The Army Apprentice National Memorial Steering Committee (MSC) Fundraising and Publicity Campaign 2010

by Gordon Bonner 49B

Some 60 years ago, when, as a “snotty” nosed brat, pounding the hallowed square on my weekly hobby the “Rodeo”, I distinctly remember CSM Ron Patey (he of the Durham Light Infantry) telling me NEVER volunteer for anything except certain death.

As usual I took no notice, and for my sins, I not only volunteered as secretary of the MSC, I also found myself responsible for publicity and fundraising.

A number of initiatives have been launched, the first of which was the issue of a collective e-mail to the Editors of The Wire, The Sapper, The Sustainer, The Craftsman and Legion. The e-mail carried attachments of the AANM Progress Update and the image of the artist’s impression of the Memorial with a request that the information would be inserted into their publications.

Next Max Warwick designed a donation form and through the good offices of our association secretary, arranged for them to be distributed with the OBAN. Further, David Chapman (Chepstow) David Cooper (Carlisle) and Johnny McGahan (Harrogate) will arrange distribution to members of their association.

A letter was sent to the Regimental Colonel of the Royal Artillery, drawing attention to the fact that up to WW2, a number of ex-boys from AAS Chepstow had served with the Royal Regiment as “Tiffys RA”. Accompanying the letter was a request that our progress report and artist’s impression be published in the Gunner Magazine and the RA Association news.

Not only did the RA agree to this, I am delighted to be able to tell you that by return of post they sent a cheque for £500 towards the construction costs. Such a positive response is noted and much appreciated.

I have also written to the Chairmen of the REME Association and the Royal Signals Association requesting that they place a request for a donation to our project before the members of their associations. I am awaiting a reply and will keep you informed.

Letters to the Chairmen of the Royal Engineer Association and the RAOC Association are in hand and will be posted off shortly.

I should think by now, association members will appreciate the purchase of the commemorative tablets is the main thrust for fundraising in our aim to build the memorial. Bearing this in mind I contacted a number of friend currently resident in the Commonwealth of Australia, made them an offer they could not refuse, and raked in donations to the tune of £300. I would encourage all members who support our project to adopt a similar approach and round up as many of their mates as they can.
At the February meeting of the MSC I produced a document in the guise of a “Press Release”. The committee approved the draft, which was then shown to Mr Paul Kennedy (liaison and contact between the MSC and the NMA). His advice was to contact Mr Andrew Baud, MD of Tapla PR and the official PR firm for the MNA. After a number of telephone calls and exchange of e-mails I had a meeting with Mr Baud at the NMA, Alrewas on the16 March 2010.

As a result of the meeting I now have a much clearer idea of how feeding information of use to National TV and Press organisations operates. Timing, I now understand, is of the essence, and release of publicity information is of no value unless you have something to offer, which in our case will be the run up to dedication day of the completed memorial planned for the late summer of 2011. In so far as any national publicity benefits both the NMA and our project, Mr Baud has confirmed that he will willingly provide support to our project, so that is something to which we can look forward to. I now use the press release as a progress report on our project when I write to members of the public,

By networking the MSC Chairman David Chapman arranged for an artist’s impression of the memorial to be commissioned. A digital image of the work has now been published on the website, and I have requested that the original be given to me for framing and use with a publicity stand in public exhibitions.

Finally, local fundraising: I have received approval from the Association Committee and will being running a raffle at the July reunion. I already have a number of prizes to hand, and I will “invite” members of our committees (Association and MSC ) to produce prizes as well. Tickets will go on sale Friday evening and into Saturday Morning. The draw will be made at Saturday’s BBQ. Do raid your Grandchildren’s piggy banks so as to make sure you have plenty of change available!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In closing, the MSC believe the construction of the memorial has merit, will provide a fitting tribute to the 70,000-army apprentices who have served their country world wide in every conflict since 1923.The project deserves you full support. I look forward to seeing you all in July.

 Army ApprenticeNational Memorial


Arborfield Old Boys' Association