THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION ESSEX COUNTY NEWSLETTER MARCH ‘Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. APRIL Working together is success.’ 2015 (Henry Ford) COUNTY NOTICES & EVENTS
ELECTED TO THE MEMBERSHIP COUNTY WELFARE FUND GROUP & BRANCH DONATIONS COUNCIL We are pleased to announce that the County President, Major 1 JULY 2014 TO 30 JUNE 2015 David Swann TD was successful in the recent elections to the Membership Council. He will take up his position following the HORNCHURCH BRANCH £ 1000 CHELMSFORD BRANCH £ 1000 National Conference on 18 May 2015. SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS BRANCH £ 360 CLACTON ON SEA BRANCH £ 50 David joined the Royal British Legion, Danbury Branch, in 1979, TAKELEY BRANCH £ 500 GREAT DUNMOW BRANCH £ 860 later transferring to the Great Baddow Branch in 2000. He has WICKFORD BRANCH £ 1500 served on the Branch Committee (2002) and as Branch HOCKLEY BRANCH £ 250 Treasurer (2006). He was elected County Vice-Chairman in 2007 WEELEY & Lt CLACTON BRANCH £ 50 BRENTWOOD BRANCH £ 250 and County Chairman in 2010, at the conclusion of his term of ROWHEDGE BRANCH £ 2000 office he was awarded Life Membership of the Legion. He was DANBURY BRANCH £25000 appointed County President in 2014. He has served as Branch GREAT WALTHAM BRANCH £ 250 BRENTWOOD BRANCH £ 50 and County Delegate at BROOMFIELD BRANCH £ 500 the Annual Conference GREAT BADDOW BRANCH £ 115 since 2004. WIVENHOE BRANCH £ 3730 WICKHAM BISHOPS BRANCH £ 38 TAKELEY BRANCH £ 500 He served in the Regular CLAVERING BRANCH £ 1750 Army (Royal Signals) KELVEDON BRANCH £ 1200 HEDINGHAMS BRANCH £ 1000 1960/75 (SSgt) and the TA (Essex Yeomanry) 1975/02 (Major). During this period he was also a Police Officer in the Essex TOTAL RECEIVED FROM BRANCHES THIS Police (1975-91) FINANCIAL YEAR TO DATE: £41953 Following his official appointment Major Swann TOTAL RECEIVED FROM OTHER SOURCES may be contacted by THIS FINANCIAL YEAR TO DATE: telephone at 01245 222760 or by Email at £14035 [email protected] on matters concerning his new appointment COMBINED TOTAL TO DATE: £55988 Because election to the Membership Council requires that a successful candidate resigns all his official commitments at County and Branch level, the County Committee Board of COUNTY WELFARE EXPENDITURE Management, on 31 March 2015, appointed Brigadier Malcolm £43463 Ratcliffe DL to be the County President until the current span of office expires in January 2017. Brigadier Ratcliffe has accepted the appointment.
BRANCH FUND INITIATIVE 1.9851% PAGE 1 ESSEX COUNTY OFFICE
CHANGE TO MEMBERSHIP EVENT FUNDING APPLICATION PROCESSES
Due to the upgrade of the database system, we will cease to accept MS4 new joiner forms from 27th March Branches can apply for funding for their 2015. On Line Joining will also cease from this date. Any local events. Any activities/events applications received after this date unfortunately cannot be processed and the application process will need to be designed to inform the wider public of the started again using the new membership application Legion, help the public gain a greater (further details below). Current MS4 application forms will understanding of the work that the Charity no longer be issued by Aylesford and the Contact Centre with immediate effect. carries out, raise awareness of the importance of Remembrance, recruit new A PDF version of the new membership application form Legion members, raise funds, attract will be available from early April. The printed version can be ordered from Aylesford and should be available by volunteers and provide potential early May. Please be aware that any new applications beneficiaries with contact information, using these forms cannot be processed until the new might get a grant. The deadline to submit database is fully operational which will be approximately the third week of May, the exact date is still to be their applications to Counties/Districts is confirmed. 24 April.
COLLECTION OF INFORMATION VOLUNTEERS AFFILIATION FEES/BRANCH We Need You! STATEMENTS If you have good customer service, are confident using a To simplify the transfer of data into the new system and computer and willing to help regularly, we would love to to not ask the branches for a payment twice, membership hear from you. services have decided to produce one final invoice for each branch in May, rather than sending a statement As an Information Volunteer you will work closely with our requesting payment in February and another one in Advice & Information Officers to deliver a high quality May. After the collection in the first week of May we will service at a wide variety of locations across Essex send a statement to each branch, covering period 8th of including our new Pop-In Centre in Colchester. Feb 2014 to 30th of Mar 2015. This will be a final If you are interested in volunteering in your area please statement. inbox us or email [email protected] for an application form and further details VE DAY 70th COMMEMERATIVE EVENTS FACEBOOK
Branches are encouraged to organise an event or We have launched an Essex Royal British Legion ceremony over the weekend at your local community Facebook page. Please search for us and like the page centre, Legion club or local school, to tie in with the to receive updates on membership and fundraising National Celebrations. Please let us know about your across Essex. This is in addition to all current ways of event by contacting us: [email protected]. communication and does not replace it.
PAGE 2 COMMONWEALTH DAY AT BRAINTREE DEBDEN PRIMARY SCHOOL AWARDED NATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF https://sites.google.com/site/braintreegreatwarmemorial/ APPRECIATION On Monday 9th March 2015 the Commonwealth Flag was Debden (C of E) Primary School has just been awarded a raised at Braintree Town Hall to mark Commonwealth Royal British Legion National Certificate of Appreciation for Day. The Commonwealth Flag was raised by all local its hard work and success in supporting the Annual RBL authorities in the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man at Poppy Appeal. The Certificate was presented to the School 10.00am exactly to ensure that all flags were raised at Morning Assembly by Mr Stewart Luck, the Branch Poppy together at the same time that morning. Appeal Organiser. This was tied in with a single commemorative act to mark the anniversary of World War 1 and every Mayor or Chairman in the country was invited to participate at the same time with the aim of making one nation-wide event which will be repeated annually until 2018.
Councillor Sue Wilson, Chairman of the Council, read the Commonwealth Affirmation, the Single Commemorative Act announcement and candles were lit as part of this ceremony. Gordon Roach carried the Royal British Legion Braintree Branch standard and students from Tabor Academy were in attendance with their standard and took part in the ceremony.
Debden Primary School supports the Poppy Appeal every year and collects donations from the staff, pupils and parents. Last November Debden raised a record £1,516.17, an increase in the Collection for the fourth year running.
Announcing the Award, Branch President, Mike Barton praised the Head Teacher, Mrs Julie Gibbons, her Staff and the Pupils for their dedication and told them that their efforts had achieved a significant impact and had made a Members of various local branches of the Royal British tremendous contribution to the amount collected. Legion were in attendance along with other local dignitaries. A book remembering the fallen of the Great War was on show and attendees were asked to sign the Book of Peace. The memorial book contains much interesting information about Braintree’s men who gave their lives and can be seen on-line. (See above)
THE NEWSLETTER Is edited by the County Treasurer He may be contacted on any matter concerning the newsletter including suggestions for improvement, layout, or what have you! You may send contributions for inclusion in the newsletter direct to the Email address shown below. It would be helpful if all contributions are sent using Ariel 9 point font. [email protected]
PAGE 3 CONTINUED SIR DAVID AMESS MP VISITS LEIGH ON SEA BRANCH
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER At a recent meeting of the Leigh on Sea Branch of the Royal British Legion, which was attended by Sir David Amess MP, DEBDEN BRANCH RBL Cadets from C Company of the Army Cadet Force based in AWARDED 50th ANNIVERSARY Leigh on Sea, led by the Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Instructor Russell Mott gave a presentation PENNANT covering certain aspects of their history and responsibilities. Debden Branch RBL was formed on 6th May 1933 but for some reason the Branch closed temporarily for 6 months on 4th October 1957, reforming and resuming operation on 12th June 1958, since when the Branch has been in continuous service.
This short break meant that Debden Branch was unable to claim 50 years continuous service until 12th June 2008. For some reason the Branch failed to register this achievement and it was only recently that the Branch approached Head Office to register the fact officially, albeit some 7 The picture shows Sir David with the Cadets. year’s late. Sir David later provided the following quote: Debden’s 50th Anniversary has now been officially recorded and to “I am so impressed with the work of the Army mark this achievement the Branch has been awarded a 50th Anniversary Streamer Pennant which can be attached to the Branch Cadets. I congratulate them on their many Standard and flown in public. achievements; they are a credit to their schools and their country. So I send my very best wishes This Anniversary Pennant indicates the year of the reformation of and encouragement for them to keep up their th the Branch and the year of its 50 Anniversary in gold on a royal wonderful work.” blue background (in Debden’s case “1958 – 2008”).
FROM THE COUNTY CHAIRMAN It was very apparent that there was an ‘upbeat’ atmosphere during the County Committee meeting last Saturday and I am sure this was related in no small way to my being able to report successes not only within the County but in the Royal British Legion a whole.
The identification of Loneliness as being an increasing need of our beneficiaries has been addressed and has resulted in the greater emphasis of Volunteer Supporters from the Membership at Branch level.
Following hard and intricate work by all concerned with regard to Branch Property Trusts, we are now legally compliant and Essex County continues to thrive as one of the major Royal British Legion formations.
All present at our meetings will have noticed signs of building work going on at our New London Road premises which, when completed, will provide enhanced facilities for the Chelmsford Branch and an Essex County Office facility on the site.
As part of Essex and East Anglia Area within the Midlands Region, we now have a new area office in Colchester with first class high street Pop-In facilities for our beneficiaries and other enquirers regarding membership etc.
The National Chairman has called for a greater liaison between branches and clubs and already Great Wakering RBL Club has taken an initiative in organising periodic meetings between clubs with guest speakers and invitation to the County Chairman to update members on all matters affecting all RBL members. All clubs in Essex have been asked to provide a contact name and email address to the MSO’s with a view to receiving County Newsletters and their own County Handbook. Over half the Clubs have responded. HAS YOUR CLUB?
The support experienced from County Officers and Staff, Groups, Branches and members of the Royal British Legion in Essex has been magnificent and I thank you all for your understanding in these changing times. Melvin Swann County Chairman PAGE 4 EVEN MORE NEWS & EVENTS!
BURNS NIGHT FOR DEBDEN BRANCH RBL POPPY APPEAL EVENT AT WICKFORD On Friday night, Debden Branch, RBL, belatedly celebrated the birth of Robert Burns, the iconic Scottish Bard, at Parrishes Wine Bar in Thaxted. Some 40 The 30, 9 and 10 year old pupils, of class RP at members and their guests sat down to enjoy a menu Downham C of E Primary School, were each given £5 starting with “Cullen Skink” (Haddock) Soup or Black before Christmas and asked to multiply this in any way Pudding, followed by the traditional main course of they could. Between them they raised the magnificent “Haggis, Neeps and Tatties” and ending with “Clootie sum of £1,194 for the Poppy Appeal. They had some Dumpling” or “Granachan” for Pudding, all washed down ingenious ideas, amongst which were making Christmas decorations and crackers, decorating empty food tins to sell as pencil/money boxes, making cakes to sell outside school and at cubs and one girl made gifts and ran a raffle. Some budding entrepreneurs indeed!
with a copious quantity of whisky.
The Haggis was piped in by Tom Broderick from Chelmsford, and formally addressed in the traditional John Swanborough, our ex President and veteran of the manner by Branch Chairman Roger Burgess. After the Royal Engineers, and I went along to receive the cheque obligatory speeches and toasts to The Immortal Memory on 2nd February and to give them some information on of Robbie Burns, the Lassies and the Laddies, the evening where the money goes...... and some tales of John's ended with a stirring rendition of “Auld Lang Syne”. All exploits in his Army days. We received an extremely funds raised from this event will be donated to the Royal warm welcome, had a really enjoyable morning, and the British Legion. (From Roger Burgess) children had many interesting questions to ask us. In return we presented them with a 'thank you' certificate, pencils and rubbers for their wonderful efforts. (From Christine Higgins)
PAGE 5 EFFORTS OF POPPY APPEAL COLLECTORS 4 SALE FINALLY RECOGNIZED Members of Debden Branch Royal British Legion (RBL) COMMEMORATIVE COIN gathered at their local Plough Pub at midday on Sunday COLLECTION 15th February to witness the presentation of a number of awards to individual members who have supported the A number of commemorative coins have been annual RBL Appeal as collectors over a period of time. donated to raise funds for the County Welfare Fund. These are listed below: Mike Clarke and Hal Adams both received awards for 15 years continuous support and Mrs Karen Bell was 8 x Winston Churchill Crowns (1965) presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for 5 years 4 x Silver Jubilee Crowns (1977) involvement as an Appeal Collector. All three members 2 x Sets – Charles & Diana Crowns were previously members of Thaxted Branch where much in plastic wallet (1981) of their collecting took place, but all have since transferred to Debden. Hal Adams and Karen Bell, both still inhabitants of Thaxted, have indicated that they are happy These items are offered for sale and bids may be to continue collecting at Thaxted if requested to do so. placed with the County Treasurer (Email address Mike Clarke lives in Debden Green where he now collects is on page 3) by 30 April 2015. Bids will be for the RBL Poppy Appeal. considered by the County Board of Management, who are not obliged to accept any or all the bids. The Awards were presented by Debden Branch Poppy If circumstances allow split bids may be Appeal Organiser (PAO), Stewart Luck. Introducing the accepted. I regret I do not have the knowledge to recipients, Branch Chairman, Roger Burgess emphasised classify the quality of these coins but they may that the success of the Poppy Appeal each year depended be seen by appointment. on the hard work and support of the volunteer collectors. He added that, when it was discovered that their efforts over the past years had not been recognized by Thaxted Branch, it was decided to rectify the situation this year. Last year Debden had collected a remarkable £1,516.17, an increase for the fourth year running.
Hal Adams (15 years), Karen Bell (5 years), Stewart Luck Debden Branch PAO, Mike Clarke (15 years) and Roger Burgess, Branch Chairman. Apologies for the poor quality of the photograph, but I did my best – honest!
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