50th Anniversary Of 

Freedom of Willich 1973

Reunion

the weekend of the 

Friday 26th & Saturday 27th of May 2023

____________________________

From Philip Holmes 

Hi reunioners. I now have some dates & a sort of itinerary for the previously mentioned Celebration of the 50th year of the freedom of Willich. taking place over the weekend the 26th & 27th of May this year. 

I realise that this is pretty short notice, there was however a lot of uncertainty up until yesterday evening. Friday the 26th: There will be a reception at the (Grunderzentrum) This is basically the HQ for all things Willich including what happens in the old camp. We have used this place on a couple of occasions, the regulars will remember it. 

There will be speeches ,presentations, food, bar, photo display and live band. Saturday the 27th: There will be a wreath laying ceremony at the grave (by the stadt) of Mr. Paddy Burke. (Also on the parade in 73) We will then march behind a troop of serving soldiers coming down from Sennelager, who will in turn be marching behind a band (which band is as yet not clear). From the graveyard we march to the grunderzentrum where we will be awaited by the Mayor of Willich, and the other VIP’s. There will be a Display by the crossed swords and pipe band (still to be verified) food and drink will be available and hopefully a selection of other traders. We are hoping to have a highland games display and anything else we can sort for the day. I apologise for the not very precise itinerary. As things become clearer there will be updates. 

We need everyone's help. We had a meeting in preparation for this post. It was hilarious, two of the people at the meeting were Geoff Reynolds and Terry Wood, both of whom were on the original parade in 1973. ‘’who was on the parade with you’’ I asked. Not saying they are getting old BUT Steve? Blue Rally Capri, Terry ? Red Austin 1300 GT, Arthur? Silver BMW 2002. Taff ? married a NAFFI Lady from Rochdale. We were all in bits because these were the first names UP till the 3rd beer, then we got sparks of pure genius. Cpl Booth (73 Guard room) George ? after military sales (back to cars again). The list of names that follows were dredged up from somewhere as the night went on and also from Hank Lawrence. Geoff Kitchen (Chippy), Dumpy lou Lewis (Welder),Eddie Boyle P&D John Harper, Jim Daly, Barny Barnard, Pete Coulson, Tommy Whitehead, WOll Claridge, Michael Cowling, John Delaney, Joe Mercer, Ian McFarlen, Taff Cosslet, Peter Napton, Yorkie Baraclough and Ted Cumberland. Sorry for any false spellings. 

THE HELP: we would like as many original paraders as possible to attend, if you know any of the people mentioned or are indeed one of the people mentioned reach out and spread the word. I will close for now as the post is getting longer and longer. One last point though I will need an attendance list for this gig. So, if you will be be coming along use the contact form top right and Hank will pass it on to me, Thanks

 SOME PHOTOS FROM 1973