For those who are not already aware of it, our latest project has been to refurbish the families room at Selly Oak Hospital Birmingham. This is a specialist hospital, particularly suitable for the very seriously wounded soldiers being medi-vacced from tours around the world, mainly of course Afghanistan.

Last summer when many of 16 Air Assault were being treated there we became aware that the families room used by the guys recuperating to relax or chat with family members was in dire need of a face lift. Dave, Roly and myself made the journey to Birmingham to meet with Major Ian Cheeseman OIC of that department.

He identified to us what they needed to make life a little more pleasant for the guys and their families. As this wing will be closed in a few years time due to relocation to a brand new hospital it was felt that a face lift would be sufficient. This would include, new tables, chairs, settees, new bookshelves, cupboards, tv stand, lamps, and a new coat of paint.

The original idea was, to chase up some of the larger companies throughout the country who we felt would be able to supply these furnishings free, or at least at cost price........ Sadly the response was dreadful with many not even bothering to reply to the many letters sent out, others saying they didn't have the necessary funds to be able to help.

We then decided, we the club would fund it ourselves. One way of reducing costs would be to get any members available, to do as much themselves, such as build the bookshelves, and re-decorating. Our good friend Percy B, told us his brother dealt with the local Travis Perkins Builders suppliers on quite a regular basis.

He approached the manager there for any help he could offer. The manager was fantastic and said he would supply the materials free and allow one of his own carpenters the time to build the shelves. Big Mick M, who along with Lonnie D had voluntered to do the redecorating approached Julian Ballanger Building Supplies Coventry and they agreed to supply all paints free of charge.

The guys did a fantastic job there, and yesterday was the official opening. In attendance were Mick and Lonnie, Percy's Brother, the Travis Perkins Manager along with the new CO Lt Col Ian Henderson, and RSM Tony Hobbins representing the Battalion. Of course Dave and Roly were also there, unfortunately I was unable to attend.

The hospital staff were over the moon with the result, and the CO made a speach thanking all. Those on the nursing side for their committment and the reunion club for it's efforts. I will end by naming some of the large companies that declined any help to our soldiers injured when fighting for their country. You can then make your own decisions as whether to support them in future.

Argos,,,Ikea,,, DFS,,, Harveys Furniture,,, and another furniture suppliers The Range.


Below are 2 photos, one showing the CO Lt Col Ian Henderson presenting a member of the hospital staff with a Regimental Plaque. The other of the engraved mirror stating the room was refurbished by the 2 Para Reunion Club. I will post the others on the photos page.

Al.

Got a Bit Grit in my eye an absolutly fantastic result.
Well Done 2 Para reuion club. And all the lads involved.

Lead Scout,
I would just like to point out that my Bro Mick doesnt work for Travis Perkins,but in fact is a Fencing Contractor and had an Account at TP over many Years and He approached TP on his own initative to get the help tendered.Mick has over the last 40 yrs supported the Bttn in various ways,including putting himself in Possibly Iffy situations in our home City.
He is coming to Blackpool to keep an eye on me,so Ive hired a stilh saw to get his wallet open.
all the best to everyone Perc'

[quote="PercyB" ] my Bro Mick is coming to Blackpool to keep an eye on me,[/quote]

Got eyes in the back of his head then has he Perc?

Look anything like this...

Seems I must have the same piece of grit in my eye, ABSOLUTELY FANTABBYDOSO,ajob truely well done by all concerned, and as for those basdards who couldnt or would not support the cause, right those names should be in peoples cross hairs, well done lads you have made us all proud, NOW if I just had a mirror like that one to look into every morning, to great the world, oh well, just have to make do with the one I carry around.

well done to all those involved. Good to see the committment to to others in need. Nice too to see the effort made by Travis Perkins and the chippie that did the work. Many thanks to Percy's brother Mick for his input too.

Many thanks to Mick as well for keeping an eye on Percy at the Reunion....it means that the rest of can relax!!

Perc,
sorry about that old mate, I just posted the information I was given on the part of the project concerning both yourself and your brother. Obviously it was inaccurate and I will try to ammend the report as best I can. The other information is accurate as I was involved up to that point, it was only yesterday I was unable to get up there and get the information first hand.

Al.

FANTASTIC achievment,CONGRATULATIONS to all involved !!!

As Big Rog said.

Well done all involved it's great to be associated with shiney 2

Lads you're the best, but then again that's a given when you're ex 2 Para.

Well done, a great achievement.

Mike

couldnt agree more.....

Echo what Mike said, well done lads 2 para rule

Well Done Perc/Mick and the headshed. Hard work by you all on our behalf, which will be appreciated by so many over the coming years and make a real and living impact on so many lives.
What this club is all about................

Well done the committee, a brilliant result.

The F O C 2006 donated £3000 to the wounded Soldiers Fund of which £1005 was used to purchase the black leather couches shown in the pictures, as chairman of the F O C 2006 it is pleasing to see it all come together, well done once again.

Smokey,

once again on behalf of the 2 Para Reunion Club we would like to say a big thank you for the very generous dontation and as you now know a large sum of that was used to help complete the families room at Selly Oak. It was only finished at the end of Jan, and due to the up and coming reunion I personally haven't taken the time to say an official thank you. I will go on to your site today and do just that and post a few photos.

Al.

Cheers Al, I have just seen your post on the F O C 2006 site www.exairborneforces.co.uk

As you know our members come from every unit of the Parachute Brigades of the past & many members presently serve in todays Brigade, we at this time have 1086 members on the site, many members of this site also, good to see the families room up & running, only one thing missing in the room a F O C 2006 shield, I'll arrange for one to be sent