THE WORCESTERSHIRE AND SHERWOOD FORESTERS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
BYE-LAWS
GENERAL
1. The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29th/45th Foot) (WFR) was formed in 1970 on the
amalgamation of The Worcestershire Regiment and The Sherwood Foresters. In 2007, The Mercian Regiment was
formed from The Cheshire Regiment, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29th/45th Foot), and the
Staffordshire Regiment. The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association (WFRA) is the Regimental
Association for all those who served in any part of the Regimental family at any time between 1970 and 2007, and
for those who served at any time in the former Regiments.
2. WFRA is now one element of the Mercian Regiment Association. The other element are: The Cheshire Regiment
Association; The Staffordshire Regiment Association; and the
Mercian Volunteers Regimental Association. WFRA is self-
governing and independent, but support and some funding is provided from Regimental Headquarters, The Mercian
Regiment. The Mercian Regiment is now the custodian of the proud history and heritage of WFR and its former Regiments.
Inevitably over time WFRA will be linked ever closer to The Mercian Regiment.
3. Regimental Associations exist to provide a focus for the veterans of the Regiment and to allow the comradeship
formed during military service to continue. These bye-laws set out the aim and objectives of the WFRA, how it is organised,
the responsibilities of the officers and committee members of the Association, categories of membership, and other general rules.
TITLE
4. The Association shall be called “The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association” (WFRA),
hereinafter referred to as the Association.
AIM
5. The Aim of WFRA is to facilitate contact between veterans of the Regiment and the former Regiments, in order to achieve
the objectives of the Association.
OBJECTIVES
6. The objectives of the Association are to: a. Honour the memory of those members of WFR, its former Regiments, and
its successors in The Mercian Regiment, particularly those who served in wartime or on operational duty.
b. Help organise and support the annual Regimental Reunion in Worcester in June, and the Regimental Pilgrimage at Crich in
July, in order to preserve the proud traditions of WFR and those of the former Regiments.
c. Maintain links with our successors in The Mercian Regiment so that WFRA members may take part in Regimental events,
including Freedom Parades and other occasions.
d. Foster mutual friendship between all members and provide social gatherings for them.
e. Facilitate visits to battlefields, war graves, The Garden of Remembrance, and other memorials, services and parades
that members wish to attend.
f. To identify members of the Association and their families who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress with a
view to arranging assistance from Regimental Headquarters, The Mercian Regiment, which is able to task other such
organisations as may be appropriate.
ORGANISATION
7. Officers. The Officers of The Association are as follows:
The Patron. The Patron of the Association is HRH The Princess
Royal, Colonel-in-Chief WFR 1971 – 2007.
The President. The President of the Association is The Deputy
Colonel (WFR) The Mercian Regiment.
The Chairman. The Chairman is a lieutenant colonel (serving
or retired), and normally a former commanding officer,
appointed by the President. He is the Chairman of the
Association Committee. Deputy Chairman Worcestershire.
The Chairman of the Worcestershire Area Committee, or an
elected member who can represent members views at the Association Committee as appropriate.
Deputy Chairman Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Chairman of the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Area, or an
elected member who can represent members views at the WFRA Committee as appropriate.
8. Committees. The Association shall be managed at three levels: The Association Committee; Area Committees (where
needed); and Branch Committees.
9. a. Association Committee Membership. The Association Committee shall consist of: The Chairman. Two Deputy
Chairman Chairmen of the Area Committees Elected Three members of each Area Committee Ex Officio:
Association Secretary The Assistant Regimental Secretary based at RHQ (Nottingham), The Mercian Regiment.
Nominated: A regular Warrant Officer serving in UK nominated by the CO 2 MERCIAN.
b. Quorum. A quorum shall consist of the Chairman or a deputy and four representatives, ie a minimum of five
members of whom normally at least two should be elected members from each Area.
c. Responsibilities. The Association Committee shall be responsible for:
(l) Association policy and co-ordination of activities. It is empowered to issue such instructions consistent with these
Bye-Laws as shall be necessary for the good and efficient administration of the Association and in the furtherance of
the Aim and Objectives of the Association.
(2) Administration of WFRA Funds.
(3) Exercising disciplinary powers in accordance with Clause
15.
d. The Association Secretary. The Secretary shall:
(1) Maintain records of all Committee and AGM minutes.
(2) Maintain a register of all Branches and their committee officers
(3) Issue membership cards as appropriate.
(4) Present the annual report and accounts of the Association to the Annual General Meeting
(5) Notify branches of meetings and other events by means of the WFRA Electronic Newsletter.
10. Area Committees. Owing to the Geographical split of the WFR recruiting area between West Midlands and East
Midlands, Area Committees have traditionally acted as the focus for WFRA matters within in their areas.
a. Membership. Area Committees shall consist of: Chairman Nominated by the Association Chairman. Deputy Chairman A
member elected by the area committee Secretary Assistant Regimental Secretary for the area Members Two
representatives from each branch, being the Branch Chairman
and Branch Secretary or nominated deputies
b. Responsibilities: The Area Committees shall:
(1) Co-ordinate local Association activities.
(2) Discuss all matters raised by branches and make recommendations to the Association Committee.
(3) Meet at least once a year on dates fixed at the previous meetings, the Deputy Chairman taking charge in the absence
of the Chairman.
(4) Exercise disciplinary powers in accordance with Clause 15.
(5) Appoint three representatives to serve on the Association Committee. These appointments are to be reviewed at least every four years or as circumstances dictate.
(6) Manage the WFRA Area Fund, making decisions on expenditure related to available income and arrange for
annual audit. The account is to be maintained by the Area Secretary.
11. Branches. Branches are the mainstay of the Association. They exist to organise Association
activities in their respective areas. Those Full Members unable to attend a local Branch can maintain Regimental
links by contacting The Association Secretary at RHQ
Mercian (Nottingham) by
email:rhqmercian.notts@btconnect.com or telephone: 01159 465415
a. Establishment. Branches may be established anywhere there is sufficient long term demand to
justify their existence. They will be autonomous but are to operate within these bye-laws. New branches are to
be approved by and registered with the Association Committee through area committees.
b. Management. The appointment of President and Vice President, in addition to that of Chairman, will be
subject to approval by the Association Committee. Branches are to elect committees which shall each have
a Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Welfare Officer and as many members as deemed necessary by the
Branch. Subject to approval by the Committee, these positions may be filled by Affiliated Members until such
time as a Full Member is able or willing to be nominated. The rules approved for the general management of the
Association shall apply in so far as they are appropriate
to the management of Branches and no rule shall be
made by Branches that conflicts with the Bye-Laws of the Association. Branch Committees are:
(1) To organise activities for members, administer the Branch, maintain a membership roll, collect
subscriptions and donations and account for all branch
funds.
(2) To decide branch membership and subscriptions; to recommend affiliated or honorary members in
accordance with Clause 13b and 13c.
(3) Encouraged to make an annual financial contribution to a Regimental Charity of their choice when funds permit.
(4) To be prepared to assist the Association or other branch committees in the organisation of major
Regimental events.
(5) To provide representatives to attend Area Committee meetings in accordance with Clause 10a.
(6) Encouraged to oversee the welfare of branch members and bring to the attention of the Area
Secretaries any ex-member of the Regiment who may be in need of assistance.
(7) Hold an Annual General Meeting at which branch accounts shall be approved. A copy of the Branch
Chairman’s Annual Report together with the
branch AGM minutes showing details of elected officers
is to be forwarded to the Association Secretary.
(8) To notify their members of Association and other Regimental events and meetings.
12. Other Forms of Membership.
Individuals. Many members live outside the traditional
recruiting areas and therefore membership of Branches is not possible. WFRA should encourage individuals to
remain actively involved and to participate in activities. Such individual members should be encouraged to
provide an email address so they may be receive the WFRA E-Newsletter ensuring they are aware of events.
Groups Other than Branches. Groups other than Branches exist (for example, the 1 WFR Reunion, and
various Lunch and Dinner clubs) that should be encouraged to be included in WFRA. This is to ensure
that these members benefit from the aim and objectives of the Association.
MEMBERSHIP
13. There shall be three categories of Association Membership:
a. Full Membership . Any member of the Regiment or the former Regiments including regimentally -badged
ACF Adult Instructors is deemed to be a Full Member.
Serving members of the Regiment shall automatically
become life members of the Association on payment of their first contribution to the Regimental Welfare and
Benevolent Trust through the Days Pay a Year scheme.
b. Affiliated Membership. Affiliated Membership is open to spouses of full members, or those who have served
in HM Armed Forces, or similar, who wish to support the aim and objectives of The Association. Affiliated
Members must be proposed and seconded by Full Members, their application is considered at a Committee
meeting of the Branch concerned and properly minuted. Affiliated Members will not be entitled to vote at the
Association’s AGM, they may however, have an entitlement to vote at the Branch AGM if that is
approved by the Branch. Details of those granted Affiliated Membership should be forwarded in writing to
the Association Committee who may also, in exceptional circumstances, approve the grant of
Affiliated Membership to persons not included in the above categories. After a period of exceptional service
to The Association, certain Affiliated Members may be considered
by the Association Committee to be allowed to become Full Members.
c. Honorary Membership. Honorary Membership of the Association will be reserved for those who have given
outstanding service to the Regiment, the former
Regiments, the Association or the former Associations.
Any person who was an Honorary Member of one of the former associations is automatically accorded
Honorary Membership of the Association. Recommendations should be made by area
committees to the Association Committee in writing, who will make the appropriate decision. Honorary
Members will not have a voting entitlement.
STANDARD BEARERS
14. Branches are to nominate a Standard Bearer,
whose details are to be included in the Chairman’s Annual Report. Branch Standard Bearers should follow
the instructions and directions of the senior Area Standard Bearer as nominated by the Area committees.
A guide to Ceremonial for Standard Bearers is attached at Annex A.
DISCIPLINE
15. Area Committees are empowered to expel, suspend
or censure any member whose conduct is unbecoming and would bring discredit on the Association. A
disciplined member shall have the right to receive a written copy of the complaint and to represent his case
in writing or in person to the Area Committee in accordance with the law of natural justice. A disciplined
member has the same rights if he wishes to appeal to the Association Committee. The Committee may also
refuse membership to any applicant if it is considered in the interests of the Association to do so.
FUNDS
16. General. Association Funds are managed by the Association Committee. The Account will be managed
by the Association Secretary who will prove a report to the AGM as described in his duties above. Funds are to
be used to further the aim and objectives of the Association and in principle, the funds are to be
invested cautiously to preserve the capital for the long-term benefit of the Association. Also in principle, only
the interest may be spend in support of Association activities. In addition, there shall be Area General Funds
which shall be administered by Area Committees which shall set budgets.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
17. An Annual General Meeting shall be held after notification with at least six weeks’ notice of the date,
venue and provisional agenda to all branches for dissemination to members. Normally the AGM is to be held in October.
18. The AGM is to receive the annual report of the Association Committee and conduct any other business tabled by members.
ALTERATIONS TO BYE-LAWS
19. Alterations to these Bye-Laws shall receive the assent of two-thirds of the members present and
voting at an Annual General Meeting. A resolution for the alteration of the Bye- Laws must be received by the
Secretary of the Association at least three months before the meeting at which the resolution is to be brought forward.
DISSOLUTION
20. The Association may be dissolved by a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of those present and
voting at a special general meeting convened for the purpose of which at least six weeks notice shall have
been given to Association Branches. Such resolution must give instruction for the disposal of any assets
held by or in the name of the Association, provided that if any property remains after the satisfaction of all
debts and liabilities such property shall not be paid to or distributed among the members of the Association
but shall be given or transferred to such other Regimental institution as agreed by a two-thirds
majority of members present.
ANNEX A TO
WFRA BYE-LAWS
THE WORCESTERSHIRE AND SHERWOOD FORESTERS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
CEREMONIAL DRILL FOR STANDARD BEARERS
Draped Standards
When Standards are draped on occasions of memorial or funeral services, 60 inches in length and 6
inches in width of crepe or mourning ribbon is used, tied in the form of a bow just below the spoke on
the head of the Standard pole.
Cased Standards
The Standard pole should be unscrewed in the centre and the bunting or silk rolled round the pole, the
socket of the sling placed on the spike or staff and the whole covered by the waterproof case. If the
Standard is wet the earliest opportunity should be taken to unfurl it and hang it out to dry in order to
preserve the life of the Standard and prevent creasing.
At the Order
The Standard pole and the Standard will be held with the right hand at that part of the pole where the
lowest corner of the Standard reaches. The pole will be perpendicular, the bottom of the pole resting
on the ground in line with and against the small toe of the right foot, the elbow close to the body.
(Note: The Standard should not be stretched tightly down the pole, but allowed to hang naturally.)
Carry - From the Order.
Raise the Standard to a perpendicular position in front of the body, guiding the base of the pole into
the socket of the sling with the left hand. The right hand will be in the centre of and in line with the
mouth, back of hand to the front, and wrist and forearm horizontal, i.e. at right angles to the pole,
which will be held perpendicularly.
The Slope - From the Carry
1st Motion. Raise the Standard just clear of the socket of the sling, using the left hand to hold the
socket.
2nd Motion. Lower the Standard sharply on to the right shoulder. The angle of the Standard at the
slope should be the same as the slope of a rifle, the right elbow close into the side and the right
forearm parallel with the ground. The Standard should hang over and cover the right shoulder and
arm. The pole should not show between the hand and the shoulder but should be covered with the
end of the standard.
Carry - From the Slope
Raise the Standard sharply off the right shoulder with the right hand to the position of the carry guiding
the base of the pole into the socket of the sling with the left hand.
Order - From the Carry
1st Motion. Raise the Standard and pole just clear of the socket of the sling using the left hand to
hold the socket.
2nd Motion. Lower the Standard to the position of the order, catching the pole with the left hand.
3rd Motion. Cut the left hand smartly to the side.
DIPPING OF THE STANDARD
This act of homage is only used when paying tribute to Our Fallen at memorial parades and funerals,
when the 'Last Post' is sounded or the National Anthem is played or sung.
Dipping of Standard during a Royal Salute
Berets are not be removed.
1st Motion. On the sounding or singing of the first note of the National Anthem raise the Standard
just clear of the socket of the sling, using the left hand to hold the socket.
2nd Motion. Lower the Standard, carry the Standard well to the right and lower it with a sweeping
motion to a position in front of and in line with the right toe, the head of the pole just clear of the
ground, the Standard being spread on the ground and to the right of the pole. If a strong wind is
blowing from the right carrying the Standard well to the left, lower it with a sweeping motion to a
position in front of and in line with the right toe, the Standard being spread to the left of the pole. The
pole should be held under the right armpit, the back of the hand towards the ground, and the right
elbow close to the body.
Lowering the Standard in Wet or Muddy Weather
When the Standard is lowered in wet or muddy weather, the end of the pole will be held just above the
ground, the Standard being held in the hand to prevent it from becoming soiled. (Note: Care must be
taken to look straight to the front when lowering the Standard and not to follow it with the eyes).
Dipping of Standards as an Act of Homage to the Dead
Berets will not be removed. Position of Standard on ground as for Dipping in Salute for National Anthem.
1st Motion. On the sounding of the first note of the 'Last Post' Standards will be lowered slowly and
reverently. On completion of this movement head will be bent slightly forward, eyes looking to the
ground.
2nd Motion. On the sounding of the first note of the 'Rouse' or 'Reveille' Standard Bearers will come
to the carry.
Carry - From Dipping
Raise the Standard to a perpendicular position in front of the body, guiding the base of the pole into
the socket of the sling with the left hand. The right hand will be in the centre of and in line with the
mouth, back of the hand to the front and wrist and forearm horizontal, i.e. at right angles to the pole,
which will be held perpendicularly.
Note: If Dipping within a church, chapel or crematorium it may be necessary, if insufficient headroom
is available, to move from the Order position to Dipping and from Dipping to the Order.
PARADES AND CEREMONIES
March Past
Standard Bearers will not remove their berets. Medals as issued (large size) should be worn on all
Parades. The correct length of ribbon to be shown when wearing medals is 1 3/8 in.
Miniature decorations and medals are intended primarily for evening/social wear and will not be worn
on any Parade. The medals awarded to a deceased ex-Service man or woman may be worn on the
right breast by a near relative.
Standards will be dipped when receiving a Royal Visitor, when the National Anthem is played, and
during the sounding of ‘Last Post’.
In marching past and well before the saluting point the command should be given ‘Hats off’ and then
‘Eyes Right’ or ‘Eyes Left’. Standards will not be dipped.
ORDER OF PARADES
Normally, the order of parades is that if a Band is available this would lead, followed by the Standards,
but always subject to the Parade Marshall’s Decision.
DRESS
Dress for Standard Bearers
A Dark coloured suit or blue/black blazer (preferably with Regimental Badge) with dark or grey
trousers.
Association Lapel Badge only to be worn.
Beret worn so that the head band is level at half an inch above the eyebrows and that the top of the
beret is pulled over the right side, the Cap Badge over the left eye.
Regimental or Association Tie.
White gauntlet gloves.
Black shoes or boots with dark coloured socks.
Medals (Issued – NOT commemorative) with regulation ribbon length of I 3/8in.
To complete the smart appearance of a Standard Bearer all leather and brass should be highly
polished.
Slings
The leather strap and socket used for carrying the Standard should be worn over the right shoulder,
with the socket in front of the centre of the body, thus preventing the tearing of ribbons or damaging of
medals.
