Bugle Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 54
NORTH
NEWS FROM THE NORTH
The first half of 2026 has proved to be
another busy period in the North Region
focusing on the mission of supporting
the 5 pillars and providing links with
civic organisations and assisting with
the welfare of our Riflemen past and
present, forming and antecedent.
A key event was the North East and
Yorkshire tour by The Band and Bugles of
The Rifles to four of our freedom towns and
cities that included Doncaster, Wakefield,
Sunderland, and Durham in June.
Regional Secretary Jo Jackson-Wyatt
and Shirley Nicholson in the North Office
remain grateful for the support of the
County Colonels, 3 and 8 RIFLES, The
Rifleman’s Associations North East/West,
DLI, and KOYLI Association who provide
constant support and wise counsel.
NEWS FROM DURHAM
A great turnout by the DLI Assn
Members at the Indoor Games
DLI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL
INDOOR GAMES
DLI Association Standard Bearers at
the Guyzance Memorial
GUYZANCE MEMORIAL COMMEMORATION
In January the DLI Assn commemorated
the tragic deaths by drowning, on exercise,
of 10, 18-year-old trainee soldiers; eight
DLI Trainees and two Trainees from the
Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, at the weir
on the River Cocquet at Guyzance, on
17 January 1945, when training for WW2
operations in Europe. The Service was held
Reverend Helen O’Sullivan and Acklington
Parish Councillors join the DLI Association
for the Commemorative Service of Guyzance
54 RIFLES The Bugle
beside the weir at the Guyzance Memorial
Stone with attendees drawn from the DLI
Assn, the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment,
local councillors and folks from the local
community, including two DLI Assn Buglers,
and six Branch Standards also on Parade.
The Service, readings, Last Post, and wreath
laying were followed by a very welcome lunch.
Wreaths laid at the Guyzance
Memorial Stone
The Dubmire RBL Workingmen’s Club, Fencehouses was the
venue for the Association event, hosted by the Houghton-leSpring Branch. Nine Branches took part in the competition,
with approximately 120 members in attendance. The matches
pitted teams against each other in a knockout-cup format in
three events: Darts, Dominoes, and Whist.
DLI Association Secretary acted as MC, supported by Lt Col
John Heron and Maj Mike van der Gucht as scorers. In a highly
competitive environment, and to ensure fairness, the Umpires
were drawn from across the Branches.
The Overall winners were Hartlepool Branch, who also
conquered the Darts; Gateshead and Newcastle Branch won
the Whist, with Bishop Auckland Branch taking the Dominoes.
Houghton-le-Spring earned the Wooden Spoon.
Following the Presentation of Cups by DLI Association
Chairman Maj Chris Lawton, MBE, DL, which included the Indoor
Rifle Competition Cup and Trophy won in February by Houghtonle-Spring Branch. It proved to be another outstanding day, great
craic and wonderful camaraderie…roll on next year.
Presentation of the Annual Indoor Air Rifle Competition.
Maj Chris Lawton MBE DL presents the cup to Lt Col
Jimmy Brown President of Houghton Br. Br Sec Richard
Tough one of the Winning Trophy Members.
