Langeleben

jr · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 10:40 am Post subject: Memorial Celebrations

The Memorial project is now taking shape. I have been corresponding with Ernie over the question of who should be invited to unveil the thing, and what possibilities are open to us (within bounds of feasibility and cost).

Bearing in mind that this is, as far as I know, a unique event, and we only get the one chance to make it a day to remember.

What could we do to celebrate in style?

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John Richardson

paul croxson · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 5:47 pm Post subject:

Having had some experience in organising an event like this (150th celebration of VCs) you won't get any answer re a 'Royal' until 3 months before the event. Prince Philip is very attached to the I Corps and would for me be the obvious choice but unless you can move the event to Chicksands forget it. Forget, at least in my opinion the possibility of any other 'Royal'. Unique it may be but low on the Richter scale of things and it is in Germany which has enormous implications as far as what can and not be done diplomatically.
Having the Burgomeister will bring the event to the fore locally which would be nice but does the Kl Burgomeister operate up in Langeleben or is that a different Kingdom.
If only we had produced someone famous other than Gordon Banks and Stewart Brisley in his little world that would be good but sadly most of us have struggled to reach the heights of mediocracy!
"No one" is not an option in my opinion . The event has to have a centrepiece around which to have the rest of the event. A drive-past of Zimmer Frames may well be on the cards. (perhaps they could sponsor the event).
Personally I think that Peter Baldwin has, over the years, done us proud with him and his Wife loyally attending and taking part in a way which has been outstanding. To me, not offering the opportunity to them would be almost an insult. I say 'them' deliberately. Peter is like all of us getting old and is I expect the oldest member by several years - although I am hastening in my efforts to catch up. WE cannot take it for granted that, in a year's time he will be up to the trip and the task. We should not put too great a burden on him and his Wife.

Guest · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 7:15 pm Post subject:

The option "None of these" was only put in because I am too idle to enter the names of Uncle Tom Cobbley and All. The names above were the obvious front runners that first came into my head.

Any suggestions members may have can of course be posted here.

Peter Ellis · Member Joined: 17 Jan 2008 Posts: 2 Location: est leake

i am shocked to find that at this time that such a percentage of votes have declared in favour of the burgermeister!!!!!!!!!!!
why if we stand by our values of discipline and loyalty are we not voting
for the man who found Langeleben and started the foundations for a place in the history books of the Y service.!!!!!!!!
Major general Peter Baldwin is the man who should be given the honour
in being chosen to have pride of place in this event.From the time of the
tents in winter and the freezing R wagons not to mention Honey bucket
Joes glorious collection days even up to the final moment when the
"Camp" had become a second Butlins paradiso for troops the credit must
be given to his founding in the early 50's.
For those of us remember the " Glorious Days" of Langeleben each to
their own time do not let this event pass you by but remember with
pride your own small contribution and select a Military man of
distinction who stands by the Association .

paul croxson · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 3:12 pm Post subject:

I do know what I am talking abouty re a Royal attending our tinpot but very important celebration. There is not a cat's chance in hell of getting ANYONE so ...May I suggest that the Royal choice be deleted and the two votes for them (whoever they thought might attend) be transferred to Peter Baldwin.
Anyone who has attended any of our gatherings over the years will know what a massive contribution he has made. He has not just been a figure-head
Does the system preclude multiple voting by the way? I haven't tested it on the basis that this would fgalsify the returns.
Like Peter Ellis,. frankly I am exceedingly disappointed that there is not total unanimity on this subject

paul croxson · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 3:23 pm Post subject:

I never in my wildest moments give much credit to the army hierarchy but whoever made the decision, unconscious or otherwise, that we could work in what used to be described as "total shit order" made a wonderful decision which set the tone for the Camp. The odd idiot senior NCO and junior(juvenile) officer would turn up and go all 'regimental' but quickly came to learn the error of his way(s).
I have sent Tom some more 55/56 photos courtesy of Chris Gregory and weren't we a shambolic shower! But, by the heck, couldn't we get the results! That's what Peter and his followers, particularly Jim Prescott, understood so well

Jim Jarman · Guest

As I was from a generation before you good people,but a Wartime Operator
Special,I am certainly behind you 100% in your project.
It will be a very special occassion and must be thoroughly planned out well
in advance irrespective of cost.
Over the years as a former RBL County Parade Marshall I have been involved
in many such ceremonies'
You could look for sponsorship to help the costs'
You need backing from the RSA and possibly the Garrets Hay RBL Branch.Plus
Standards
If possible a detachment of members of the 14th.Signal Regiment should be
asked to attend,as they are all that is now currently left of our once famous Y
Service'

Good luck in your endevours

Jim Jarman

Keith Clarke · Guest

How about somebody like .... ..... the driver or Fred the storeman, they
are just as much a part of Langeleben as the Royalty or General Baldwin (as
much as I respect him, and it is always nice to see him at the Birgelen
reunion. I personally think it would be better with someone closely
associated with Langeleben. It could be Clive and Marlene not much choice
on the poll, the other should say any suggestions.

Regards Keith Clarke

GerryK · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:29 pm Post subject: Memorial

I have to agree with Pete Ellis and Paul Croxson on this one. General Peter is my obvious choice. In fact I was the first to record a vote in this poll to that effect. His connection with Langeleben goes back further than anyone else, which you would know if you take the trouble to read the history notes. There I feel better having got that off my chest. !!!

jr · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:32 am Post subject:

Thanks for the comments, guys, keep them coming.

I feel I must stress that this is only an unofficial straw poll, but it should give the committee some food for thought.

Paul is right when he says that the "event" needs a centrepiece, which was why I broached the subject originally with Ernie. Who we invite to be the Guest of Honour is of the essence. General Peter would, of course, discharge his duty with that combination of dignity and humour that make him such a great President.

"Royalty" was, I admit, put in somewhat tongue in cheek, but as I said to Ernie, we shouldn't sell ourselves too cheaply. We should recognise the uniqueness of the LRB, look what we have achieved in erecting the Memorial: no other unit (to my knowledge) has done this. No other unit has a regular biennial reunion in Germany (to my knowledge). Few units have such an intimate and good relationship with the local population.

Ambassador would be an option if we want the glare of publicity. He was here in Wolfenbüttel last year and was treated like a visiting head of state (TV and press interviews, walkabout in the pedestrian precinct etc.).

If we want to keep things “lower key”, "among friends", then maybe a “double whammy” with the Bürgermeister and General Peter would be the optimal choice.
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John Richardson

ken vipond · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:44 am Post subject:

Just to put my penny worth in for all its worth,yes General Peter may be the obvious choice for the ceremony of Langeleben,but my thinking is that if we involve the Burgermiester of Konigslutter then the monument or what ever is decided to be sited may get a little bit of protection from vandalism,and please don,t say that there is NO vandalism in Germany,just look at what happened to the old camp when it was deserted,we may infact be throwing good money away,while i am on my soap box has any decision been made yet as to what we are going to have constructed Question

best regards from Ken.

Ernie Callaghan · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 8:38 am Post subject:

So far I have kept away from offering my opinion on who should dedicate the proposed memorial because I needed to see the mood of the membership, after all we the committee are only here to follow the wishes of the majority. In my opinion I go with John and Ken's idea and also mirror opinion shown by the poll on the forum that it should be a joint excercise involving Peter Baldwin and the Burgermeister Ottomar Lippelt, this will strengthen the ties between us and the locals and will go some way to ensure some protection from vandalism in future.

To answer Ken's query, we have indeed been spending a lot of time and thought on the form and wording of the memorial and with the help and support of stonemason Paul Ellis we will be making a full presentation showing drawings and costings at the Loughborough AGM in May.

ken vipond · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 11:54 am Post subject:

Many thanks Ernie for the update,i don,t want to throw a spanner into the works regarding the opinion poll as to who should do the honours,but what about our other member,s who are still messing about with a cats whisker and don,t have a clue to the poll,i think we may have to have a paper vote at our get together at Loughborough,regards from ken.

Tom Neal · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 12:11 pm Post subject:

Over 300 views and only 20 votes.
I thought the idea of a poll was that a list was produced and anyone voting made a choice.
Perhaps members now reading this topic may think it is not worth casting a vote because if they do not vote for the 'right' person they will be letting the side down so to speak.
Tom

marleneandgypo · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 12:01 am Post subject:

Just a thought, why not one or two representative from each decade and very definitely one of Trotsky's offspring?
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Clive (aka Gypo) Langeleben 1967-1971
Marlene (the last NAAFI girl to serve in Langeleben) 1969-1970


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