The Magazine of the Royal British Legion in February/March 2015 Incorporating the Derbyshire LegionLetter Newsletter Vol. 5 Issue 4

LIVE ON To the Memory of the Fallen and the Future of the Living Registered Charity No. 219279

Dedication of Branch Standard

Left: the family of the late Mrs Brenda Baker,who’s wishes were that donations were made to the Ilkeston Branch which led to the purchase of the new standard.

See page 8

Right: showing Malcolm Jarvis carrying the new Standard in for the dedication.

His Worship the Mayor of the Borough of Erewash Cllr. Kewal Singh Athewell accompanied by his wife, his two escorts, Grace Broughton of the Sea Cadets and Rebecca Parr of 2195 Squadron Long Eaton Air Cadets and RBL Derbyshire County Chairman Mr. Bernard Page MBE.

The bottom two pictures show the dedication and the newly dedicated Standard being carried out. The Long Eaton Standard carried by Claire Smith is on the right hand side ofthe picture.

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Chairman’s Commentary I have been asked by the Editor to write a few lines as I take up my new Office, so here goes. Hello, my name is Phil and I’m your new County Chairman.

2015 has already seen great changes within the County, a new Chairman, Vice Chairman and Treasurer, new Officers and committee members. Many Branches are in the same position so “change” seems to be something worth writing about. The Legion has seen many changes over the last few years as it has progressed down the “Pathway to Growth” and has turned itself from a Membership organisation with a charitable element to a Charity with a Membership element. This refocusing has resulted in many changes some of which have not been well received by some members.

Removing the ability to provide welfare at branch level has caused a deal of unrest, I can understand this but the new Contact Centre is providing us with some first class statistics which confirm we are helping more people,

more quickly in a more efficient manner. This, along with the continuing roll out of the Pop In Centres greatly increases the visibility and availability of the Legion and the services it can provide across the nation. This can only be to the good.

Although the Branch Welfare role has diminished, the new roles of Branch Visitor and Branch Ambassador will give you all ample opportunity to foster strong associations with local schools, cadet forces, youth groups, care and nursing homes as well as other likeminded charities within your area thereby raising the profile of your

Branch within your community. As the needs of our beneficiary’s change we must change and adapt the support we give them. Embrace the

changes, grasp the opportunities those changes present and look to the future, not to the past. A couple of things in conclusion; I intend to host a couple of seminars for branch Chairmen and their Secretaries during the next twelve months to stimulate discussion and to give everyone an opportunity to exchange opinions

and ideas. It is likely one will be held in the north of the County and the other in the south. I will keep you posted.

Our County Training Officer works hard to provide you with the training you have requested. Please support her. If you sign up for a course, do the course. 2015 awaits, let’s have a great year.

Philip A Skawski Derbyshire RBL County Chairman

Editorial Welcome to this the last Derbyshire Legion edited by me, after four years I am standing down. My apologies for it being late due to the report on the County Conference.

John Cam the County Treasurer wants to hand over his role to someone else and I said if we could find a new editor for the magazine I would take on the role of County Treasurer, subject to County Committee approval.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and this magazine since September 2010 when I created the first Derbyshire Legion. It has been good to report all your activities since then, but feel it is time for someone else to take over and freshen it up.

Nigel Winn from Branch has volunteered to be the new editor, subject to County Committee approval.

It is your magazine please support him and it. John P. Irwin, Editor

th The next Derbyshire Legion will be published on the 25 March 2015 Please send your contributions to Nigel Winn [email protected] by the 15th March for inclusion. If it is received after this date it might not be included. Editor John P. Irwin Nigel’s mobile no. 07792843434

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County Conference 2015

The Derbyshire RBL County Conference was held on the 24th January at The Strutts Community Centre Belper.

After the entry of County Standards, the Act of Homage and Kohima Exhortation, the County Chaplain, the Rev Dr Jocelyn Lewis led conference in prayers.

Councillor John Walker, Mayor of , welcomed Delegates and visitors to the Strutts Community Centre and wished the conference well.

County President’s Address The County President Bill Else welcomed all to the conference including honoured guests Mr David Coleman QPM, DL, Councillor John Walker, Mr Bill Parkin (Board of Trustees), Mr Stuart Allen (Membership Council - East ), Mrs Angela Swift (County Chair Derbyshire County WS), Mrs Linda Flecknell (Area Manager). Sincere thanks were expressed to all for having made the journey and hope that everyone enjoys their time at conference. Reading reports of county activities makes good reading and it is felt that Derbyshire is on top of its workload. Welfare is still a top priority and branches have continued to donate generously while good work has been done by the branches and individual welfare workers. Tribute was paid to CPAC, Mrs Margaret Topley and all are asked to continue to support her in her endeavours in the coming year. Tribute was also paid to the recruiting teams under the recruiting team for their continued work in bringing more members to the Legion and to the County Training Officer and County Web Master for their vital contributions. He finished by saying that he is optimistic for the future for the Legion in Derbyshire.

County Chairman The County Chairman Bernard Page MBE took over the running of the conference at this point. After some housekeeping information instead of giving an address handed over to Board of Trustees Member Mr Bill Parkin who gave us the Corporate message. After which he urged the membership to continue to move forward in the coming year.

Treasurer’s Report Mr John Cam presented the County Annual Financial Report, there was on query from the floor which was soon cleared up. He then proposed they be accepted, the proposal was seconded by Nigel Winn from Belper Branch. It was carried unanimously. John then announced he was stepping down as County Treasurer, someone has volunteered to take over subject to County Committee approval at their next meeting.

The Election of County Chairman Secretary: The vote count in the Derbyshire County Chairman’s election took place in the presence of Mr Stuart Allen of the Membership Council, on Tuesday 9th December 2014. The candidates were: 1. Mr George Wharmby – Branch 2. Mr Phil Skawski – Branch 3. Mr Terry Whittaker – Branch

Mr Phil Skawski had the highest number of votes and therefore is elected County Chairman of Derbyshire County with effect from close of this County Conference for a period of three years.

In accordance with the Membership Handbook 2.1.1 para 3.14. If a vacancy arises for the office of County Chairman or Vice Chairman, the next highest placed candidate in the latest election is to fill the vacancy. Therefore the office of County Vice-Chairman goes to Mr Terry Whittaker who will assume the duties of County Vice Chairman with effect from the close of this conference for a period of two years.

The County Plan Although no specific Derbyshire County Plan has been prepared, it has been agreed that the Key Priorities in the Area plan are attainable at Branch level and which the County will support.

With the East Midlands Area now firmly established, it is hoped that the “Pop-In” Centre will be open in February 2015.

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Objectives as stated in the EM Executive Summary. • To energise Local Authorities to deliver on local community covenant commitments. • To inspire and support Branches to deliver the Legions’ Comradeship work. • To use the WW1 centenary to galvanise urban communities awareness of the Legion to recognise those communities’ ownership of their veteran community. • To deliver, measure and publicise our service promises.

An outline plan to achieve these objectives has been prepared and will be implemented over the coming weeks once the Legion volunteers and ambassadors are in place to support the plan.

Guest Speaker Mr Coleman thanked the Chairman for his invitation stating that as a Legion Member (Crich Branch) and someone whose father’s uncle, Cpl Luke Coleman, was killed in France during WW1, hoped to be permitted to make a few observations about Legion issues. Mr Coleman welcomed the re-introduction of the Ripley Branch now with 60 members. He then went on to describe the High Sheriff’s role and explained that it is the oldest secular office in England, introduced in Saxon times and he is the 950th person to hold the position which is the Queen’s representative within the county for Law and Order, welfare of judges, support of courts, the police, the legal system and to encourage the voluntary sector.

The highlight so far had been lunch with HM The Queen at Chatsworth but felt fortunate to be High Sheriff in 2014 for the 100th anniversary of WW1 and 70th of D-Day. It has, no doubt, been the Legion’s busiest year for a while – probably the first of four busy years! He noted that: Legion work and involvement has been in evidence all around the county. He paid particular tribute to Bernard Page who has worked tirelessly to ensure proper respects have been paid to the fallen saying he has been superbly helpful and informative on all occasions.

Mr Coleman talked of his family connections with the military in both world wars. He mentioned his attendance at commemorative events and homecoming parades from the most recent conflict. On the subject of Remembrance he mentioned the Remembrance Sunday parades and services held throughout the county as well as the county’s connection to the “Blood Swept Lands and Fields of Red” installation at the Tower of London. He expressed pleasure in seeing young people taking part – they do not now have a direct personal recollection of WW1 or WW2 veterans so observed that their parents must be encouraging them to pay their respects, which can only be a good thing. He speculated whether the young come at the issue from a different angle – perhaps not primarily remembering the fallen but, really now understanding the enormity of what took place and making the point that it should never happen again. The Legion’s approach might need to reflect this change in attitude and it is encouraging to hear Bill Parkin speak about some of the changes that are taking place.

Society is more complex than when the Legion was set up. Conflict is different and is taking forms where the enemy is difficult to identify. Recent events have shown that we can no longer assume that our own society shares common objectives and values; maintaining Legion membership in the future will be a challenge and perhaps requires a broader and more diverse appeal. Retaining membership is of course, a prerequisite for continuing the Legion’s wonderful work. Some of those recently wounded are very young indeed and will need a lifetime’s care and there will be others at some stage, so it is essential to recruit young people to carry on the Legion’s work. This means that despite the misgivings of some, the Legion simply has to get to grips with social media and modern technology, as that is where the young now live their lives, and if you can’t reach them in that space, you have little chance of engaging and recruiting them.

One thing is certain. We are unlikely to see peace around the world for some time to come, and there will still be casualties of war who require our care, respect and remembrance. I hope the Royal British Legion continues to be there for them as a force for good, and I wish you well in your future endeavours.

Venue for the 2016 County Conference The venue for the 2016 County Conference will be Glossop as it was the only nomination: delagates voted 17 to 1 for. However it still needs to be confirmed by the County Committee after looking at the practicalities of the venue

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County Trophies & Certificates It was announced that there was to be a change this year from branches with or without clubs to Large and Small branches. A large branch would consist of a membership of more than 100 members. The County President Bill Else made the following presentations:-

Membership Membership Increase Small Branch Winner: (23%) Runner-Up: Bamford (17%)

Angela Swift collected the award on behalf of Bakewell Branch.

Mr John Price collected the award on behalf of Bamford Branch

John was awarded a certificate to thank him for his work on the County Committee for the past 13 years.

Membership Increase Large Branch – no award this year as no increases made over last 3 year period.

Poppy Appeal Winner: Hayfield Branch Runner Up: & District Branch (for the Area)

Christine Selden County Community Fundraiser collected the awards for both branches as no representatives from the two branches were

present at conference.

County Standard Bearers Cup Winner: Mr Andy Boardman (Melbourne) Runner Up: Mr Malcolm Jarvis (Ilkeston)

My thanks to Chris Black East Midlands Membership Support Officer for supplying the Minutes to enable me to put this report together. Editor John P. Irwin

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Thanks and Close Mr Philip Skawski, the County Vice Chairman (and County Chairman elect), gave thanks to Belper Branch for hosting the Conference, the Conference Committee for their arrangements of the venue, and the staff for the provision of the Buffet following Conference. To Mr David Coleman QPM, DL for being the guest speaker; to Councillor John Walker and Mr Bill Parkin; finally to Mrs Page for doing the Raffle. He also gave thanks to the Standard Bearers for their smartness, and all Delegates and Visitors who had attended the Conference.

Following the County Vice-Chairman’s closing address Mr Bernard Page MBE, as out-going County Chairman asked the conference to indulge him so that he could make a parting statement. He handed over the Chairman’s jewel to Mr Skawski, congratulating him on his election to office. He then said his farewells and paid a special tribute to the tireless support given to him by his wife, Anne, during his tenure. He wished the county well and continued success.

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN’S SECTION DERBYSHIRE COUNTY Annual Conference 2014

Fifty-seven members from the Branches of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section of Derbyshire gathered at the Royal British Legion Club, Mickleover on Saturday 22nd November for their annual Conference.

Conference opened with the entry of the Standards. Mrs A. Swift, the County Chairman then welcomed everyone to this her fifth Conference as County Chairman and asked everyone to stand for the Exhortation and while standing in silence remember those members who had passed away since Conference 2013 especially our County President Mrs Mary Middleton MBE who had passed away at the end of March, and those young men and women of our armed forces facing danger every day. Rev. Peter Walley Vicar of All Saints and St. John’s, Mickleover led Conference in prayers and Cllr John Keith welcomed everyone to Mickleover the ward which he represents and hoped that all would have a superb afternoon. Mrs Aileen Else wife of the County RBL President and the WS County Vice President then judged the Dorothy Underwood Cup for Crafts which had been designated by Mickleover Branch of whom Dorothy was Chairman for many years, for knitted garments suitable for premature babies. They were proud to announce that the winner came from the County Chairman’s Branch Bakewell, Mrs Eunice Jackson. All items would be donated to the Premature Baby Unit of the Hospital after Conference.

Awards Cllr Keith presented the following awards:- The Middleton Rose Bowl for increased membership without a RBL Club – Bakewell; The Devonshire Cup Large Branch for efficiency and progress - Bakewell and runner up Mickleover; The Devonshire Cup for progress and efficiency Small Branch up to 25 members Winner Ilkeston and runner up Chesterfield; The Sheila Pratt Trophy for the over 60’s Mrs Anne Hartley of Chesterfield and runner up Mrs Margaret Orme of Mickleover Branch. The County Chairman’s Cup was awarded to Mrs P. Rayner of Allenton Branch with the runner ups being Mrs P. Godfrey and the loyal ladies of Branch who had rallied together and kept the Branch open after the tragic loss of Mrs Middleton. The President’s Cup was awarded in memory of Mrs Middleton to Mrs Lynne Pheasey of Bakewell Branch and the runner up Eileen Smith of Littleover both Branch Standard Bearers. The Per Capita Cups presented were as follows: The Rosemary Dowding Cup for a large Branch over 50 members - Melbourne and runners up Belper and Bakewell and the Dover Cup small Branch up to 25 members – Spondon and the runners up Allestree and Chesterfield.. The following ladies were presented with County Certificates of Appreciation for outstanding work on behalf of the Women’s Section:- Marion Brown of Ilkeston, Anne Hartley of Chesterfield, Peggy Tomlinson of Belper Branch and Diane Edwards of Bakewell Branch. The second highest honour that can be bestowed on a member by the WS, the Merit Award was presented to two Littleover ladies Lyne Carter and Aileen Smith. “It was absolutely wonderful to present these awards and trophies to such worthy Branches and members and it was a great honour to be asked remarked Cllr. Keith.

Raffle The raffle organised by Mrs J. Herlihy saw members from the following branches take home prizes:- Melbourne, Mickleover, Ilkeston and Mr. B. Page the RBL County Chairman

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Thank you Mrs Gillian Frawley, the County Vice Chairman, thanked the Officers and Committee of Derbyshire County for all their hard work over the past year. She thanked the County Chairman for her excellent conduct of the Conference. She also thanked the members saying “You attend functions in all weathers, rise to the occasion when necessary and your fundraising efforts this year in spite of the change in the date of the financial year are outstanding”. She thanked Cllr Keith and Rev. Peter Walley saying: “We hope that you have enjoyed Conference and thank you for giving up your time to be with us here today” Entertainment was provided by Luca Gallone an 18 year old magician. For such a young man starting out on his chosen career he was excellent..

Officers elected Officers elected were as follows:- Vice Presidents Mrs J.J. Allsopp, Mrs J.D. and Mrs G.R. Frawley; Chairman/Secretary Mrs A. Swift; Vice Chairman Mrs G.R. Frawley; County Committee Mrs P. Godfrey, Mrs M. Orme, Mrs B. Hurst, Mrs J. Herlihy, Mrs D. Stanton, Mrs M. Cam, Mrs B. Watson and Mrs J. Mortimer.

Buffet, WS County Standard Bearer and Closing of Conference A wonderful buffet provided by members of the County Committee was served by the ladies of Mickleover Branch and the County Chairman thanked them for their outstanding efforts on this occasion.

Before closing Conference the County Chairman presented the new County Standard Bearer Julie Boardman of Melbourne with the County Standard Bearers’ Cup saying how very proud she was that at long last the WS has a County Standard Bearer and wished Julie luck in the Regional Competition in February of 2015. The runner up Louise Arnold of Mickleover was presented with the G. Stone Cup. She now is the Deputy County Standard Bearer.

Judith Twigg President of Bakewell Branch collecting the County Chairman's Cup on behalf of Lynne Pheasey who was ill.

Eunice Jackson of Bakewell Branch receiving the Dorothy Underwood

Cup for Crafts Lynne Carter of Littleover being

presented with the Merit Award by

Cllr. Keith

Text and pictures supplied by Jan Buxton of Chesterfield Branch Angela Swift receiving the County Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Anne Hartley WS County Chairman. who was poorly.

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Ilkeston Branch Standard Dedication

The dedication of the new standard for the RBL Ilkeston Branch took place on 12th October at 10.30 am in the United Reformed Church Ilkeston.

The new Standard was purchased with kind donations from the funeral of, and is in memory of, Mrs Brenda Baker, as was her wish. Brenda was a stalwart Poppy Appeal collector and the daughter of Mr. Wilf Huckle (RBL member deceased) who was himself a Standard Bearer.

The service was conducted by the Reverend Clifford Winfield, Minister to the church and Ilkeston Branch Chaplain and was assisted by the Reverend Bill Enoch (retired), the former Ilkeston Branch Chaplain, who gave the Address and the Blessing. It was attended by approximately 80 people including the family of Mrs Brenda Baker, members of the church congregation, RBL members, RBL Womens Section members and Standards from RBL Long Eaton and Repton Branches and from the Derbyshire Submariners.

His Worship the Mayor of the Borough of Erewash Cllr. Kewal Singh Athwell and his wife. accompanied by his escorts Grace Broughton of the Long Eaton Sea Cadets and Rebecca Parr of 2195 Squadron Long Eaton Air Cadets were also in attendance along with Derbyshire RBL County Chairman Mr. Bernard Page MBE. Natasha Ferrari of RBL Riders Branch kindly attended to play the Last Post and Reveille.

The Royal British Legion Ilkeston Branch would like to extend a heart felt thank you to all those who attended this dedication and especially to the wishes of Mrs Brenda Baker without which this would not have been possible.

This article and the photos on page one supplied by Mr. R. Cox - Branch Treasurer

Derbyshire LegionLetter

200 Club Draw November 200 Club Draw December st st 1 No. 9 not advised £15 1 No. 94 Mrs R J Jackson £100 2nd No. 21 not advised £10 2nd No. 69 Swadlincote Branch £50 3rd No. 62 not advised £5 3rd No. 58 Ilkeston Branch £25

£ 5 £ 5

200 Club Draw January 200 Club Draw February st st 1 No. 103 Lisa Alden £15 1 No. 5 Mr Dennis White £15 2nd No. 54 Joan Wilson £10 2nd No. 131 Mr Arthur Hibbert £10 3rd No. 151 Malcolm Jarvis £5 3rd No. 7 Mrs Carol Smith £5 £ 5 £ 5

RBL Training

If you require any RBL training please contact: The County Training Officer Mrs. Yvonne Robinson Tel: 07870 853365

Email: [email protected]

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WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Branches have announced with sadness the following Members have passed away since the last Derbyshire LegionLetter. From November 2014 to 21st February 2015

Mickleover Branch only reported their Members who have passed away to Chris Black the Membership Support Officer – East Midlands for 2014 on the 22/01/2015. Their Members passed away on different dates during 2014.

Alfreton and District RBL Ilkeston RBL Mr B Cooper 16/12/2014 Mr K Foster 26/01/2015

Allenton RBL Littleover RBL Mr A Stevenson 25/11/2014 Mr T Schoonderwoerd 16/12/2014 Mr E Lockley 09/01/2015 Mr MR Wood 26/01/2015 Mickleover RBL Mr CL Hargreaves 22/01/2015 & Dist RBL Mr D Hargreaves 22/01/2015 Mr JR Barker 09/01/2015 Mr BJ Hawley 22/01/2015 Mr D Wright 22/01/2015 Chellaston RBL Mr S Yeomans 22/01/2015 Mrs B Smallwood 05/01/2015 Mr R Taylor 22/01/2015 Mr AB Stone 22/01/2015 Chesterfield RBL Mr KA Watkinson 22/01/2015 Mr LA Balding 19/01/2015 Mr RW Green 22/01/2015 Mr JM Alsop 19/01/2015 Mr PC James 22/01/2015 Mr P Waring 22/01/2015 Cromford RBL Mrs BL Doxey 28/01/2015 Oakwood RBL Mr FW Batchelor 20/01/2015 Glossop RBL Mr D Burgess 20/11/2014 Parwich RBL Mr PD Swallow 29/01/2015 Mrs B McCormick 21/11/2014 Mr BA McCormick 27/11/2014 Hathersage RBL Mr R Greenwood 29/01/2015

Derbyshire County RBL Women’s Section

County Conference and Purse Presentation 3rd October at Allestree Royal British Legion Club, 39 Cornhill. Coffee served from 11.30 am followed by lunch and Conference.

The following event is a joint occasion 5th June at Littleover Social Club, 61 Blagreaves Lane, Littleover. Joint RBL and WS Social Evening to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of VE Day. Entertainment by the new County Chairman Philip Swarski. 7.30 pm. Raffle.

Philip is designing some flyers and as soon as they are available I will let you have a copy so that it can go out with the next Legionletter.

Angela Swift WS County Chairman.

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Based in Derby Derbyshire RBL Contact List Same Contact Number 0808 802 8080

RBL Contact Centre Number East Midlands Area Manager 0808 802 8080 Linda Flecknell Email: [email protected] All County Officers are Contactable through the Above Number. East Midlands Area Administrator Theresa Smith County Office Address: [email protected] To be advised in next edition.

Advice & Information Team Leader County Chairman Digby Bown Mr Phillip A Skawski [email protected] Email: [email protected] Advice & Information Officer Membership Support Officer – Darren Maltby East Midlands [email protected] Mr Chris Black Email: [email protected] Derbyshire Case Officer Responsible for Welfare work in Derbyshire County Community Fundraiser Jayne Hughes Mrs. Christine Selden [email protected] Mobile: 07973 750816 Email: [email protected] All Welfare Cases must go through the Contact

County Training Officer Centre: 0808 802 8080 Mrs. Yvonne Robinson Tel: 07870 853365 Email: [email protected]

County Website Webmaster Mr. Chris Drury Tel: 01332 556385 Email: [email protected]

County Website www.britishlegion-derbyshire.org.uk

The Derbyshire Legion is edited by Mr Nigel Winn Mobile: 07792843434 All contributions should be sent via email to [email protected] or post to 8 Meadow View, Belper Derbyshire DE56 1WT

Registered Charity no. 219279

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