The Magazine of the Royal British Legion in February/March 2014 Incorporating the Derbyshire LegionLetter Newsletter Registered Charity No. 219279 Shoulder to shoulder with all who serve Vol. 4 Issue 3

County Conference Edition

County Chaplin Rev Dr Jocelyn Lewis, Jessica Lee MP, County Vice-Chairman Philip Skawski and John Cam County Treasurer

th The Derbyshire RBL County Conference 2014 was held at Wirkworth Townhall on 8 February attended by 1Guest Speaker, 17 Delegates, 23 Visitors, 22 Officers/County Committee, 1 Women’s Section, 3 Standard Bearers and 2 Conference Committee making 69 people.

The Standards were paraded on and the Act of Homage and Kohima Exhortation were pronounced. County Chaplin Rev Dr Jocelyn Lewis led the conference in prayers.

After the welcome by Mr T. Hall Chairman of Wirkworth Branch, the County President Bill Else gave his address in which he mentioned the work by Legion Members in the County and thanked them for their hard work for Welfare and the Poppy Appeal.

In place of the Chairman’s Address, Bill Parkin member of the Board of Trustees gave us the Corporate Message which included Property trusts and why at the moment they are frozen while a survey is carried out. He also gave us an update of the way Welfare is being delivered following “Pathway for Growth”

Jessica Lee MP told conference the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Defence Anna Soubry who is also MP for Broxstowe has particularly welcomed the new Ambassador role in the Legion and has promised to work with the Legion in promoting WWI commemorations as well as our welfare work.

County Conference 2015 will be held at

Chairman’s Commentary Continued on page 6.

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Chairman’s Commentary

Although I didn’t give a formal Chairman’s Report to Conference at Wirksworth I made reference to a major event that is taking place at 2pm on 2nd November in the Assembly Rooms. I said that if Branches are holding WW1 Commemorative Events and wish to have County representation then; “If you ask, we, the County, will be there.” I followed those words with, “I hope that when I ask you will be there.” It is important that Derbyshire Royal British Legion is seen to be in the forefront of all Commemorative events that are taking place during the next four years. I will try and make sure that all Branches are aware of County events in order that they can be represented and that their Standard is “On Parade” if requested.

To say that I was disappointed by the number of Branches attending Conference is putting it mildly - The

attendance by 17 out of our 50 Branches means to me that two thirds of Derbyshire members are disenfranchised by this non representation. Noting what I say above, I hope that this is not a sign of support

to County events during the coming months and years. Delegates and visitors at Wirksworth heard from Bill Parkin, who is a member of the Board of Trustees,

giving the Corporate Message which updated the audience on where we are and where we are going from a Head Office point of view. This was enhanced by the new Area Manager when answering questions from

the floor about Derbyshire Welfare and how this is developing as we go forward with the new method of working.

I anticipate that the Area Office, which will include the County Office will be moving to new premises more in the centre of Derby later this year. I will advise when the location and timescale becomes firm.

Derbyshire RBL County Chairman Bernard Page MBE

Editorial This Edition of the Derbyshire Legion is late because we wanted to cover the County Conference which is usually held in January but this year was not held until this month.

After the great response for items to go in the last edition I have not had much for this one, but it is the quite end of the year.

As this year is full of anniversaries for both world wars, Branches must be planning to hold events to commemorate them. Please take photos and send them to me with a few words to explain what you have been up to. I cannot produce a magazine without your support.

I record Long Eaton Branch activities in words and pictures all through the year so we have a record for future generations to see what we did as a Branch. I am trying to do the same for Derbyshire County RBL.

I have created a supplement to go with this edition with some important information in it please circulate it around your branch members.

John P. Irwin, Editor

The next Derbyshire Legion will be published on the 25th March 2014 Please send your contributions to me by the 15th March for inclusion. If it is received after this date I might not be able to get it in. Editor John P. Irwin

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Derbyshire LegionLetter

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Branches have announced with sadness the following Members have passed away since the last Derbyshire LegionLetter. From 1st December 2013 to 12th February 2014

Mr D Davies Alfreton & District Mr G Powell Allenton Mr D S Wye Darley Abbey Mr K Thirkill Allenton Mr L Barnett Glossop Mr R K Horton Allestree Mr Eric Monk Hadfield Mr R W Mercer Bakewell Mr R Millhouse Horsley Woodhouse Mrs C P Wilson Belper Mr F White Horsley Woodhouse Mrs S Bainbridge Belper Mr T G Beamont Oakwood Mr R J Hartle Chapel-en-le-Frith Mr Tommy Pearce Spondon Mr G Bradley Chesterfield Mr Ray Land Spondon Mr H Jones Chesterfield Mr G H Hill Stavely Mr D J F Read Cresswell Mr N H Mountney Wirksworth Mr R Whitehead Cresswell Mr D Buxton Whitwell

Wirksworth Standard Bearers School For Standard Bearers training sessions please contact Dilys Elliker on 01629 826617 or Email: [email protected] please do not give out Dily’s number to anyone outside the Legion.

MS1s - Branch Information Form There are still eleven branches who have not yet submitted their MS1 the dateline was 31st December. Please send this in to the county secretary as a matter of priority. Thank you.

200 Club Draw December 200 Club Draw January 1st No. 31 Whitwell Branch £100 1st No. 62 Knowle Club 5 £15 2nd No. 91 Mr T Whittaker £50 2nd No. 152 Mr Bill Parkin £10 3rd No. 100 John Price £25 3rd No. 42 Wirkworth Branch £5 £ 5 £ 5

Derbyshire LegionLetter

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Derbyshire RBL Women’s Section Annual Conference

Seventy members from the Branches of the Derbyshire Royal British Legion Women’s Section recently gathered at the Wallis Barracks, Boythorpe Road, Chesterfield for their Annual Conference on 23rd November, a new venue for the event. Conference opened with the entry of the Standards from the Branches of Bakewell, Belper, Ilkeston, Mickleover and Littleover carried by Mrs Lynne Pheasey, Mrs Valerie Halls, Mrs Karen McDermott Miss Louise Arnold and Mrs Eileen Smith who came out of retirement especially as she felt so terrible that the Branch had no Standard Bearer. Mrs M. Middleton MBE, the County President then welcomed everyone to Conference and asked all to stand for the Act of Homage and whilst standing in silence remember those members who had passed away since Conference 2012 especially The County’s Vice-President Mrs I. Rush who had passed away at the beginning of the year.

Rev. Jocelyn Lewis of Whittington led Conference in prayers and Cllr Paul Stone, the Mayor of Chesterfield welcomed everyone to the town well known for its crooked spire. He hoped that people would come and visit again. Rev. Lewis (pictured left modelling the mask mentioned below) judged the Dorothy Underwood Cup for Crafts donated by Mickleover Branch in memory of Mrs Dorothy Underwood their past Chairman and County Chairman. The winning entry of a Masquerade Ball Mask was appropriately the Chairman of Mickleover Mrs Margaret Orme and the runner up Judith Twigg, the President of Bakewell Branch.

The raffle was won by the following lucky ladies: Rev. Jocelyn Lewis and Mrs P. Lunn of Bakewell among many others. Cllr. Stone and the Mayoress Barbara Wallace took it in turns to present the following awards: The Middleton Rose Bowl for increased membership without an RBL Club – winner Bakewell; The Devonshire Cup Large Branch for efficiency and progress – winner Littleover and runner up Bakewell; The Devonshire Cup small Branch for progress and efficiency – winner Chesterfield and the runner up Allestree; The Barbara Knight Cup for increased membership with an RBL Club winner Chesterfield; The Sheila Pratt Trophy for the over 60’s for outstanding work by a member Mrs Dotty Wickes of Littleover Branch and the runner up June Bott of Allestree Branch. The County Presidents Trophy for continued progress went to Belper Branch. The inaugural presentation of the County Chairman’s Cup for outstanding service to Derbyshire County went to Mrs Mary Hollis of Youlgrave who has been Standard Bearer of the Branch for many years then Chairman and now President. The Per Capita trophies presented were as follows: The Myra Heathcote Tray for a large Branch with membership of 40+ members winner Belper with a per capita figure of £20.00, Melbourne being runners up and in third place Bakewell. The Dover Cup for a small Branch with a membership of 40 and below the winner was Spondon with 4 members and a per capita figure of £118.75, Ilkeston were runners up and in third place Glossop.

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The picture shows Mrs Jan Buxton receiving the award made to Mrs Mary Hollis of Youlgrave who unfortunately could not Mrs Jane Mortimer from Ilkeston Branch collecting the Dover attend conference due to ill health. Cup Runner up award

Mrs J. Herlihy of Littleover Branch; (pictured left receiving her award) Mrs J. Bott of Allestree; Mrs A. Eaton of Mickleover and Mrs M. Bennett of Allestree all received County Certificates of Appreciation for outstanding work on behalf of the Women’s Section. “It was absolutely superb to be asked to present these trophies and certificates to such worthy Branches and members” remarked Cllr Paul Stone and Barbara Wallace.

Mrs M. Middleton MBE, Chairman of Conference Committee and President of the County thanked the Officers and Committee of Derbyshire County for their hard work over the past year. She thanked the County Chairman, Mrs Angela Swift for her excellent running of this her 4th Conference as Chairman remarking that she was an extremely hard working Chairman and always there for us and also thanked the County Treasurer, Mrs Jan Buxton for her continued efforts to hold the County’s purse strings so very tightly as if they were her own. She also praised the cadets here today, without them this event could not have been as successful as it was. . Officers elected were: President Mrs M. Middleton MBE; Vice-Presidents: Mrs J.J. Allsopp of Bakewell, Mrs J. Buxton of Youlgrave and Chesterfield and Mrs G. Frawley of Littleover; Chairman/Secretary Mrs A. Swift; Treasurer Mrs J. Buxton; Vice Chairman Mrs G. Frawley; County Committee Mrs P. Godfrey, Mrs J. Herlihy; Mrs M. Cam, Mrs B, Hurst, Mrs M. Middleton MBE, Mrs B. Watson, Mrs Janet Wheatley, Mrs Jane Mortimer and Mrs M. Orme. A wonderful buffet provided by the members of the County Committee and Chesterfield Branch was enjoyed by all and served by the ladies of Chesterfield Branch, ably assisted by the Cadets.

One for your Diary Group Get together 7th July at Allestree Royal British Legion Club 7.30 pm. Entertainment by the Allestree Singers. Buffet.

Angela Swift Derbyshire WS County Secretary. Email: [email protected]

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County Conference continued. The Guest speaker was Jessica Lee Member of Parliament for Erewash gave us an interesting address that was not political. She told conference that she was very happy to be invited and thanked the Derbyshire County RBL membership for all its volunteering work and support for the Armed Forces Community past and present and their families. Jessica is aware of the work carried out by the Legion all the year round, not just at Poppy Appeal time. She told us of the Parlimentary Armed Forces Scheme where MP’s can find out what its like to serve in the Armed Forces. Doing her scheme with the Royal Air Force she considered it to be extremely well organised and informative. It has given her a well-rounded experience of service life even making a trip to Afghanistan to visit Armed Forces personnel at Camp Bastion. Stressing the importance of the role of HM Forces and consequently the importance of our veterans. Ms Lee enjoys the company of both Long Eaton and Ilkeston Branches. She then reiterated her thanks to Legion members for their dedication and for giving her the opportunity to address conference.

County Awards Presented by County President Bill Else

Membership Increase Small Branch Special Award Winner Bamford Branch (40%) Runner -Up Bakewell (23%) In Recognition of the 2013 Lizzie Ball Received by Angela Swift Concert which raised £3936 for the Poppy Appeal Received by Mr M Shuttleworth

Membership Increase Large Branch Winner Hartington Branch (23.2%) (Not Present)

Runner-Up Melborne Branch (21.2%) County Standard Bearers Cup Received by Mr. K. Iliffe Winner Mr Samuel Clarke (Whitwell) Runner-up Mr Malcolm Jarvis (Ilkeston)

Poppy Appeal Winner Mr & Mrs West First time PAO not supported by a branch (90% Increase)

Runner-up Pawich (79% increase)

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Royal British Legion Hayfield Branch doubles this year’s Poppy Appeal We would like to let you know that the Hayfield Branch of the Royal British Legion raised an amazing £3564.40 for this year’s poppy appeal. This has exceeded all the previous year’s and doubling last year’s collection of £1705.00. A lot of this has been down to the fundraising by the committee and the generosity of Hayfield residents, the local shops and pubs. A special thanks goes to Dawn Blakemore who has been baking hundreds of poppy themed cup cakes and has been selling them at various events throughout the year.

Fifty Years Flying the Flag for Hayfield We have also marked a special milestone in the clubs history by presenting a special certificate of appreciation to Mr Neil Deaville. Neil Deaville has been an official Standard Bearer for the Hayfield Branch for fifty years. A social afternoon was held on 17th November at the Royal Hotel. Stockport Silver Band provided a short concert followed by afternoon tea. Mr Bernard Page MBE (Derbyshire County Chairman) presented the certificate to Neil and a special cake was made with a personalised bottle of Neil’s favourite tipple. Ali B a local entertainer finished the afternoon off with some great songs, especially Neil’s favourites from the ‘Rat Pack’ collection. The afternoon also raised £227.00 which went towards the Poppy Appeal. Right is a picture of the presentation, Neil Deaville on the left and Bernard Page MBE on the right. David Ash (Branch Secretary)

Over the weekend of Saturday, 30th November and The Riders Branch at Bakewell Sunday, 1st December, the Royal British Legion Riders Branch took part in the Bakewell Christmas fair with some 15 or more members, and guests, turning out on their motorcycles. The weekend started with the riders forming up on the agricultural centre to ride in in parade formation to take up position on the town centre car park on Market Street. The day was spent talking to the public about who the Legion are and what our part in the RBL is. As a large proportion of the visitors had no idea that the Royal British Legion had a Riders Branch who attended functions such as this on motorcycles, our day was kept busy. In the evening we then took up position on our motorcycles around the roundabout in the town centre in readiness for the ceremony of "the switching on of the town's Christmas tree lights". Slightly before the top of the hour of 5 pm the countdown began and on the cry of "now", the Christmas tree lights were switched on to a crescendo of motorcycle horns and flashing headlights; much to the absolute delight of the many hundreds; if

not thousands; of people who were gathered there. On Sunday we once again took up position on town centre car park to continue spreading the word about the Royal British Legion to the thousands of visitors who were there. Many of whom posing for photographs sat on a motorcycle; including a delightful lady who told us that she was 82 years young.

Throughout the entire weekend a collection bucket was

available for visitors to drop donations into in support of

the Poppy Appeal. This collection realised £517.87. Ray Risk

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

RBL Contact Centre Number 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] Saxon House, Heritage Gate Derby, DE1 1NL Advice & Information Team Leader Digby Bown County Chairman [email protected] Mr Bernard W Page MBE

Email: [email protected] Advice & Information Officer

Darren Maltby County Secretary [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 Long Eaton Branch Present Pal’s Award Mr John P. Irwin th On the 19 January 2014 Long Eaton Branch Mobile: 07501115814 Members were invited to the Open Day at the new All contributions should be sent Joint Cadet Headquarters off Station Rd Long via email to [email protected] Eaton. Our hosts were the Long Eaton deatachment or post to of the Army Cadets. We have been affiliated to the 82 Bridge St. Long Eaton unit since February 2007. Every year we present to Derbyshire, NG10 4QQ the Cadet that has gone above and beyond to help their fellow Cadets through the year chosen by the Registered Charity no. 219279 Cadets themselves. This year the award went to Sgt J. Oscroft pictured centre, left is Paul Jarvis Branch Chairman and right Peter Bacon President.

John P. Irwin Editor.

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