[ajt Keymaster]

What is your view of the future of the GPA after the 50th Anniversary?
Guidelines that might help.

a. Would you be prepared to join the committee after the 50th?

b. Do you think the reunion should continue in its current form, or possibly change to smaller regional get-togethers?

c. Should the Association cease altogether?

Please let us know your views in the replies box below.

[joe2394 Participant]

I am standing down as Email Representative on the 24th October 2025, therefore we will need a volunteer to replace me .

I believe the Association will evolve under a new regime from the younger generation that have been Airborne Guardsmen in the Parachute Brigade since 1982

We will certainly need a new younger commitment and committee

I do not know who will replace our President and Chairman should they wish to stand down on our 50th Anniversary

I also believe if there are no volunteers to take over these important appointments! Then we should disband the GPA and the association funds disseminated to all Household Division Associations including the Parachute Regiment Association and the SAS association

[Simm89 Participant]

As one of the youngest of the former Gds Para Coy I am conscious of what this issue of age must look (and feel) like for those ‘slightly older’ members. I feel that post the 50th Anniversary simple maths means that I will be 70 at that point, with others cruising towards the high 70s and beyond. This has to be a factor that we must address.

Clearly there are 2 principle dynamics within the Association, comprising the original members that marched off the Guards Depot Square in 1975, plus those who had served previously, and those who have served with airborne forces subsequently. In that sense I cannot see how, in Association terms beyond the 50th, these two dynamics can be reconciled as the original members begin to fade away. What does that leave? It cannot any longer be the spiritual home of the originals when no-one is left. Do we have the reunion via Zoom?! What does the Association then become?

It suggests that at some point a decision must be made as to how and in what form the deep, personal relationships are maintained (currently in the accepted form). Jim is quite correct to target the 50th as a ‘go/no-go’ point.

We either let time and infirmity direct how we are configured, or we get ahead of the issue and address this issue head on.

My personal preference is for two regional (North and South), less formal get-togethers. Less organisational drama and liability. Easily administered – beer and a buffet etc.

Tidy up our finances by donating any funds we hold to those sister orgs that have kindly supported us.

It is the only logical thing to do. Clinging on desperately to the memory of our glory days with a diminishing orbat of increasingly infirm members is something I am not emotionally attracted to.

George Simm

[Inactive]

Please continue with the association as I often browse this to bring back memories

[Inactive]

It should continue

[Laurie Hamilton (Hammy) Participant]

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. No changes required and new blood will come along to keep it going. But I would like to see more use of social media, perhaps a Facebook group…?

[Winter47 Participant]

Without facts and figures we are trying to make a decision in the dark. With the bulk of members well into their 70’s and beyond, it doesn’t take much grey matter to know we will have a problem.
With only a platoon strength to carry on, will they have the numbers and the same spirit to carry on. The old Company guys have a camaraderie that is quite unique and surprising to survive 50 years. A small unit completely operating mostly in isolation was and probably is of the past.
To think it could survive in the future is a nice thought, but without substantial input from members a lot younger than our average now, will be difficult. If there is an answer and it can survive then we are preserving something very special. Just without the core of the organisation I would doubt it.
The dispersal of funds etc could be decided after the decision is made.
Paul Winter.

[ajt Keymaster]

As a 84 years old member currently resident of Spain I am sorry I cannot contribute as an active committee member ,but will continue to contribute with historical photos during my service when I can.
The GPA deserves its place in Para history and should continue to function if possible, depending of course of the younger generation stepping up and being as proud as I was of serving in a very special unit.
As dispersal of members throughout the country is a problem for many to attend get togethers, perhaps becoming associated with other Guards regimental associations may help, for instance I am a member of the Coldstream guards association of Hull, as well as GPA
HOPE all is resolved soon.
Best regards, Les Carroll, signals CPL 1957/59.

[joe2394 Participant]

Excellent feedback tyvm aye

[ajt Keymaster]

Good morning,
TOPICS: –
1. London area to link-in with, ‘Remembrance Sunday’.
2. Same as previous GPA reunions.
3. Continue in the same manner.
In conclusion, we are all members of an, ‘Elite Association’, long may it prevail.
All the very best
D Alex Allender

[joe2394 Participant]

Roger that Alex however I wouldn’t attend if it was held in the UJ club , however I concur with the rest of your message Aye Joe

[bell593 Participant]

Hi all, the future of the GPA, is in the hands of our current younger GPA members, to encourage those with qualified with either SF training or are serving in both the Pathfinder & 6 platoon, to enrol into the GPA, and continue with this small but unique assortation.

[davcol095 Participant]

Topic 1.Same sort of venue as this year. Midlands area gives all members minimum distance to travel & i think the 2 day get together is ideal.
Topic 2. As Topic 1 with extra time allowed for The AGM.
Topic 3. My view is that the GPA will conclude some time soon but hopefully not yet. There must members in house who will carry us forward after the 50th Reunion. Being an infirm myself (re-George Simm’s comment)of 82 years of age i will attend future Reunions till my driving/health stops me. I know there are others from my early 60’s time who can’t attend Reunions. (A sign of the times) If there are no volunteers to take us forward, then a vote at the 50th for our conclusion maybe the way forward.
Dave Coulson

[ajt Keymaster]

If A Committee can be formed then keep going. I am not voluteering for this position.

[Mbr19ASept18 Participant]

George Simms has it.
Paul Winter also.
GiC

[Author]

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