Partnerships

The Official Opening of the Lion's Head and the Partnership Ceremony with the Krefeld/Mönchengladbach Branch of the German Army Reservists.

GOC UKSC (G) Major General Christopher Elliott CBE performed the official opening ceremony of the Rheindahlen Branch premises 'The Lion's Head' on Friday 30th October 1998. He also witnessed the Partnership Ceremony between the Rheindahlen Branch and the Krefeld/Mönchengladbach Branch of the German Army Reservists.

General Elliott, the Rheindahlen Branch President Brian Evans and the Chairman of the German Army reservists Rainer Werner made speeches and the Secretary, Pete Richardson, was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Brian Evans.

The Branch met initially in the old RAF Association Club in JHQ. In 1993 the Branch acquired a room in the Civil Service Sports Club (CSSC) building at 10 Reading Way, JHQ. In 1997 it was decided that the main part of CSSC building was not being used to its full potential and it was agreed that the Branch should take it over. This occurred in January 1998. The room originally used by the Branch was utilised by several other organisations until 2003 when the Branch took it over and it was renovated and named "The Poppy
Lounge".

A lot of hard work went into renovating the premises and the Branch is most grateful to all those who helped. One man who has done more than any other individual in helping to bring the Lion's Head to its present high standard is Bodo Reschke, he changed all the locks, arranged for the barbecue to be built and installed the kitchen. The kitchen has been named "Bodo's Küche" in his honour.

The Rheindahlen Branch is now well established in the local community and has around 300 members. In addition to its primary aim of providing welfare assistance to ex-service personnel and their dependants, the Branch is always keen to make contact with the local German community and to improve Anglo-German relations.

In addition to the Krefeld/Mönchengladbach Branch, with whom they held the Partnership Ceremony, the Rheindahlen Branch has also established a good relationship with the Grenzland Branch of the German Army Reservists who were also present at the ceremonies. Several members of the German Army Reservists are now also members of the Rheindahlen Branch.

Addendum: Brian Evans died on 28th August 1999.