New branch of Royal Corps of Signals Association

If so, Bernie Randall of Southwood Court is hoping you'll get in touch.

He contacted the Observer to see how much local support there would be both here and in Hastings from ex-forces and serving personnel.

Bernie commented: "The idea is to sound people out about having a branch in Bexhill. There is one in Eastbourne, which the Association wanted me to join, but the problem is getting there in the evenings.

"If you want to go to the Royal Signals Association meeting held in Blandford, which is in Devon, it is much easier to book in as a group than as an individual. When I went, I had to book in with the Norfolk branch.

"Now I want to find out how much interest there is to set up a Bexhill branch and raise money for the Association, for those soldiers that are coming back and need help, and for old soldiers that need help with welfare problems or health problems.

"Everybody in the Royal Corps of Signals gives up a day's wages every year while they are serving and then they are made into a life member...but that doesn't mean the fund raising stops there."

Bernie, 57, hopes serving soldiers will be interested in supporting a Bexhill branch as well as former ones, and is aiming at setting up a once-a-month meeting.

"I am looking towards a social life as well, to include wives and girlfriends - let's get everybody involved. If people get in touch I will have to take it from there. I am quite willing to be a soundbite to sound others out and find out how far we can push it."

Prospective members are invited to write to Bernie at 7A Southwood Court, 19 Cantelupe Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN40 1JG, or call him on 01424 736939.