Page 7 - Flaming Cauldron – Issue 64

ACC ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

ACA Mark and shield

Many of you will know Mark (George) Airborne Chefs Association, offering a
Foreman from his days serving first great atmosphere, fine food and optional
with the ACC then the RLC. Mark has accommodation. The events have been
many fond memories of his time serv- so successful that yet another reunion is
ing in those fine Corps and made many planned for next year.
close friends, most of whom remain in To show their gratitude, The ACA
regular contact. clubbed together and purchased a shield
After leaving the army, Mark worked plaque of the Airborne Chefs. It was
as a chef in some of the best establish- presented to Mark in October and it
ments and for some impressive names now sits proudly in place above the bar.
with the VIP world. Later, he bought Well done to Mark, his lovely part-
the Smugglers Inn at Blue Anchor Bay ner Debbie and their great staff.
near Watchett in Somerset. Incidentally, why not arrange a
Not only has he turned this fine out to veterans, especially those of his reunion of your branch or group at the
pub and restaurant into a first-class old comrades. For the previous two Smugglers Inn, you’ll be hard pushed to
venue, but he has repeatedly reached years, Mark has hosted a reunion of the find somewhere better.
Presentation to Dinger

Amongst our membership, we have day and despite the terrible privations
a number of ex-soldiers who are of his condition, he still has that cheeky
experiencing difficulties, these can chappie attitude along with a wicked
include so much of course, but often, sense of humour.
these difficulties are related to health. Recently, Dinger’s grit and determi-
We as a small Association and a branch nation were both noted and remarked
of the wider ACC association try our upon by a great many of our members.
best and our Welfare Officer (LtCol As such, the membership contributed
Ged Hennigan) does his best to find and purchased a shield plaque bearing
help wherever it can be found. the badges and insignia of the Airborne Dinger (centre) proudly showing of his plaque
One ex-soldier and Falklands vet- Chefs Association.
eran (3 Para attached) Dinger Bell is On Saturday 23rd November 2024, ACC 60th reunion 2025
struggling with the debilitating illness three members of the ACA commit-
Calling all ex Boys of the 23rd Intake
of MS. This cruel condition means that tee: Tommy Onions (Secretary), Jim
Junior Tradesman Regiment ACC
Dinger requires assistance for even the Chalmer (Treasurer) and Chip Walker
(11/01/1965)
smallest of routines and he is often left (Chairman) accompanied by Pete
bed-bound or at best, in his wheel chair. Marshall. visited Dinger at his home in Would you be interested in a get together?
Even so, Dinger has never surren- Farnborough, Hampshire and presented To celebrate our 60 years of entry into the
dered. He fights his way through each him with his much-deserved plaque. ACC and your arrival at Clayton Barracks.
At the moment I am in contact with 5
ALL PHOTOS WITH KIND PERMISSION OF DINGER BELL Dave Ashburner, Kennedy Sturgeon, Tom
ex Boys who have expressed an interest.

Burns, Dennis Cox and Gordon Sinnott.
A location for a get together has not been
arranged yet nor has the costs. I am just
testing the water and thought that somewhere
in the Aldershot area would be appropriate.
If you are interested please email me
m.cliffe48@btinternet.com. So that I can
start to compile numbers, lay plans and see
what accommodation I can book for this
one off occasion. It would be nice to make a
weekend of it Friday 11th to Sunday
13th April 2025.
Yours Fraternally
Dinger Bell, seated. Photo taken at Corps Sunday 2024 in Aldershot. Martin (Ginger) Cliffe.
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