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Armed Forces Weekend 2025 Sunday Night Buffet.
Armed Forces Weekend Gala Dinner 2025 (1 of 2)
Armed Forces Weekend Gala Dinner 2025 (2 of 2)
The Gala Dinner was a lovely evening for all who attended. Tony Johnson and Katie Johnson were both awarded a National Certificate Of Merit for their outstanding contribution to the Aden Veterans Association. Congratulations to them both.
Katie and Tony with Colonel Carter and Clive Candlin.
And again with The Mayor of Weymouth, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Dorset and the Chairman of the AVA West Dorset Branch, Bob Ahrens.
ANZAC Memorial Service 25 April 2025
2025 marks the 110th Anniversary of the first Australian and New Zealand Soldiers to land at Gallipoli and the start of their campaign for peace in the first world war.
A band from New Zealand travelled all the way to England to play the three countries' National Anthems at the service of remembrance in Weymouth.
Many ANZAC Soldiers travelled through Weymouth or were treated for injuries in many of the hospitals. Sadly some did not make it and are buried in the cemeteries around Weymouth.
This plaque was unveiled by a representative of the ANZAC Soldiers from Australia in memory of those who served. This is situated at the RBL Garden of Remembrance on Weymouth Esplanade.
Remembrance Service 10th November 2024
On the 10th of November 2024 members attended the remembrance service on Weymouth's Esplanade , along with the various veteran groups and youth groups in the area.
Here are the veterans lining up for the service and short parade along the seafront. A second remembrance service was held at the American Memorial a little further along the Esplanade.
Moments with Aden Veterans Association (West Dorset Branch)
On the 12th of October 2024, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the creation of the West Dorset Branch of the Aden Veterans Association. Guest of honour was Geoff Giles, who is Vice Chairman of the Aden Veterans Association National Committee.
The event was celebrated with lunch, bingo and a celebratory cake, which the Chairman, Bob Ahrens, cut to mark the occasion.
Margaret and Rodney Wakefield also celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations to them both.
Moments with Aden Veterans Association (West Dorset Branch)
On Sunday 23rd June 2024 the marchers lined up for the annual Armed Forces parade along Weymouth Esplanade.
The standard bearers lead the way.
The weather held out. Warm and no rain.
National Chairman Clive Candlin marched with the Aden veterans.
Our very own Sylvia Johnson marched as well, as she does every year.
Our Chairman Bob Ahrens chose the more sedate and comfortable option this year, due to a bad knee.
Sights and Sounds of Aden Veterans Association (West Dorset Branch)
On the 22nd June 2024 we hosted the Armed Forces weekend Gala Dinner, held at the Rembrandt Hotel in Weymouth.
As usual, the sun shone for us
Over 80 guests sat down to a wonderful 3 course dinner, a raffle and there was dancing throughout the evening.
American Memorial Day 27th May 2024
The usual suspects gathered on Weymouth seafront for the American Memorial Day service.
The Mayor of Weymouth spoke about the link between Weymouth and America over the centuries.
Wreaths were laid at the American Memorial on The Esplanade.
Moments with Aden Veterans Association (West Dorset Branch)
The Dorset Echo newpaper report on the plaque dedication on 17th April 2024.
Sights and Sounds of Aden Veterans Association (West Dorset Branch)
Some more pictures from the plaque dedication and unveiling held on 17th April 2024.
Here we have The Mayor of Weymouth Cllr Kate Wheller, the Chairman and Secretary of the Aden Veterans Association, Clive Candlin and Stephen Weall respectively, Bob Ahrens, Chairman of the West Dorset Branch, and Rev Dennis Mould, who led the service.
Clive Candlin saying a few words.
The Mayor and Clive unveiling the plaque.
Aden Veterans Association (West Dorset Branch) Gallery of Events
On April 17th 2024 we had a short service on Weymouth seafront to dedicate the plaque in the picture, remembering all those who served in Aden during the conflict. The Mayor and the Chairman of the Aden Veterans Association unveiled the plaque, which is on the wall of the Garden of Remembrance near the War Memorial on Weymouth seafront.
Christmas Meals 2023
The Aden Vets had two Christmas meals to go to this year. Our own event was at the Bridge Inn in Weymouth, and the group was invited to the Wool Canal Zone Group held at the British Legion Club in Wool. Lovely food and company at both events.
Blessing Of The Standard
On July 12th 2023 at the bi-monthly meeting, West Dorset Branch's Standard was blessed by Dennis Mould.
Armed Forces Weekend 16th - 19th June 2023
June 16th saw the start of the Armed Forces weekend in Weymouth. Firstly, at the Gala Dinner, held on Saturday 17th June, Katie Johnson received an award marking her huge contribution to the organisation of the Gala Dinner each year, and her work all year round as secretary of the West Dorset Branch.
On Sunday morning, the 18th June, Many Service men and women took part in the parade along Weymouth's Esplanade.
The parade included veterans, pre and post WW2, current serving personel, and marching bands from various organisations, including the Dolphin Marching Band, who lead the parade.
Behind the Dolphin Marching Band were the Aden Veterans Association, lead by the standard bearers from the Aden Vets Branches from nearby counties. Thankfully the predicted rain held off for the duration of the parade.
ANZAC Day Service
On 25th April 2023 Weymouth held a Memorial Service for the ANZAC troops who fought in the wars, and who passed through Weymouth during the conflicts.
The day was marked by a short service complete with standards from the local area.