THE OLD SOLDIERS' HOME GUEST BOOK - A Bravenet.com Guestbook

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Gentlemen:

To the shame of Her Majesty's British army and its veterans, this Guest Book has been usurped by a group of dissidents led by Roy Boyles, who has stated the following agenda: "The sole aim of the dissident group is for Richard Griffiths to be removed from the role as Chairman of the BETFOR ASSN as swiftly as possible." [e-mail to Patrick Skelly, 1 Dec 07]

Veterans of both TRUST and BETFOR were specifically invited to share Tom Cohoon's Guest Book and the resources of The Old Soldiers' Home, but he also clearly stated that offensive language and personal affronts would be deleted.

Because we have inadvertently lost the ability to edit this Guest Book, I am forced to create a new Guest Book, again allowing us once again the ability of removing any posts by those 'dissidents', or of others acting in their stead.

I have offered them a pointer to resources where they can readily create their own message board, guest book, and website at little or no cost.

Prior messages in this Guest Book have been captured back to Tom Cohoon's original message of 18 June 2002. I will shortly archive into an online file of the NEW "Old Soldiers' Home" your traffic here back to 1 January, and extend it back quarter by quarter as my time permits.

We invite you now to please switch over to our new Guest Book,
http://pub4.bravenet.com/guestbook/282743870/
and to take at look at the recovered Old Soldier's Home website,
http://www.oldsoho.com/
which I am now proud to re-present to you.

Thank you. To all honorable and honourable veterans, and those now serving in our several armed forces, I salute you.

Patrick Skelly, RA 14538499
ex-Ordnance Corps
US Army Ballistic Missile Agency

Abergele, North Wales

Any member of the Betfor Assn who wishes to make contact with me by e mail, would you please ensure that you use rjw.pring@googlemail.com , this is my personal e mail address and ensures that any messages com through on my Lap Top, Thank you

Ray there is a whole lot of people in accord with you. There are a number of meetings being held during the next few weeks where maybe the true feelings of the association will be shown. I logged onto that Snopes blog and to me it seemed to have racist overtones.

I find that the comments made by Richard Griffiths to be perverse to say the least; he states in defence of his actions, or lack of them, that he has received many letters supporting the Special Edition. This is quite feasible, at least two thirds of the Membership do not access the BETFOR site they are content to pay their subscriptions and to receive the Journal - and why not? They would have been totally bemused by the accusations that ÔdissidentsÕ are trying to take over the Association. This is not true. The only people attempting to disband the Association and dispose of our funds, for whatever reason, appear to be the Chairman and Editor; we, the ÔdissidentsÕ are determined that this will not happen.
He questions the legality of the forthcoming EGM. How bizarre, coming from a man who was elected in his absence and then proceeded via enforced resignations and expulsions to leave himself in sole command. It beggers belief! I can only repeat, as stated in my last posting on the BETFOR site an hour before it shut down, ÒAttend the EGM and either excuse or defend your actions.Ó
Further to his remarks with regard to our own website, I explored this possibility some months ago and will present a current costing forecast to the EGM for the Members approval. The fact that he would have been unaware of this plan was simple; there was no one to talk to, the Committee of three were incommunicado and there was no access to funding. With our own website we would be in control of postings, critical or otherwise, with the added proviso that it would be available to our TRUST friends.
Finally, on a note of caution, you may quote the legalities of our proposed EGM, but do not treat the word lightly in context to Association funds.
Please, Pat Skelly, pause for a moment - we cannot all be wrong and one man right.

I did look at the site. I would classify it as entertainment. I would not draw any conclusions from it. The Snopes I had been familiar with were a family in novels by William Faulkner. Russ

Russ,

Did you not notice the name "Snopes" on there too......Have a look on Snopes.com

Tom Cohoon was always quoting that to me....

They appear to be the authority on these things, as to whether facts, are true, or not ....

I notice the name "obama" in the address posted on the last item. I will not read it. Every election, there are half-baked scare, gossip, or slander postings on the web about any given candidate for any party. I hope this is not one of them. I suggest that readers get their information from some regular verifiable source on the web or in print; preferably, read from several sources and viewpoints. There is a lot of junk out there. Russ Brown

Frightning ?

Check this out !

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp

Richard,Thanks for answering with your usual round the houses rendering.
Firstly the News Letter,that you sent out would have no doubt got
that response,as it was a distortion of what realy caused the Problem?.
There are no ,so called Dissedents,cannot you see that everyone wants a Association,run on behalf of its Members,and not for Guidos Gratification.Why not sack Them? Guidos line ,after a few Vino Spumantis no doubt?.
You could call an AGM Tommorrow if you wanted?
That is the sole aim of EVERY MEMBER.
Iknow the position regarding Legality?and no doubt you are wishing Young Fred were that foolish, as too want a Breakaway,which i would oppose.
However it could happen,if you cannot satisfy Members Wishes?.Then i would ask, what happens too the Members Money?,now that, could be a very Legal issue?. Fred.

It's very strange Fred, because from all the communication flooding in to our post boxes, since the Newsletter was issued....The general consensus is, "why are we putting up with the behaviour of a few dissidents, and why don't we sack them",or bringing the Association into disrepute...

I'm reluctant to do that at present, I will call an AGM, but when the time is right for all concerned, and not to suit the few dissidents.....

Should another AGM / EGM be called by others, it will not be legal...........

Now if you want to form a break away Association, and call an AGM, that would be completely different....That would be legal....

Richard,I am so grateful,for your reply?.
You say set up your own Website?,I thought it was A BETFOR Website,that Patrick was setting up? We are ALL Members of BETFOR,despite your reservations?,Fighting too keep the Association
alive.
Therefor,surely the Association should reinburse Patrick. Just a Simple Question, Are you in Favour of BETFOR Continuing?.Does not seem like it too the rest of us?.What ever happened too FREE SPEECH?.

Patrick Skelly is having problems with "Bravenet" at the moment.So you will just have to put up with it, until he sorts it out...

Anyway the Interim site was only intended as a TEMPORARY site, to replace the Windmill site, ( Paid for by the late Tom Cohoon, until the annual subscription died out, after his demise.......)

Are you aware that Patrick Skelly is paying for the Interim site, on your behalf, solely as a TEMPORARY measure, until you set up your own website.....Which is now long overdue.....

It was originally intended to continue with topics just like it was on the Windmill site.... However it has not done so.It has only been used to abuse me, and my fellow committee members, including the benefactor himself, namely Patrick Skelly !

I'm surprised that he has tolerated it's misuse as long as he has.....I think that you should all, apologise for your behaviour towards him, considering his generosity, has been so abused....

Should have gone too BETFOR?,but was unable too ACCESS,however,perhaps you will allow me the honour of your presence Patrick,too explain?,or maybe,Richard you can throw some light on the problem?."You Know It Makes Sence To Talk" even if you do not always agree with what is written?

What has happened to the BETFOR site? is there anyone out there? committed members are unable to access the site, are we being blocked? this is our only means of contact.

That SORRY MSN has me blocked from posting again. I have pictures I would like to post, butI know they will never let me. I will stick to reading messages on MSN and this site. The Yahoo site is just as bad.

GEORGE hope he gives you a quick date for the surg-Yolanda had hers done-with no proplems.I was a little worried at first-but all came out fine. Take care jOHN

Illinois but still a Pennsylvanian at heart

You have to be kidding John . Hangover . The only thingsome of us have hanging over is a full tummy . Unfortunately the surgeons gave me a lean belly as a bonus . I lost 30 # which was earned in pleasant ways . The new clothes i bought when I was a robust 163 # need alterations . That will wait since I intend to gain back the weight I lost after I have another procedure to reverse my colonostophy . A visit to the surgeon tomorrow will give me a date .I do well remember some first days in January when the night before was a real contest including some chp a luging . The last major contest was at the Officers Club at Fort Monmouth where I joined some college buddies who were preparing for overseas duty . HAd to rent the quarters for a nother night to recooperate .

Ok should have hit preview-frist-John

Ok where is every one ? Christmas And ew Years are passed-all hangovers should be gone-so even though we may have empty pockets-fingersshould be in good hape- so lts see a little chatter. Tae care John

Tommy,
The rules are simple. Member of Trust or Betfor and be at least 75 years of age. The members expressed their opinions on the age because most of us original Trust and Berfot blokes are 78 to 80 plus. We had to have a bottom age limit.. Send me an email with your specifics-name, email address, age.

Hank

Tommy> Address your comments to Col. Hank Adams and he will put your name on the list. His beautiful is holding the bottle for one of us.

what are the rules to be eligible for the totine

Illinois but still a Pennsylvanian at heart

The posting was intended to be a mild form of kidding . I realize Richard and Art are long time buddies and Richard would not censor a fellow manager .

Illinois but still a Pennsylvanian at heart

The posting was intended to be a mild form of kidding . I realize Richard and Art are long time buddies and Richard would not censor a fellow manager .

George,

Art and I go back together a long time... There is no way that I'm using my "censor's" powers....We e.mail each other often...In fact we did so often...

Even Tom Cohoon, who's site it was, ( In my book, it still is Tom's site ! ) sometimes had difficulty to get back in again, he changed his details often, in order to get back in...

Illinois but still a Pennsylvanian at heart

Dream on Art I like your optimism .After the year I had and survived I figure I have another 20 to go .

Sorry you have trouble getting messages out . Wonder if Richard is using his censor's powers ? Could to see you survived the wild New Years party at your new digs , I went to bed before the ball dropped .

I glad to see this site will accept messages. Please excuse me for posting here. As a manager of the other site, I sometimes can't post there. I'm sure I'll be the winner of the Tontine Brandy.

I wish all BETFOR and TRUST TROOPERS a very Happy New Year, and that you have a great 2008.

Peter, being a veteran who served in BETFOR is not a disqualification for posting in the MSN Group "Old Soldiers".

I believe that any of us - like myself - who are limited to reading the messages over there have a fair idea of what brought about that situation.

I wish to thank all of you that have sent New Year Greetings to the BETFOR boys. I am acting on behalf of them because like myself they are banned from the Old Soldierrs MSN Site and they just can't be bothered at all. If you would like find out why this is happening I would refer you to the BETFOR Website and the Message Board. A Happy New Year and may your Gods always be with you.


	January 11th 2008 12:46:54 PM
What is your name?	Patrick Skelly
Where are you from?	Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Do you have any comments?	Gentlemen: To the shame of Her Majesty's British army and its veterans, this Guest Book has been usurped by a group of dissidents led by Roy Boyles, who has stated the following agenda: "The sole aim of the dissident group is for Richard Griffiths to be removed from the role as Chairman of the BETFOR ASSN as swiftly as possible." [e-mail to Patrick Skelly, 1 Dec 07] Veterans of both TRUST and BETFOR were specifically invited to share Tom Cohoon's Guest Book and the resources of The Old Soldiers' Home, but he also clearly stated that offensive language and personal affronts would be deleted. Because we have inadvertently lost the ability to edit this Guest Book, I am forced to create a new Guest Book, again allowing us once again the ability of removing any posts by those 'dissidents', or of others acting in their stead. I have offered them a pointer to resources where they can readily create their own message board, guest book, and website at little or no cost. Prior messages in this Guest Book have been captured back to Tom Cohoon's original message of 18 June 2002. I will shortly archive into an online file of the NEW "Old Soldiers' Home" your traffic here back to 1 January, and extend it back quarter by quarter as my time permits. We invite you now to please switch over to our new Guest Book, http://pub4.bravenet.com/guestbook/282743870/ and to take at look at the recovered Old Soldier's Home website, http://www.oldsoho.com/ which I am now proud to re-present to you. Thank you. To all honorable and honourable veterans, and those now serving in our several armed forces, I salute you. Patrick Skelly, RA 14538499 ex-Ordnance Corps US Army Ballistic Missile Agency
Email

	January 11th 2008 09:39:47 AM
What is your name?	Robert J Pring
Where are you from?	Abergele, North Wales
Do you have any comments?	Any member of the Betfor Assn who wishes to make contact with me by e mail, would you please ensure that you use rjw.pring@googlemail.com , this is my personal e mail address and ensures that any messages com through on my Lap Top, Thank you
Email

	January 11th 2008 06:40:01 AM
What is your name?	Peter Sexton
Where are you from?	Chelmsford UK
Do you have any comments?	Ray there is a whole lot of people in accord with you. There are a number of meetings being held during the next few weeks where maybe the true feelings of the association will be shown. I logged onto that Snopes blog and to me it seemed to have racist overtones.
Email

	January 10th 2008 01:41:26 PM
What is your name?	Ray Griffiths #150
Where are you from?	Tamworth, England
Do you have any comments?	I find that the comments made by Richard Griffiths to be perverse to say the least; he states in defence of his actions, or lack of them, that he has received many letters supporting the Special Edition. This is quite feasible, at least two thirds of the Membership do not access the BETFOR site they are content to pay their subscriptions and to receive the Journal - and why not? They would have been totally bemused by the accusations that ÔdissidentsÕ are trying to take over the Association. This is not true. The only people attempting to disband the Association and dispose of our funds, for whatever reason, appear to be the Chairman and Editor; we, the ÔdissidentsÕ are determined that this will not happen. He questions the legality of the forthcoming EGM. How bizarre, coming from a man who was elected in his absence and then proceeded via enforced resignations and expulsions to leave himself in sole command. It beggers belief! I can only repeat, as stated in my last posting on the BETFOR site an hour before it shut down, ÒAttend the EGM and either excuse or defend your actions.Ó Further to his remarks with regard to our own website, I explored this possibility some months ago and will present a current costing forecast to the EGM for the Members approval. The fact that he would have been unaware of this plan was simple; there was no one to talk to, the Committee of three were incommunicado and there was no access to funding. With our own website we would be in control of postings, critical or otherwise, with the added proviso that it would be available to our TRUST friends. Finally, on a note of caution, you may quote the legalities of our proposed EGM, but do not treat the word lightly in context to Association funds. Please, Pat Skelly, pause for a moment - we cannot all be wrong and one man right.
Email

	January 10th 2008 01:32:11 PM
What is your name?	Russ Brown
Where are you from?	Maryland
Do you have any comments?	I did look at the site. I would classify it as entertainment. I would not draw any conclusions from it. The Snopes I had been familiar with were a family in novels by William Faulkner. Russ
Email

	January 10th 2008 12:42:15 PM
What is your name?	Richard Griffiths
Do you have any comments?	Russ, Did you not notice the name "Snopes" on there too......Have a look on Snopes.com Tom Cohoon was always quoting that to me.... They appear to be the authority on these things, as to whether facts, are true, or not ....


	January 10th 2008 11:27:57 AM
What is your name?	Russ Brown
Where are you from?	Maryland
Do you have any comments?	I notice the name "obama" in the address posted on the last item. I will not read it. Every election, there are half-baked scare, gossip, or slander postings on the web about any given candidate for any party. I hope this is not one of them. I suggest that readers get their information from some regular verifiable source on the web or in print; preferably, read from several sources and viewpoints. There is a lot of junk out there. Russ Brown
Email

	January 10th 2008 03:00:26 AM
What is your name?	Richard Griffiths.
Do you have any comments?	Frightning ? Check this out ! http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp


	January 9th 2008 02:45:19 PM
What is your name?	FRED GREENWOOD
Where are you from?	SUFFOLK ENGLAND
Do you have any comments?	Richard,Thanks for answering with your usual round the houses rendering. Firstly the News Letter,that you sent out would have no doubt got that response,as it was a distortion of what realy caused the Problem?. There are no ,so called Dissedents,cannot you see that everyone wants a Association,run on behalf of its Members,and not for Guidos Gratification.Why not sack Them? Guidos line ,after a few Vino Spumantis no doubt?. You could call an AGM Tommorrow if you wanted? That is the sole aim of EVERY MEMBER. Iknow the position regarding Legality?and no doubt you are wishing Young Fred were that foolish, as too want a Breakaway,which i would oppose. However it could happen,if you cannot satisfy Members Wishes?.Then i would ask, what happens too the Members Money?,now that, could be a very Legal issue?. Fred.


	January 9th 2008 01:17:35 PM
What is your name?	Richard Griffiths
Do you have any comments?	It's very strange Fred, because from all the communication flooding in to our post boxes, since the Newsletter was issued....The general consensus is, "why are we putting up with the behaviour of a few dissidents, and why don't we sack them",or bringing the Association into disrepute... I'm reluctant to do that at present, I will call an AGM, but when the time is right for all concerned, and not to suit the few dissidents..... Should another AGM / EGM be called by others, it will not be legal........... Now if you want to form a break away Association, and call an AGM, that would be completely different....That would be legal....


	January 9th 2008 10:57:33 AM
What is your name?	Fred Greenwood
Where are you from?	Suffolk England.
Do you have any comments?	Richard,I am so grateful,for your reply?. You say set up your own Website?,I thought it was A BETFOR Website,that Patrick was setting up? We are ALL Members of BETFOR,despite your reservations?,Fighting too keep the Association alive. Therefor,surely the Association should reinburse Patrick. Just a Simple Question, Are you in Favour of BETFOR Continuing?.Does not seem like it too the rest of us?.What ever happened too FREE SPEECH?.


	January 9th 2008 09:51:34 AM
What is your name?	Richard Griffiths
Do you have any comments?	Patrick Skelly is having problems with "Bravenet" at the moment.So you will just have to put up with it, until he sorts it out... Anyway the Interim site was only intended as a TEMPORARY site, to replace the Windmill site, ( Paid for by the late Tom Cohoon, until the annual subscription died out, after his demise.......) Are you aware that Patrick Skelly is paying for the Interim site, on your behalf, solely as a TEMPORARY measure, until you set up your own website.....Which is now long overdue..... It was originally intended to continue with topics just like it was on the Windmill site.... However it has not done so.It has only been used to abuse me, and my fellow committee members, including the benefactor himself, namely Patrick Skelly ! I'm surprised that he has tolerated it's misuse as long as he has.....I think that you should all, apologise for your behaviour towards him, considering his generosity, has been so abused....


	January 9th 2008 09:10:36 AM
What is your name?	FRED GREENWOOD
Where are you from?	SUFFOLK ENGLAND.
Do you have any comments?	Should have gone too BETFOR?,but was unable too ACCESS,however,perhaps you will allow me the honour of your presence Patrick,too explain?,or maybe,Richard you can throw some light on the problem?."You Know It Makes Sence To Talk" even if you do not always agree with what is written?


	January 9th 2008 07:56:19 AM
What is your name?	ray griffiths 150
Where are you from?	tamworth england
Do you have any comments?	What has happened to the BETFOR site? is there anyone out there? committed members are unable to access the site, are we being blocked? this is our only means of contact.


	January 9th 2008 03:36:04 AM
What is your name?	Johnny Lancaster
Where are you from?	Atlanta, Ga.
Do you have any comments?	That SORRY MSN has me blocked from posting again. I have pictures I would like to post, butI know they will never let me. I will stick to reading messages on MSN and this site. The Yahoo site is just as bad.
Email

	January 8th 2008 09:38:31 PM
What is your name?	John
Where are you from?	Va
Do you have any comments?	GEORGE hope he gives you a quick date for the surg-Yolanda had hers done-with no proplems.I was a little worried at first-but all came out fine. Take care jOHN


	January 8th 2008 07:16:05 PM
What is your name?	George
Where are you from?	Illinois but still a Pennsylvanian at heart
Do you have any comments?	You have to be kidding John . Hangover . The only thingsome of us have hanging over is a full tummy . Unfortunately the surgeons gave me a lean belly as a bonus . I lost 30 # which was earned in pleasant ways . The new clothes i bought when I was a robust 163 # need alterations . That will wait since I intend to gain back the weight I lost after I have another procedure to reverse my colonostophy . A visit to the surgeon tomorrow will give me a date .I do well remember some first days in January when the night before was a real contest including some chp a luging . The last major contest was at the Officers Club at Fort Monmouth where I joined some college buddies who were preparing for overseas duty . HAd to rent the quarters for a nother night to recooperate .
Email

	January 8th 2008 04:43:34 PM
What is your name?	John
Do you have any comments?	Ok should have hit preview-frist-John


	January 8th 2008 04:41:17 PM
What is your name?	John
Where are you from?	Old Virginia
Do you have any comments?	Ok where is every one ? Christmas And ew Years are passed-all hangovers should be gone-so even though we may have empty pockets-fingersshould be in good hape- so lts see a little chatter. Tae care John
Email

	January 6th 2008 01:29:02 AM
What is your name?	Hank Adams
Where are you from?	Rocklin, CA
Do you have any comments?	Tommy, The rules are simple. Member of Trust or Betfor and be at least 75 years of age. The members expressed their opinions on the age because most of us original Trust and Berfot blokes are 78 to 80 plus. We had to have a bottom age limit.. Send me an email with your specifics-name, email address, age. Hank


	January 6th 2008 12:01:30 AM
What is your name?	Ron House
Where are you from?	Iowa & Now NC
Do you have any comments?	Tommy> Address your comments to Col. Hank Adams and he will put your name on the list. His beautiful is holding the bottle for one of us.
Email

	January 5th 2008 07:29:42 PM
What is your name?	tommy
Where are you from?	s.c usa
Do you have any comments?	what are the rules to be eligible for the totine


	January 5th 2008 09:45:51 AM
What is your name?	George
Where are you from?	Illinois but still a Pennsylvanian at heart
Do you have any comments?	The posting was intended to be a mild form of kidding . I realize Richard and Art are long time buddies and Richard would not censor a fellow manager .
Email

	January 5th 2008 09:45:31 AM
What is your name?	George
Where are you from?	Illinois but still a Pennsylvanian at heart
Do you have any comments?	The posting was intended to be a mild form of kidding . I realize Richard and Art are long time buddies and Richard would not censor a fellow manager .
Email

	January 4th 2008 11:08:22 AM
What is your name?	Richard G.
Do you have any comments?	George, Art and I go back together a long time... There is no way that I'm using my "censor's" powers....We e.mail each other often...In fact we did so often... Even Tom Cohoon, who's site it was, ( In my book, it still is Tom's site ! ) sometimes had difficulty to get back in again, he changed his details often, in order to get back in...


	January 4th 2008 10:48:28 AM
What is your name?	George
Where are you from?	Illinois but still a Pennsylvanian at heart
Do you have any comments?	Dream on Art I like your optimism .After the year I had and survived I figure I have another 20 to go . Sorry you have trouble getting messages out . Wonder if Richard is using his censor's powers ? Could to see you survived the wild New Years party at your new digs , I went to bed before the ball dropped .
Email

	January 4th 2008 09:13:20 AM
What is your name?	Art Lienert
Where are you from?	Philly, PA
Do you have any comments?	I glad to see this site will accept messages. Please excuse me for posting here. As a manager of the other site, I sometimes can't post there. I'm sure I'll be the winner of the Tontine Brandy.
Email

	January 1st 2008 10:16:51 AM
What is your name?	Johnny Lancaster
Where are you from?	Atlanta, Ga.
Do you have any comments?	I wish all BETFOR and TRUST TROOPERS a very Happy New Year, and that you have a great 2008.
Email

	January 1st 2008 08:27:58 AM
What is your name?	Patrick Skelly
Where are you from?	Cape Cod
Do you have any comments?	Peter, being a veteran who served in BETFOR is not a disqualification for posting in the MSN Group "Old Soldiers". I believe that any of us - like myself - who are limited to reading the messages over there have a fair idea of what brought about that situation.
Email

	January 1st 2008 06:45:41 AM
What is your name?	Peter Sexton
Where are you from?	Chelmsford UK
Do you have any comments?	I wish to thank all of you that have sent New Year Greetings to the BETFOR boys. I am acting on behalf of them because like myself they are banned from the Old Soldierrs MSN Site and they just can't be bothered at all. If you would like find out why this is happening I would refer you to the BETFOR Website and the Message Board. A Happy New Year and may your Gods always be with you.
Email