Bolton Branch
of
The Parachute Regimental Association
& Airborne Forces
The next meeting is Sunday 12th May 2024
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.
The Parachute Regimental Association (PRA) Bolton was formed to further the interests of The Parachute Regiment and to organise functions and activities so members could continue associations formed during their service, or personal association with, the Regiment and Airborne Forces.
PRA membership covers all age groups and different cap badges. Meetings are generally held monthly to organise social functions, visits, reunions, pilgrimages, battlefield tours and, of course, to catch up on the latest Regimental news and gossip over a drink or two the Bolton branch meets on the second Sunday of the month.
The PRA, in partnership with other Regimental Charities, is able to provide welfare support and advice to those in need or distress. The PRA is governed by its Constitution, whose objectives are: to promote the efficiency of The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces by fostering esprit de corps and maintaining contact between past and present members thereof; to relieve either generally or individually persons who are serving or who have served in The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces, or the dependants of such persons who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress; the commemoration and remembrance of those members of The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces who have died while on active service; and the encouragement of public recognition of the sacrifice made by such persons.
Roy Taylor Branch Chairman
I have been selected to act as chairman of the Bolton branch Parachute Regiment Association, my background is, I joined the 4 Battalion the Parachute Regiment at the age of seventeen, 1967 up until 1973 I then enlisted into the 14/20th kings Hussars who at that time were a reconnaissance Regiment.
At that time the regiment was stationed in stationed in Herford Germany, I left the Army in 1977 to work with my brother Ian within the building industry, the rest is history.
My family have a great affiliation with the Paras, my father was a former member of the Regiment during the Second World War, I also have 2 younger brothers who also passed out as Member of 4 Para, I have been a member of the Bolton Branch of the PRA for for a number of years.
I fondly remember the founders of the branch, Carlton, Blue , spud Taylor John and various others who have passed, I decided the offer my service to give something back to the regiment by being the chairman in memory of all the members of the airborne forces who I have known over the years, and hopefully to have some great times and create some great memories.
However remembering also that it’s a charity with an airborne Brotherhood that’s why I have every intention of seeing this Branch grow hopefully increasing the membership in the near future with the help of others on the committee and of course our membership
Francis Unsworth Secretary
I have been selected as Secretary Bolton PRA an historic branch of veterans for the coming 12months 2024/2025.
In my past life, I joined the Grenadier Guards as a boy soldier at the age of 15 years. I enlisted in Bolton 10th may 1966 and signed the papers myself and left home, Serving' six and half years. After leaving The Brigade of Guards whilst on the reserve I enlisted in 1V Para. However, family life came first and I had to earn a living and leave the regiment.
After a few years i joined The Home Service Force and we were allocated a parent unit within The Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry, all member of the unit being ex serviceman form the RAF, Army and Royal Navy.
For more information see .Home Service Force - Wikipedia
One notable unit for interest being The Parachute Regiment
5 Coy (HSF) 10th (V) Bn, The Parachute Regt (London and the rest of the United Kingdom).
During my time with the HSF i was recruited to join the Ulster Defence Regiment as a full time soldier in 8 UDR County Tyrone.
After leaving the Army i attended University in Manchester and was awarded a a Certificate in Education and began to teach construction with the youth training Scheme. I used my time well with education at level HNC and HND in built environment. Ending my working life In the Housing Department Wigan and Leigh homes .
I look forward to the challenge of Branch Secretary. However, be gentle lads I'm new to this sitting on the top desk.
We the new committee look forward working hard for our members on our journey in developing the branch in this challenging society.
I would like to thank the outgoing committee for their hard work, leadership and camaraderie .
Next time we meet will be Hardwick Hall and we shall parade with our standard with a good turnout of members as we have been missed for the past couple of years. First Branch Meeting Sunday 12th may, see you all there Lads.
