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The Bairnsfather Plaque

Posted: 25th January 2004

The Old Bill Newsletter celebrated the unveiling of the plaque commemorating Bruce Bairnsfather in St Yvon, Belgium, on 13th December 2003. Subscribers of the newsletter joined the editor, yours truly, for the unveiling of the plaque as well as holding an event of their own at Varlet Farm, Poelcapelle the day before.

The Memorial Plaque

The gathering at Varlet Farm was a great success, and I'd like to thank all those who were there for helping make it such a memorable evening. It was wonderful to see so many Bairnsfather collectors and enthusiasts together in one place, and judging by the letters and comments I have received since, everyone had an excellent time and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

The Old Bill Newsletter Group with Old Bill

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedley the showing of the Warner Brothers' film of 'The Better 'Ole', and I have to say it was quite something to look around the room while the film was on, and see how captivated the audience was by Syd Chaplin's on-screen antics. The constant laughter said it all!

The presence of the Khaki Chums was a great bonus for everyone, and I'd like to thank Taff Gillingham and the rest of the Chums (especially 'Alf', who was a great favourite with several of the ladies present!) for putting up with the Old Bill Newsletter group throughout the weekend!

The famous 'Khaki Chums' with the even more famous 'Old Bill'

'Old Bill' also joined us at Varlet Farm and, as can be seen, readily posed for group photographs with us and the Khaki Chums.

The plaque at St Yvon is a credit to Tonie and Valmai Holt's dedication to seeking official recognition for Bairnsfather, and will now be a permanent reminder of his contribution to the morale of those who fought in the trenches of the Great War. Visitors to the battlefields of Belgium and France will now be able to visit the plaque.

It is worth noting for visitors that there were also Bairnsfather exhibitions at the 'In Flanders Fields' Museum in Ypres, and at the Archives of the Historical Society, Warneton. Sadly both ended in January.

Re-dedication of the Khaki Chums Christmas Truce Cross

Posted: 25th January 2004

Following the unveiling of the Bairnsfather plaque, events moved a few yards down the road to the site of the Khaki Chums Christmas Truce Cross, marking the site of the famous Truce which took place between British and German soldiers on 25th December 1914 (in which the then Lieutenant Bruce Bairnsfather participated). The original cross placed by the Chums in December 1999 has been replaced by a new cross of solid oak, set in concrete. After a short address by Taff Gillingham the cross was blessed by the Reverend Ray Jones, and wreaths were laid.

The 'Khaki Chums' cross

ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER

Welcome to this ‘home away from home’ for The Old Bill Newsletter, generously hosted by our friends at Great Northern Publishing, the publishers of the Bairnsfather Omnibus Editions, until we have our own website up and running. The Old Bill Newsletter was started by Mark Warby in July 1999, to help promote interest in Captain Bruce Bairnsfather and his work, and as a way of keeping the growing number of enthusiasts and collectors worldwide informed and updated on any newsworthy events. It was also intended as a forum for collectors around the world, giving them the chance to make contact with each other and share information. Each issue of the newsletter contains a wide variety of material, from articles about some of the many Old Bill collectables and their history, to news on recent or forthcoming auctions featuring Bairnsfather items, and features on the latest discoveries among collectors. There are also reprints of several Bairnsfather cartoons - many not seen by the general public since their original publication. One of the most popular features is Old Bill’s Emporium, where subscribers can advertise free of charge to buy, sell or swap their Old Bill collectables. Among the collectables covered in previous newsletters have been Fragments from France Playing Cards; Sheet Music from the play The Better ‘Ole; the weekly Fragments magazine edited by Bruce Bairnsfather; items featuring Old Bill advertising Adkins Empire Nut Brown tobacco; the Limited Edition of Bullets & Billets; and Bairnsfather cartoons in The New Yorker magazine. Much of the material used in The Old Bill Newsletter is from the Editor’s personal collection and unique Bairnsfather Reference Archive. This private archive, documenting the entire life and career of Bruce Bairnsfather, comprises material gathered from sources around the globe during more than two decades spent researching the life and work of Captain Bruce Bairnsfather. Contributions are always welcomed from subscribers on any subject related to Bruce Bairnsfather and Old Bill, and full credit is always given to the author of any article sent in for publication. For further details, or to receive a free sample copy of The Old Bill Newsletter, contact the Editor.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Mark Warby - Editor The Old Bill Newsletter 35 Jordans Close Crabbs Cross Redditch Worcestershire B97 5JD

TELEPHONE:

01527 402749

e-mail The Old Bill Newsletter here

NEWSLETTER - ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES:

The newsletter is published bi-monthly

£12 (UK)

£18 (Overseas)

Back issues £2.00 each

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