News 2011

5th December 2011
We have received a communication from Magdalena Dzierzanowska, a great niece of Wojciech Grazul, the Polish engineer whose headstone we helped restore along with the Durham PRA.See her message in the Guest Book area.

26th September 2011
At the risk of upsetting our first Chairman I thought you might like to be aware that at a special dinner in Heelsum on Saturday 17/09/2011 hosted by the Colonel Commandant of the Parachute Regiment Major-General J Shaw (but known to some of us as OC 6 Platoon B Company 3 Para in 1982) presented the ‘Hibbert Sword’ to Tony in recognition of all his work for the Airborne Forces. Tony was asked at the dinner if he would consider giving the sword back to be presented annually to a young officer of the Parachute Regiment who displays the ‘Hibbert Spirit’…he was happy to do this. 

Also at the same dinner our Dutch representative Hiltje van Eck was presented with the ‘Van Eck Poignard’ by the British Ambassador to the Netherlands in recognition of her life-long support for Major Tony Hibbert and Veterans of the 1st Airborne Division who fought at Arnhem in 1944.

I’m sure we all wish Tony and Hiltje all the best as they look forward to a well-earned break!Tony Hibbert accepts the “Hibbert Sword”The ‘Van Eck Poignard’ presented to Hiltje van Eck

21st September 2011
The now restored headstone.“As you can see, headstone of ‘Gerry’ Grazul has now been reinstated to as good as new. It is now guaranteed for the next 15 years. I thank you again on behalf of the Durham Branch PRA for your donation”.Dave Featherstone. Durham PRA.A message of gratitude from Durham PRA for the donation by The Fellowship.

22nd August 2011
The Fellowship recently received a request from the Durham branch of the Parachute Regimental Association for assistance in repairing the headstone of a Polish veteran of the battle who had no known relatives.The Fellowship was happy to provide a small sum towards the cost of repairs. Wojciech Grazul was a member of the Polish Engineer Company and died in 1995.The trustees would welcome contact from any member (either at the meeting or by email) who feels they have the time and the skills to contribute to the Fellowship’s development.