Regimental
AT HOLY SEPULCHRE CHURCH in Sheep Street, Northampton it has a long standing military tradition stretching back over the centuries. Effort has always been made to assist enquiries from (mainly) relatives of former members of the Northamptonshire and Rutland Militia.
A recent enquiry from Tom Simpson, initiated by his son who recently completed 30 years regular service, subsequently prompted historians at the world famous church to offer a more significant service with the aid of the world wide web facility. A visit now to this web site will lead into help via search and/or military based tours.
Tom’s son was anxious to investigate the family’s military history. Tom’s Father
 and Grandfather and indeed Great Grandfather, were all members of the Territorial Army. An old black and white photograph was found on the Flickr site of Great Grandfather, Colour Sargeant Thomas Simpson with a minimal amount of the 4th battalion standard to his side. Knowing that the colours that once hung in the church chancel were now encased and buried, how could he obtain a full colour photograph to treasure alongside other memorabilia?
Fortunately all of the colours are photographed and held on computer hence the simple task of identification and a quick email to solve the request. Tom was also able to visit the Memorials Book of Remembrance in the Regimental Chapel and enjoy a lengthy military tour of the church. Many other aspects of research can be undertaken in house and with help from our military historian David Parish MBE..
Specialist military tours are scheduled during HERITAGE OPEN DAYS and on other occasions by appointment with David Parish MBE, Chairman of the Western Front Association. To arrange a group tour by appointment either call 01604 754 782 or email crusader.round@btinternet.com
Contact details for Royal Anglian Regiment Association:
President Colonel Peter Worthy
Chairman Mr Roy Wade 01604 648 507
Secretary Mrs Sarah Peyton 01604 456406 sarah.peyton@sky.com
Vice Chairman/Secretary/website Mr Colin Burridge 01604 580488 colinburridge@msn.com
Treasurer Major W O'Driscoll
Liaison Officer Mr Bob Pochin 01604 248922 robert.pochin@yahoo.co.uk
Social Secretary Mr Larry Mann 01604 638433 larrymann@hotmail.co.uk
Website www.rangnorthampton.co.uk
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/groups/184318928654/
The Branch is open to members of the former Northamptonshire Regiment and serving and former members of The Royal Anglian Regiment. The aim of the Branch is to promote comradeship and/or assistance for those members.
We meet at 7.30pm on the last Wednesday of every other month(Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov.) at Northampton Working Men's Club, 48, Sheep street, Northampton and on the alternate months at local hostelries for reasonably priced meals and a social get-together.
There may be other events organised during the year but the main one is the Talavera Weekend which is held on the week end nearest to Talavera Day
(27th July) which commemorates the Battle of Talavera, The Northamptonshire Regiments' main battle honour. The weekend consists of a Dinner on the Saturday evening and a Church Parade and Service on the Sunday. There is also The Royal Anglian Regimental Gathering at Duxford in September every year which is very popular and well supported.
For further information please contact a member of the committee.
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