circular 434 - final version

8/3/2019 Circular 434 - Final Version

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THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMENS SECTION

Circular

Winter 2011

Issue 434

Festival of Remembrance 2011


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The Circular

2

Contents

ntroduction................................................................2

Address from the National Officers............................3

Welfare Update ......................................................4-6

Notices ......................................................................7

Festival of Remembrance ......................................8-9

Cenotaph Ceremony ..............................................10

Branch and County News..................................11-15

Legacy Information ..................................................16

Enclosures

Certificate of Public Liability ......................................1

The Princess Royal Cup Application Form................2

County Secretaries Only)

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

WOMENS SECTION

Charity No.219279

Haig House,

199 Borough High Street,

London SE1 1AA

Tel: 020 3207 2181 Fax: 020 3207 2358

Email: [email protected]

www.womensbritishlegion.co.uk

Editor

Chiara Raine

Tel: 0203 207 2188Email: [email protected]

Circular production by

Bluepoint Cambridge 01223 472400

Winter 2011 Issue 434

Introduction

Address from the National SecretaryColonel Anthony Beattie (Retd)

Well, it has been an exciting 90th Anniversary year for the Royal British

Legion Womens Section, marked by our celebrations as a part of Annual

Conference earlier this year. Bishop John Kirkham conducted a mostmoving Drumhead Service supported by the Reverend Peter Hills, who

has generously agreed to become our Honorary Chaplain. We are

indebted to the Defence School of Catering for the magnificent cake

which was an iconic symbol of our organisation; the pace at which it was

demolished and consumed spoke volumes for its excellence! 90 members attended the RBL

Service of Commemoration in Westminster Abbey and we raised an additional 15,000 for the

Poppy Appeal during the Great Poppy Party Weekend. This will add to the contribution made by

Branches in October and November and what results from the tireless commitment so many of

our members make to poppy collection.

If 2011 has been marked by Anniversary, then 2012 will be marked by the Olympics. We will

all wait with bated breath to see whether our sponsored fencer, Sophie Williams, makes the team

and, thereafter, her achievement. But we to have an olympian task to confront and that is the

regeneration of our consistently reducing membership. The National Chairman has set her

challenge for every branch to recruit a minimum of two new members, but lets go for gold and

make the target 12 in 2012! The last National Chairman sounded a cautionary note in her

speech at Conference advising that unless we revive the membership, there will come a time

when our existence is simply unsustainable. I urge one and all to do everything possible to

remove the spectre of closure from the feast.

For reasons that have been well-recorded, our welfare programme has seen a slight reduction

but this is no cause for alarm, simply a refection of changes in welfare eligibility criteria. That

notwithstanding, we must not lose sight of the principle that welfare is our stock in trade and

branches in particular are asked to be sensitive to the increasing difficulties faced by individuals

around them and to encourage those in need to come forward for assistance where it may beappropriate.

It but remains for me to wish you all from us at Head Office a very Happy Christmas and

prosperous New Year. The Womens Section has much to be proud of in its 90th year. We must

look forward to meeting our challenges head on and hopefully go from strength to strength in

membership, fundraising and welfare.

Old Basing Uncovered

At the beginning of October last year, Old Basing Branch

Chairman Rick Bourne (RBL), approached the Womens Section

branch to see if they would be willing to feature in calendar to

raise money for their local church, St Marys. Despite some

initial apprehension, once the ladies realised that a portion of

the proceeds would be allocated to the Poppy Appeal, eight

brave members put their best legs forward and rose to the challenge! A few weeks later, they met

at the Old Basing RBL Club with more red lipstick and mascara than most would see in a lifetime,

and began their photo shoot dressed in poppies, high heels, long gloves, and very little else !

Whilst the calendar featured 11 other local businesses and organisations, there was no

question over which month Old Basing Branch would represent; their November entry was a

photographic triumph and after going on sale during the Poppy Appeal, the calendar reined in a

massive 3000! In February 2011, the eight ladies who featured in the photo were invited to aspecial reception where they received a cheque for 850 towards the Poppy Appeal; so in the end,

the result was well worth their blushes!

For reasons of sensitivity we were unable to feature Old Basings calendar photo on the front cover. However, we would

still like to mention the following ladies for bravely volunteering:Avril Mitchell (Chairman), Tammy Lake (President), Ann Dyer,

Sue Wison (Committee Secretary), Sue Chewter (Meetings Secretary), Ivy Morris, June Green, and Coleen Curyer (Treasurer).

CENSORED


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Events and NoticesAddress from the National Officers

National Chairman

Christmas is nearly

upon us so I would first

like to take the

opportunity to thank

every one of our

dedicated members for

their help with the 90th

Anniversary celebration and the 2011 Poppy

Appeal. With the war in Afghanistan still taking

the lives of our young soldiers, your help this

year has been wonderfulTHANK YOU. I

know many of you will be attending

Conference 2012 in Llandudno; hopefully we

will also have a full house for the January

2012 Seminar in London.As youre all aware, we do need/must try

and raise our membership numbers this year,

so in a bid to boost membership, we are

launching a BIG request to each member and

branch to try and recruit: 1 new member, 3

new members, 5 new members, or more, into

each branch. PLEASE WOULD I ASK YOU TO

TRY YOUR HARDEST!

Together with this very urgent request, I am

asking you all, to also think hard about any

MOTIONS that will benefit us all to please

come forward to HEAD OFFICE as soon as

possible. (Last year the Motion to stop the

banks removing cheques was very worthwhile

and it worked)

Once again Ladies, (and Gentleman who

read our Circular), a very Happy Christmas and

New Year to you all!

Wendy Bromwich

National Vice-ChairmanService not Self is our fitting Motto, and none of us expects any rewards for the work we undertake. However, I am sure you will agree

ladies, that as a caring organisation it is only fitting that we do say thank you to those amongst our members who go the extra mile. Our

way of doing this is our National Awards: Chairmans Certificate of Appreciation, Merit, Life Membership and Golden Awards. Two Central

Committee members have agreed to look at the application forms, with a view to making them more user friendly and as an interim

measure Central Committee agreed at the meeting on 21 September that the following changes be implemented, with immediate effect, in

the hope that more nominations will be submitted.

1. As a Branch is making the nomination and will ultimately pay for a Badge there will no longer be a requirement for Counties to endorse the nomination. Instead

they may be sent directly to HO for consideration by the Awards Sub-Committee.

2. Counties are urged to nominate members from those Branches where there are deserving ladies serving as Branch Officers who are unable to nominate

themselves.

3. Regional Representatives are empowered to nominate County Officers who they believe to be deserving of an Award.

Marilyn Humphry

Conference Committee Chairman

Time is passing very quickly and planning for our National Conference in 2012 is well

under way. Conference Committee held their first meeting at the beginning of October

with a lot of business covered.

One of the main topics under discussion was the entertainment for Wednesday 25th

April and this has now been finalised and I am in a position to give you details.As our

Conference is being held in Wales The Land of Song it was felt that for the opening part of the evening, we

should have the pleasure of listening to a Welsh Male Voice Choir. We are fully aware that quite a number of

ladies like to dress up I am sure we can all relate to the music of the SIXTIES, can I suggest you all get your

sixties gear out of mothballs to reminisce sing and dance to the Merseybeats. Tickets for the evening will be

2.

I look forward to seeing and meeting you all in Llandudno. May I wish you all a peaceful Happy Christmas

and my best wishes for a healthy new year.

Pat Chrimes

Annual Conference Llandudno 2012

The Merseybeats performing in Concert

www.womensbritishlegion.org.uk 3


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Welfare update

I am writing to thank you and the Womens

Section for all the support you have given me

since I started my training at Medical School. I

am currently in the penultimate year of a 5 year

course, which, after another two years, will

enable be to become a fully qualified doctor; a

choice rooted in a search for academic

challenge combined with a very real world

career. I enjoy meeting and caring for people

and find the prospect of using my skills to thebetterment of society, a very humbling experience.

The Presidents Award Scholarship has given me such a great

opportunity. Medical School is expensive and not just because of

university top-up fees but also due to the many hidden costs. It is two

As the Womens Section reaches the end of its 90th anniversary year, wed like to say a

very big thank you to YOU, our membership, the life and blood of our organisation. For

ninety years, you have worked tirelessly to help us help those affected by the rigours of war

and military life; and without your help and the fundraising you do, none of our welfare work

would be possible. And were not the only ones whod like to say thank you

4 www.womensbritishlegion.org.uk

I would like to take a moment of your time

to thank you for the help you have given to

me and my family over many years,

culminating in my daughters

graduation this July.

In short, you have helped me as an ex-

servicewoman and single parent to be able to

give myself, but more importantly my two

children, a decent quality of life during years of

struggle following a separation from their father

from whom we never received any help,

financial or otherwise. You helped me cope

through much financial hardship and with the

Children's Allowance and gift tokens sent each Christmas and birthday, I

was able to help them grow into two wonderful young adults. We live in a

poor area which is reflected by the behaviour of many of the people

around us, unfortunately not in a good way. But with your kind and

unconditional help I have been able to guide them through the years and

teach them the right way to live and behave. You sent us on holiday in thesummer and we fell in love with Hafan Y Mor in North Wales, thanks to

you our first holiday as a family together, over 11 years ago now. We

were so privileged to have your help and however many letters I have

written to convey my heart felt thanks, they will never be enough to

express what it has all meant to me.

Three years ago you accepted my application for my daughter,

Laura, to receive a scholarship award which paid for a laptop, printer and

expensive text books that she needed for the start of her Human Biology

course at Loughborough University. I could never have paid for these for

her as money has never been spare for such items. It meant she could

Anna Dormer

Susan Bowker

start her course with everything

she needed and I am happy to

say she did not take this award

for granted. She worked hard

over her three years at

Loughborough and graduated in

July 2011 with a First ClassHonors Degree in Human

Biology and four weeks later she

started her new job as a DNA

analyst at a laboratory in Abingdon, near Oxford. Sadly this has meant

she has had to move into rented accommodation 200 miles away from

home, but I am so proud of her achievements.

My son Anton has left college with a distinction in HND Public Services

but is struggling to find a job or an apprenticeship at the moment. Time

will tell where his future lies, but the important fact is that without your

incredible help over all these years, I am certain that it would have been

so much harder for both of my children to achieve what they have so far.

You have given our family the means and the time to grow and survivewithin an uncertain climate. You gave me hope and the strength to work

hard and bring my children up alone in the best way possible to ensure

they had a bright future to look forward too.

I am so proud and so very grateful yet humbled by your amazing

kindness. You have to know what an incredible job you do and how much

happiness and courage you give to people who feel alone and unable to

cope at certain times in their lives.

With warmest regards, and once again, thank you; from the bottom of

my heart.

Mrs Susan Bowker

years longer than most courses and we all need

special equipment (like stethoscopes) not to

mention a professional wardrobe for ward

rounds and up to date textbooks. The

Presidents Award has taken care of this

financial burden and enabled me to thrust

myself into my studies and concentrate on the

fascinating journey to becoming a doctor.

I am very grateful to you all.

Anna

Anna has been a recipient of the Presidents Award Scholarship since September

2000. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Mr Peter Dorner, who served

for 10 years in the Royal Air Force for 10 years.


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I would like to begin by extending my dearest thanks to everyone at the Royal British Legion's

Women's Section, particularly to Jessica Cooper for all her help and guidance. The Presidents Award

Scholarship has assisted me immensely and given me the opportunity to experience university to the

fullest, both academically and personally.Whilst the scholarship enabled me to buy extra resources for my studies, it contributed most

significantly to my accommodation and tuition fees. As a result, I was able to volunteer my free time,

which would've been otherwise spent holding down a job to fund my studies, to assist a PhD student

and explore the world of academia and research, which I am now actively pursuing as a career. I was

also able to devote more of my time to subjects that did not come so naturally but were essential for

taking my academic interests further. Without the scholarship I may never have the discovered this

path and could have easily finished my undergraduate degree without knowing what I wanted to do.

Aside my academic studies, I also used my free time to participate in several university sports and

societies. I was elected to serve on the executive committee for both the Badminton Club and the

Glee Society and both these additional responsibilities have decidedly improved my employability.

Thank you once again to everyone in the Womens Section; I am extremely grateful for the

assistance I received and I can safely say I have made the most of it.With kindest regards,

Josh

W

ith the London 2012 Olympics

only six months away, our

Ambassador of Goodwill andOlympic hopeful, Sophie Williams, has her

eyes firmly fixed on the prize: a qualifying

place for the London Games and a place

on the British Ladies Fencing Team.After a hard summer of training, Sophie has

certainly made an impressive start to the

season. She reached the last 64 and 32 in her

first two Olympic qualifying events and secured a

fantastic victory in the European Championships

in Sheffield, finishing 22nd overall. Her

performance in these competitions means that

Sophie is now ranked third in the Senior BritishWomen's Sabre Ranking an incredible

achievement for someone her age. It has also

earned her a coveted spot on the World Class

Programme for British Fencing, confirming her

prospects as a future candidate for the Olympic

Games! This means that as well as the fantastic

support she receives from the Womens Section,

she now has full access to a range of support

staff including Physiotherapists and Strength

Conditioning coaches, which is essential for her

progression.

For the last month, Sophie has been training

hard in preparation for her first Senior World

Championship in Sicily. For someone her age,

competing in a competition of this level is a

fantastic achievement; heres how she got on

A couple of weeks ago, I returned from my first

senior World Championships in Sicily. I feel that I

learned a lot from the experience and can definitely

improve on my performance before heading into thesecond half of the Olympic Qualification period.

I was very nervous before the initial round of

poules and I think this held me back which made it

difficult for me to find my rhythm. Fortunately I still

fenced well enough to get a reasonable result of 3

wins and 3 losses, which meant I had to fence

Gonzalez (Mexico) to reach the round of 64. I was

still dealing with nerves and this made me very

tense, but I just managed to squeeze a victory 15-

14.

I knew I was fencing Besbes (Tunisia) in the 64;

she is ranked top 10 in the world and is by nomeans an easy match, but I felt I had some good

ideas going into the match and that my nerves

wouldnt hold me back. The day came and I felt as

prepared as I could be, but unfortunately her

experience was too great and I lost 15-7.

Although I feel I could have fenced better in the

individual event, I wasnt too disappointed with my

result. But now it was on to the team event. In the

first round we had to fence Australia and we had a

relatively comfortable win against them. But we

knew we had to raise our game if we were going to

put in a good performance against Italy in the next

round. Italy were a tough team and we couldnt

quite keep up to their pace and lost.

Now we had to fence for places 9-16. Our first

of these matches was against Tunisia; this was our

best match and we won very easily (and I beat

Besbes 5-0 this time). We were into the 9-12 play-

offs with Korea. We fenced well, but a couple of

small errors were all it took and they narrowly won45-42. Our last match for 11th place was with

Spain, who we have fenced before and lost to twice

in recent competitions. We werent going to let

that happen again and despite a close start to the

match, we pulled away to a

good victory.

The World Championships

were an eye opener for me. I

now feel like I have a more

directed approach to my training

and know where I need to make

my improvements. Im looking

forward to the next few months

training and then getting back

into the Olympic Qualifying

competition at the beginning of

next year.

Josh is currently studying for a Masters Degree in

Environmental Bioscience in a Changing Climate at

the University of Warwick. He is also applying for a

PhD at St Andrew's University, The University of

Warwick, The University of Nottingham and The

University of Sheffield. We wish him the best of luck!

Sophie Williams Challenge Update


Josh Hodge


6/16

Welfare

In July 2010 I received a very unexpected phone

call telling me I had been chosen to receive an

Elizabeth Cross Medal - the first military honour

granted by a monarch since 1940 - which would be

presented to me in September. The caller explained

that I was entitled to the award because my father,

Lance Corporal Christopher McLeish of the Royal

Engineers, had died in Bosnia during the Cold War in

1996 when I was only 6 months old and 5 years

afterwards my mother had died as a result of

depression.

The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll (first

awarded in 2009) are granted by the Queen to the

Next of Kin of UK Armed Forces personnel who have

died on operations in national recognition of their

loss and sacrifice. The medal is a sliver cross

decorated by a laurel wreath and flowersrepresenting England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

The name of the Service person in whose memory it

is granted is engraved on the back and the case also

includes a miniature version for the recipient to wear

however they wish. The Memorial Scroll, signed by

the Queen, bears commemorative words written by

Andrew Motion, then the Poet Laureate.

So on the 17th of September last year, my

Grandmother and I travelled by train to London en

route to our hotel in Chatham, Kent, near to the Royal

Engineers' Brompton Barracks. There we had dinner

with Lieutenant Colonel John McLennan and his

wife, who we had met before in October 2007 atanother Army event. John is Controller for the Royal

Engineers Association and during the meal he

explained to me the procedure for the presentation

ceremony the following day.

The next day we arrived at Brompton Barracks,

had breakfast in the Mess and then waited to be

called to the reception room along with other

families also receiving medals. At around 12-00 pm

we entered the reception where we waited for

General Sir Peter Wall, then Commander-in-Chief,

Land Forces now Chief of the General Staff who

would be awarding us with our medals.

When the General approached me, he smiled

warmly and began to explain to me why he felt so

proud to give me this award. I learnt that this man

of such high status, then the Commanding Officer of

32 Engineer Regiment deployed on operations in

Bosnia, had spent all of Christmas 1995 with my

Dad, learning all about my mum and me. The

General formally pinned the silver cross on my lapel

and moved on.

After the ceremony, we all filed out to the parade

area to watch a parade put on by members of the

Royal Engineers, the regiment in which my father

served, for the Corps Memorial weekend. I gotextremely cold during this parade and a very kind

man gave me his jacket. I later learned that he was

Major General Alan Macklin.

When we returned to the Barracks, I was invited

to dine with the General and the other army staff in

the Officers Mess, where members of the royal

family also ate when they visited the Barracks. We

were served wonderful food and I got to sit near

General Sir Peter, unlike all the other families who

were sitting on a separate table!

It was a really wonderful day, but the best part of

all was getting to meet people in the army and

having them share with me their stories andmemories about my Dad.

Lauren McLeish

This prestigious medal has great personal

significance for Lauren, acting as a further

reminder of her fathers life and the outstanding

service he gave to his county. Whilst Lauren is still

too young to know what she wants to do later on in

life, the financial support she receives from the

Womens Section can make a significant difference

to her future and we are proud to be able toprovide it!

Lauren is currently in Year

11 and is

preparing to

sit her

GCSEs next

summer.

Photographcourtesy

ofChristineChapman,

EditorofVoices,theNewcastleUponTyneChurchHighSchoolMagazine

Lance Corporal McLeish

In our Winter 2010 issue, we ran a

feature on Lauren McLeish, one of our

young beneficiaries currently in receipt

of the Presidents Award Scholarship.

At the age of only six months old,Laurens father was killed whilst

deployed on operational service in

Bosnia. Five years later, and as a

result of prolonged depression

following his death, her mother

committed suicide. In September last

year, Welfare Advisor Jessica Cooper,

was invited to attend the Memorial

Service where Lauren was presented

with the Elizabeth Cross. In her own

words, Lauren tells us her story

Lauren with Welfare Advisor Jessica Cooper, at the

Memorial Service at the Royal Engineers Brompton

Barracks.

Lauren with

General Sir

Peter Wall,

Commander in

Chief, Land

forces



7/16

Poetry

Reflections on a Visit to the WW1

Battlefields

Do poppies still grow in Flanders fields?

Where once the earth the soldiers trod

Where now the gravestones stand in line

Many there known only to God

Where now birds sing and the corn grows high

Where beneath the search, men still lie

And yes

The poppies still grow in Flanders Fields

Written by Joyce Hardy, member of Holbeach Branch on a

visit to the 1st World War Battlefield in spring this year

Hornblower

Have you ever heard the Nightingale Singing in the

night

Or watched the sun rise in the morning light

Remembering with love, memories of the past

Never to be forgotten, a love that will last

Be bold, go forth, sing aloud

Look for the sunshine is every cloud

Over the rainbow a journey will end

With singing and dancing, the music will bend

Every member should try to be

Respectful to other, just like me

Written by Mrs Christine Godfrey JP - Nottinghamshire

County Chairman for the Womens Institute Hornblower

Competition

7

Notices

Golden Award RecipientsSally Warren Knowle Branch

Sheila Hassall Loughorough

Biddy Fancy Sandford

Pat Ayres Kemble & District

Jean Mercer Wigston

Dawn Colley Worcester

Sylvia West Elmstead

Audrey Evans Broomfield

Wendy Bartlett Sandford

Back to the Old DaysConference Raffle

Please would each County kindly bring a County

Gift wrapped in Blue and Gold for the Conference

2012 Raffle. All gifts should be left with Pat Scott inthe Conference Foyer.

Spring 2012CircularDeadline

Please submit any entries

for the Spring 2012 Circular

by January 14th 2012.

Details of how to send your

entry can be found on the

contents page.

Appointment of the Womens Sections first

Honorary Chaplain

We are delighted to announce the appointment of the Womens Sections first

Honorary Chaplain: The Reverend Peter Hills. Following his Conference debut at

the Opening Ceremony and Drumhead Service, he is certainly no stranger to the

Womens Section and was delighted to accept this appointment. Any counties

wishing to use his services should contact Head Office in the first instance, but

should bear in mind that he will mainly be used at a national level.


Pictured left to right: The Right Reverend John Kirkham (former Bishop to the Forces), The

National Chairman, and The Reverend Peter Hills.

Miss Florence BullPresident of North Yorkshire

County, Florence recentlypassed away aged 95. Miss

Bull was a great stalwart of

the Women's Section and

will be sorely missed.

Poetry

Lest We Forget

We regret to inform you that the following ladies have sadly passed away

Helen Fox, Pat Wanlling

and Elsie MarnockSeal Branch regretfully loses three

branch members; each one will be

greatly missed but fondly

remembered all.

Miss Margaret FoxMargaret was President of

Eastbourne Branch for manyyears. She worked tirelessly for

the branch and will be sadly

missed by fellow branch

members.


8/16



On Saturday 12th November, senior members of the Royal

Family, politicians and military leaders joined an audience of

veterans and their families to commemorate and honour those

who have fallen in conflicts past and present. This years

Festival, which marked the 90th Anniversary of the Royal British

Legion, featured performances by Sir Cliff Richard, KatherineJenkins, Joe McElderry, Alfie Boe and a choir composed of

military wives with husbands on active service in Afghanistan.


9/16


From small beginnings,

great things grow:

90 years of the Poppy

Appeal

In 1921 no one knew how the British public

would react. The euphoria of victory in the

Great War had faded fast and the promise of a

country fit for its returning heroes hadnt been

kept. Life was very hard for ex-Servicemen and

their families; thats why the first Cenotaph was

only a temporary structure and why the first

order of poppies was such a cautious one.But the response surprised everyone. The

nation showed that they wanted to be brought

together again. They wanted to unite to honour

their countrymen who had made the greatest

sacrifice. The nation didnt want to forget.

And so the Poppy Appeal caught the

imagination of everyone. The first poppies were

priced at three pence but by breakfast on the

first day single petals were selling for 5. Crate

after crate was emptied in record time. A

message from Queen Mary even broughtsellers to Buckingham Palace, but hearing that

poppies were in short supply, Her Majesty

purchased only two. The first official Legion

Poppy Appeal on 11th November 1921 raised a

huge 106,000 (nearly 3.5 million in todays

money) funds generously donated to the

newly formed British Legion to help them care

for those who had suffered while serving their

country.

Nowadays, of course, The Poppy Appeal is a

key annual event in the nations calendar, and

over 45 million poppies will be bought as we

strive towards our 2011 target of 36 million.

But whatever the numbers involved, all these

years later the poppy still stands for

Remembrance. And the Legion still stands up

for the welfare of Serving and ex-Service men

and women of all generations and all conflicts

A very special thank you to everyone who

supported and participated in the Great

Poppy Party Weekend. Your hard work andfundraising efforts meant the Womens

Section were able to donate an incredible

15,000 to the Poppy Appeal! WELL DONE

LADIES!

9www.womensbritishlegion.org.uk 9

ArticlecourtesyofThePo

ppyPressMagazine


10/16

The Cenotaph

10

As an ex-servicewoman and service wife,

Remembrance is always a very important time

for me. During the past thirty years, I have

assisted in the organisation at the Royal Albert

Hall as well as participated in Cenotaph

Parade. But this year, attending the Festival of

Remembrance and laying the Womens Section

wreath at the Cenotaph as your National

Chairman, was an honour like no other.

The Royal Albert Hall once again showed the world what a respectful

and patriotic country we are. I was very proud to see the Womens

Section National Standard and the Womens Section Regional

Standards parade into the Great Hall.

The following day was the brightest sunshine I have experienced on

Remembrance Sunday. Horseguards Parade started early to fill up with

ex-servicemen and women together with various charity representatives

and civilian organisations, literally in their thousands. Throughout the

ceremony and parade, Massed Bands of the Guards Division and the

Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guards played music from Men of

Harlech, Flowers of the Forest, Nimrod and many more. The feeling in the

beautiful morning sunshine, as every minute, with every colour of beret

representing our armed services, and ex-service men and women stood

in their designated columns, was building with pride. We watched as all

reached their positions in Whitehall in the build-up to the Armistice

Service and Parade.

At the first stoke of Big Ben at 11am, we heard the gun of The Kings

Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

We all stood in deep silence. At 11:02, the guns again marked the

end of the Silence. The Last Post was then sounded by the Buglers of

the Royal Marines. We all stood to attention as HM The Queen laid her

wreath, followed by other members of the Royal Family who have

served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces. This was followed

by the wreaths being laid by Prime Minister and other Heads of

Government and the Opposition, High Commissioners and

representatives of the Civilian Services. A service was conducted by the

Dean of the Chapels Royal and the Bishop of London.

After the Blessing the Rouse was sounded by the Trumpeters of

Royal Air Force. The National Anthem was played by the Massed Bands.

The Royal Family then retired with Minsters and Commonwealth

dignitaries, together with other ex- service organisations and wreath

bearers. This was the signal for Col. Beattie to hand the wreath to my

keeping on behalf of the Womens Section and march to the Cenotaph

to lay the Womens Section wreath.

Following on from the ceremony in Whitehall, I went to Horseguards

Parade together with the RBL Officers for the Salute which was taken

by HRH The Prince of Wales and Lt. General Sir John Kiszely KCB MC,

National President of the Royal British Legion. This year there seemed

so many more men and women on parade and seeing them all march

past wearing their poppies with pride is a moment Ill never forget.

Thank you all for bestowing upon me this absolute honour.

Wendy Bromwich JP


The National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall

is a unique expression of national homage devoted to the

remembrance of those who have given their lives in war. On Sunday

13th November, members of the Royal Family, leading politicians,

and representatives of the worlds religions and military leaders

joined thousands of veterans from countless conflicts for the two

minute silence, service and march past. Our National Chairman laid awreath on behalf of the Womens Section and reports on the day


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Branch and County News Highlights

11

We would like to give a very

special mention to Mr Tom

Murray, husband of Mrs Joan

Murray from Norton Branch,

who is pictured below with his

600th(!) parcel; packed,

wrapped and ready to send to

troops in Afghanistan! What

an incredible effort for a

brilliant cause well done

Tom, were sure your efforts

will be really well appreciated!

Every year, the Bath Gardens in the centre of Bakewell are dressed by the gardeners of Derbyshire

Dales District Council. Local charities can apply to decorate the garden with their logo, so to

commemorate the Womens Sections 90th Anniversary, Angela Smith, Branch Secretary of Bakewell

Branch, applied and was lucky enough to win the spot! Mrs Smith is no stranger to dressing the

gardens and has done so in previous years, but special thanks is extended to her brother, Head

Gardener at the District Council, who did most of the hard work!

Ramsey RBL and Womens Section celebrate their 90th Anniversary

Norton Branchs Chief Parcel

Packer wraps his 600th box!

Poppy Party Fashion Parade

To celebrate the Legions 90th Anniversary, members from Little Common Branch took part in a

Fashion Parade dressed in hats to match their outfits. The Parade took place over the Poppy Party

Weekend where 1000 was collected!

Purse Presentation Derbyshire County

Derbyshires Annual Purse Presentation took place on the 5th

September at the RBL Mickeover Club. Each year, the 13

branches throughout the county meet together to present the

money theyve raised during the year for the WS Welfare

Schemes. Colonel John Wilson, Vice Lord Lieutenant of

Derbyshire received the Purses which raised a massive total

of 9,613.55! Thank you to all those members throughout

Derbyshire for their hard work and dedication what a

fantastic achievement! Pictured left to right: Angela Swift,

County Chairman; Gill Frawley, County Vice-Chairman;

Colonel John Wilson Vice Lord Lieutenant and Jan Buxton,

County Treasurer.



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Tiverton Branch celebrates 85 yearsEarlier in June, Tiverton Branch celebrated their 85th

Anniversary in Tiverton Memorial Hall. Guests included

Devon County President, Mrs Sue Stevens, County

Chairman, Mrs Anne Miller and County Secretary, Mrs

Teresa Panizzi. Following a ploughmans lunch served up

by committee members, all attendees were treated to an

afternoon of music and song by Tivertons Ladies Choir.

The beautifully decorated celebration cake was cut by Mrs

Sue Stevens and Branch Chairman, Mrs Nora McTeague.

Branch and County News

Garstang Branch celebrates 60 yearsThis photo shows Garstang Branch receiving their 60th Anniversary Certificate from Mrs Porter,

North & East Lancs County President. Special mention must go to their Chairman, Mrs MarjorieHough who recruited 18 new members at a recent coffee morning!

Achievement AwardsTwo members from Becontree &

Chadwell Heath Branch were recently

awarded Achievement Certificates from

their Branch Chairman, Mrs Joyce

Wipperman. Mrs Joan Parlour and Mrs

Joyce Baker have been branch

members for 40 years and have both

held positions as Branch Chairman.

Congratulations Ladies!

Congratulations to Jessie Reeves of

Badsey, Aldington & Wickhamford

Branch, who celebrated her 90th

Birthday on 1st January 2011.

A special

congratulations to

Joan Marshallsay from

Corfe Castle Branch

who recently

celebrated her 90th

Birthday. She has been

a dedicated and active

member for over 70

years and has servedas Branch Secretary,

Chairman and now

Vice-Chairman. We

hope you had a lovely

day Joan!

90th Anniversary CelebrationsEast Knowle, Sedgehill and Semley Branch celebrated the

Womens Section 90th Anniversary with a special luncheon held

at a members house. What a spectacular spread of food!

Richmond Branch FundraiserDespite the rain showers over the August Bank Holiday weekend,

Ladies from Richmond Branch were kept busy baking cakes for

the Annual Kew Fair. Their stall was full of delicious home made

cakes which proved so popular they sold out within a few hours!

The branch raised 150 which was allocated to the Benevolentfund.


If youd like to see your Branch or County

featured on this page, please send in a good

quality photo along with a short entry to Head

Office, or alternatively, email them to:

[email protected]


13/16

South and West Yorkshire County Committee Meeting 2011

West Wickham celebrates 65 yearsOn the 18th September, West Wickham Branch marked their 65th Anniversary with a Church Service

and Parade. Attendees included Beckenham MP, Col. Bob Stewart, Mayor and Mayoress of Bromley, as

well as the Surbiton Youth RBL Band and Beckenham Air Cadets. The photograph shows the West

Wickham Standard, carried by Mrs L Poulter, their President Mrs Janet Salter and Chairman Mrs

Christine Warwick, as well as several members of their branch. After the return parade through West

Wickham, guests were invited for refreshments supplied by their members.

Garden PartyMembers from Headingley Branch in Leeds make the most of the

sunshine at a Garden Party in August.

13

A very special congratulations to Winifred Walker from

Oadby Branch who celebrated her 100th Birthday in

October! She is pictured below with her daughter Julia

Walker who reports that her mother had a wonderful day

surrounded by friends and family.

On Thursday 27th October, the National Chairman and National

Vice-Chairman went on a whirlwind tour of the Royal Palaces to

deliver Wreaths and Poppies on behalf of the Womens Section.

They visited Clarence House, St James Palace, and Kensington

Palace, where this photo was taken.

Garden Party

Durham

CountyPictured above is

Durham County

Chairman,

Deborah

Stevenson and

Durham County

Secretary, Alison

Tindale, at the

Annual Garden

Party at Lister

House held in

July.


Members of LovedeanBranch receive recognitionfor their long standingservice to the PoppyAppeal CollectionMrs Eileen Stoat (left) had been a

Poppy Collector for 35 years and Mrs

Barbara Watkinson (right) for 65.

Congratulations Ladies, and keep up

the good work!



14/16

It was a double celebration for Mrs May

Edwards of Royston Branch, when on

the day she celebrated her 90th

Birthday, she was awarded a

Chairmans Certificate of Appreciation

for serving 20 years as Branch

Chairman. Mrs Edwards is pictured on

the left receiving her award from

County Chairman, Mrs Barbara Todd.


Car Boot Sale Diss & District

BranchCongratulations to Diss & District Branch who

raised just over 70 at a Car Boot Sale

organised by the RBL Branch. Pictured below

are branch members and one husband

manning several stalls which included a

Tombola, cakes, bric-a-brac, books and many

other times.

Durham County Standard Bearer

CompetitionMiss Marie Taylor (Judge), Miss Hannah Wood (Deputy

County SB), Mrs Deborah Stevenson (County Chairman), Mrs

Christine Middleton (County SB), Mrs Michelle Miller (Judge)

pictured at the Durham County Standard Bearer Competition.

A.G.M. SuccessThe AGM of the Croxley Green Branch was even

more successful this year. Once again it was

held on a Saturday and as in previous years, the

meeting was followed by a light lunch and a

cuppa!

On the 22nd October, Eastbourne Branch of East Sssex County held a

coffee morning to raise money for the annual Poppy Appeal. A sum of

over 300 was collected after a very hectic but successful morning.

From left to right: Davina Mayes (Secretary), Pat James (President),

the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Eastbourne and Teresa Crofts

(Treasurer)

14

Wedding CelebrationsCongratulations to Sylvia Kaufman of New

Bradwell Branch and Mr Paul Sampon who

were recently married. We wish you all the best

for your new life together!

Congratulations to Girlings Standard Bearer

Amy Schofield and her husband Dale, who on

the 11th day of the 11th month of 2011,

welcomed the arrival of their baby daughter

Evie Louise - what a day to be born!

Bury St Edmunds Branch celebrates 85 years with a new Standard!Pictured above is Bury St Edmunds longest serving member, Mrs Eileen Gyseman, cutting the cake at the party

which raised the last 300 towards a new branch Standard. Despite being a small branch, members managed to

raise 1,185 for the cost of the Standard, as well as allocate the remaining money to the Benevolent Fund. Alsopictured is Mrs Joyce Ringer (Secretary), Mrs Beryl Dykes (Chairman), Mrs Maureen Cadge, Mrs Mellisa Watts, Mrs

Hazel Jeffery, and Mrs Olive English.



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Hampshire County walk the Poppy Trail!Hampshire County Committee turned out in force to support the RBL

Poppy Walk in July. Four members of the team did the walking and

the other two supplied the refreshments for the walkers! They were

well supported by members from all over the County and raised over

450 for the Poppy Appeal. Brilliant work!

WorcestershireCountyThis picture was taken at

Group 1s tea party get-

together. Bewdley, Claines

and Droitwich Branches

enjoyed the entertainment

and a good time was had

by all!.

Surrey County Standard Bearer Training Course

NMA VisitMrs Joan Murray (Central

Committee) with Mrs Alison Tindale

(Durham County Secretary) paid a

special visit to the Womens

Section garden at the NMA prior to

attending the dedication of a

garden seat commemorating the

work of Vera Atkins (SOE)


Norton Branch

Coffee

morning and

raffle in

support of the

Poppy AppealMrs Deborah

Stevenson, Chairman

of Norton Branch,

with her farther, Tom

Murray, Chairman of

the Norton RBL.

15

Anniversary

Celebrations

Old Basing

BranchOld Basing Branch

celebrated the Womens

Section 90th Anniversary

with a feast fit for aKing! Branch member

Jean Chivers is pictured

cutting the anniversary

cake she herself made

doesnt it look delicious!

Melbourne Branch Benefit from Local Fundraising

On behalf on Melbourne Branch, Mrs Lynn Whiting (BranchChairman) and branch members Gill Holt and Clare Pattinson were

delighted to receive a cheque 850.00 from Mr Collett, Chairman of

the Ticknall 'Scarecrow Trail' committee. All monies will be allocated

the WS Benevolent Fund.

Afternoon Tea in Durham

After a very successful Coffee Morning in May, Durham County decided to go a step further andhold an Afternoon Tea in September. Mrs Margaret Maddison, Mrs Gladys Elliott, Mrs Norma

Riley and Mrs Jean Purvis are pictured manning the tea stand before the queues began, and

below is Mrs Maddison advertising the event, which she did for 4 hours, some of which in

the pouring rain! The branch made a total profit of 251.00 so despite

the rain, it was clearly a worthwhile effort. Well done Ladies!



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