At the charity's AGM recently, AGM Mark Jameson, chairman of the Ancre Somme Association said: "As a charity we have never rested on our laurels. The committee are about to commence work on our new five-year strategic plan. This plan is important as it provides a roadmap for achieving long-term goals and objectives, while also helping to navigate through challenges and uncertainties along the way."

"One of the objectives in the plan will be the establishment of the Ancre Somme Association in England, as a registered charity. With that in mind I am delighted to announce that the person who will take the lead on this, as the first chairman of ASA England, is with us tonight."

"It really is a sign of his commitment that David, and his wife Karen, have travelled from England to be with us tonight. Some of you may already know David, but I think it is only right I give everyone and understand of who he is and why we think he is the right man to take things forward in England."

David, born in Enniskillen, relocated to Manchester in 2008. Having served in the Ulster Defence Regiment for nearly 4 years (4th Bn) and then serving for 11 years in the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

He has always had a great interest in military history, and collects militaria and takes groups of people over to the Somme/Ypres, as a Tour Guide, when visiting World War 1 battlefields. He has carried out volunteering for a number of charities including The Royal British Legion, being Branch and County Chairman, Standard Bearer and heavily involved in the ceremonial side of the Legion, holding the position of National Parade Marshal for 3 years. These positions gave him the opportunity to travel the world on pilgrimages, taking veterans back to sites where they had fought, travelling to Italy, India, Egypt and Libya, to name a few. He also had the privilege of being a Parade Marshal for the Queens Funeral and the Kings Coronation. He also volunteers for the charity COFEPOW, Children & Families of Far Eastern Prisoners of War, serving as a Trustee in honour of his Mum and Grandad, his Mum was a child POW during World War 2 in Singapore and his grandfather was a prisoner in Changi Prison in the Far East.
 
It is clear to myself, and the trustees of the charity, that David will be an outstanding addition to our charity.

David, I thank you, and your wife Karen, for making the journey to be with us tonight, and I look forward to working with you as we continue to grow our charity. Please put your hands together and welcome ASA England chairman, David Brown.

Pictured are David Brown, Chairman, ASA (England) and Lexi Davidson ASA Community Development Officer.