal Naval mess jacket and green wellies)
as the 'Lt Handsome Prince', Fenella Woodward as Private Cinders, George Stiles
as 'Sergeant Major Buttons', Patrick Whiley as Ugly Sergeant One, Gordon Barnes
as Ugly Sergeant Two and Tony Watson as the 'The Magical MO'.
Donna Whiley was due to take the part of Cinders but earlier in the week she
slipped a disc. At very short notice the part was gallantly and magnificently performed by
Fenella Woodward. Donna missed the meal but hobbled in later. (Donna and Patrick
Whiley were unique in the HSF, father and daughter serving together.)
During the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, spending two nights in an hotel in Peronne, a
number of WARMS and guests visited some of the historic battle sites of the Somme, Agincourt*, Compeigne, Clariere de
L’Armistice, the Thiepval and Villiers Australian memorials, Arras, Notre Dame de
Lorette and Eperlecques and the 'V' rockets site. Thanks go to coach driver/courier
extraordinaire, George Stiles and his part time navigator, Tony Watson, both
of whom organised the visit.
The Reunion Dinner for members, guests and their ladies will be held at the Friendly Hotel
in Bowthorpe in November 1997.
We anticipate a good mardle over old times will be had by all and some fairy
stories relived.
Past performance, Custom and Practice - call it what you will - will probably be matched.
That is, no one will hear former OC, Maj Ron James TD CS DC, Late The
Rocking Horse Rangers, bang on the bar with a sponge calling for attention from those who
wish him to buy them a round!
For details of WARMS activities, contact the Secretary: Tony Watson, via the Norfolk Editor.
B&C 88 Dec 97 |
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