Information on Welwyn Garden City Branch

 How to find us and Contact us ….

 

Welwyn Garden City Branch

was formed in November 1983 by a small group of former Royal Marines and a friend who became our first associate member.

 

We are approximately 40 + strong, consisting of former Royal Marines and  Associate members. 

 

We are very fortunate in the make up of our members.

 

 We have former Royal Marines who have served with Commando Units and Sea Service during WW11, Korea, Falklands, Suez, Iraq and other areas of the globe where their services were required.  We also have a former Royal Marine Wren who served at RM Stonehouse and our Associated members are made up of friends from other military associations which include:

 

The Parachute Regiment Association

The Normandy Veterans Association

The Royal British Legion

 

With such a variety of units covered we're pretty sure you would find a niche with us.

 

We meet on the 1st Friday of any month at the Royal Naval Association, Blackfan Road, Welwyn Garden City. Hertfordshire.

 

Our Branch is primarily a social orientated organisation, with every effort being made so that the wives and partners feel they belong too. 

We consider that they form an important part of our branch, and contribute a great deal to our social events.

Wives and Partners are always welcome on Branch night and while the short formal branch meeting is being held they enjoy each others company while making new friends over a drink.

 

Meetings commence at 19.30hrs and are generally over in about an hour, by which time we repair to the bar and join the ladies and on occasion, some serious lamp-swinging takes place.

 

We keep our members informed on a monthly basis by newsletter of events within the branch and the corp.

 

We also plan social events (dinner dances etc) and days out promoting the meaning of “Esprit de Corps”.

 

Members who are suffering health setbacks are visited by our almoner and we try to do all we can so the member and his/her family  feel they have our support.

 

 SO if as a former 'Royal' you live near enough to come alongside, we would be more than pleased to make you welcome at any of our Branch meetings.

Officers of our Branch.

 

President                             Jim Fallon

Vice President                    Burt Welch

Chairman                            Dave Mills

Vice Chairman                   Mike Southwell

Secretary                             Roy Newman

Treasurer                            Mike Southwell

Standard                             Kez Howlett/Dennis Read

Almoner                             Alan Walters

Committee                          Tony/ Neville/ Kez/ Bill/ Alan/ Dennis

Social                                   Kez / Dave

Web page                            Pammi

PTSD

(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

 

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder can occur following a life-threatening event like military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or violent personal assaults like rape. Most survivors of trauma return to normal given a little time. However, some people have stress reactions that don't go away on their own, or may even get worse over time. These individuals may develop PTSD.

People who suffer from PTSD often suffer from nightmares, flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, and feeling emotionally numb. These symptoms can significantly impair a person's daily life.

PTSD is marked by clear physical and psychological symptoms. It often has symptoms like depression, substance abuse, problems of memory and cognition, and other physical and mental health problems. The disorder is also associated with difficulties in social or family life, including occupational instability, marital problems, family discord, and difficulties in parenting.

 Does PTSD apply to you?

Were you on active service at any of the following locations?

 

Northern Ireland

Bosnia or Kosovo

Gulf War 1 or 2

Falklands

Iraq and Afghanistan

 

‘Army’s New PTSD Treatment’

 

 The US military is scrambling for new ways to treat the brain injuries and post-traumatic stress of troops returning home from war. And every kind of therapy -- no matter how far outside the accepted medical form -- is being considered.

The Army just unveiled a $4 million program to investigate everything from "spiritual ministry, transcendental meditation, yoga" to "bio energies such as Qi gong, Reiki, and distant healing" to mend the psyches of wounded troops.

As many as 17% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have some form of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, one congressional study estimates. Nearly 3300 have suffered traumatic brain injury, or TBI, according to statistics assembled last summer. And the lifetime costs of treating these ailments could pile up to as much as $35 billion a Columbia University report guesses.

Small wonder, then, that the government is looking for alternate means to treat these injuries. The Defence Department "is dedicated to supporting evidence-based approaches to medical treatment and wants to support the use of alternate therapies.  

 

We have in our branch an ex-Marine Wren who is a complementary therapist and is able to offer help to anyone who is suffering PTSD.

She is a Reiki Master and Teacher as well as teaching meditation.

 

Reiki can allow us to respond more calmly to all events, and build on a more resourceful state of being. Reiki is a gentle energy and may be used safely by all ages, including the newborn, pregnant mothers, surgical patients, the frail and the elderly, regardless of their state of health. Reiki can enhance everyday life, and regular sessions help to ward-off illness and fatigue.

Reiki is a non-invasive therapy that can be used without fear of any side-effects or overdose. It may be used with confidence alongside conventional medication or natural remedies because it acts in a complementary way.

 Note: Reiki is being used in various settings including private practice, complementary therapy centres, GP surgeries, hospitals, hospices, cancer support groups, post-operative recovery, drug rehabilitation, prisons, HIV/AIDS centres, and in the care of the elderly.

 

If any branch is interested in setting up a day session of 15 minute per taster session or you want more information please do not hesitate to contact her either by email at: reikiharmony@gmail.com

 

Or through her web page: www.pam-harvey.com

 

We hope this information is of benefit to all who suffer PTSD

 

Other links to PTSD here

The only changes after our AGM

Were to the committee