Sunday 28th January;Memorial service in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, form-up 10:30 for 11:00 service at the Garden of Remembrance. High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8RJ.
Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th February;
2024 BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL TATTOO, at the NEC, details on dedicated page.
Sunday 21st April;
FBESA St. George’s day, form-up 10:30 for 11:00 service at St. Paul’s church, St. Paul’s Square, Birmingham, B3 1QZ 1st part in church, 2nd part at the memorials on the green for wreath laying ceremony, after service refreshments and entertainment in the banqueting suite at the Cobden hotel, 166, Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 9NZ
Thursday 25th April;
ANZAC Day, 12:00 memorial service at the Gallipoli memorial for wreath laying ceremony and act of remembrance at the NMA Alrewas, http://www.thenma.org.uk/eventsSunday 28th April; ANZAC Day, (25th April) RBL annual remembrance service at the CWGC cemetery Brocton, Cannock, WS12 4PS, form-up 10:00 for 10:30 march on,
Wednesday 8th May; “VE” day, 79th anniversary. Victory in Europe Day (8th May), form-up 10:30hrs for 10:45hrs service and act of remembrance with wreath laying at the cenotaph, St. Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1RT
Thursday 16th May
Remembering National Service “61”Thursday16th May 2024 marks the 61st anniversary since the last national serviceman was demobbed from National Service, (conscription), the National Service Veterans Association will commemorate the event on Thursday 16th May 2024 at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), with a Service of Remembrance and wreath laying ceremony at their own National Service Veterans Memorial, form-up 11:30 for 12:00 service, attendance is open to all veterans, members, bereaved families, and descendants of UK National Servicemen all standard bearers are invited to attend please.
Please note; the annual conscripts Memorial Day will be held on 16th May every year in future,
Renamed “Remembering National Service”
The last Sunday in June has no significance to us, it is not an anniversary date.
Sunday 19th May;
Ceremony to mark the 11th anniversary of the death of Fusilier Lee Rigby, (“04/07/1987–22/05/2013”) at the War Memorial, Powke Lane Cemetery, Rowley Regis on Sunday 19th May 2024 at 10:00am, including act of remembrance and wreath laying ceremony, everyone welcome, especially standard bearers, Welcome by; Mark Spilsbury.
Tuesday 4th June;
Commemorating “D” – Day “80”, a tea party to celebrate the 80th anniversary of “D” – Day at the Communitea café, Age Concern Birmingham, 76-78 Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5TJ, everyone welcome, especially veterans at 11:00, more information at; info@ageconcernbirmingham.org.uk or 0121 362 3650 or with John Dolphin, FBESA chairman, 0121 241 3112 or johndolphin48@hotmail.com
Portsmouth will host a major national commemorative event to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, 5th June 2024. https://dday80.campaign.gov.uk/
Thursday 6th June “D” day 80th anniversary;
The 1944 Alliance Normandy-Market Garden will hold their annual remembrance service for “D” – Day 80 at the NMA Alrewas, form-up 10:45 for 11:00 service at the SONT Normandy campaign memorial for a short service, act of remembrance and wreath laying ceremony, everyone welcome including Veterans, families, members and standard bearers, http://www.thenma.org.uk/events
You will not be able to attend the 2pm service organised by the RBL/NMA unless you have registered.
Thursday 6th June “D” day 80th anniversary;
On Thursday 6th June 2024 at 2pm the Royal British Legion will host a Remembrance Service to mark 80 years since “D”-Day within the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum,
Attending the service with a D-Day / Normandy Campaign veteran,
Alongside the service, the Royal British Legion will be welcoming eligible veterans and their families into a hosted event area, for further details use the link below.
https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/remembrance-events/d-day#section-3
Thursday 6th June “D” day 80th anniversary;
Along with the other Cities and towns, on 6th June 2024, Wolverhampton city will be participating in the lighting of the beacons to mark the 80th anniversary of “D” – Day and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Not only will we be remembering the brave men and women who played their part in the Second World War, we will also take a moment of reflection to acknowledge the current and future support and commitment from the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel and their families, Veterans, Cadet Corps, and Reservists, Standard bearers are invited to take part in this, the “lighting of the beacon” at St. Peter’s Collegiate Church, St. Peter’s square, Lich Gates, Wolverhampton, WV1 1TY, form-up 20:30 for 21:15 “lighting of the beacon”.
Friday 14th June;Falklands memorial service, form-up 10:15 for 10:45 service at the Cenotaph, St. Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1RT
Monday 24th June;
Raising the Flag Ceremony to launch Armed Forces week, form-up 09:20hrs. for 09:50hrs ceremony in Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2HF
Monday 24th June;
flag raising day, to launch Armed Forces week, 10:30 FOR 11:00 St. Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1RT along with every town and city in the UK.
Saturday 29th June:
Hi all, come and support all our armed forces, past, present, future, British and commonwealth on Saturday 29th June, everyone welcome, including standard bearers, veterans, serving military personnel, form-up 10:20 for 10:50 march on for 11:00 service in Central square, Brindley place for act of remembrance and to thank and honour the armed forces with the history of the armed forces. have a good day and forward onto colleagues’ and interested friends. Organized by “West Side Bid” and SSAFA, greater Birmingham branch, events start at 10:00 including activities, stalls, and entertainment, events to be confirmed.
ARMED FORCES WEEKEND;
Show your support for our country’s Armed Forces during Armed Forces Weekend at the National Memorial Arboretum on Saturday 29th June & Sunday 30th June 2024, 9am.-5pm.
Join us at this celebratory event to recognise the service and work of our Armed Forces.
With fun activities and entertainment for all ages, including Climbing Walls, Archery, Zipline, Veteran’s Village with live music, this is sure to be a fun weekend for the whole family.
http://www.thenma.org.uk/events-at-the-arboretum/forthcoming-events/armed-forces-day-weekend/
Armed Forces Day 27th June; (nearest Saturday)
Armed Forces Day in the United Kingdom is an annual event celebrated in late June to commemorate the service of men and women in the British Armed Forces. Veterans’ Day was first observed in 2006. Although an official event, it is not a public holiday in the UK. The name was changed from Veterans Day to Armed Forces Day in 2009.
Saturday 29th June;
Sandwell Armed Forces Day, 10:00 am. to 4:00 pm at Dartmouth Park will be a day for those in service and their families to enjoy free family activities, including entertainment and fair rides, Standard bearers welcome for opening ceremony. event_enquiries@sandwell.gov.ukSaturday 29th June;
WOLVERHAMPTON ARMED FORCES DAY, 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm. West Park, 76, Park Road, Wolverhampton WV1 4PH, this free, family-fun event is open to all and is a celebration of our armed forces community and an opportunity to say thank you for all they do for our city and the country. The event will include a funfair, a range of food stalls and bars as well as a series of interactive activities for everyone to enjoy including a cycle skills track, smoothie bike, face painting, mascots, penalty shoot-out and have a go sports activity.
A military parade made up of serving personnel, cadets and veterans will be a focal point of the event and following that there will be an inspection and salute. There will be a range of information stalls and military demonstrations in the event arena where families can speak to members of the armed forces to find out more. Live entertainment will run throughout the day on the main stage. This will incorporate a range of musical styles to appeal to all the family and the event will close with the grand finale when The Imps, the world’s premier military style motorcycle display team will fly the Armed Forces Day flag in a spectacular pyramid formation. wolves.afd@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Sunday 30th June; HIMLEY ARMED FORCES DAY 2023
Armed Forces Day returns for another year at the prestigious Grade II listed Himley Hall & Park.
The free event runs from 11am to 5pm and offers fun for all the family, including a vintage military vehicle display, vintage fairground rides, Punch and Judy shows and dance lesson taster sessions. There will also be a paintball gallery, archery and rifle range to have a go at.
In the park vintage homewares, crafts and clothing will be on offer and our vintage tea tent will be serving ‘tea for the troops’.
Highlights of the day will include an opportunity to meet regular and reserve military units and watch as past and present armed forces personnel are presented with their veterans’ badges and service medals. In the afternoon, marching bands, standard-bearers and members of the Armed Forces will join together for the spectacular Beating Retreat, a military tradition dating back centuries. capa.events@dudley.gov.uk
Monday 1st July;
annual Veteran’s Day at Swanshurst school, Brook Lane, Birmingham, B13 0TW, Rishi Sunak calling a General Election for 4th July has rather scuppered our plans for Veterans’ Day as we can’t have Steve and therefore lose any chance of sponsorship. I’ve, (Doug Smith) been into Swanshurst today and they are happy to go with a slim down version which would go something like this: 09:30 veterans arrive, 09:30 – 10:45 tea/coffee and I will get girls to come in on an informal basis to talk to the veterans, 10:45 -10:55 – official welcome by Lord Lieutenant, Lord Mayor and Mike Dunn (Headteacher) – hopefully, 10:55 – 11:05 veterans go out on the grass area for act of remembrance, “Last Post” silence “Reveille”, 11:05 – 11:55 3 classes of Year 8 will come in to talk to the veterans. 12:00 – light refreshments, 12:30 – veterans leave. It will be more like Remembrance Day accept we will have the girls talking to veterans like on Veterans Day. everyone, including veterans and standard bearers very welcome.
Sunday 7th July
Somme Sunday, at Aston parish church, Witton Lane, Birmingham, B6 6QA, to be organised by the RRF HQ. Warwick, the RRF HQ. are holding a church service first but anyone who does not want to go into church will form-up 11:15 for 11:45 act of remembrance and wreath laying service at the war memorial in the church grounds.
Friday 26th July,
71st. anniversary Korean end of hostilities service, form-up 10:15 for 10:45 service at the Cenotaph, St. Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton WV1 1RT
Sunday 28th July;
Memorial Day event in West Smethwick Park to honour two RAF pilots who died in a plane crash 80 years ago, the pilots, Flight Sergeants Allan Charlie Cox and Gordon Preston, attempted to avoid children playing on the cricket pitch as they tried to land safely, the event details include meeting at the café at 10:00 am and the service starting at 10:30 am.
The purpose of the Memorial Day event is to commemorate the two RAF pilots, Flight Sergeants Allan Charlie Cox and Gordon Preston, the event serves as a way to honour their heroism and remember their sacrifice, and to re-dedicate the memorial plaque.
Thursday 15th August; VJ Day;
Victory over Japan Day, Service at the cenotaph, St. Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1RT form-up 10:30 for 10:45 start.
Saturday 17th August; VJ Day;
form-up 10:45 at Amphlett Hall, Crown Close, Bromsgrove B61 8DW, to march onto the Burma Star memorial for service and “Act of Remembrance” with wreath laying ceremony, 20, Market Street, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA.
Saturday 17th August; VJ Day;
Veterans of Hagley Road Village (HRV) will hold a victory over Japan Day service in the concert room, form-up 12:30 for 13:00 service at HRV, everyone welcome, especially standard bearers and veterans,
Hagley Road retirement village.
330, Hagley Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B17 8BM
Sunday 18th August;
Federation day and commemorating VJ day 79th anniversary, the FBESA will hold their annual service including act of remembrance, form-up 11:30 for 12:00 service, followed by lunch and entertainment in the Cobden suite, 166, Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 9NZ Standard bearers, members and guests very welcome.
Tuesday 3rd September;
Raising the flag; the Merchant Navy Association, Birmingham branch will raise the MN Red Ensign to mark Merchant Navy Day (3rd September) form-up 10:30hrs. for 11:00hrs ceremony, Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2HF
Wednesday 11th September;
The Friends of Brandwood end cemetery are holding a short event to unveil a new memorial stone in the civilian garden of remembrance that records the names of all of those bombing victims buried within the garden area.
The blessing and dedication will take place during National Heritage week at 10:00am in the Civilian Garden of Remembrance in Section 33 of the cemetery. (It will be signed)
Standard bearers to form-up 09:30 for 10:00 dedication led by Deacon David Fairbotham.
Everyone welcome, please inform FBEC of your attendance.
Sunday 15th September;
Battle of Britian memorial service, form-up 12:00 for 12:30 service at the RAFA HQ Goldthorn Road, Wolverhampton, WV2 4PN, refreshments afterwards including the usual Hog roast, everyone welcome, including veterans, members and standard bearers.
Tuesday 17th September;
the 1944 Alliance Normandy-Market Garden will hold their annual act of remembrance and wreath laying ceremony on this the 80th anniversary of operation “Market Garden” at the MGVA memorial, form-up 10:45 for 11:00 service at the NMA Alrewas, www.thenma.org.uk everyone welcome, including veterans, members and standard bearers.
Saturday 12th October;
Birmingham Air Raids Remembrance Association (BARRA) annual service of remembrance, form-up 10:30 for 11:00 service at” St. Martins in the Bull Ring” church, Edgbaston Street, Birmingham, B5 5BB after the church service form-up at the “Tree of Life” memorial for wreath laying ceremony, this is the 19th anniversary of the “Tree of Life” memorial erected in the Bull ring, 2005-2024.
Thursday 7th November;
Dudley annual Festival of Remembrance, form-up 1900hrs for 1930hrs service and concert at Dudley College of Technology, The Broadway, Dudley DY1 4AS tickets (free to standard bearers),
Friday 8th November;
Blue light-red poppy; Emergency services event for Remembrance Day will be held on Friday 8th November, form-up 10:30 for 11:00 at Central square, Brindley Place, when poppy wreaths will be presented to the emergency services for their vehicle’s, organized by “West Side” bid.
Friday 8th November;
Remembrance at Swanshurst
09:30 arrival for tea/coffee and chat,
10:45 – I, (Doug Smith) will say something, welcome and greetings,
11:00 – proceed out on to the grass for act of remembrance with two minutes silence.
11:05 – back in-doors for tea/ coffee and entertainment and leave at about 12:00.
Swanshurst School, Brook Lane, Birmingham, B13 0TW
Friday 8th November;
Remembrance at Cadburys.
Meet-up 10:00 at Cadburys reception, Bournville Place, Bournville Lane, Bournville, Birmingham B30 2LU, then proceed to the war memorial for act of remembrance and wreath laying ceremony.
Saturday 9th November;
Annual act of remembrance at the Dutch war graves in Merridale Cemetery, Jeffcock Road, Bradmore Wolverhampton WV3 7AE. form-up 09:30hrs for 10:00hrs parade and service
Sunday 10th November;
Remembrance Sunday, Veterans and Standard bearers form-up 10:10 ready for 10:40 march off in Colmore Row, near Eden place, off Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3SJ, to march onto Cathedral Square, Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2QB. for annual Remembrance Day service.
Sunday 10th November;
Hagley Road Village; (HRV veterans’ group) will hold their annual Remembrance Day service on Sunday 10th November 2024, form-up 14:00 for 14:30 service with their own chaplain and in-house choir, everyone welcome, especially veterans and standard bearers to their service,
Address: Hagley Road Retirement Village; 336, Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B17 8BH.
Monday 11th November;
City of Birmingham annual Armistice Day service and parade, form-up 10:30hrs for 10:55hrs service at the Hall of Memory war memorial, Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2HF
Sunday 15th December;
FBESA Christmas party, full seasonal fare and entertainment, 12:30 sit down in the Cobden suite at the Cobden hotel, 166, Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 9NZ, cost £22 for members, £27 for guests.
Dress code; Christmas theme jumpers etc. book through your own association or with John Dolphin, FBESA chairman, 0121 241 3112 or johndolphin48@hotmail.com
Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th February;
2024 BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL TATTOO, at the NEC, details on dedicated page.
Sunday 21st April;
FBESA St. George’s day, form-up 10:30 for 11:00 service at St. Paul’s church, St. Paul’s Square, Birmingham, B3 1QZ 1st part in church, 2nd part at the memorials on the green for wreath laying ceremony, after service refreshments and entertainment in the banqueting suite at the Cobden hotel, 166, Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 9NZ
Thursday 25th April;
ANZAC Day, 12:00 memorial service at the Gallipoli memorial for wreath laying ceremony and act of remembrance at the NMA Alrewas, http://www.thenma.org.uk/eventsSunday 28th April; ANZAC Day, (25th April) RBL annual remembrance service at the CWGC cemetery Brocton, Cannock, WS12 4PS, form-up 10:00 for 10:30 march on,
Wednesday 8th May; “VE” day, 79th anniversary. Victory in Europe Day (8th May), form-up 10:30hrs for 10:45hrs service and act of remembrance with wreath laying at the cenotaph, St. Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1RT
Thursday 16th May
Remembering National Service “61”Thursday16th May 2024 marks the 61st anniversary since the last national serviceman was demobbed from National Service, (conscription), the National Service Veterans Association will commemorate the event on Thursday 16th May 2024 at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), with a Service of Remembrance and wreath laying ceremony at their own National Service Veterans Memorial, form-up 11:30 for 12:00 service, attendance is open to all veterans, members, bereaved families, and descendants of UK National Servicemen all standard bearers are invited to attend please.
Please note; the annual conscripts Memorial Day will be held on 16th May every year in future,
Renamed “Remembering National Service”
The last Sunday in June has no significance to us, it is not an anniversary date.
Sunday 19th May;
Ceremony to mark the 11th anniversary of the death of Fusilier Lee Rigby, (“04/07/1987–22/05/2013”) at the War Memorial, Powke Lane Cemetery, Rowley Regis on Sunday 19th May 2024 at 10:00am, including act of remembrance and wreath laying ceremony, everyone welcome, especially standard bearers, Welcome by; Mark Spilsbury.
Tuesday 4th June;
Commemorating “D” – Day “80”, a tea party to celebrate the 80th anniversary of “D” – Day at the Communitea café, Age Concern Birmingham, 76-78 Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5TJ, everyone welcome, especially veterans at 11:00, more information at; info@ageconcernbirmingham.org.uk or 0121 362 3650 or with John Dolphin, FBESA chairman, 0121 241 3112 or johndolphin48@hotmail.com
Portsmouth will host a major national commemorative event to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, 5th June 2024. https://dday80.campaign.gov.uk/
Thursday 6th June “D” day 80th anniversary;
The 1944 Alliance Normandy-Market Garden will hold their annual remembrance service for “D” – Day 80 at the NMA Alrewas, form-up 10:45 for 11:00 service at the SONT Normandy campaign memorial for a short service, act of remembrance and wreath laying ceremony, everyone welcome including Veterans, families, members and standard bearers, http://www.thenma.org.uk/events
You will not be able to attend the 2pm service organised by the RBL/NMA unless you have registered.
Thursday 6th June “D” day 80th anniversary;
On Thursday 6th June 2024 at 2pm the Royal British Legion will host a Remembrance Service to mark 80 years since “D”-Day within the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum,
Attending the service with a D-Day / Normandy Campaign veteran,
Alongside the service, the Royal British Legion will be welcoming eligible veterans and their families into a hosted event area, for further details use the link below.
https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/remembrance-events/d-day#section-3
Thursday 6th June “D” day 80th anniversary;
Along with the other Cities and towns, on 6th June 2024, Wolverhampton city will be participating in the lighting of the beacons to mark the 80th anniversary of “D” – Day and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Not only will we be remembering the brave men and women who played their part in the Second World War, we will also take a moment of reflection to acknowledge the current and future support and commitment from the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel and their families, Veterans, Cadet Corps, and Reservists, Standard bearers are invited to take part in this, the “lighting of the beacon” at St. Peter’s Collegiate Church, St. Peter’s square, Lich Gates, Wolverhampton, WV1 1TY, form-up 20:30 for 21:15 “lighting of the beacon”.
Friday 14th June;Falklands memorial service, form-up 10:15 for 10:45 service at the Cenotaph, St. Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1RT
Monday 24th June;
Raising the Flag Ceremony to launch Armed Forces week, form-up 09:20hrs. for 09:50hrs ceremony in Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2HF
Monday 24th June;
flag raising day, to launch Armed Forces week, 10:30 FOR 11:00 St. Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1RT along with every town and city in the UK.
Saturday 29th June:
Hi all, come and support all our armed forces, past, present, future, British and commonwealth on Saturday 29th June, everyone welcome, including standard bearers, veterans, serving military personnel, form-up 10:20 for 10:50 march on for 11:00 service in Central square, Brindley place for act of remembrance and to thank and honour the armed forces with the history of the armed forces. have a good day and forward onto colleagues’ and interested friends. Organized by “West Side Bid” and SSAFA, greater Birmingham branch, events start at 10:00 including activities, stalls, and entertainment, events to be confirmed.
ARMED FORCES WEEKEND;
Show your support for our country’s Armed Forces during Armed Forces Weekend at the National Memorial Arboretum on Saturday 29th June & Sunday 30th June 2024, 9am.-5pm.
Join us at this celebratory event to recognise the service and work of our Armed Forces.
With fun activities and entertainment for all ages, including Climbing Walls, Archery, Zipline, Veteran’s Village with live music, this is sure to be a fun weekend for the whole family.
http://www.thenma.org.uk/events-at-the-arboretum/forthcoming-events/armed-forces-day-weekend/
Armed Forces Day 27th June; (nearest Saturday)
Armed Forces Day in the United Kingdom is an annual event celebrated in late June to commemorate the service of men and women in the British Armed Forces. Veterans’ Day was first observed in 2006. Although an official event, it is not a public holiday in the UK. The name was changed from Veterans Day to Armed Forces Day in 2009.
Saturday 29th June;
Sandwell Armed Forces Day, 10:00 am. to 4:00 pm at Dartmouth Park will be a day for those in service and their families to enjoy free family activities, including entertainment and fair rides, Standard bearers welcome for opening ceremony. event_enquiries@sandwell.gov.ukSaturday 29th June;
WOLVERHAMPTON ARMED FORCES DAY, 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm. West Park, 76, Park Road, Wolverhampton WV1 4PH, this free, family-fun event is open to all and is a celebration of our armed forces community and an opportunity to say thank you for all they do for our city and the country. The event will include a funfair, a range of food stalls and bars as well as a series of interactive activities for everyone to enjoy including a cycle skills track, smoothie bike, face painting, mascots, penalty shoot-out and have a go sports activity.
A military parade made up of serving personnel, cadets and veterans will be a focal point of the event and following that there will be an inspection and salute. There will be a range of information stalls and military demonstrations in the event arena where families can speak to members of the armed forces to find out more. Live entertainment will run throughout the day on the main stage. This will incorporate a range of musical styles to appeal to all the family and the event will close with the grand finale when The Imps, the world’s premier military style motorcycle display team will fly the Armed Forces Day flag in a spectacular pyramid formation. wolves.afd@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Sunday 30th June; HIMLEY ARMED FORCES DAY 2023
Armed Forces Day returns for another year at the prestigious Grade II listed Himley Hall & Park.
The free event runs from 11am to 5pm and offers fun for all the family, including a vintage military vehicle display, vintage fairground rides, Punch and Judy shows and dance lesson taster sessions. There will also be a paintball gallery, archery and rifle range to have a go at.
In the park vintage homewares, crafts and clothing will be on offer and our vintage tea tent will be serving ‘tea for the troops’.
Highlights of the day will include an opportunity to meet regular and reserve military units and watch as past and present armed forces personnel are presented with their veterans’ badges and service medals. In the afternoon, marching bands, standard-bearers and members of the Armed Forces will join together for the spectacular Beating Retreat, a military tradition dating back centuries. capa.events@dudley.gov.uk
Monday 1st July;
annual Veteran’s Day at Swanshurst school, Brook Lane, Birmingham, B13 0TW, Rishi Sunak calling a General Election for 4th July has rather scuppered our plans for Veterans’ Day as we can’t have Steve and therefore lose any chance of sponsorship. I’ve, (Doug Smith) been into Swanshurst today and they are happy to go with a slim down version which would go something like this: 09:30 veterans arrive, 09:30 – 10:45 tea/coffee and I will get girls to come in on an informal basis to talk to the veterans, 10:45 -10:55 – official welcome by Lord Lieutenant, Lord Mayor and Mike Dunn (Headteacher) – hopefully, 10:55 – 11:05 veterans go out on the grass area for act of remembrance, “Last Post” silence “Reveille”, 11:05 – 11:55 3 classes of Year 8 will come in to talk to the veterans. 12:00 – light refreshments, 12:30 – veterans leave. It will be more like Remembrance Day accept we will have the girls talking to veterans like on Veterans Day. everyone, including veterans and standard bearers very welcome.
Sunday 7th July
Somme Sunday, at Aston parish church, Witton Lane, Birmingham, B6 6QA, to be organised by the RRF HQ. Warwick, the RRF HQ. are holding a church service first but anyone who does not want to go into church will form-up 11:15 for 11:45 act of remembrance and wreath laying service at the war memorial in the church grounds.
Friday 26th July,
71st. anniversary Korean end of hostilities service, form-up 10:15 for 10:45 service at the Cenotaph, St. Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton WV1 1RT
Sunday 28th July;
Memorial Day event in West Smethwick Park to honour two RAF pilots who died in a plane crash 80 years ago, the pilots, Flight Sergeants Allan Charlie Cox and Gordon Preston, attempted to avoid children playing on the cricket pitch as they tried to land safely, the event details include meeting at the café at 10:00 am and the service starting at 10:30 am.
The purpose of the Memorial Day event is to commemorate the two RAF pilots, Flight Sergeants Allan Charlie Cox and Gordon Preston, the event serves as a way to honour their heroism and remember their sacrifice, and to re-dedicate the memorial plaque.
Thursday 15th August; VJ Day;
Victory over Japan Day, Service at the cenotaph, St. Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1RT form-up 10:30 for 10:45 start.
Saturday 17th August; VJ Day;
form-up 10:45 at Amphlett Hall, Crown Close, Bromsgrove B61 8DW, to march onto the Burma Star memorial for service and “Act of Remembrance” with wreath laying ceremony, 20, Market Street, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA.
Saturday 17th August; VJ Day;
Veterans of Hagley Road Village (HRV) will hold a victory over Japan Day service in the concert room, form-up 12:30 for 13:00 service at HRV, everyone welcome, especially standard bearers and veterans,
Hagley Road retirement village.
330, Hagley Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B17 8BM
Sunday 18th August;
Federation day and commemorating VJ day 79th anniversary, the FBESA will hold their annual service including act of remembrance, form-up 11:30 for 12:00 service, followed by lunch and entertainment in the Cobden suite, 166, Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 9NZ Standard bearers, members and guests very welcome.
Tuesday 3rd September;
Raising the flag; the Merchant Navy Association, Birmingham branch will raise the MN Red Ensign to mark Merchant Navy Day (3rd September) form-up 10:30hrs. for 11:00hrs ceremony, Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2HF
Wednesday 11th September;
The Friends of Brandwood end cemetery are holding a short event to unveil a new memorial stone in the civilian garden of remembrance that records the names of all of those bombing victims buried within the garden area.
The blessing and dedication will take place during National Heritage week at 10:00am in the Civilian Garden of Remembrance in Section 33 of the cemetery. (It will be signed)
Standard bearers to form-up 09:30 for 10:00 dedication led by Deacon David Fairbotham.
Everyone welcome, please inform FBEC of your attendance.
Sunday 15th September;
Battle of Britian memorial service, form-up 12:00 for 12:30 service at the RAFA HQ Goldthorn Road, Wolverhampton, WV2 4PN, refreshments afterwards including the usual Hog roast, everyone welcome, including veterans, members and standard bearers.
Tuesday 17th September;
the 1944 Alliance Normandy-Market Garden will hold their annual act of remembrance and wreath laying ceremony on this the 80th anniversary of operation “Market Garden” at the MGVA memorial, form-up 10:45 for 11:00 service at the NMA Alrewas, www.thenma.org.uk everyone welcome, including veterans, members and standard bearers.
Saturday 12th October;
Birmingham Air Raids Remembrance Association (BARRA) annual service of remembrance, form-up 10:30 for 11:00 service at” St. Martins in the Bull Ring” church, Edgbaston Street, Birmingham, B5 5BB after the church service form-up at the “Tree of Life” memorial for wreath laying ceremony, this is the 19th anniversary of the “Tree of Life” memorial erected in the Bull ring, 2005-2024.
Thursday 7th November;
Dudley annual Festival of Remembrance, form-up 1900hrs for 1930hrs service and concert at Dudley College of Technology, The Broadway, Dudley DY1 4AS tickets (free to standard bearers),
Friday 8th November;
Blue light-red poppy; Emergency services event for Remembrance Day will be held on Friday 8th November, form-up 10:30 for 11:00 at Central square, Brindley Place, when poppy wreaths will be presented to the emergency services for their vehicle’s, organized by “West Side” bid.
Friday 8th November;
Remembrance at Swanshurst
09:30 arrival for tea/coffee and chat,
10:45 – I, (Doug Smith) will say something, welcome and greetings,
11:00 – proceed out on to the grass for act of remembrance with two minutes silence.
11:05 – back in-doors for tea/ coffee and entertainment and leave at about 12:00.
Swanshurst School, Brook Lane, Birmingham, B13 0TW
Friday 8th November;
Remembrance at Cadburys.
Meet-up 10:00 at Cadburys reception, Bournville Place, Bournville Lane, Bournville, Birmingham B30 2LU, then proceed to the war memorial for act of remembrance and wreath laying ceremony.
Saturday 9th November;
Annual act of remembrance at the Dutch war graves in Merridale Cemetery, Jeffcock Road, Bradmore Wolverhampton WV3 7AE. form-up 09:30hrs for 10:00hrs parade and service
Sunday 10th November;
Remembrance Sunday, Veterans and Standard bearers form-up 10:10 ready for 10:40 march off in Colmore Row, near Eden place, off Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3SJ, to march onto Cathedral Square, Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2QB. for annual Remembrance Day service.
Sunday 10th November;
Hagley Road Village; (HRV veterans’ group) will hold their annual Remembrance Day service on Sunday 10th November 2024, form-up 14:00 for 14:30 service with their own chaplain and in-house choir, everyone welcome, especially veterans and standard bearers to their service,
Address: Hagley Road Retirement Village; 336, Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B17 8BH.
Monday 11th November;
City of Birmingham annual Armistice Day service and parade, form-up 10:30hrs for 10:55hrs service at the Hall of Memory war memorial, Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2HF
Sunday 15th December;
FBESA Christmas party, full seasonal fare and entertainment, 12:30 sit down in the Cobden suite at the Cobden hotel, 166, Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 9NZ, cost £22 for members, £27 for guests.
Dress code; Christmas theme jumpers etc. book through your own association or with John Dolphin, FBESA chairman, 0121 241 3112 or johndolphin48@hotmail.com