Resultant from the resignation of Andrew Field, as President, nominations were received from all Regimental Associations for the election of President of the Regimental Association. Two Delegates received nomination, but at the last instance one of them withdrew. It was therefore declared that Mr Bruce Meikle Braes be and was thereby duly elected as President of the Regimental Association on the 21st March 2024. In accordance with the Constitution, Mr Braes also assumed Chairmanship of the Constitutional College. It was further declared that the seat of the BSA Police Constitutional College reverts to the United Kingdom Association, home Association of the elected President and that United Kingdom Association nominate and install the ex officio Standing Secretary, Stephen Acornley, of the Constitutional College.
In his inaugural message as President Mr Braes said,
“I joined the force in 1976 as a Cadet and was stationed at Salisbury PEC and CID Theft from Car Section where I replaced another Cadet Jim Harris, the current UK Association Chairman.
Having completed my time in Depot (which was interesting having lived in Morris Depot for most of my school life as an officer brat) I was posted to Matabeleland where I remained for the rest of my service. Initially stationed at Nymandhlovu.
I was soon sent on SB attachment before being transferred permanently to SB. Without doubt my best times were in SB, this is where I first met Steve Acornley the nominated Standing Secretary of the College and current Honorary Secretary of the UK Association. I am a member of the UK Association and serve on the committee.
I am also a member of Australia where Alan Hadfield, Derek Perkins, Alan Landau, and others have managed to get the most geographically dispersed Association closer together in recent years. I am a paid-up member of the Transvaal where my good friends Derek Rausch,
Dave Griffiths and Shane Mullins are doing a great job running that Association.
I can’t forget my good friend Corrie Pretorius who has done wonderful work getting the Irish clan more active. I shall make it my mission to get more involved with the other Associations moving forward.
The College is a governance body and exists to oversee constitutional matters and bestow honorary awards. It is my intention that this should remain its focus. I do not expect there to be lots of activity from the College beyond awards.
However, if any member has issues that they want addressed or ideas that they would like to suggest please do not hesitate to drop me a line or speak with your Association’s College Delegate.
Thank you for bestowing this honour on me and I commit to you that I shall do all and everything I can to maintain the comradeship and memory of ‘The Regiment'”.
10619 Bruce Braes
BSAP United Kingdom Regimental Association