SUCCESS!! GUNNER HOWARD GETS HIS HEADSTONE. THANKS TO TIM. NEEDHAM & ALL THOSE THAT DONATED TO THE MEMEMORIAL FUND.

Last edited by Admin on Thu May 10, 2012 10:15 pm; edited 3 times in total

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If any one would like to help with a donation, please let me know. We talk about these men so often in our lives, and our main aim is to keep the memory of these men alive. So here's a chance to help one of those men by showing our respect in helping to provided him with a headstone. We have members on this forum that are also members of RDVC, please let them know. All donations will go directly to Tim Needham to finance this project. Idea

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 62 Location : UK

Admin. Sent you PM

Posts : 1603 Join date : 2009-09-21

Any up-date on this.

Posts : 310 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Hello all,

We are hoping to get a precise quote for a new headstone from a local company early in the new year, at the moment we have have been given an approximate figure of between £600 & £700. Early indications are that the local authority are willing to waive the usual fee for erecting a new memorial, & the Royal Artillery Charitable Funds have offered around £200 towards the stone which is great news. I have also had some kind offers from a few other people including Forum members.

I am looking into opening a 'Gunner Howard Memorial Fund' imminently in order to collect the donations & will let the Forum know of any developments as & when they happen.

Regards,

Tim

Posts : 310 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Hello all,

Apologies for the delay in news regarding further progress. Unfortunately, the newspaper article from November doesn’t seem to have unearthed any descendants of either Arthur Howard or the original grave owner Walter Tanner, and although this doesn’t stop plans to have a memorial placed on the plot it does mean that legally it would have to be removed if in the future relatives of either suddenly emerge with strong objections. However, I would like to think that this is extremely unlikely, particularly disapproval of a new headstone.

My contacts at the 'Friends of Brockley & Ladywell Cemeteries' group are still trying to secure one or two more competitive quotes from local stonemasons (it appears that they are all quite busy at present!) but I hope to have news shortly.

In the meantime I have opened the GUNNER HOWARD MEMORIAL FUND as a means of collecting donations and if anybody is interested in contributing (no matter how small the amount) I would be pleased to hear from you via a PM.

Regards,

Tim

Tim. Any update. Salute

Posts : 310 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Apologies yet again for the lack of progress at present, it appears that the two or three stonemasons contacted by the Friends of Brockley & Ladywell Cemeteries haven't even bothered getting back to them with the much needed quotes (despite various follow-up emails etc.) so I have begun emailing several others in the hope that someone will be willing to help us out. Extremely frustrating but I've no doubt we will be successful eventually!

Regards,

Tim

Tim. When does it ever go to plan!!! . Salute

Posts : 310 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Hello again,

Finally we have some progress with regard to marking the grave of Gunner Howard. I have approached an Essex-based stonemasonry company who are happy to supply & erect an inscribed black granite headstone for a total of £720.85. I also have confirmation that Lewisham Council are happy to waive their fee of around £250.

I already have £120 in the 'Gunner Howard Memorial Fund' & the Royal Artillery Charitable Funds have re-affirmed their willingness to donate £150 when the remainder has been collected. This leaves approximately £450 to be found.

I have contacted the Royal Artillery's 'Gunner' magazine & they will be printing my appeal in the next (May) edition; in the meantime I will be contacting as many organisations & groups as I can think of to stir up some interest so watch this space!

Regards,

Tim

Tim. Thanks for the up-date. Good to see its all coming together. I may have a few ideas to help out.

Tim. I have sent out a global message to all our member. Can you let us know the best way to donate towards the cost of the headstone, so that those wishing to donate can. Salute

A more indepth look into the life of " Gunner Howard, can be found in the

LEGACY Series Volume 3 which also includes Kris’s research on Private Joseph Bromwich, Private George Deacon (Power), Private Patrick Kears, Drummer James Keefe, Corporal John Baker French, Private James Marshall, Private Thomas Moffatt – all of B Company 2/24th; and Gunner Arthur Howard (N Battery Royal Artillery).

Posts : 310 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Hi Pete,

If anyone would like to contribute to the cost of the headstone I would be grateful to hear from you via a PM where I can supply an address for cheques to be sent to. Cheques can be made payable to 'The Gunner Howard Memorial Fund', & I will happily send you back an acknowledgement of your donation.

Many thanks,

Tim

Subject: Hunt is on to mark war Hero's burial site . Mon Apr 16, 2012 1:41 am

Hi Tim .
Have sent you a pm . Salute

cheers 90th. Salute

Tim. Hope it's going well.

How much is needed for the head stone.

Posts : 310 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Thanks to the generosity of several people (including members of this forum) I currently have £250 in the Gunner Howard Memorial Fund; the Royal Artillery Charitable Fund has kindly agreed to donate a further £150 once the remainder has been collected so that leaves just £320 to be found.

A small article should appear in the 'Gunner' Regimental magazine in May which will hopefully stir up some interest amongst members/former members of the Royal Artillery & the 'Friends of Firepower' (the RA Museum in Woolwich) are going to mention the appeal at their forthcoming AGM; I have also contacted several other Anglo-Zulu War groups & websites & am therefore confident that the necessary funds will be raised before long.

I have also heard today from the Friends of Mays Hill Cemetery in Parramatta in Sydney, Australia & the local council have displayed interest in helping to fund a memorial plaque there to Private William Roy DCM (1/24th & Defender of Rorke's Drift).

Regards,

Tim

Posts : 310 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Just to let members of the forum know that the £720 needed to provide Gunner Howard with a headstone has now been raised; the deposit has already been received by the stonemason & work will hopefully begin soon. It will probably take at least several weeks but I will of course keep the forum updated.

Once again, a big thank you to the members of the forum who have kindly contributed & also to Pete (Admin) whose 'networking' has greatly benefited the appeal.

Regards,

Tim

I would like to echo Tim's words well done to everyone that rallied to this appeal. Good to know that Gunner Howard will eventually have his well deserved headstone.

Tim. Well done on another great achievement, your hard work does not go unnoticed. If we can be of further assistance please let us know. Salute

Posts : 1862 Join date : 2009-03-25

Best News I have this year. Excellent Tim Salute

Weldone to those that donated. A very worthwhile course. Salute

Posts : 747 Join date : 2009-10-18

Well done everyone for supporting Tim Needhams memorial fund to Gunner Howard. I hope the second stage of the event goes as smoothly as the first. Salute

Great news. It's good when a plan comes together. Salute

Subject: Gunner Howard Get's His Headstone Fri May 11, 2012 2:26 am

Hi Pete / Tim .
Well done to all involved - Tim thanks for the letter .
cheers 90th. Salute

Posts : 705 Join date : 2012-05-05

I have never attended a dedication before so looking forward to that and meeting some members from the forum. I have seen the videos taken of the previous events and it's shows a lot of hard work as gone into the organising. Great show by all regarding Gunner Howard's memorial stone.

Posts : 1093 Join date : 2009-01-14 Location : East London

That will do nicely Salute

Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 44

Does anyone know roughly when the dedication will take place. Salute

Posts : 310 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Not sure yet, it all depends on how long it will take for the headstone to be completed but I would probably hazard a guess at the end of the summer (August/September time). I'll post any updates as & when I get news.

Regards,

Tim

Posts : 1862 Join date : 2009-03-25

Thanks for the up- date Tim. Will await further information. Salute

Posts : 310 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Just a quick update, the memorial mason has now received the necessary permit back from the Cemeteries Department at Lewisham giving permission to erect the new memorial. I will be sending off the second deposit today & all being well the stone will be completed & in place within 12-14 weeks. A little nearer the time I will start chasing up a specific date for the rededication ceremony.

Regards,

Tim

Subject: Success - Gnr Howard Gets His Headstone . Fri Jun 15, 2012 1:58 pm

HI Tim.
Great news , thanks for the update its much appreciated . Salute

Cheers 90th. Very Happy

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 62 Location : UK

Cheers Tim. I don't think we realise how much work goes into these re-dedications. Keep up the good work.

Posts : 310 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Just a little update regarding the proposed rededication ceremony, unless anything changes it will take place on SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16th 2012 at Brockley Cemetery, Lewisham (timings yet to be confirmed but I imagine around 1130ish in the morning.) The postcode for the cemetery is SE4 2QY.

There will be an informal reception & details regarding location etc. will hopefully follow shortly.

As ever, anyone wishing to attend will be more than welcome.

Regards,

Tim

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 62 Location : UK

As always TIm, Well done, Good news is welcome. Salute

Thanks for the up- date Tim. See you there..

Thanks Tim. I will look forward to photos and Video's as I'm away in that week. Hope it goes as well as the others you have organised. Salute

Posts : 310 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

Just a very quick update with regard to the Gunner Howard event, plans for the rededication ceremony are developing well & this will start at 1130am (Sunday 16th Sept) at the graveside.

I have asked Admin to post a map of the cemetery showing relevant locations etc. for those wishing to attend, be advised that although Arthur Howard is in Brockley cemetery, vehicle access is via the entrance in Ladywell cemetery (SE13 7HY) hence the different postcode stated in my earlier post.

The informal gathering/reception afterwards is still being arranged, details will follow before long.

Regards,

Tim

Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 44

Thanks Tim. I'm not around on that date. But I hope it all goes well, and look forward to the videos and photos. Well done Tim another project well executed. Salute

Great news Tim, see you there.

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Map post on behalf of Tim Needham.

Posts : 747 Join date : 2009-10-18

Tim, well done. I'm ok for that date.. Salute

Posts : 310 Join date : 2011-10-18 Location : Cornwall

The informal reception to follow the Gunner Howard re-dedication ceremony will be hosted at the TA Centre in Grove Park, approx. 3.6 miles from Brockley Cemetery. Full address: 106 Regiment RA (V), Napier House, Baring Road, Grove Park, SE12 0BH. Here there will be some light refreshments laid on (hopefully enough for everyone!) together with a bar & teas & coffees etc.

All those attending the ceremony are welcome, & parking is permitted on the establishment; usual security checks will be in force as they would upon entering any MOD site. There will be a couple of table displays featuring AZW artifacts & if anyone wants to bring anything along to display please feel free, however no firearms are permitted (even if de-activated).

I look forward to seeing as many of you there as posible.

Regards,

Tim

Posts : 1085 Join date : 2009-10-16

Hi All
Just to remind everyone the Dedication of the Gravestone to Gunner Howard N/5 Royal Artillery [ Batman to Lt-Col Harness and served at the Defence of Rorkes Drift] is this Sunday 16th September.
All are Welcome, and well done to Tim Needham.
rai
keynshamlighthorse

Hope everything goe's well, and hope the weather stays find. Pay my respects to "Gunner Howard" Salute

Well done Tim...... Salute

Subject: Success !! Gnr Howard Gets His Headstone . Sat Sep 15, 2012 12:09 am

Hi Tim
I'm with Littlehand , hope it all goes well and please pay my repects to Gnr Howard .
Cheers 90th. Salute

Subject: Gunner Howard Sat Sep 15, 2012 11:33 am

Yes, I am also with littlehand and 90th.

Hope all goes well and the weather improves for you all.

Respects to Gunner Howard. Salute

Posts : 1603 Join date : 2009-09-21

Came across this website.. scratch

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» Re-dedication to Arthur Howard (Gunner Royal Artillery) 16th Sep 2012
» James Osborne's Headstone
» Tim Needham. New Member..