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THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
ESSEX COUNTY
NEWSLETTER
MARCH
APRIL
2015
‘Coming together is a beginning.
Keeping together is progress.
Working together is success.’
(Henry Ford)
COUNTY NOTICES & EVENTS
COUNTY WELFARE FUND
GROUP & BRANCH DONATIONS
1 JULY 2014 TO 30 JUNE 2015
HORNCHURCH BRANCH
CHELMSFORD BRANCH
SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS BRANCH
CLACTON ON SEA BRANCH
TAKELEY BRANCH
GREAT DUNMOW BRANCH
WICKFORD BRANCH
HOCKLEY BRANCH
WEELEY & Lt CLACTON BRANCH
BRENTWOOD BRANCH
ROWHEDGE BRANCH
DANBURY BRANCH
GREAT WALTHAM BRANCH
BRENTWOOD BRANCH
BROOMFIELD BRANCH
GREAT BADDOW BRANCH
WIVENHOE BRANCH
WICKHAM BISHOPS BRANCH
TAKELEY BRANCH
CLAVERING BRANCH
KELVEDON BRANCH
HEDINGHAMS BRANCH
£ 1000
£ 1000
£ 360
£
50
£ 500
£ 860
£ 1500
£ 250
£
50
£ 250
£ 2000
£25000
£ 250
£
50
£ 500
£ 115
£ 3730
£
38
£ 500
£ 1750
£ 1200
£ 1000
TOTAL RECEIVED FROM BRANCHES THIS
FINANCIAL YEAR TO DATE:
£41953
TOTAL RECEIVED FROM OTHER SOURCES
THIS FINANCIAL YEAR TO DATE:
£14035
COMBINED TOTAL TO DATE:
£55988
COUNTY WELFARE EXPENDITURE
£43463
ELECTED TO THE MEMBERSHIP
COUNCIL
We are pleased to announce that the County President, Major
David Swann TD was successful in the recent elections to the
Membership Council. He will take up his position following the
National Conference on 18 May 2015.
David joined the Royal British Legion, Danbury Branch, in 1979,
later transferring to the Great Baddow Branch in 2000. He has
served on the Branch Committee (2002) and as Branch
Treasurer (2006). He was elected County Vice-Chairman in 2007
and County Chairman in 2010, at the conclusion of his term of
office he was awarded Life Membership of the Legion. He was
appointed County President in 2014. He has served as Branch
and County Delegate at
the Annual Conference
since 2004.
He served in the Regular
Army (Royal Signals)
1960/75 (SSgt) and the
TA (Essex Yeomanry)
1975/02 (Major). During
this period he was also a
Police Officer in the Essex
Police (1975-91)
Following
his
official
appointment Major Swann
may be contacted by
telephone
at
01245
222760 or by Email at
[email protected]
appointment
on matters concerning his new
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
Management, on 31 March 2015, appointed Brigadier Malcolm
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
APPLICATION PROCESSES
EVENT FUNDING
Due to the upgrade of the database system, we will
cease to accept MS4 new joiner forms from 27th March
2015. On Line Joining will also cease from this date. Any
applications received after this date unfortunately cannot
be processed and the application process will need to be
started again using the new membership application
(further details below). Current MS4 application forms will
no longer be issued by Aylesford and the Contact Centre
with immediate effect.
Branches can apply for funding for their
local events. Any activities/events
designed to inform the wider public of the
Legion, help the public gain a greater
understanding of the work that the Charity
carries out, raise awareness of the
importance of Remembrance, recruit new
Legion members, raise funds, attract
volunteers
and
provide
potential
beneficiaries with contact information,
might get a grant. The deadline to submit
their applications to Counties/Districts is
24 April.
A PDF version of the new membership application form
will be available from early April. The printed version can
be ordered from Aylesford and should be available by
early May. Please be aware that any new applications
using these forms cannot be processed until the new
database is fully operational which will be approximately
the third week of May, the exact date is still to be
confirmed.
COLLECTION OF
AFFILIATION FEES/BRANCH
STATEMENTS
INFORMATION VOLUNTEERS
We Need You!
If you have good customer service, are confident using a
computer and willing to help regularly, we would love to
hear from you.
To simplify the transfer of data into the new system and
to not ask the branches for a payment twice, membership
services have decided to produce one final invoice for
each branch in May, rather than sending a statement
requesting payment in February and another one in
May. After the collection in the first week of May we will
send a statement to each branch, covering period 8th of
Feb 2014 to 30th of Mar 2015. This will be a final
statement.
As an Information Volunteer you will work closely with our
Advice & Information Officers to deliver a high quality
service at a wide variety of locations across Essex
including our new Pop-In Centre in Colchester.
If you are interested in volunteering in your area please
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
ceremony over the weekend at your local community
centre, Legion club or local school, to tie in with the
National Celebrations. Please let us know about your
event by contacting us: [email protected].
We have launched an Essex Royal British Legion
Facebook page. Please search for us and like the page
to receive updates on membership and fundraising
across Essex. This is in addition to all current ways of
communication and does not replace it.
PAGE 2
COMMONWEALTH DAY AT
BRAINTREE
DEBDEN PRIMARY SCHOOL AWARDED
NATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF
APPRECIATION
https://sites.google.com/site/braintreegreatwarmemorial/
Debden (C of E) Primary School has just been awarded a
Royal British Legion National Certificate of Appreciation for
its hard work and success in supporting the Annual RBL
Poppy Appeal. The Certificate was presented to the School
at Morning Assembly by Mr Stewart Luck, the Branch Poppy
Appeal Organiser.
On Monday 9th March 2015 the Commonwealth Flag was
raised at Braintree Town Hall to mark Commonwealth
Day. The Commonwealth Flag was raised by all local
authorities in the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man at
10.00am exactly to ensure that all flags were raised
together at the same time that morning.
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
tremendous contribution to the amount collected.
Members of various local branches of the Royal British
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
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
DEBDEN BRANCH RBL
AWARDED 50th ANNIVERSARY
PENNANT
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.
SIR DAVID AMESS MP VISITS
LEIGH ON SEA BRANCH
At a recent meeting of the Leigh on Sea Branch of the Royal
British Legion, which was attended by Sir David Amess MP,
Cadets from C Company of the Army Cadet Force based in
Leigh on Sea, led by the Detachment Commander Staff
Sergeant Instructor Russell Mott gave a presentation
covering certain aspects of their history and responsibilities.
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
year’s late.
Debden’s 50th Anniversary has now been officially recorded and to
mark this achievement the Branch has been awarded a 50th
Anniversary Streamer Pennant which can be attached to the Branch
Standard and flown in public.
This Anniversary Pennant indicates the year of the reformation of
the Branch and the year of its 50th Anniversary in gold on a royal
blue background (in Debden’s case “1958 – 2008”).
The picture shows Sir David with the Cadets.
Sir David later provided the following quote:
“I am so impressed with the work of the Army
Cadets. I congratulate them on their many
achievements; they are a credit to their schools
and their country. So I send my very best wishes
and encouragement for them to keep up their
wonderful work.”
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
The 30, 9 and 10 year old pupils, of class RP at
Downham C of E Primary School, were each given £5
before Christmas and asked to multiply this in any way
they could. Between them they raised the magnificent
sum of £1,194 for the Poppy Appeal. They had some
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!
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
members and their guests sat down to enjoy a menu
starting with “Cullen Skink” (Haddock) Soup or Black
Pudding, followed by the traditional main course of
“Haggis, Neeps and Tatties” and ending with “Clootie
Dumpling” or “Granachan” for Pudding, all washed down
with a copious quantity of whisky.
John Swanborough, our ex President and veteran of the
Royal Engineers, and I went along to receive the cheque
on 2nd February and to give them some information on
where the money goes...............and some tales of John's
exploits in his Army days. We received an extremely
warm welcome, had a really enjoyable morning, and the
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)
The Haggis was piped in by Tom Broderick from
Chelmsford, and formally addressed in the traditional
manner by Branch Chairman Roger Burgess. After the
obligatory speeches and toasts to The Immortal Memory
of Robbie Burns, the Lassies and the Laddies, the evening
ended with a stirring rendition of “Auld Lang Syne”. All
funds raised from this event will be donated to the Royal
British Legion.
(From Roger Burgess)
PAGE 5
EFFORTS OF POPPY APPEAL
COLLECTORS
FINALLY RECOGNIZED
4 SALE
COMMEMORATIVE COIN
COLLECTION
A number of commemorative coins have been
donated to raise funds for the County Welfare
Fund. These are listed below:
8 x Winston Churchill Crowns (1965)
4 x Silver Jubilee Crowns (1977)
2 x Sets – Charles & Diana Crowns
in plastic wallet (1981)
These items are offered for sale and bids may be
placed with the County Treasurer (Email address
is on page 3) by 30 April 2015. Bids will be
considered by the County Board of Management,
who are not obliged to accept any or all the bids.
If circumstances allow split bids may be
accepted. I regret I do not have the knowledge to
classify the quality of these coins but they may
be seen by appointment.
Members of Debden Branch Royal British Legion (RBL)
gathered at their local Plough Pub at midday on Sunday
15th February to witness the presentation of a number of
awards to individual members who have supported the
annual RBL Appeal as collectors over a period of time.
Mike Clarke and Hal Adams both received awards for 15
years continuous support and Mrs Karen Bell was
presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for 5 years
involvement as an Appeal Collector. All three members
were previously members of Thaxted Branch where much
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
to continue collecting at Thaxted if requested to do so.
Mike Clarke lives in Debden Green where he now collects
for the RBL Poppy Appeal.
The Awards were presented by Debden Branch Poppy
Appeal Organiser (PAO), Stewart Luck. Introducing the
recipients, Branch Chairman, Roger Burgess emphasised
that the success of the Poppy Appeal each year depended
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!
PAGE 6