Andover Branch

About our branch

The Andover and District Branch of the REME Association was formed on 23^rd September 1987 by courtesy of Maj Gen J Boyne DGEME. The inaugural Dinner was attended by 52 members comprising of serving and retired members of REME and civilian staff from HQ DGEME in Andover.

The aims of The REME Association are to:

Foster Esprit de Corps and well-being of the Corps. To keep those who have served in or with the Corps in touch with one another with a view to keeping alive the spirit of comradeship.

To help, in conjunction with The REME Charity and other welfare agencies, both former and serving members of the Corps and their dependants who find themselves in difficult.

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Branch affairs are based on the old Jubilee Rules of the REME Association, in that we have a Committee and hold ‘formal’ monthly meetings with minutes taken and with all Committee Officers reporting to the members on activities in their area of responsibility. An annual audit of accounts is carried out for presentation at the AGM in February.

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Our Welfare Officer keeps in touch with members who are ill or need help and reports to the monthly meeting of his contact with members.

Every effort is made to provide the necessary support to the families if requested. This is in the form of assistance at funerals with the REME Drape, a Standard Bearer and Guard of Honour being made available.  19 funerals were covered in in the last 12 months.

Membership of the Branch currently stands at 22, with 19 Family members 4 of whom are widows of passed members. Wives/partners are welcome to attend all our meetings and other events.

Members take part in a wide variety of social events such as Church Service with Luncheon.  A BBQ, and Annual Formal Dinner. Visit have been arranged to visit Lyneham, including Trg facilities and Museum, units in Tidworth and Middle Wallop etc.  Members also attend formal annual REME Corps and Military events: a celebration of the birthday of the Corps at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire, an annual weekend reunion at location in a different part of the country each year, REME Sunday at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, Remembrance services in London and locally in November and other events as notified by RHQ REME..

Members also take part in various Veteran Lunches in Andover on 1^st Saturday of the month and in Winchester University at 9 am on third Thursday of each month.