Our annual Remembrance Service will take place on Sunday 12th November 2023, 10.45hrs at The 10th Battalion Memorial.

If you would like to lay a wreath or flowers in memory of a member or members of the Battalion or on behalf of an organisation, please contact us beforehand: alec@friendsofthetenth.co.uk

All are welcome and refreshments will be provided free of charge in the Matt Hampson, Get Busy Living Centre after the service.

Any donations made to our charity help cover the cost of our events and the maintenance of the Memorial and Garden as well as our ongoing work to keep alive the legacy of The 10th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment.

VICTOR GREGG – ‘The Last Man Standing’

We are pleased to offer for auction this extraordinary portrait of Victor Gregg, created by Derek Chambers FRSA on Vic’s 101^st Birthday. It shows Vic at 101 and his younger self, set against the background of the destruction of Dresden – something which Vic spoke about with great passion and regret. The artist said at the time how he was struck by Vic’s hands which displayed Vic’s physical and emotional strength, this is apparent in the picture.

Before his death in 2021, Vic was the last surviving member of WW2 10^th Parachute Battalion; ‘The Last Man Standing’.

Vic and the artist agreed to donate the portrait to help raise funds for the work we do to perpetuate the legacy of the 10^th Battalion and maintain our Memorial and garden.

Professionally framed under ‘anti UV’ museum quality glass, measuring 900mm x 800mm x 50mm (36 x 31 x 2 inches). The framing alone over £400.

Please note that this is the original portrait NOT a print or reproduction.

There is a reserve. I will keep all bidders updated with the highest offer and ask for final bids on 1^st November 2023. This is large and heavy (10kg) and the buyer will have to arrange collection from Leicestershire – otherwise shipping to be arranged by the buyer. FoTT will retain all present and future reproduction rights, such rights will not pass to the buyer.

Please email your offer (or if you would like more images or information) to alec@friendsofthetenth.co.uk

SOMERBY REMEMBERS

THE 10^TH PARACHUTE BATTALION & ARNHEM:

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS: SEPTEMBER 2023

Friday 8^th September:

10^th Battalion Trail walk and talk,

leaving the Memorial car park at 10.00am

Saturday 9^th September

11.00am:  An informal meet and greet at Somerby Memorial Hall with a film show

Refreshments will be provided

5.00pm: Our annual ‘At the Going Down of the Sun’ Remembrance service

at the 10^th Battalion Memorial, Burrough on the Hill

Sunday 10^th September

The annual Leicester PRA parade and service in Somerby village

Parade assembles at 10.00am and marches off at 10.30am

Church service commences at 11.00am

Refreshments at Somerby Memorial Hall following the service and salute

ALL ARE WELCOME (there is no charge) to the above events

Friends of the Tenth – Somerby Commemorations Saturday 10^th September.

The FoTT programme of events for Saturday, 10^th September at Somerby remains unchanged except for the postponement until later (date to be advised) of the laying and dedication of the commemorative stone for Vic Gregg, our ‘Arnhem Paratrooper’ and ‘Last Man Standing’ and the presentation of paintings to PARA RHQ.

The planned programme for Somerby Saturday is as follows.

12pm-1.30pm free shuttle minibus service  – every 30 mins provided from Burrough Court campsite car park into Somerby for those camping or parking over the weekend courtesy of Fred and Dawn Wilson. Complimentary finger buffet at the Memorial Hall 1230-1330.

2pm-3pm. Somerby Memorial Hall-  Talk by Grahame Warner from FoTT,  ‘The Tenth at Somerby- The best of times during the worst of times.’ Covering the 10^th Battalion’s nine months at Somerby and surrounding villages before Arnhem- followed by a Q&A session.

3pm- 3.45pm Somerby Memorial Hall- Free tea/coffee and refreshments for all — courtesy of FoTT members and our volunteer helpers.

4pm-5.30pm free shuttle minibus service provided from Somerby Memorial Hall/Pickwell to Burrough Court campsite and the Memorial ground.

5:30pm-6.30pm  Sundown commemoration service at the 10^th Battalion Memorial, Burrough on the Hill, led by Padre Brian McAvoy.

The Leicester PRA Sunday Parade and church service of commemoration will take place as normal. For those FoTT members planning to take part in the march, please assemble at the Somerby Memorial Hall between 0930-1000 Sunday morning, ready to form up. Dress code: Berets to be worn, blazer/jacket, ties and medals.