The Parachute Regimental Association Durham Branch
Founder members left to right:
Bob Wheatley
Billy Leathley
Joe Koegan
Davie Featherstone
Bob Wheatley
Billy Leathley
Joe Koegan
Davie Featherstone
We are a registered charity, our number is: 1125554 Please visit the Charities Commission to validate us.
Branch History
Back in 1985, three ex Paras from the Consett area would travel to the Tyneside Branch of the P.R.A on a regular basis, it being the closest branch. On an evening out they came up with the idea of forming a branch in County Durham, and following long discussions on 'how many ex Para's were in the area, would they attend branch meetings on a regular basis, and, more importantly, could they make it work?' They decided to go ahead! It was decided that one of them, Joe Keogan 4/17 Para ( and some other sneaky mob ) would write to Aldershot and ask for guidance on the formation of a P.R.A Branch. Aldershot duly wrote back with information on the latter and wished them luck!
The other two partners in crime, were Dave Featherstone (Fess) 4/17 and 2 Para ( Signals ) and Bob Wheatley 4/17 and 2 Para. Following a 'call to arms' from mates and an advert in the local press, the first meeting was arranged for 19:30 hrs on 10th August 1985, to be held in the Brittannia Public House ( where else!!) Consett, Co Durham. At that meeting, 24 men attended, and, following a chat (sandbags and tin helmets) a committee was formed. Appointed to Chairman, was Major Selby Whraith,: and to the position of Secretary, was Joe Keogan.: Committee members : R.Wheatley, D. Featherstone and T. Burns. It was felt that a Branch Treasurer may be appointed at the next meeting. Also present at this first meeting were two officials from the Tyneside Branch : G. Russell, Treasurer and J. McIntyre, Secretary; along with the Regional Secretary, A. Pragnell, who were on hand to give advice on procedure. And so the Durham Branch of the Parachute Regimental Association was born. The Tyneside Branch gave a lot of help and advice in the early months which was greatly appreciated
At the next monthly meeting, Brian Edwards, ex 9 Squadron RE, was appointed to the position of Treasurer. A proposal from Billy Nattress for a 50p joining fee and a £4 annual subscription was duly accepted. During these early years the membership was very healthy and continues to this day with some serving soldiers also attending. Changes in Branch locations and Officers have occurred since it's formation and the Branch now meets on the first Saturday of each month at 19:30 hrs at The Masonic Hall, John Street, Consett, Co, Durham
Not wishing to stand still, Durham Branch is still pushing the P.R.A. and its causes and has a thriving membership that still gather to this day. New members continue to be recruited and new ideas sought. Membership subs are now £5 a year, quite a reasonable rise over 25 years! The venue has moved various times but we are now quite settled at our current location.
The current Committee is as follows:
Social and Function Committee:
D. Fox 4 Para G Leslie 4 Para D.Stevens RAC Para G. Akers 17 Para
Our President is John Devanney MBE Para who took over from Col L Carey OBE TD Para in 2005 when he retired through ill health.
The Branch has an Annual Dinner Dance and numerous social functions. Members frequently support functions countrywide and make the Pilgrimages to Normandy and Arnhem each year. We also have one Arnhem Veteran R, Jones, also an M.B.E, John Devanney.
* (non founder member)
Back in 1985, three ex Paras from the Consett area would travel to the Tyneside Branch of the P.R.A on a regular basis, it being the closest branch. On an evening out they came up with the idea of forming a branch in County Durham, and following long discussions on 'how many ex Para's were in the area, would they attend branch meetings on a regular basis, and, more importantly, could they make it work?' They decided to go ahead! It was decided that one of them, Joe Keogan 4/17 Para ( and some other sneaky mob ) would write to Aldershot and ask for guidance on the formation of a P.R.A Branch. Aldershot duly wrote back with information on the latter and wished them luck!
The other two partners in crime, were Dave Featherstone (Fess) 4/17 and 2 Para ( Signals ) and Bob Wheatley 4/17 and 2 Para. Following a 'call to arms' from mates and an advert in the local press, the first meeting was arranged for 19:30 hrs on 10th August 1985, to be held in the Brittannia Public House ( where else!!) Consett, Co Durham. At that meeting, 24 men attended, and, following a chat (sandbags and tin helmets) a committee was formed. Appointed to Chairman, was Major Selby Whraith,: and to the position of Secretary, was Joe Keogan.: Committee members : R.Wheatley, D. Featherstone and T. Burns. It was felt that a Branch Treasurer may be appointed at the next meeting. Also present at this first meeting were two officials from the Tyneside Branch : G. Russell, Treasurer and J. McIntyre, Secretary; along with the Regional Secretary, A. Pragnell, who were on hand to give advice on procedure. And so the Durham Branch of the Parachute Regimental Association was born. The Tyneside Branch gave a lot of help and advice in the early months which was greatly appreciated
At the next monthly meeting, Brian Edwards, ex 9 Squadron RE, was appointed to the position of Treasurer. A proposal from Billy Nattress for a 50p joining fee and a £4 annual subscription was duly accepted. During these early years the membership was very healthy and continues to this day with some serving soldiers also attending. Changes in Branch locations and Officers have occurred since it's formation and the Branch now meets on the first Saturday of each month at 19:30 hrs at The Masonic Hall, John Street, Consett, Co, Durham
Not wishing to stand still, Durham Branch is still pushing the P.R.A. and its causes and has a thriving membership that still gather to this day. New members continue to be recruited and new ideas sought. Membership subs are now £5 a year, quite a reasonable rise over 25 years! The venue has moved various times but we are now quite settled at our current location.
The current Committee is as follows:
| Chairman: R Wheatley 17/4 and 2 Para |
| V/ Chairman: G. Devanney 17/4 Para |
| Treasurer: D. Featherstone 17/4 and 2 Para |
| Secretary: W. Leathley 2 Para |
Social and Function Committee:
D. Fox 4 Para G Leslie 4 Para D.Stevens RAC Para G. Akers 17 Para
Our President is John Devanney MBE Para who took over from Col L Carey OBE TD Para in 2005 when he retired through ill health.
The Branch has an Annual Dinner Dance and numerous social functions. Members frequently support functions countrywide and make the Pilgrimages to Normandy and Arnhem each year. We also have one Arnhem Veteran R, Jones, also an M.B.E, John Devanney.
* (non founder member)