The Royal British Legion
Borth Branch
ANZAC DAY DINNER
27th APRIL 2013
THE LLETY CEIRO RESTAURANT
The photo shows from the left: Cllr Ray Quant M.B.E. Branch Chairman, Iori Lewis M.E.B., Revd David Williams Previous Branch President, Flt Lieutenant Clive Parker, 561 ATC Aberystwyth, John Walton Branch Standard Bearer, Warrant Office 2 Robert Monro, The Australian Defence Staff, Mark Williams MP Branch President, and Alan Cathery, Membership Council Member for Wales RBL.
Chatting after a very enjoyable dinner.
Group Photo of all who attended The Anza Day Dinner.
The Royal British Legion
Borth Branch
'BORTH in WARTIME'
Wednesday 28th March 2012
Talk: by Mr David Williams
Mr.David Williams longstanding resident of Borth gave a most informative and entertaining talk recalling his memories of life in Borth during the 2nd World War, with sketches of aircraft he had drawn and seen when he was very interested in aircraft recognition, he told us about the German plane he had seen fly over Borth, but not told anyone because he felt they would not believe him, but all was revealed later when it was confirmed that it had taken place. Also lots of memories of celebrities who had entertained and lived in the village, and stories of the children from Liverpool who were evacuated here and lots more, most entertaining thank you David from all members and non members. Pictures Left Mr. David Williams during his talk. Top Right: David answering questions from members afterwards. Bottom Right: Mrs. Freda Darby after receiving an award for Miss Joy Cook and herself.
The Royal British Legion
Borth Branch
R.A.F. Evening
Wednesday 25th January 2012
Mr Gil Jones described Ceredigion War Memorials, with particular mention of Royal Air Force personnel; and there was a presentation by No. 561 Squadron, A.T.C., and by Aberystwyth Flight, the University of Wales Air Squadron.
The Royal British Legion Borth Branch
St.Matthew's Church, Borth
Remembrance Service
Sunday 13th November 2011
Ni heneiddiant hwy,
Fel ni, a adawyd.
Ni ddwg oed iddynt ludded
Na’r blynyddoedd gollfarn mwy.
Pan êl yr haul i lawr
Ac ar wawr y bore,
Ni â’u cofiwn hwy,
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor do the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
The Royal British Legion
Borth Branch
Act of Remembrance
Cliff-top War Memorial
Wednesday 24th August 2011
Borth Royal British Legion held its annual service of remembrance at the village's cliff-top war memorial (pictured). The service saw increased numbers, being well supported by members of Aberystwyth, Borth and Newcastle Emlyn branches, and by cadets from 561 Squadron ATC. Afterwards in the community hall, Prof Michael Hayward gave an interesting account of the pub signs of Ceredigion.
D.H.W. 2011
The Royal British Legion
Borth Branch
Borth Community Hall
Wednesday 23rd March 2011
Power-point/DVD Presentations
At a well-attended Royal British Legion meeting, county councillor Ray Quant (branch chairman), outlined the motions for debate at the forthcoming National Conference in Telford. Noel Duston (Trustee for Wales) described moves to make the Legion more effective; John Walton (branch standard bearer) described his experiences at last year’s Albert Hall Festival of Remembrance; Brian Williams (who was president of the branch in the 1950s) told of its activity then, and Steve Doyle and Pat Goodlay of the Machynlleth branch, related plans for making the ninetieth anniversary of the Legion this June. Pictured from left to right: Iori Lews, county patron; Billy Williams, branch chairman, 1955; Rev Cecilia Charles, padre; Rev David Williams, president; Noel Duston, National Trustee; Jo Jones, county secretary; Len Dennett, branch chairman 1955; John Walton, standard bearer; county councillor Ray Quant, Chairman.
D.H.W. 2011
The Royal British Legion
Borth Branch
Borth Community Hall
Wednesday 26th Jan 2011
RAF Evening
.
From left to right: Borth Branch Chairman, County Councillor Ray Quant M.B.E., Wing Commander (rtd) Rodger Griffiths, Officer Cadet Paul Jay, Miss Margaret Frost, No 561 Squadron A.T.C. group, and FLT. LT Clive Parker.
Margaret Frost, who gave Borth branch of the Royal British Legion an impressive talk on her experiences flying Spitfires from manufactures to air bases during the Second World War, meeting with retired air force personnel, and members of No 561 (Ardwyn) Squadron, ATC, and of Aberystwyth Flight, the University of Wales Squadron. Miss Frost, 90 was a member of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA). Set up to ferry planes during World War Two, the Air Transport Auxiliary had 1,318 pilots, of which 166 were women. Tasked with moving planes where they were most needed, Miss Frost found herself at the cockpit of Oxfords, Ansons, Gladiators and the iconic Spitfire.
D.H.W. 2011
The Royal British Legion
Borth Branch
St.Matthew's Church Remembrance Service
Sunday 14th November 2010
A large congregation attended the annual remembrance service in St Matthew’s Church led by the Vicar, the Revd. Cecilia Charles, with the Revd. David Williams who spoke of the connections of Borth with the Battle of Britain. Mrs Rachel Rowlands, MBE., Deputy Lieutenant of Dyfed, read a lesson, and 2nd Borth Scouts led the prayers. The Roll of Honour was read by County Councillor Ray Quant, MBE, who with Mr Gareth Rowlands read the Exhortation and Kohima Epitaph. Harvey Hassan played Last Post and Reveille. Members of the lifeboat crew, fire service and St John Ambulance Brigade attended. After the service all enjoyed a cawl lunch in the community hall, prepared by Margaret Griffiths, with splendid apple tarts organised by Joy Cook.
D.H.W. 2010
Armistice Day Festival and Concert
Also
Celebrating 100 years of Scouting in Borth
Wednesday 10th November 2010
Brass ensemble from pupils of Penglais and Penweddig schools
Musical Performance by the Hassan family
The well attended audience listen to the Hassan family
The much appreciated 2nd Borth Scout stand up comedian
Introductions by Chris Millichamp 2nd Borth Scout Leader with the help of a Beaver
Sketches by the 2nd Borth Scout group
Presentation to 561 (Ardwyn) squardron ATC by Reved David Williams & Jo Jones
Michael James playing the Dambusters' March
The branch standard is lowered and Exhortation and the Kohima Epitaph are read in English and Welsh
BORTH.
Royal British Legion.
A well attended armistice festival in the community hall marked also one hundred years of scouting in Borth and district. A poem entitled ‘Arboretum’ by John Walton was read by Yvette Ellis-Clark, fine musical performances were given by the Hassan family and by a brass ensemble drawn from pupils of Penglais and Penweddig schools, and sketches and other entertainment were provided by 561 (Ardwyn) squadron of the A.T.C. and by the scouts –including a much appreciated stand up comedian. Michael James played the Dambusters’ March to mark the seventieth anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Grateful thanks go to all who took part, and especially to Jo and Roy Jones and John Walton for the splendid decoration of the hall. A few days later, John Walton paraded the branch standard at the Albert Hall Festival of Remembrance.
D.H.W.2010
National Arboretum Visit
8 Sept 2010
Thirty-six members of the Aberystwyth, Borth and Lampeter branches of the Royal British Legion are seen here in front of the Berlin Airlift Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire during their visit on Wednesday 8 September. Borth branch chairman, County-Councillor Ray Quant. MBE, took the photograph and is therefore not in the picture himself.
Borth branch standard-bearer, John Walton, proudly displays the branch standard. John has been chosen to be one of the standard-bearers on parade at this year's Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall.
The wreath on the Chapel Altar is the last wreath laid at the Cenotaph by Harry Patch the last survivor of WW1 who died aged 111
The Narional Memorial Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness was dedicated in the year 2000. An Act of Remembrance is held here every day at 11.am
The Basra Wall was built at Basra itself in 2006 to record the names of 178 British service personnel who died in the Iraq conflict, and also the names of members of the coalition forces killed in action. The Wall has now been removed from Iraq and re-erected here at the Arboretum.
Borth branch president, the Revd. David Williams, stands before the Polish Memorial erected in 2009. The four sculptures, surmounted by the Polish eagle, are typical figures of a member of each of the Polish Army, Air Force and Navy, together with a member of the brave underground resistance.
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Act of Remembrance
25th August 2010
The bad weather forecast meant that the RBL Borth annual act of remembrance at the cliff-top monument had to be transferred to the community hall, where it was conducted by the branch president, the Revd. David Williams and the branch chaplain, the Revd. Cecilia Charles, with Mr Michael James at the piano.
The Exhortation and the Kohima Epitaph were pronounced in English and Welsh by County-Councillor Ray Quant (branch chairman) and Mr Iori Lewis (county president). Mr Huw Spencer Lloyd then gave an illustrated talk on the Battle of the Somme and the County RBL pilgrimage there last year.
As usual, the ladies prepared fine refreshments. The evening was very well attended. The wreath will be placed at the cliff-top memorial at a later date.
D.H.W 2010
Armed Forces Day Concert23rd June 2010,
Borth Community Hall
The branch gives grateful thanks to the many members of the Aberystwyth Silver Band who came to lead so well this year's Armed Forces Day Concert, as also to Harriet Earis for her much appreciated Celtic music with the harp.
Michael James for his professional exposition of Chopin on the piano, and to Jean Ward and her daughter, Mandy Martin, for engaging the audience in their choral pieces.
The concert, one of the best yet, concluded with everyone singing "It's a long way to Tipperary".
As ever, thanks to the ladies for superb refreshments.
Harriot Earis
Aberystwyth Silver Band
D.H.W. 2010
Tributes to Borth’s
Aran Morris M.B.E.
TRIBUTES paid to Aran Morris who died from a heart attack at his home in Borth on Sunday 13 September 2009
Mr Morris was well-known for his work with the local council, the Royal British Legion and the R.N.L.I. In January 2008, the war veteran was awarded an M.B.E. for his services to maritime safety. He established Borth R.N.L.I. in 1965.
George Crumper, Cambrian Coast-guard Sector Manager, said: "Aran was a founder member of Borth Coast-guard and a much respected Auxiliary in Charge for many years. He was well respected throughout H.M. Coast-guard. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
Ron Davis M.B.E, who worked closely with Mr Morris and the life-boat service in Borth, added: "He was a good servant of the R.N.L.I. from 1966 until 1991. He was head of the R.N.L.I. in Borth for a number of years, running the station, taking calls and contacting the crew. He was also a crew member himself. His death is a big loss for the village. He thought a lot about Borth."
Mr Morris served in the Royal Navy and saw action during World War II in Dunkirk and the Far East, as well as with the Russian Arctic Convoys.
In latter years he joined former convoys in a battle against the government and its refusal to honour former comrades with a proper medal in recognition of their efforts with the Russian Arctic Convoys. In 2006, convoys finally received their medals. Mr Morris had been chairman of the British Legion in Borth and was recently made President. A spokesperson for the legion said: "He was always involved and supported the work of the Legion."
For more than 40 years, Mr Morris also served on the Borth Parish Council. Councillor Ray Quant M.B.E, who paid tribute to Mr Morris at his funeral on Tuesday, said: "Through active service in WWII and membership of different organisations, Aran served his country, county and community with distinction.
Aran joined Borth Parish Council in 1950 and gave 45 years continuous service as a councillor. He faced many elections during those 45 years which is testimony to his endurance and popularity with the electors.
Reading through the old council minutes, hundreds of issues were dealt with during his 45 years on the council. In 1971, Aran and Gethin Evans as delegates of Borth Community Council met with Cardiganshire District Council to plead the case for the inclusion of a slip way as part of the sea defences - the rest is history as they say."
Mr Morris is survived by his wife, Eileen, three children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Cliff-top Act of Remembrance: 26th August 2009
Cliff-top Act of Remembrance
Presentations to Mrs Jo Jones, Secretary
&
Revd David H Williams, Treasurer
Mrs Jo Jones, secretary of the Borth branch, Royal British Legion was presented with the Recruiting Cup for the branch gaining the most members during 2008 by Bill Lloyd, Ceredigion County Chairman, who also presented Rev.David Williams, Borth branch treasurer with a certificate of appreciation on his retirement as county secretary.
The presentations took place during the annual general meeting of Ceredigion Royal British Legion at the Holy Trinity Hall, Aberaeron, on the 10th January 2009
Veterans' Day Parade and Concert was Memorable
A parade and concert in Borth to mark Veteran's day has been hailed as a memorable event by organisers.
The High Sheriff of Dyfed Colonel D Davies travelled to Borth from Pembrokeshire to take the salute alongside the mayor of Aberystwyth, Cllr Lorrae Jones-Southgate. The parade was followed up with an evening of entertainment at Borth's Community Hall. Wednesday 27th June 2007
On 27 June, Veterans' Day, Borth branch held a parade through the village and a concert in the community hall. We would like to thank everyone who attended making this such a memorable event. We were very honoured that Colonel D L Davis, TD FRAgS, DL, The High Sheriff of Dyfed, travelled from Pembrokeshire to take the salute and that the Mayor of Aberystwyth, Lorrae Jones-Southgate, with her consort Cyril Davis also attended.
Special thanks to Pilot Officer Darren Rees of 561 Squadron ATC for marshalling the parade and to Dafydd Llewellyn ap Daniel who led the parade playing the bagpipes.
Our special thanks to Emily Evans, Michael James and the Hassan family, all of Borth, who performed for us. We enjoyed the Aberystwyth-based singing group Scarmes who us with a whole medley of songs old and new. They were very well received.
After refreshments, the Powys Male Voice Choir gave a great performance, rounding off a wonderful evening. Yours etc, Mrs Jo Jones, Secretary, British Legion Branch, Borth.
Medal Victory for Old Soldier
Mark Williams M.P. presents the Arctic Emblem to Aran Morris.
BORTH war veteran Aran Morris has won his long-fought battle against the Government's refusal to honour him and his former comrades, with a proper medal in recognition of their efforts with the Russian Arctic convoys in World War Two.
Last week, Mr Morris at long last received his Arctic Emblem from Ceredigion M.P. Mark Williams at a dinner in his honour at Borth and Ynyslas Golf Club. Mr Morris had already received a 60th anniversary commemorative medal, but after six decades he still felt that his war honours were incomplete, and took the fight for recognition to the Government.
And now his efforts with the Russian Arctic Convoys in World War II have been properly recognised. Mr Morris said: "Last year I collected hundreds of signatures on a petition calling for the correct recognition, which was added to a national petition given to the Prime Minister."
Mr Blair then offered them a badge, but that was rejected. Mr Morris said: "We worked in sub-zero conditions, risking our lives to take supplies to the USSR, and the heroes were never awarded a campaign medal. The Arctic campaign veterans were overlooked for a medal when Russia became Britain's enemy in the Cold War. "I firmly believed that we should get recognition for what we did. The run was one of the hardest things to do. We had to watch people freezing to death around us, and there being nothing we could do about it. I can't really explain just how bad conditions were. The only way to understand was to have been there yourself. "I was pleased to have received the 60th anniversary commemorative medal from the Russian Embassy, but what we really wanted was a Government medal. And I am, particularly pleased that I, and my former colleagues, have now received the Arctic Emblem."
The wording on the certificate accompanying Mr Morris's Arctic Emblem reads: "With the compliments of the Under Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans. This Arctic Emblem is presented to you in recognition or your service to your country having served north of the Arctic Circle and west of the Urals for at least one day between 3 September 1939 and May 1945."
Dedication of the New Standard of the Borth Sub-Branch
Ray Quant Standard Bearer of Borth's British Legion, parade their new standard, following a special dedication service at St Matthews Church. Sunday 30th April 2006
The Borth branch was revived in 2006, with a new standard, the old standard is laid up in St Matthew's Church. Meetings take place on a bi-monthly basis in Borth Community Hall.
Its meetings are open to members and non-members. If you would like to become a member (you do not need to have served in the Forces) and so support our service-people and veterans, please contact our secretary or president.
The annual subscription is £11, all of which goes to central Legion funds, as do monies raised each year in the very successful Borth Poppy Appeal.
Picture courtesy Cambrian News: www.cambrian-news.co.uk
Borth War Memorials
In just the same way, that as for generations the people of Britain have wanted to remember those who gave their lives in the service of our country and of freedom, in Borth over the years have been set up tangible memorials, so that their sacrifice is not forgotten. That is why in Borth, in November 1919, a year after the Great War ended; a well-attended public meeting was held which resolved to set up on the cliff-top a striking monument to those who had fallen in action.
In February 1920 a concert was held to raise funds, and on the afternoon of the last Saturday that month, many of the men, women and children of Borth, gathered on the beach and carried stones up to the cliff-top to form the foundations for the monument.
For one reason or another, it was Sunday 6 August 1922 before the monument, built of granite blocks from the Tonfannau quarries near Tywyn, was finally completed. On that afternoon, the villagers marched in procession to the cliff-top where the monument was unveiled by the M.P., Lt. Col. David Davis, and dedicated by the Bishop of Swansea.
Sunday 6 August was an appropriate day because in the Church it is the Feast of the Transfiguration, when we remember the occasion when Jesus ascended a mountain-top with his disciples. Quite possibly, the date was chosen with that in mind.
The Monument stayed there until it was hit by lightning in 1983, and coastal erosion meant that it had to be moved further back away from the cliff-edge to its present position. The Mayor of Borth that year was the late Mr Aran Morris, M.B.E. and he devoted the proceeds of his mayoral ball to the cost of the removal - which was finally effected in 1986.
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Unveiling of Borth cliff-top Monument (1922)
Portion of the group off Ex-Service personnel attending the Unveiling of Borth cliff-top Monument (1922) (Photograph by courtesy of Mr Gil Jones)
The cliff-top monument was not the only memorial to those who fell to be set up in Borth. There were plaques bearing the names of the fallen placed in all the churches and chapels: the white plaque you see in St Matthew’s Parish Church was put there in December 1920. A large plaque was also placed in the village hall – so that it often is thought of as the Memorial Hall, and you can see a striking plaque in the new hall which very recently celebrated its tenth anniversary.
Today, in St Matthew’s Church is a wooden pulpit, but when the church was built in the 1870s there was a pulpit carved out of Bath stone – a limestone found in the Bristol area, and a fine building material. Unfortunately, at some stage some-one decided to paint it white, and when a new vicar came here, the Revd. E.P. Davies, he thought it was an eye-sore. So, it was removed, and the oak pulpit was erected in 1922, as yet another memorial to those who died in the Great War.
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Borth War Memorial
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