July 2023

A ‘Sit Rep ’ Firstly, may I say a sincere thank you to those readers who responded to my pleas for ‘old style metal strip’ lettering for a replica WWI field grave Cross; as it turned out our industrious treasurer Terry was able to source a Cross for the Drumhead Service 2023.  But I’ll keep on looking and searching and see if I can’t make a WWI commemorative cross replica for next year.

By the time you read this, several of you will have been to the Drumhead Service itself and it is great that after three cancellations it is going ahead again.  Hopefully the weather held and you were also able to see the Badges in their splendour.  We are indebted to Kevin Callacher of KDC Landscaping Ltd. Dinton and his dedicated team for the rechalking of the Badges under Works 2022 contract. Due to the exceptionally hot weather last year and the ensuing political and economic turmoil which led to labour shortages, Kevin only managed to actually finish rechalking and weeding the last of the quota of eight badges at the beginning of June 2023.  And now, at the time of writing, like the Forth Bridge, he has begun the first phase of the Maintenance Works 2023. Without the commitment and determination of our contractor we would be in a parlous state by now, so thank you Kevin and Team!

The Trust continues to be in good shape financially thanks to the generosity of our supporters and donors, and the assured management of Terry Lister our treasurer. We know that these Scheduled Monuments, to give them their full title, are held in deep respect as war memorials locally, nationally and internationally. We regularly receive donations and bequests in wills, as tokens of appreciation for FBS’s work in keeping these unique memorial landscape features ‘alive’ and vibrant. Legacies, gifts and donations are always acknowledged, and deeply appreciated; they ensure we have sufficient funds to keep these Badges in good repair for the years ahead.





















The Badges commemorate not only the regiments, but more importantly the men who served and perhaps died in a cause few understood at the time. Theirs was a duty, and it is right and proper that today's generations look after these unique emblems. I am particularly fond of the YMCA emblem, as this was created solely by the men themselves. There was no regimental pride at stake; it was a thank you! to the staff and organisations involved under the YMCA umbrella, that brought succour to probably apprehensive young men and youths, who were quite possibly away from home for the first time, and for some the last time. A thank you! for the letter writing and post-from-home reading, the cinema, the YMCA canteen, the presence of moderating and calming female staff, and the Christian Fellowship fundamental to the YMCA.










Jose Green has taken to her role as Chairman with gusto, as you would expect! Through her we have appointed a new Trustee, Richard Lord, who has a close link with the charity Alabaré and other initiatives helping disadvantaged retired military personnel regain their feet in society. We have also had approaches from other local people and we hope to be able to strengthen our Board of Trustees and resume some of the wider activities FBS of old engaged with. It would be great to have a programme of talks and visits for local school children, and those from further afield, as well as occasional lectures to groups.

We have received support from both the local charity Seed4Success, from Alabaré, and of course the Australian Department of Veteran Affairs. All these efforts and contributions have helped make 2022 a significant milestone for FBS. We have established a new regime of Conservation Works so that re-chalking will take place ‘en-masse’ every six to seven years, and a two phase (May/ June, and September/October) maintenance programme enacted each year between.

Finally, you may notice some changes to our A30 Coindrop, yes, the WW1 ‘Tank’. As I write it is my intention to refurbish the Tank and refresh its paintwork. Those who have stopped there, (and I know why would you? you live here!) will also see we have two blue plaques on display. These are designed to help those who stop and are without coin or notes – it's amazing to find so many travel without cash – make direct donation to our Donations Account. Try it out? And to close here is a picture of some metal work found in the chalk on the hillside; what, or whose, might they be?? Answers on a postcard to...

On behalf of FBS trustees, Helen, Jose, David, Richard, Terry and myself, may I say a big thank you to Jan and his team at VILLAGE BUZZ for all their support and assistance over the years in helping keep the FBS message alive and relevant to the locale. It is most appreciated.

Leslie Brantingham Conservation Officer (and part-time scribe)