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Newsletter of

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

Lincolnshire County

July - August 2015 Edition 4/2015

Lincolnshire honours Bomber Command The International Bomber Command Centre on Canwick Hill, Lincoln, last described in the Summer 2013 edition of LegionLincs, is coming to fruition. The centre is due to open in 2016 but a memorial spire has already been erected – on 10 May - at the site. The 30m, 55 tonne weathered steel spire will be surrounded by a "wall of names", recording the 55,573 men who lost their lives serving in Bomber Command. A third of all the UK's bomber stations were based in Lincolnshire

Tony Worth CVO, Chair of Trustees for the International Bomber Command centre, said “It was a significant moment. It is a major step forward because it is providing a visible sign that we are serious about this project. We will actually get something that people can see and show this is really going to happen." Organisers want to invite every veteran who served in Bomber Command during World War Two to the unveiling on 2 October. They already have names of 900 veterans but believe there are more still to be identified.

The spire being erected on Nicky Barr from the International Bomber Canwick Hill on 10 May. Command Centre says they have made some new contacts. "We've picked up thus far about

50 that come under that category. We suspect that there's probably, at an The spire is in line of sight with Lincoln estimate, another 100 out there." Cathedral, which was used as a landmark Anyone knowing of any for air crews during missions Bomber Command veteran is urged to register their names by emailing [email protected] or writing to The IBCC, 13 Cherry Holt Road, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 9LA. Other elements of the centre will include an exhibition and education space called the Chadwick Centre, a Bomber Command Digital Archive, an amphitheatre and acres of landscaped gardens including a peace garden and walls installed with the names of all the servicemen. See also inside a new mem orial to a 97 … and a tribute to a Waltham Wellington Squadron Lancaster crew (page 10) crew (page 11)

‘Poppy Appeal Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 1 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279 County Patron: Mr A. Worth, CVO Mr S.R.Bonde, Editor President: Wg Cdr Simon Erskine Crum, OBE 31 Clare Close, Chairman: Mr A.R.P. Goodwin, BEM STAMFORD, PE9 2QA Membership Support Officer: Mr B. Mahoney Tel: 01780 757041 E-mail: [email protected]

CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD Glorious summer. Well that is the theory but it doesn’t with Branch accounts it is not mandatory for the audit always work out that way. I have attended several Branch to be carried out by an Independent Examiner. We functions recently when the weather has not complied can accept an audit by a responsible person as we with that theory. However I am always amazed that our have always done. Branch members adapt very quickly and make the most of Members have been advised of the new methods of every opportunity to promote the Legion in the best light. paying Affiliation Fees now that payment by cash is Recently I was invited by the Branch to join no longer acceptable. I am fully aware of the them and the Horncastle Fire Brigade to observe and join resistance to this in some areas however it has been in with the nightly ceremony at the Menin Gate. The Last decided that this is the new way of working and we Post ceremony is observed by the buglers of the Ypres all have to accept it. My experience so far in Fire Brigade and the event at Horncastle was to observe, Lincolnshire is that members are accepting that this is join in and mark the 30,000th time they had carried it out. the way forward and using the method of payment Filming of the ceremony was beamed by satellite that suits them. In discussion with the Director of throughout Europe, and Horncastle Fire Brigade together Finance only yesterday it appears that this is the with the Branch had arranged for it to be shown at the picture nationally too. Fire Station. The Senior Lincolnshire Fire Brigade Looking forward, the County Committee is planning Officers assembled together with the Mayor of Horncastle for our future events. Our Chairman and Secretaries and a good crowd of Legion members. Everything started Seminar at Donington on the 26th September will off well but the gremlins decided to interfere with the have the National Chairman as the guest speaker satellite signal and reception was very poor. However we together with a presentation on the Branch Welfare were all able to enter into the spirit of the occasion and Project and advice on how to apply for your follow the outline of the programme. credentials to be a delegate at the National Always adaptable the Horncastle Branch are seeking to Conference next year. However, I invite each Branch obtain a recording of the programme and intend to use it to fill a car to this event so that we can pass on the to promote a Social evening and raise funds for the Poppy information to as many as possible. Appeal. I recommend the programme to you all. The Poppy Launch at East Kirkby, the Standard Once again we have reached the end of the Legion Bearers Competition and of course our County financial year and every Branch should be working Conference in January are all in the planning stage toward producing their annual accounts. Indeed I am and your support is needed. aware that our MSO has already received them from two Enough from me for now so carry on with the good Branches. Great news but there will be others who may work that you are all doing and I will continue to fight struggle with their accounts. If that is the case in your your corner where and when I can. Branch then let us know and we can help. Please do not leave it until the last minute. Lincolnshire has a good Kind regards record so let us keep it that way. Also please note that Tony Goodwin

Branch Chairmen & Secretaries’ Seminar 2015 A Branch Chairman and Branch Secretaries Seminar will be held on Saturday, 26 September 2015 at the Donington and Quadring Royal British Legion Club, 3 Malting Lane, Donington, Spalding PE11 4XA (Tel: 07518 811789), starting at 1030 hours. Mr John Crisford, the Legion’s National Chairman will be in attendance and will address the Seminar. Mr Crisford will also answer questions on the day but to enable him to give as comprehensive an answer as possible, questions should be put in writing in the space available on a pro-forma, available by e-mail from the Membership Support Officer – This is an important annual exercise in communication with the membership and branches in Lincolnshire and the County Chairman and County Committee are keen that as many branches as possible are represented. Please note that in addition to the Branch Chairman and Branch Secretary, two further members of your Branch Committee are invited to attend. A buffet lunch will be served at the cost of £5.00 per head; cheques should be made payable to: ‘The Royal British Legion Lincolnshire County Committee’. Branches should complete the form and return it to the Membership Support Officer – East Midlands by Monday 7th September 2015. He is away on holiday from the 9 to 23 September so an early reply would be appreciated in order to give as accurate a figure as possible for the buffet lunch. Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 2 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279

National Annual Conference, Southport, 2015 The National Chairman has asked that the following letter be brought to the attention of all members- Editor Dear Chairman

APPOINTED TRUSTEES 14th July 2015 You will, I’m sure, be aware that delegates attending the Annual Conference 2015 were invited to debate and vote upon Charter Motion 3 which called for the return of an all-elected Board of Trustees. The Motion was very nearly approved by the necessary two-thirds majority of Branch delegates present, entitled to vote and voting. This matter was debated at length by the Board of Trustees at its meetings on 17th May and 18th June 2015 respectively. Trustees were dismayed that Charter Motion 3 was felt necessary some 10 years after The Royal British Legion first appointed trustees to its Board, and it is no exaggeration to state that our appointed trustees were hurt by the closeness of the vote. The purpose of this letter, then, is to explain why The Royal British Legion cannot and will not return to an all-elected Board of Trustees, despite the argument in Charter Motion 3 to do so. Acting upon the advice of the Charity Commission, The Royal British Legion first adopted the policy of appointing trustees to its Board in 2004/2005. This decision was taken by the then Board of Trustees because it had identified the need to attract people with the breadth of skills, knowledge and experience that the charity needed as it grew in size, diversity and complexity. It was felt at that time that, with the greatest of respect to our elected trustees, the Board of Trustees was too narrowly based; more diversity was required in order that we should have a more balanced and effective trustee board, and a well governed and effective charity. As time has moved on, the case for appointed trustees has been more than compelling: they have brought a wealth of experience to the deliberations of the Board, and the charity has undoubtedly benefited from their wise counsel. Indeed, such has been the impact upon the charity of appointed trustees that it would place The Royal British Legion in great danger should we return to an all-elected Board. As the National Chairman of this wonderfully unique organisation, I am unable even to contemplate an act of such irresponsibility. At the Annual Conference 2015 I went to great pains to introduce our Board of Trustees, and the Annual Report for 2014 contains, on pages 28 to 32 inclusive, the biographies of our present trustees. One only has to read the biographies of our appointed trustees (Adrian Burn, Jason Coward, David Jolliffe, Anthony Macaulay, Philip Moore and Catherine Quinn) to see what a diverse range of exceptional talent they bring to our charity. Rather than replace them with an all-elected Board of Trustees, we should value and thank them for the invaluable contribution they make in ensuring that The Royal British Legion remains the No. 1 provider of welfare, comradeship, representation and Remembrance for the Armed Forces Community. Please ensure that this letter is brought to the attention of your Branch Committee and your membership. Yours sincerely The 2003 Royal Charter of

Incorporation and Schedules (Version J.R.B Crisford 10) NATIONAL CHAIRMAN Version 10 of the Royal Charter of Incorporation and Schedules, dated 30 June 2015, has issued. It Potential conflict of Interest between incorporates a number of changes which have been Branch and County Officer Roles made to the previous Version 9, dated 31 July The Membership Council have discussed the issue of 2014. conflict of interest between Branch and County Officer This latest version of the Royal Charter of roles. Branch Officer roles are President (non-elected Incorporation and Schedules will not issue in hard office), Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. copy due to prohibitive printing and postage costs. County Officer roles are Chairman and Vice-Chairman Copies will be made available to download on The only. The Membership Council has agreed that those Royal British Legion Website, The Royal British persons who have conflicting officer roles have 12 months Legion Intranet and Office 365. A summary of the in which to decide on which role they would prefer and to changes is also available there. allow for elections of vacant offices to take place.

CONFERENCE 2015 RESOLUTIONS - ACTION TAKEN An ‘Action Taken Booklet’, which conveys the decisions of the Board of Trustees taken in regard to the Charter Motions and Motions carried at Annual Conference 2015, is now available on-line from the Membership Support Officer – East Midlands. Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 3 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279

Stamford on Parade It has been a busy period for Stamford’s marching members. First up was the 70th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May with a ceremony on the Town Hall steps. A large group of Town Councillors, six Branch members, senior representatives from RAF Wittering and Kendrew Barracks observed a Two Minute Silence in memory of those who gave their lives during WWII. Bob Rennard then played the Last Post and Reveille. Next it was the annual Civic Parade and Service for the new Mayor, Cllr Susan Sandall on 14 June. There were at least 20 Stamford members, either marching in the Parade or waiting to join the column at All Saints’ Church. The new Mayor, Cllr Sandall was so pleased that, in her address from the Town Hall steps, she pointedly thanked the Branch, and the military and the ATC cadets, for their turnout, demonstrating their support for the civic community…

Woodhall Spa & District welcome their new Padre The Woodhall Spa & District Branch held their July Meeting on the 14 July and introduced the new Branch Padre to the Branch members there. The Rev Richard Major has recently taken over as the new incumbent at St Peters Church, Woodhall Spa. Rev Major was approached by the Branch to take on the role as Branch Padre, which he readily accepted. The Rev Majors first service for the Branch will take place on the 26 July at St Peters Church, Stixwould Village for the Branch’s Poppy Church Service.

Branch Chairman, Phil Avery and the Branch Branch activities President, Dave Mullenger, present the RBL stole to the Rev Major.

The Show Trooping the Colour

Crowds have turned out for the 41st Spilsby show on 12 July where a variety of events were on offer. There were falcon displays, horse shows, dog shows, classic car displays, a number of craft stalls for people to browse, and of course the Spilsby Show Parade.

A small group of Stamford members took the Branch minibus to see the Welsh Guards troop their Colour on Horse Guards on Saturday, 30 May. This was the Major General’s Review, a full dress rehearsal for the Queen’s Birthday Parade, and very impressive it was. Here you see Branch Chairman, John Copeland, and members milling around after the parade, searching for the rest of the party. Especial thanks to Jim Fay, ex-Irish Guards for getting the tickets. Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 4 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279

Laceby RBL Club has a makeover Laceby RBL Club has been transformed. The Function Room was redesigned and rejuvenated at the start of 2015 and now boasts an environmentally efficient LED dimmable lighting system, multi- changeable disco dancefloor and stage lighting. The room is completed by modern fixtures, fittings, furnishings and is also fully air-conditioned. Becky Scott, Club Chairman, said “… these fundamental and necessary improvements to the Function Room have ensured an excellent Club facility for the future. The Club Committee then felt that the Club Room could benefit with a makeover too and that before has since been completed. We tried to use local tradesmen and companies wherever possible.” Richard Hewitt, Branch Chairman, added "I and all the Branch Committee commend the Club Committee on a fantastic improvement to Bainbridge Hall and would like to thank all those involved on the Committee and staff for their fantastic efforts”. The Club is always open to new members. As well as the live entertainment, they have a Sunday evening Quiz, Darts, Whist, Bingo, Snooker and Pool facilities. They also televise Sky Sports and BT Sport on their large TVs with surround sound – for all …and after those important sporting events

Branch activities

Millstone Grit Some thirty Stamford members enjoyed a really excellent evening of superb entertainment at their monthly General Meeting on 17 June. Their guests were ‘Millstone Grit’, a group of local men who get together to sing an eclectic mix of sea shanties, love songs, humorous and sad songs , or whatever takes their fancy. They describe themselves as the ‘oldest boy band’ in the country with most of their back catalogue of songs ‘still on 78s’. Their rendition of ‘Yes, we have no Chihuahuas’ was most moving! It was a good evening all round, also raising £44 in the raffle, thanks to all those who brought prizes and, of course bought, tickets. The Heckington Show Coningsby – A ‘Taste of Lincolnshire’? Coningsby, Tattershall & District Branch are holding a “Taste of Lincolnshire” evening at the Coningsby Community Hall on Saturday 3rd October 2015, starting at 7.30pm. There will be food tasters and various wines and beers, all produced from within Lincolnshire, and a Lincolnshire themed quiz during the evening. Tickets for this are only £5 each, and are available direct from Penny’s Café, Silver Street, Coningsby from our Branch Mrs Bridget Wilcox, Secretary and Treasurer of the Secretary, Ann Wilkes (Tel:01526 342459; E- Heckington and District Branch with other Branch mail:[email protected]. Members at the Heckington Show, 25 – 26 July 2015

Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 5 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279

Peterborough 5 x 5 Sportive The Peterborough 5x5 Challenge group, which raised £5000 for the Stamford Poppy Appeal with a Family Fun Run last November hope to have raised between another £2000 and £3000 or even more for the Stamford Poppy Appeal. A big thank you goes to Terry Murphy and his colleagues for the organisation of the Sportive on the 12 July. 165 cyclists lined up to start from Bourne Grammar School to take in Stamford, Oundle, Kimbolton, Sawtry, Wansford, and the Bythams, riding up to 100 miles in aid of the Poppy Appeal. By the time all the riders had returned to Bourne they had travelled a total of 11850 miles. This included an enthusiastic rider who drove down from Sheffield and started his 100 mile route just after 09.09 and returned at 16.00 still full of enthusiasm looking forward to his cup of tea and slice of cake before returning home. Supporting them at the four feed stations were a team of 18 volunteers, plus 4 mobile teams. At the finish each rider was offered a hot drink, homemade cakes and savouries by a team of ladies. Also on hand from the Stamford Branch of RBL were Peter, Jimmy, Glen and Ian who assisted at the start and counted them all back in at the finish. This event couldn't have taken place without the support of Bourne Grammar School, volunteers and Marshals. Terry has said that the funds raised will be added to the next planned event which is a running race from Top Lodge near Stamford on Remembrance Sunday on 8 November.

Grimsby and go cycling Two PAOs, both in their 70th year of age, take up the North East Lincs Cycle challenge. Gail Davy, PAO for , and Marilyn Jones PAO for Cleethorpes’ rose to the challenge of “A Ride in the Park” on Monday, 8 June in Peoples Park, Grimsby The ladies who have not ridden a cycle for a great number of years were sponsored for the Poppy Appeal, to ride on this fun day challenge organised by N E Lincs council as part of the Love to Ride National Cycle Month.

Car Rally Poppy Appeal Kirton & District Branch will have a stall at the Boston classic car rally Gail Davy with Grimsby team at Graves Park, Kirton on 9 August. members Jan and Bob Bovill. & Fundraising

Championship Sportive Ten riders from RAF Waddington and four from RAF Digby rode 97 miles for the Poppy Appeal route in the Championship Sportive on Armed Forces Day. The event, in the men’s road race in and around Lincoln, was part of the National Road Cycle Championships which were held in Lincolnshire and included Mark Cavendish who finished second. One of the big challenges of the Sportive was riding up Michaelgate to the finish in Lincoln Castle, whilst the professionals had to ride up 9 times in their race. The Poppy Appeal riders wore RBL ‘Live On’ cycle tops, provided by the sponsors UMC Architects. Their Director Graham McMorran also rode with the Waddington Team. We hoped to have raised between £2-3000 for the Poppy Appeal. Epworth male branch members at the Wroot Festival

Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 6 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279

Launch of the Lincolnshire County Poppy Appeal 2015 By kind permission of the Panton family, the launch of this year’s County Poppy Appeal will again take place at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby, Spilsby PE23 4DE on Saturday 24th October 2015, starting at 1200 hours. The launch of the Lincolnshire County Poppy Appeal 2015 will be performed by the Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Christopher Lowson. Subject to weather conditions, the Lancaster bomber, Just Jane, will carry out a taxi run and there will be a raffle for a seat on the aircraft, with all proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal. Music will be provided by the Mareham Le Fen Victory Silver Band, refreshments will be available for purchase from the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre NAAFI. In recent years the turnout of Branch Standards has been impressive but we are always looking for as many Standards as possible to attend this poignant and moving event. Please try, therefore, to persuade your Standard Bearer to attend this year’s launch. Medals and decorations should be worn. We are once again hoping to attract media coverage of the Poppy Appeal Launch, so the more Standards that are on view, the better to enhance the spectacle. If you have any queries or questions about the Poppy Appeal Launch please address them to the County Chairman.

Woodhall Spa Tombola again a success The Woodhall Spa & District Branch Tombola Stall again raised money for the Branch Poppy Appeal at this year’s Woodhall Spa 40's Weekend event on Saturday 18 July. Branch Member & County Vice Chairman, Bridget Wilcox came along and helped out on the Stall and did some recruiting of new members for the RBL. The Tombola raised £132 for the Branch Poppy appeal Dave & Val Gassons from the Riders The stall was manned by the which, with a £ 40 donation, made a grand total of £172, Branch also helped out; Dave’s Branch PAO Nina Gaunt, Vice one of the best so far. The Branch would like to thank Motorbike proved a winner with Chairman Steve Hall and Branch many people having their photos Member Norman Wigglesworth. the Riders Branch for their help and support at the event. taken sat on it.

City of Lincoln Gala Dinner - 31 Oct Pinchbeck Carnival 2015 The City of Lincoln Branch is proud to present their first Gala Dinner with all profits going to the City of Lincoln Poppy Appeal. The dinner will be held in The Assembly Rooms, 76 Bailgate, Lincoln LN1 3AR on Saturday 31 October 2015 at 7:30 p.m. for 8:00 p.m. Dress is Black Tie for Gentlemen and Evening Wear for Ladies. Miniature Medals may be worn by those entitled. Tickets are £50.00 per person. Entertainment will include live music, disco and a raffle.

A menu and wine list is available from: Ms Ann Davidson, Telephone: 01522 539952 or 07473 899980 City of Lincoln Poppy Appeal Organiser Pinchbeck Women’s Section held a Tombola at the local 11 Burton Waters Lodges, Woodcock Lane Carnival on Saturday, 13 June. Despite raining nearly all Lincoln, LN1 2BE day, the stall was sold out early and a profit of £200.00 Cheque(s) made payable to “A.D. Davidson (Gala was raised towards the Purse Presentation. The theme of Dinner)” should also be sent to her. this year’s Carnival was Best of British and to finish a good day the brightly decked out stall took 2nd place in the best decorated stall competition. Pinchbeck Branch (the “Men’s” section - stall erecting and decorating Poppy Appeal section) were also present and used the marquee for an information and recruiting day but, due mainly to the inclement weather, this was rather quiet. & Fundraising Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 7 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279

Women’s Section Purse Presentations The County Women's Section held their annual Purse Presentation at Bourne Abbey Church Hall on Saturda, 20 June 2015. The Womens Section Committee and President, Carol Ticehurst, hosted the event and the Midlands Representative, Julia Walker, who accepted the Purse presentations, gave out various prizes and awards. Also present were the ‘Men’s’ County President, Simon Erskine Crum OBE, Chairman, Tony Goodwin BEM, and Vice Chairman, Bridget Wilcox. Father Chris Atkinson of Bourne Abbey said prayers and Councillor Knowles welcomed everyone. The Purse raised a total of £24,567.00, with £23532-00 going forward to the welfare fund.

Judith Smith (merit award) Chairwoman, Eileen Francis, thanked everyone for their efforts in raising this exceptional amount. The Handicraft Trophy was won by Pauline Seymour of Pinchbeck WS and a Merit award was presented to Judith Smith of Bourne. Everyone joined in the excellent entertainment provided by Trudie, singing and playing the organ. The raffle and name card were well supported, raising a further £250.00 for the County funds. A most enjoyable afternoon ended with tea and home made cakes supplied by the Bourne Ladies. Pauline Seymour (handicraft)

Welton battle the beetles!

Poppy Appeal & Fundraising

Welton & District Branch attended the ‘Open Gardens’ at Dunholme Lodge NGS on Sunday 12th July where they provided a presence with the County Marquee.

The Chairman Stuart Coates, Vice-Chairman, Don Moore, Secretary Rosemary Moore, and Committee Member Colin Moore enjoyed a pleasant day spoilt only by the plague of rape beetles!

Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 8 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279

Festival of Remembrance 2015 The RBL Festival of Remembrance will take place at the Royal Albert Hall, on Saturday, 7 November 2015 at 2pm and 7pm. From 1 July Legion members can obtain tickets for the afternoon performance, using the usual plastic cards, by: - telephoning the box office direct on 0207 589 8212; - visiting the website www.royalalberthall.com. Once logged on, enter 16475 when prompted. - postal application direct to the Box Office, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP. Applicants should clearly print on the letterhead details of the RBL Branch title, address and their Membership number. Applications will be dealt with in strict order of receipt. The ticket prices for the afternoon performance are: Grand Tier Boxes (seating 12) and Loggia Boxes (seating 8) £30 per seat Second Tier Boxes (seating 5) and Stalls £25 per seat Circle (Centre) £18 per seat Circle (Side) £15 per seat Cheques should be payable to: The Royal Albert Hall. They also accept plastic. There is a booking fee of 2% of the total value plus £2.50 per ticket.

Evening performance (for Legion Members only) tickets are free but a nominal charge of £10 each will be made. Members can obtain up to 2 tickets strictly for their own use through the Branch Secretary. No Branch will receive more than 4 tickets. Applications will be dealt with on a ‘first come’ first served’ basis and there is a deadline of 10 August. Members who have not previously attended the Festival will be given priority. Cheques should be payable to The Royal British Legion, Lincolnshire County Members of the Legion attending either performance of the Festival of Remembrance are requested to wear the Legion Badge, tie and decorations. Poppies in the Church Remembrance

Cenotaph Ceremony and March Past 2015 The traditional Service of Remembrance will be held on Sunday, 8 November 2015 at the Cenotaph, London. Following the Service there will be the usual March Past. This will be in two elements, namely ex-Service contingents assembling on Horse Guards, and a non ex-Service contingent mustering in Whitehall. There is no provision for serving personnel to participate in the March Past. All participants must possess a ticket: - Ex-Service men and women should apply through their regimental, Service or campaign association. - Any Legion Member (ex-Service or non ex- Service) may apply to our County Secretary to join the Legion contingent, which will be allocated no more than 100 tickets. Application forms for tickets have been available from the Membership Support Officer since the end Denise Andrews, of Gedney Drove End & Dawsmere of June and must be returned to him by Friday, 21 Branch was so inspired by the Poppies in the Tower last August at the latest. year that she, and her friend Rose, made the poppies shown here for their church, Christ Church, in Dawsmere. Branch Chairman, Rob Mitchell, says “It is beautiful, ladies, and well worth a visit to Christchurch.” He thanks them both for all their effort in making this a success.

Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 9 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279

Coach trips to the NMA Gedney Drove End & Dawsmere Branch, in conjunction Pinchbeck Raises the Flag with Gedney Dyke Village Hall Committee, are organising a day trip to the National Memorial Arboretum on Saturday, 15 August 2015. That day, there will be a service to celebrate VJ day followed by a procession and wreath laying at the Malayan Volunteer Force Memorial Garden. The 33 seater coach will leave Gedney Dyke Village Hall Car Park at 07.30 am, leaving the Arboretum to return home at 17.00 hrs, arriving back approx 20.00 hrs. Tickets priced at £18.00 per adult, £10.00 per child under 16 (must be accompanied by an adult). Entry to the Arboretum is free. To book a place or for more information call Rob Mitchell on 01406 550612 or email: [email protected], or contact Nick or Sue Chapman at Gedney Dyke Village Hall.

On Saturday, 6 June, Pinchbeck Branch held a "D Branch are also organising a bus trip to The Day" service at the War Memorial. The Rev Tony National Memorial Arboretum the following day, on Sunday Kinnersy conducted the Service in which Branch 16 August 2015 we are planning a bus trip to coincide with the Chairman, Jim Seymour, and Standard Bearer, 70th Anniversary of VJ Day Commemoration Service. Alan Canham, "remembered" Dunkirk and D Day. A service will be held at the Far East Prisoner of War Nancy Kinnersy also read a poem about Normandy. Memorial Building to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of The Service was followed by the blessing and VJ Day. The building, which is now ten years old, will also be raising of a splendid new Legion flag in the rededicated. A wreath laying and blessing at the Far East Memorial Grounds. This was made possible by Prisoners of War Grove will follow. Members of the public are kind donations in memory of Mrs Marguerite invited to attend the service, but.only COFEPOW members Widows and Lieutenant Commander Jon Dixon, may attend the elements of the service to be held in the members of both families were present at the marquee. Time - 12 noon for the service ceremony Venue - The Far East Prisoners of War Memorial Building. Tickets cost £10 each, available through Sarah Bassindale, Scunthorpe Branch, PAO & Events Co-ordinator, (Tel: 07468 701158; E-mail: [email protected]

Armed Forces Week, Stamford There was an excellent turn-out of Stamford members for the annual raising of the Armed Forces Day flag on 22 June. There were indeed enough of them to form a proper line-up in front of the Town Hall to salute as the flag was raised – just like the old days! Well done, everyone!

Remembrance Photo courtesy of RAF Wittering

Memorial to Lancaster PB422 On Monday 13 July Coningsby, Tattershall & District Branch joined 97 (Straits Settlement) Squadron Association, RAF in a service at RAF Coningsby. This was then followed by a short service and rededication of the memorial plaque commemorating 70 years since the crash on 13 July 1945 of Lancaster PB422 close to Butts Bridge, Coningsby, which tragically killed all members of the crew. Some relatives of the original crew had travelled to Coningsby from other parts of the world to be at a moving and appropriate tribute to the four crew members who died. The photographs show the Branch and Squadron Association members and their guests, members of the RAF and Air Cadets, with members of the public also in attendance.

Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 10 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279

Waltham bomber crew remembered Waltham & District Branch have been working with the community of Vlaardingen in the Netherlands to create a fitting memorial to a bomber, which took off from Waltham. On 25 March 1942, a 142 Squadron Wellington Bomber set off from Waltham for a night bombing raid over Essen in Germany, never to return. All six crew members - Sgt David White, 20, Fl Sgt William Pipher, 24, Fl Sgt Andrew Lennox, 23, Sgt Eric Groves, 22, Sgt Alfred Jelly, 29 and Sgt Ronald Barrie, 21 - died when the plane crashed in a meadow near Vlaardingen in the early hours of the following morning. The bodies of five of the six airmen were taken to The Hague, 20 miles west of Vlaardingen, and buried at a Commonwealth plot. The sixth man, British Sgt Eric Groves, has no known grave but is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial for missing airmen. Now the community of the small city in the South Holland region in the Netherlands have banded together to mark the site with a fitting memorial plaque. Trevor Saxon, Waltham’s Branch Secretary, said it was a fine gesture by the Vlaardingen community. "They got in touch From Left to right: - Ian Barlow (Chairman), with us and we thought it was a marvellous thing to do," he said. They Carl Walmsley (Cttee Member), Trevor Brown now have a picture of the plaque, with a letter from the Vlaardingen & Paul Ogle (Standard Bearers), John James group in a prominent place in the Waltham Branch RBL Club. They have (Treasurer), Terry Sullivan (Cttee Member), and also sent them a copy of this photograph of the Waltham Committee at Trevor Saxon (Secretary). the Waltham War Memorial.

VE Day Veterans Reunion Remembrance Welton & District Branch was able to arrange for four WW2 Veterans to attend the Veterans Reunion held at RAF Scampton by permission of the Station Commander, Wg Cdr M D Harrop, on Thursday, 7 May 2015. Three Branch members were also present : Mr Derek J Kent (Jim), aged 92, who joined in the Army in 1942 and had served with the Royal Engineers in N. Africa, Sicily and Italy with 1st Army and 8th Army and demobbed in 1947; Mrs Betty Smart, age 91, who joined the WRNS in 1943; Mr. Frank S. Waite (Stan), aged 95, who worked on the construction of RAF Scampton in 1937/1938. He then joined the Royal Engineers in 1941 and has been a member of the Royal British Legion since 1949. Also present was Mr JIm Davies, age 92, a Lancaster Air Gunner who completed 30 missions flying from RAF Fiskerton. The event was hosted in the Heritage Centre where refreshments were provided by RAF personnel. During this time Miss Annie Andrews provided entertainment by singing a range of 1940s songs. The Veterans were then able to see the Exhibits telling the story of Scampton. After this, the Red Arrows filled in the delay in the arrival of the Lancaster Bomber by giving a full display. A buffet lunch was then made available in the Annex of the Officers, Warrant Officers and Senior Non Commissioned Officers Mess with the event closing by 15.30 hours. The photographs were kindly provided to Welton Branch by Marina Parha

Woodhall’s Poppy Church Service Woodhall Spa & District Branch held their “Poppy Church Service” at St Peters Church , Stixwould, on Sunday 26 July. The Service was the led by the Branch Padre, Rev Richard Major, along with Rev Frank Wells and Lay Minister Bill Radley. The Branch President, Dave Mullenger, spoke the Homage and Branch Chairman, Phil Avery spoke the “Kohima”. The Branch PAO, Nina Gaunt, provided RBL bunting and flags for the Church Service and Village Hall. It was nice to see a handful of Branch Members, and also Left to Right:- Branch Standard Bearer Members from Horncastle & District Branch who came and supported the Steve Hall, Lay Minister & Branch Member Service. Afterwards refreshments, provided by Mrs Cynthia Dixon, were Bill Radley, Rev Frank Wells (RBL ), served in Stixwould Village Hall. The Branch Chairman thanked everyone for Branch President Dave Mullenger, Branch Padre Rev Richard Major, Church Organist Alan Underwood. Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 11 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279 the roles they played in making the event a successful one and attending the Service. The amount from the service of £97 goes to the Branch Poppy Appeal.

Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 12 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279 VJ Day 70 commemoration – 15 August 2015 The government has announced that The Royal British Legion, with the Ministry of Defence, will lead the national commemorations mark the 70th Anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, known as ‘VJ Day 70’, with a national event taking place on Saturday 15 August 2015 in central London. An overview of the national event has been published on MyLegion News and the news section of the Membership Administration Portal (MAP). In London, the following national events will take place with members of the public invited to observe the service and parade: 2 pm – a flypast and traditional Drumhead Service on Horse Guards Parade attended by senior political and military representatives from the UK and her Allies, veterans of the Far East campaign, former Prisoners of War, civilian internees and their families. Followed by current members of the Armed Forces leading veterans and their families in a VJ Parade down Whitehall. A 70th anniversary reception for veterans and their families, hosted by the Legion. The Legion has sent invitations to all major Service associations including the Burma Star Association. Applications for accreditation to attend these three events closed on 17 July but the Legion is seeking stories from people who either served in the Pacific or who were civilian FEPOWs (Far East Prisoners of War) during the Second World War. If you know of someone who may like to share their experiences, please encourage them to email their story to [email protected] with subject header ‘VJ Day 70 stories’. As new information becomes available the VJ Day 70 Events Team will keep Branches informed via regular email updates. Further information will also be posted on the MAP. In addition, further information and updates will be posted on the Legion’s VJ Day page and the Government’s VJ Day website. For all enquiries regarding the upcoming VJ Day Laceby VJ Show commemorations please email [email protected] Laceby & District Branch are commemorating or call 020 3053 7015. VJ Day with a show in the evening of 15 August performed by the Laceby Legionnaires (Branch & Women's Section Members) at the Laceby RBL Club. The evening starts at 19-30, VJ Day 70 a fish and chip supper is served at 20-30, after the second part there is a raffle, followed by a rousing finale. Tickets are £8 V J Day Horncastle and Dedication of Anyone wishing to attend can order tickets Remembrance Stone from Gladys on 01472 234001 or email m- Horncastle & District Branch are holding a Fun Day on 16 [email protected] August behind the War Memorial Centre in North Street, Horncastle. The show will include a display unit from The Royal Anglian Regiment, a demonstration Bee Hive, stalls and craft stalls, a food stall offering, a hog roast, burgers, hog dogs and hot and cold drinks and an ice cream van. The event will start at 10.00hrs and at 15.00hrs a service of Dedication and Commemoration for V J 70 will be held in front of the Centre. Tony Goodwin (County Chairman) will unveil a Remembrance Stone there. Horncastle extend a warm welcome to all branches to join them for this event and as many standards as possible to attend the service. (maximum marching distance involved is 100 paces) Refreshments will be provided after the Service, so Branches are asked to let Horncastle know by 20 July 2015 how many members will be coming and if their Standard Bearer is attending. The time table for the Service is:- 1. 14.00hrs Standard Bearers to report to the War Memorial Centre for briefing (changing facilities provided) 2. 14.45 Official Guests assemble in front of the War Memorial Centre 3. 15.00hrs Service commences 4. 15.30-15.45 event ends 5.16.00hrs refreshments served at the Stanhope Hall Replies please to Carolyn Lyle 1 Conging Street, Horncastle,

LN9 5DW or [email protected] or 01507523738 Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 13 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279

Funding to save First World War Memorials in Lincolnshire A national First World War Memorial Programme, involving Civic Voice, Historic , Imperial War Museums and War Memorials Trust, will give communities across England access up to £3 million of funding. The aim is to ensure that those who served and lost their lives are honoured in the right way. Sarah Grundy, Historic Environment Officer for Lincolnshire County Council said: “Our war memorials deserve to be treated with the same respect as those they commemorate. Many memorials in the borough are approaching 100 years old and are in need of some repair. It’s up to the people of this area to make sure we don’t miss out on the opportunity to conserve and protect this important part of our local history. This extra funding is only available throughout the First World War Centenary so there’s no better time than now to find out about the scheme This is why the Lincolnshire Remembrance project is pleased to support this event.'

Coningsby dance their way through Armed Forces Day Civic Voice is running a programme of free workshops on 24 July Coningsby, Tattershall & District Branch at the Lincoln Drill Hall, Free School Lane, Lincoln, LN2 1EY, have had a very busy few months since the from 9.45 until 13.00, followed by the 7 August, 9.45 until 14.30. last issue. On Saturday 27 June, the Branch They include information about the First World War Memorial held a 1940s-Themed Armed Forces Day Programme, training on how to assess the condition of war Dance. This was splendidly supported with memorials, the sorts of conservation and repair work that can be many members and their guests in 1940s funded through the scheme, and how to apply for it. More attire, and was also attended by the Mayor of information about these events can be obtained at 0151 707 4319 Coningsby and his guests. or www.civicvoice.org.uk/warmemorials For more information about the Lincolnshire Remembrance project e-mail Sarah Grundy and Cath Pike of the Lincolnshire Remembrance Project at [email protected] or telephone 01522 554959

VJ Day - Stamford Stamford Branch are planning a Commemorative Service of Thanksgiving at the Town War Memorial at 11,00am on Sunday, 16 Aug to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VJ Day. They are commemorating this day, rather than VE Day, as the local Regiment, the Royal Lincolnshire, saw more action in the Far East than they did in Europe during WWII. The ceremony will follow the basic structure of the annual Remembrance Day Service, but will aim to be more . Photograph shows Mayor of Coningsby contemplative and without the formal parade or marching. and Branch Chairman, Mr Vic Everett Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 14 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279

. Administration

ANNUAL COUNTY FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE - 2015 C By kind permission of the Commandant College Cranwell, this year’s County Festival of Remembrance will be held at Whittle Hall, RAFC Cranwell on Sunday, 1 November 2015, starting at 2.30pm o Applications for tickets, which are priced at £5 each, should be made on a proforma (available from the Membership Support Officer – East Midlands) and forwarded to: Mr Derrick Scott, 15 Kenmar Road, u Laceby, DN37 7HJ. Please do not forget to include a contact telephone number. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The Royal British Legion Lincolnshire County’. Mr n Scott will begin to attend to ticket applications on Monday 27 July; applications received before this date will be deemed to have arrived on the 27 July. He will send the tickets out in September. If any member t wishing to attend the Festival has sight and/or hearing difficulties, please indicate this on the proforma so that they may be seated closer to the stage. Finally, please note that tickets are non-returnable. y Standard Bearers are most welcome to attend the Festival and there is no charge for their tickets. However, please bear in mind that Whittle Hall can only accommodate a maximum of 44 Standard Bearers. Please note that our Festival of Remembrance takes place at an operational Royal Air Force Station, therefore strict security measures are in force. Please do not arrive prior to 1.30pm when the doors will be opened. All seats are reserved and this gives ample time for everyone to be seated before the doors close at approximately 2.15pm.

Booking the County Marquee Amended MS4 The process of asking for and booking the County marquee has become The new MS4, membership confusing since County office moved from Wellingore to Lincoln. If a application form, has been Branch wants to book the marquee, they should now ask the PCRO, Mrs amended and an up to date version Bridget Wilcox, by telephone or e-mail. These are: Tel: 01526 353919; E- has been available to order from mail: [email protected]. The more notice given before the Aylesford from 19 June 2015 at date that the marquee is required, would be appreciated. [email protected] rg.uk, or on-line or in printed form A Branch using the marquee will be responsible for its collection and from the MSO – East Midlands. return and to ensure that it is not put away wet/damp. This damages the material and any repairs will be charged to the Branch.

Lincolnshire Funding Portal The Lincolnshire Funding Portal is a user friendly website that allows you to quickly and Easily search hundreds of grant schemes to find funding, for the Community and Business sectors. appropriate for your project or organisation. The Community version of the Funding Portal is for Charities, Social Enterprises, Community groups, Parish & Town Councils, Religious & Faith organisations, Community Interest Companies. The key features of the service allow you to search through hundreds of different sources of local and national grants and funding opportunities, view the most up to date details about grant schemes and learn about new developments, find grant schemes of interest to you and save them in your favourites to access again later, or download the latest guidance notes and application forms or get up to date contact details for funders. The Portal is a free service. You can start using the website straight away but will need to register to view detailed information and use all of the sites features. Click on the link - [email protected] – to begin using the Lincolnshire Funding Portal. When you register to use this service your details will be recorded on a secure database for the purposes of managing our funding search services. We will use this information to monitor grant searches and help us improve the search facilities. Usage information may also be used to identify patterns in funding throughout Lincolnshire. We may use your contact details to contact you from time to time about our services. This may include asking you to take part in surveys to give us your feedback on using the service. We will only ever use your contact details to inform you of services related to grants and funding. Your details will not be shared with any other organisation or parties without your permission.

Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 15 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279

N e w s Invitations to National Officers When considering inviting a National Officer to a Branch event, please contact the Secretary to the National Officers (Andrea Forder) in writing (requests by N telephone will not be accepted) in the first instance. To avoid disappointment, this is best done at the initial planning stage. Andrea will then ascertain if the National Officer whom the Branch wishes to a invite is available and note their diary accordingly. Please do not invite more than one National Officer t to an event, and please do not contact the National Officers direct with an invitation. Haig House need to ensure a wholly co-ordinated approach to their engagements. Should a Branch wish the National I Standard to be paraded because a National Officer will be present, please include this in your request to o Andrea at [email protected] or by sending a letter to Haig House n Branch Donations to the Earthquake Response Fund The Royal British Legion recently awarded a grant of £50,000 to the Gurkha Welfare Trust’s (GWT) a Earthquake Response Fund. GWT’s new fund was created to provide emergency aid to the Gurkha and ex-Gurkha community affected by the earthquakes in April and May. l GWT is the only emergency aid charity to receive TRBL funding as they have a strong track-record of working in the affected area, and we are confident that the funds we award will be spent in the manner intended. We are sad to confirm that thirteen of GWT’s clients in Nepal – who are also TRBL beneficiaries – have died as a result of the two major earthquakes. Many more are injured and, during the most recent earthquake just days before the annual Membership Conference, GWT’s welfare centre in Jiri was heavily damaged. More than 350 veterans’ homes have been completely destroyed, with hundreds more being damaged to some degree. The Earthquake Response Fund is already being used to provide medical aid and shelter to Gurkha veterans (many of whom are in their 80s and 90s) as well as providing emergency financial grants and repairing water supply systems. Longer term, funds will be used to rebuild veterans’ homes and contribute to the repair of GWT’s welfare centre. In recent weeks, some Branches have asked how best to support those affected by the Branch Welfare Project earthquakes in Nepal and we would therefore We are looking for branches to try out new activities that meet a recommend that Branches wishing to offer beneficiary welfare need such as loneliness. Many branches are support to contribute to the £50,000 awarded unsure about how they can provide welfare in their local area’ so by TRBL. To pledge funding to GWT, our this project is a great opportunity for branches and members to sole partner for supporting those affected by help develop a new framework to be launched in 2016. If you want the earthquakes in Nepal, please email Branch to be part of this exciting new project register or speak with the details and pledge amount to MSO, County/District Chairman or email [email protected] [email protected]. New Membership payment methods Membership Services have sent out payment preference letters to all current cash paying members, explaining the new payment methods available and asking them to tick the applicable box against their preferred payment method on the form and then return it to Novacroft in the pre-paid envelope provided. Members are asked to reply to the letter rather than phoning or emailing their response, this will also help to speed up the processing time. Branches should encourage all their current cash paying members to complete and return the preferred payment method form asap to ensure we have their preferred payment before renewal. This will enable us to send out this year’s renewal letters tailored to members’ payment choice. For example if a member opts to continue to pay by cash by ticking the box for PayPoint, a barcode will be included in their renewal letter which the member (or branch official) can take to a local store with a PayPoint, where it will be scanned and the member (or branch official) pays cash for their membership renewal. Please note branches are no longer responsible for collecting membership fees but they can still help members to get their payment to the RBL payments team where required. Current direct debit paying members will also be sent a letter to inform them that from this renewal Novacroft will be collecting direct debit payments on behalf of the RBL membership. There will also be a leaflet enclosed (that was available at annual conference in May), which provides members with information about the new payment options. Current direct debit paying members will not be required to take any action when they receive their letter as they do not need to complete a new direct debit mandate; it will automatically be transferred across to Novacroft. But, if a current direct debit paying member would like to cancel their direct debit mandate or change their payment method, they will be able to do so, as the RBL Contact Centre number is included with the letter. We are still trying to encourage as many members as possible to either stay or become direct debit paying members.’ If you would like to discuss further, please feel free to contact the Membership Support Officer – East Midlands. Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 16 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279

Outreach Coningsby, Tattershall & District Branch are active in the Volunteer Outreach Programme with two of their members, President Mr Brian Willis, and Vice-Chairman, Mr John Crockett, hosting Drop-In sessions at a number of locations in the general area. Their best wishes go to Brian, who has been unwell lately, and is currently undergoing radiotherapy treatment. They have an Outreach location at the Lions Den in Silver Street, Coningsby on the third Thursday of each month, from 1400 to 1600 hours, and would be delighted to see any members or visitors to the area for a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits.

PROVISIONAL COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2015

DATE EVENT VENUE 17 August County Management Board Meeting Lincoln Office 18/19 September County Chairman’s Seminar Staverton 20 September Standard Bearers School – AGM Louth 26 September Branch Chairmen/Secretaries’ Seminar Donington 27 September County Standard Bearer Competition Horncastle 3 October County Committee Meeting Waddington Club 24 October Poppy Appeal Launch East Kirkby 1 November Festival of Remembrance RAFC Cranwell 7 November Festival of Remembrance Royal Albert Hall

8 November Remembrance Sunday Countrywide 11 November Armistice Day Countrywide 12 December County Committee Meeting Waddington Club 9 January 2016 Annual Meeting of County Conference QEGS Horncastle NB: This calendar of events is subject to change depending upon National events etc.

Timothy Boden Bladon, 14 January 1933 – 12 May 2015 Wednesday, 3 June 2015 was the day that the above said goodbye to their Vice- President and ex-Chairman. Tim died at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston following a fall at home, in which he broke his hip bone. Complications set in which finally brought an end to a colourful life spread over many years. Tim had been a member of the Bourne Branch for over fifty years, during which time he became Chairman for a long spell. With his outstanding wit and humour, he was a very popular person and this carried him through many hard times carrying out his duties at all times in a very professional manner. This attitude became prominent when he became Vice-President, resulting in him being given his gold accolade for his services. After the Committal, Father Chris Atkinson led a service of commemoration at Bourne Abbey. This was well attended by personal friends from Rippingale and representatives from organisations associated with Tim and his family. Bourne has lost a highly respected member who will never be replaced.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM Mr George Ashton, Mr Tim Bladon, Bourne & District Mr H Robinson, Mr Bob Sadler, Mr Colin Otter, & District Mrs Mavis Pickford, Woodhall Spa & District

Lincolnshire – A Winning Team 17 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279

Standard Bearers. It has been a busy time for many bearers with local armed forces parades, re dedication services etc. Thanks to all who have made the effort in turning out for these events and the many more to come this year. The latest Standard Bearers’ school was held at on the 14 June. It was a disappointing turnout with only six bearers attending but it was an enjoyable day and most of the bearers present will be entering the County competition, including a youth competitor. We would like to stress that the school is not just for competition candidates and all bearers should try and attend a couple of lessons a year. We are open to new ideas and would like to hear from anybody on ways we can attract new bearers or indeed why you do not attend. Is it the venues, times/dates or any other reason? We are only here to help you improve whilst having a social afternoon. We are also keen to see more Women’s Section bearers as they are currently without a County Bearer; so if you feel that you could fill this role or want to know what is involved give us a call. The County competition will be held on the 27 September at Horncastle. If you wish to enter contact the County office ASAP.

The 75th Battle of Britain Commemoration Service at Lincoln Cathedral Alan Canham, Jim Seymour, and Graham will take place on Sunday, 20 September. Muster at 14.30 inside the west Hewitt door. There will be a parade after the Service for Standards, serving personnel, veterans etc. Any bearers who would like to attend but cannot manage the March Past can form up opposite the Saluting Dais. This will be an important and well attended Memorial Service, so if you would like to attend please contact me or the County Chairman before 1 September so numbers can be planned. Bearers wishing to attend The Royal Albert Hall Remembrance Service Annual Poppy Race Day – should apply to the County Office. They will then be informed at a later date Standard Bearers if their application is successful. The Annual Poppy Race Day will IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE. The Standard Bearers AGM, dress be held at Newmarket Racecourse th inspection and school at Louth will now be on 11 October as our original on Saturday August 8 . This is a date clashed with the Battle of Britain Memorial Service in Lincoln National Event organised by HQ Cathedral. but through the MSO – Suffolk is responsible for the booking in of Future dates. Standards and the issue of tickets to Sunday, 20 September - Battle of Britain Memorial service as above the Standard Bearers. It is quite a Sunday, 27 September - County Standard Bearers competition as above long parade on grass so participants Sunday, 4 October - Service in the field at Sibsey Northlands at 2pm will need to be fit. Sunday, 11 October - Lincolnshire Standard Bearers Association AGM etc Anyone wishing to carry a Branch etc etc Louth RBL Hall 2pm Standard should e-mail their name, contact details and postal address If you have any events and would like Standard Bearers to attend please let (to mail the tickets) to Sandra me know and I can add it to our reminder list. Bromley BA(Hons), Membership Alan Canham, Support Officer – Suffolk, on Lincs Standard Bearers Association. [email protected] or Email: [email protected] teL: 01473 784618. Tel: 01406 330295

Readers will notice that I have included on page 16, at the request of a Branch. an obituary notice on the late Tim Bladon. May I ask that Branches do not send me such obituary notices on the achievements and contributions to the Legion by a lately deceased member. The problem is that there are many members who contribute so much of their time, their talent, and so much else to the wonderful cause which is the Legion. Sadly, so many pass away each month, as the obituary column in this journal attests. If I were to publish an obituary notice for even a fraction of these members, this journal would, I regret, become too large or have little room for other news or administrative items. There will be the odd exception, eg someone who has perhaps served with distinction at the national level, but otherwise there simply would be too many. The next edition of LegionLincs will issue at the end of September. Please let me have your photographs and write-up of your VJ Day events and any other (Well, almost!) activities that you get up to – with photographs!! Steve Bonde, Lincolnshire – A Winning Team Editor Legion Lincs 18 Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces Registered Charity No: 219279