Circular THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN’S SECTION INSIDE 2014 Conference, Llandudno PLUS Hearing Problems Survey Spring Edition 2014 ISSUE 443 CONTENTS Issue 443 Spring 2014 7 Enclosures 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 Conference 2014 Agenda Annual Report and Accounts 2012-2013 Donations Booklet 2013 Notification of UpComing Events Form Sponsorship Forms 2014 Pin Pre-order Form 6 Regulars 3 4 7 8 Message from the National Chairman Notices Interview Features 6 2014 Conference, Llandudno 12 Conference Merchandise News 8 9 Branch & County News Craft Stall Information Gift Aid Envelope Information 10 Holding Branch Newsletter 2 THE CIRCULAR | SPRING 2014 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.rblws.org.uk Introduction National Chairman As always, at this time of year, the cards and decorations are taken down and hidden away for another year. There always seems to be more cleaning than usual, once the festive period is over, as it’s impossible to get the duster behind all those Christmas cards and decorations. Then the obligatory diet starts… once again! I hope County Officers, able to attend the County Officers Seminars in both London and York, approved of the two venues. I always think it is essential for us to talk to County Officers, in order for us to pass on fundraising ideas and encourage new members to join The Women’s Section. Let’s see how many Youth Members each branch can sign up in the coming months…now there’s a challenge for you ladies! Your Officers and Central Committee are adjusting to the new Royal British Legion objectives, their work programmes, Welfare objectives and the re-organisation of their offices. If you have any questions that went unanswered by your County Officers at Seminars PLEASE do write to Anthony Beattie. He will happily pass your queries on to the RBL. Annual Conference 2014 will take place in Llandudno. We are in the process of putting the final touches to the Conference Programme, Speakers, Entertainment (very important). Thankfully the team at Head Office have all in hand! This year we have some interesting Speakers and Guests who I really hope you will enjoy and appreciate their attendance. In the past year we have tackled a few problems that are slowly but surely being resolved. The Standard Bearer area is still causing a few problems, due to the RBL reorganisation. Our National Parade Marshal has spent many hours trying to resolve The Women’s Section input, to ensure our County and Regional Competitions are run properly, and without difficulty. Our Counties are liaising well with their RBL counterparts in most areas. Again, if this is not your experience PLEASE contact Head Office so any issues can be resolved quickly. I would like to ask members to ensure ALL information relating to The Women’s Section is filtered down to every member. We need to ensure that we are all working together, or as many of us like to say ‘Singing from the same Hymn Sheet’. A big thank you to all of you who helped one another during the recent dreadful weather, and, to those of you who suffered, our thoughts are with you. So, signing off for now. I just watched Mr Squeaky move himself from one chair to another in order to catch a rare glint of midday sunshine. What a life! Keep warm and look after each other, Wendy B The Collect of The Royal British Legion Women’s Section The Royal British Legion Women’s Section Charity No.219279 199 Borough High Street, London SE1 1AA Tel: 0203 207 2181 Email: [email protected] Website: www.rblws.org.uk President HRH Princess Royal National Chairman Wendy Bromwich JP National Secretary Anthony Beattie Editor Rhian Spurrier Tel: 0203 207 2188 Email: [email protected] Circular production Langham Press, Cambridge Tel: 01223 870266 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.rblws.org.uk We now have our very own Collect, which may be used as the preface to prayers wherever appropriate in any Service involving the Women’s Section. It is currently being placed in the Handbook and the Ceremonial Handbook. God of love and mercy, you bid us love our neighbour and care for your little ones: bless the members of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section with grace to fulfil our calling, to give care and support to the Serving and ex-Service community, that we may show in our lives the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in your sight. Through our loving shepherd Jesus Christ. Amen. Correction Notice Hands up who spotted the unfortunate error in the Winter Circular? Our National Secretary and National Chairman had their roles muddled up. For a short time Anthony Beattie wasn’t sure if he should be sporting a wide brimmed, feather hat as ‘National Chairman’, whilst Wendy debated splashing out on a fancy pair of braces as ‘National Secretary’! Crisis averted and we hope you’ll find everything as it should be in this latest edition! THE CIRCULAR | SPRING 2014 3 Notices Make every mile count with the 2p mile challenge! The 2 Penny Mile Challenge, a new Women’s Section fundraising initiative, was launched in January at the Officers Seminar. This simple initiative involves minimal cost and organisation… it’s just collecting 2 penny pieces! Our target is a mile of 2 penny pieces for every County, that’s 63,360 2 penny pieces laid end to end or £1267.20! If you would like to get involved why not find a prominent landmark in your home town to lay the coins and get some publicity? Ask your local Brownies, Guides, School or Church for support. It would be truly fantastic if all our members were to get on board and take part in the initiative. Let’s all help make a difference just by collecting pocket change! The closing date for the initiative is the end of August and if you have any questions please contact Rhian Spurrier on 0203 207 2188 or [email protected]. Live Wires – Telephone Book & Discussion Groups Independent Age is an older people’s charity, founded 150 years ago, which provides support and friendship to older people. Live Wires is free to those aged 60 years and over. Each group has a facilitator and six members. Between them they choose a book or a topic to discuss; they link together on a telephone conference call, usually every month for an hour, to discuss the chosen book or topic. Those in a book group are sent a list (round 120 books and a smaller section of DVD’s), the group collectively select a book and/or DVD they wish to discuss. The books/DVD’s are sent out with a FREEPOST ENVELOPE, to enable members to return the book/DVD free of charge. There are also book groups who exclusively read about WW1, WW2 or other conflicts and two literary book groups. If you would like to join a book or discussion group, please call Independent Age, Harjinder Jhaj on 0207 605 4267 or Rosalind Devine on 0207 605 4232. Welfare Following The Women’s Section Allowance and The Children’s Allowance increase in December, we have been inundated with lovely thank you cards. We’re delighted to have received such a positive response and would like to extend our appreciation to all our Beneficiaries who got in touch. Beneficiary Update Happy 100th Birthday! Belated Happy Birthday to Mrs Emily Whale, a Women’s Section Beneficiary, who celebrated turning 100 on the 29th October. Mrs Whale had a wonderful time celebrating her milestone with family and friends. She enjoyed a small party, a meal out and even went on her first holiday to Center Parcs! She said the secret to her long and healthy life is hard work, good living and a lovely family who keep her going. 4 THE CIRCULAR | SPRING 2014 White Knight White Knight is such a show pony, he’s asked to have his picture in The Circular yet again! This time he’s trying to befriend a black cat trespassing on his patch. Good luck winning him around White Knight! Trevor Trevor and his family live in Market Weighton, East Yorkshire. He is a real ladies man, but nothing compares to cuddles with his mum, Pall Mall member, Heather Davenport. VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.rblws.org.uk Lest We Forget… Mrs May Arnold OBE – Norfolk It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Mrs May Arnold OBE. Born in Culcross, Scotland, May was the first Scot to become National Chairman of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section, from 1995 to 1998, after which she became National Life Vice President. She was an ex-WAAF, trained as a Wireless operator in Fighter Command but spent much of her service life on remote Stations in North Scotland and the Orkneys. In 1947 she later married a RAF Navigator, and later had three sons. After her family grew up, she became a telephone operator for 22 years Mrs Josie Taylor – Lancing and Sompting Lancing and Sompting Branch is deeply saddened to announce the death of Mrs Josie Taylor. Josie was a much valued member of the Women's Section for 68 years, serving as Treasurer, Committee Member and President. She worked tirelessly, attending all meetings, greeting members, selling poppies and making her delicious gingerbread and shortbread for functions. She was much loved and well respected and will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Miss Helen Griffiths – Gresford After a short illness Miss Helen Griffiths passed away on the 23rd December 2013 aged 83. Helen was a very active, devoted member of the Women's Section. She joined Gresford Branch in 1976 where she was a Committee Member for Notices We regret to inform you that the following members have sadly passed away until her retirement in November 1985. In that time she became the Norwich District Organiser for the Union of Communication Workers and the UCW Chairman in the Eastern Region. Mrs Arnold joined the Royal British Legion Women’s Section in 1971 and over the years she held the Offices of County Chairman of Norfolk and Eastern Area Chairman and was a Member of the Central Committee from 1987, before becoming its Chairman in 1995. Mrs Arnold received the Women’s Section Merit Award and National Golden Award, and was honoured in 1998 with an OBE. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her. some years before becoming Branch Secretary. She was also a very active fundraiser, not only for the Women's Section, but also for the Poppy Appeal. The Gresford Royal British Legion and Branch gave Helen a Legion Funeral on Monday 6th January 2014. Helen will be greatly missed and remembered by all. Mrs Barbara Torrie – Hampshire Former dynamic Group Leader for the North of Hampshire County, Mrs Barbara Torrie has passed away. Barbara was a great fundraiser, supporter and hostess to all members. She will be especially remembered for opening her beautiful garden every summer in aid of the Women’s Section. She will be sadly missed. Mrs Jean Cox – Hampshire It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Mrs Jean Cox, former Group Leader for Hampshire Mid-County. Jean was a firm friend of Barbara Torrie, and they were known together as ‘The Gigglers’. She was renowned for organising jumble sales, raising hundreds of pounds every year for the National Benevolent Fund. She will be greatly missed and remembered by all. Mrs Freda Cheyney MBE – Hampshire Hampshire County is saddened to announce the death of Mrs Freda Cheyney MBE. Former County Chairman, County, Area and Branch Standard Bearer, Area Treasurer, Central Committee Member and Raffle Queen – Freda was very much dedicated to the work of The Women’s Section. Freda spent her life working to support the organisation, arranging events and drumming up support. A great loss to The Women’s Section, Freda will be hugely missed by all. Legion launches survey on Service related hearing problems Do you have problems hearing or ringing in your ears as a result of your Service in the UK Armed Forces? The Royal British Legion would like to hear from you. The RBL works with politicians to improve the lives of the Armed Forces community. They have been campaigning to further the cause of serving personnel, ex-Service men and women and their families since . To inform this campaigning, and to ensure that politicians and civil servants understand the experiences of the Armed Forces community, they carry out research on important issues. They would like to know more about the experiences of Service personnel and veterans with hearing loss and/or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). From research carried out in 2005, they know that ex-Service people are more than three VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.rblws.org.uk times as likely as people in the general population to have ear complaints or difficulty hearing. If you have problems hearing and/or tinnitus, and you think it was partially or entirely caused by your Service in the UK Armed Forces, the RBL would be really grateful if you could take a few minutes to fill out their survey. All of the answers are multiple choice, but you will have a chance to add comments in some places if you want to. Your answers will remain completely confidential, and will be analysed alongside other respondents’ answers (e.g. to identify patterns and trends). You will have the opportunity to provide your contact details at the end, but you don’t have to identify yourself if you don’t want to. The survey is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TTLGSJS and will be open until 4pm on Monday 31st March. Please feel free to share it with anyone who is eligible to fill it in. Picture by (Photographer) | © UK MOD / Crown Copyright 2014 Used under Open Government Licence. SPRING 2014 | THE CIRCULAR 5 2014 Conference Conference Schedule Tuesday 29th April 1pm: National Standard Bearer Competition 4.30pm: Wreath Laying Ceremony Wednesday 30th April 10am – 4pm: Conference Session 1 (Lunch Break 12.30pm – 2pm) 4.30pm: Standard Bearers Parade 7.30pm: Evening Entertainment Thursday 1st May 9.30am – 12.30pm Conference Session 2 Tuesday 29th April – Thursday 1st May Hello everyone, Plans are coming along nicely for Conference 2014, once again being held in Llandudno. We are, as ever, keen to keep Conference costs low. To this end, the National Chairman and Vice Chairman will be sharing a room, and there will not be a Chairman’s Dinner. There will be no Grand Draw this year; in its place we will have a Bucket Collection. Collection envelopes will be sent to all Branches, and those attending Conference can bring them – hopefully full of money – to Llandudno. Those not attending can return their envelopes to Head Office, or ask a neighbouring Branch to take them to Conference. We have some great stalls, including the Blind Veterans UK. We will hopefully have a Tombola stall. If you wish to donate a prize please do bring it along, wrapped. Two raffles will take place, the first being The Llandudno Raffle, with prizes kindly donated by Counties, and the second, a special Commandant Kim McCutcheon, Commanding Officer, FANY (PRVC) Commandant Kim McCutcheon has been Commanding Office of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal’s Volunteer Corps) (FANY) since April 2011. This appointment follows 20 years’ service as an Army Officer with the Intelligence Corps. The FANY is a thriving voluntary organisation which continues to provide support to Civil and Military authorities within London during a major event or incident, so as to protect life and relieve human suffering. 6 THE CIRCULAR | SPRING 2014 raffle to raise money for the Widows’ Christmas Fund. Our National Secretary has also promised to BAKE A CAKE (!) and we will all have a go at guessing the weight. Our 2014 stickpin will be available to purchase at Conference. You can pre-order yours to collect in Lllandudno, or for those not able to attend, the pin will be despatched just before Conference. Our evening entertainment opens with the Band of the King’s Division, who will also lead our Standard Bearers Parade. Then get your disco shoes on ready to throw some shapes to hits from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s! Our fancy dress theme this year is 1980’s, so get those shoulders pads, bum bags, parachute pants and leg warmers at the ready ladies! Due to rising costs, tickets will cost £5, but please do not let this deter you, it promises to be a fun filled evening for all. I look forward to seeing many of you at Conference, where once again we meet up with Brigadier (Retd) Allan Mallinson, Author Brigadier Allan Mallinson is a former infantry and cavalry officer of thirty-five years’ service. He is author of the acclaimed Matthew Hervey series of historical novels and several works of non-fiction. As well as writing on defence matters for The Times, he writes for the Mail Online and is a regular reviewer for The Times, Spectator and Literary Review. friends made many years ago. Pat Chrimes Conference Committee Chairman A range of accommodation has been reserved especially for attendees. Llandudno is very popular, please book early. www.venuecymru.co.uk/accommodation 01492 577577 or [email protected] NSBC Marshal List Orders Marshal: Mrs Helen Richardson National Judges: Mrs Alison Tindale, Mrs Sheila Webster, Miss Emma Kearsey The Announcer: Ms Laura Ashton Conducting Marshal: Mrs Deborah Stevenson Dressing Room Marshal: Mrs Heather Spence Lance Sergeant Johnson Gideon Beharry VC PWRR Johnson Beharry was born in Grenada in 1980. He joined the British Army in 2001, serving in the 1st Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment. He was deployed to Kosovo and Northern Ireland before being sent to Iraq in April 2004. Following his heroic actions on 1 May and 11 June 2004, he was awarded the Victoria Cross in 2005, the highest military decoration for valour in the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces. In 2011, he competed on Dancing on Ice and reached the semi-finals. Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson CB CVO, National President, Royal British Legion Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson CB CVO, has links with a number of Service charities following a career as a Royal Navy submariner and former Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel). He was appointed as National President of The Royal British Legion in October 2012. VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.rblws.org.uk Interview Caroline Hull: Energy, Ideas and Commitment! C aroline Hull is a very busy lady indeed! Marketing Manager for Girlings, Honorary Secretary of The Women’s Section Girlings Branch and now studying for a BSc – it’s a wonder she has time to breathe! We managed to squeeze into Caroline’s busy schedule and found out how she juggles her work, home and Women’s Section life successfully. Why did you decide to join the Women’s Section? When I came to work at Girlings I was told about the Women’s Section Girlings Branch, set up by Gillian Girling, some years before, to help our female tenants. For those who don’t know, Girlings provides retirement accommodation to rent for people over the age of 60, many of whom require additional support. It seemed such a worthwhile cause and a ‘good fit’ with what we offer, so I was delighted to join. I started off as a member of the Committee, but after a few months our then Honorary Secretary, Gemma Roberts, left the company and the position needed to be filled. How can you refuse your Chairman and Honorary Treasurer when they ask you to take on such an important role? So, here I am! How does your role at The Women’s Section fit in with your work/home life? Like many ladies who will be reading this, I juggle home life and working life, trying to get a good balance between the two. I am also studying for a BSc with the Open University, which is a challenge but can be great fun. Inevitably there are certain times of the year when I am busier with the Women’s Section than others; Annual Membership Renewal and organising our Christmas Party – although we are such a strong team these tasks do not fall to me alone. We receive great support at Girlings which makes managing our Women’s Section duties alongside our work load possible. Who says we women cannot multi-task?! What do you enjoy most about your role at The Women’s Section? I think it has to be the camaraderie with fellow Committee Members and the interaction with our members across the country. The stories you hear can move you to tears at times and, even though some of our members are short of funds, they still send us donations with their membership fees. It makes me smile to see such support. What has been your most memorable moment at The Women’s Section? The 2013 Christmas Party was fantastic! We had a VIP guest (Father Christmas!) who turned up with a sack full of presents. Some of our members brought their children along to the party and to see their little faces light up was a wonderful moment. Mind you, a few of us older ‘children’ also thought he was great! and sadly as our female tenants are getting older many go into nursing homes and cannot keep up their membership. What do you think is the key to running a successful Branch? A good team! You cannot run a successful Branch on your own. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about becoming a member of The Women’s Section? That’s simple - Go for it! It is a great way to meet other ladies and build up good friendships whilst working together to provide much needed support for those who need it. What are your hopes for the future of The Women’s Section? I believe that the Women’s Section has a strong foundation which needs building upon for the future. This can only succeed through the recruitment of more members – of all ages. We definitely need the energy, ideas and commitment of the younger generation. What has been your proudest moment at The Women’s Section? I think this has to be the hard work and dedication that our Committee Members put into organising our fundraisers, especially our Christmas parties. They do a phenomenal job; baking cakes, making sandwiches, buying raffle prizes and donating their time. For a small Branch we do exceptionally well! What has been the biggest challenge within your role at The Women’s Section? For me it has to be coping with a dwindling membership. I know this is one of the biggest challenges facing The Women’s Section, If you’d like to nominate a Women’s Section member to feature in our next interview, call: 0203 207 2188 email: [email protected] or write to us at: The Women’s Section, Haig House, 199 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1AA All you need to do is state their name, branch, contact detail – we’ll do the rest! VISITWEBSITE: www.rblws.org.uk SPRING 2014 | THE CIRCULAR 7 News Southwick Green Scheme Pocket Pals Following the launch of The Women’s Section National Youth Holding Branch, Aylsham Branch was eager to think of fundraising initiatives and ideas to engage a younger audience. It wasn’t long before they came up with the idea of appealing to their local High School for assistance. Branch Chairman, Hazel Kingswood, and Branch Treasurer, Lesley Willcocks, set up a meeting with Aylsham High School’s Community Development Officer, Vanessa Scargill to discuss initiatives that pupils could get involved with. Discussions also took place with teachers Tanya Wiseman and Melanie Goodwin during which the work of The Women’s Section was explained. The Old Bag Company We are thrilled that The Old Bag Company have chosen to donate a percentage of the sales from their new range of poppy bags to The Women’s Section. The Old Bag Company is based in Devon and was set up by Sally Hurst 7 years ago when she had the sudden inspiration to design a practical, strong, fun beach bag. The new Poppy bag launch commemorates the Centenary of The First World War. They are bags designed by a woman for a woman, supporting women. The bags will be available to buy from the beginning of April, and you can find all their ranges on their website www.theoldbagcompany.com. 8 THE CIRCULAR | SPRING 2014 Two weeks later a second meeting took place and Hazel and Lesley were astonished to find that the pupils had been very busy making ‘Pocket Pals’ – handkerchiefs with a variety of friendly logos such as ducks, trains, windmills and even a penny-farthing! The headmaster allowed pupils to wear their ‘Pocket Pals’ alongside their poppies for the whole of November, raising £170 for The Women’s Section to date. Following such a successful drive, teachers and pupils of Aylsham High School have been invited to join in further fundraising initiative, such as archery and abseiling, with Aylsham Branch this summer. Southwick Green have launched an initiative to ensure every Branch is given the greatest help to enrol new members; which are so badly needed by The Women’s Section. At the core of the Scheme is a wonderful DVD about The Women’s Section, both work and play, useful for entertainment, publicity and fundraising. The DVD will be distributed at Conference, along with information on how to run a publicity/recruitment drive, for FREE! Branches unable to attend Conference will receive their pack by post, and continued support will be available via The Southwick Green Scheme whilst the goal of recruiting new Women’s Section members is achieved! CARRYING YOU THROUGH LIFE theoldbagcompany.com Our gorgeous new Spring/Summer collection is spot on this season with 3 lovely new spot colours. We have 2 new designs, Betty a smaller version of the popular Burtie messenger bag and Maisy a stylish large tote bag. We have also brought back our Award Winning Cool bags to compliment our Charlotte beach bags which are now available in Oilcloth. We are delighted to be launching our new Poppy design to commemorate the Centenary of The First World War. We will be donating a percentage of sale proceeds to The Royal British Legion Womens Section (designed by a woman, for a woman, supporting women). 01548 853444 www.theoldbagcompany.co.uk VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.rblws.org.uk Branch and County News Belper Branch Celebrates 70 Years Belper Branch thoroughly enjoyed celebrating their 70th Birthday in September. Over 90 ladies from Derbyshire County attended. Mrs Nancy Stevenson, President of the Branch, was honoured to accept the Branch’s Anniversary Certificate from Mrs Mary Middleton MBE. Mrs Hazel Gibson received her Merit Award in recognition of service to the Women’s Section and The Purse Presentation was also held. All enjoyed a delicious buffet kindly made by the ladies at Belper Branch. Congratulations Sheila! Croeso I Gymru (Welcome to Wales) Redditch Branch was proud to present their Standard Bearer, Mrs Sheila Boyd, with a Meritorious Certificate for her loyal service to the Royal British Legion Women’s Section. Sheila is an extremely active member of the Branch, attending various meetings and conferences in the County on behalf of the Branch. She organised the Redditch Veterans Day Parade and sold poppies for the Poppy Appeal. National Vice-Chairman, Marilyn Humphry, had a very productive time visiting Wales late last year. Here she is with National Vice-President, Auriel Marchioness of Linlithgow; Patron of Wales, Mrs Valerie Kerr-Wilson and Regional Representative Mrs Pat Chrimes at the War Memorial in Wrexham following the Wreath Laying at the first gathering of members of the new District of Wales/North. Wandering and Wondering Offenham Branch Standard Seventeen Members from Gateshead Branch visited the National Memorial Arboretum in September. They had a marvellous trip, enjoying the outdoors, taking in the beautiful surroundings and remembering loved ones. The Women’s Section Memorial was a particular highlight. In June Offenham Branch laid their Standard to rest and the Dedication of the new Standard took place. The event commenced with a parade from the maypole to the church, and was well accompanied by The Cheltenham Pipes and Drums, members of the Women’s Branch and Offenham Royal British Legion, plus an impressive turn out by The Royal British Legion Riders. Happy Birthday! 75th Anniversary Celebrations Shortheath Branch celebrated their 70th Birthday in September with a jovial evening filled with delicious food, good friends and plenty of reminiscing! A lovely cake was devoured, and a raffle was held to give a little gift to each member. Mickleover Branch had a brilliant time celebrating it’s 75th Anniversary at The RBL, Poppyfields Drive in August. Guests and Committee Members joined in the festivities with Vice-President, Mrs Molly Mansfield and Vice-Chairman, Mrs Ethel Warner accepting the Anniversary Certificate on behalf of the Branch. VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.rblws.org.uk SPRING 2014 | THE CIRCULAR 9 Branch and County News 2013 1974 This is your life… Back in 1974 Dundry Branch was formed and Sheila Plummer became Standard Bearer. Sheila carried the Standard at the Dedication Service and continued to do so until 1986 when she moved to Olveston. She carried the Standard there until 2005 when she moved to Tiverton, where she’s still a Standard Bearer today. Sadly, after 39 years, Dundry Branch closed and quite fittingly Sheila was asked to return and carry the Standard for the Laying-up Ceremony. She said of the occasion, “It was very sad as we never like to hear of a Branch closing, but I was honoured to have been asked. I don’t think there are many Standard Bearers who have actually Dedicated and Laid up the Standard of the same Branch after so many years.” 90th Birthday Bash! 40’s Weekend National Chairman’s Award Mrs Peggie Pierce had a wonderful time celebrating her 90th Birthday in August with friends and members of Northop Branch. Mrs Pierce spread the birthday cheer by very kindly donating half of her gift money to the Branch. Isle of Wight Branch had a great time at Calbourne Mill during Isle of Wight’s 40’s Weekend in September. They ran a Women’s Section Tombola Stall and a Jams, Marmalades and Chutney Stall, which helped boost the County funds thanks to all the generous visitors! Mrs Jenny Woodward was absolutely delighted to receive The National Chairman’s Award for her dedication and involvement at Whally Bridge Women’s Section where she has been a member for over 60 years! A very well deserved Award! Coffee Morning Standard Dedication Members of Ballynahinch Branch were rushed off their feet serving hot drinks and a delicious selection of homemade cakes during a Coffee Morning Fundraiser. They raised a fantastic £500 for The Women’s Section! Members of King’s Lynn Branch had a lovely day at their Standard Dedication back in the summer. There was an excellent attendance with Standards from other Branches also present. A delicious afternoon tea was enjoyed by the ladies following the Dedication. THE CIRCULAR | SPRING 2014 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.rblws.org.uk 10 Branch and County News Poppy Appeal Little Sutton Celebrates 80 years! Buckinghamshire County Chairman, Mrs Daphne Judd, and Shirley Edmunds from Iver Heath Branch kindly volunteered to help with the Poppy Appeal back in November. They received their own Fundraisers Kit, and set up a stall at a local Sainsbury’s where they did a brilliant job of raising money and supporting The Royal British Legion. Little Sutton got into the party spirit for their 80th Birthday, with Committee Members enjoying a fantastic evening of celebrations and tucking into a delicious cake. Some members continued the party in Scotland with a trip to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Rain Drops Keep Falling on My Head In August, Cliffe Lewes branch arranged a garden party to raise money for the 2014 Purse. The weather had been glorious leading up to the party and members looked forward to holding their meeting in the sunshine, but, just as guests were due to arrive, the heavens opened and it started to rain steadily! The weather didn’t dampen members’ spirits; they retreated indoors and enjoyed an afternoon of delicious food, reminiscing and making a fuss of Micky the dog, who relished the attention and crumbs. A lovely day was had by all and £55 was raised towards the 2014 Purse. Wedded Bliss! Royal Garden Party Congratulations to happy couple, Heather Ayres of Kemble and District Branch and Spencer Berkley Jones, on their recent marriage. Heather is the daughter of Branch Secretary and Gloucestershire County Vice-President, Mrs Pat Ayres MBE. Many of the Branch members, who have known Heather since she was a little girl, were thrilled to celebrate her special day at All Saints Church, Kemble. Mrs Mary Johnston and Mrs Mary McMath, members of Portrush Branch, were invited to attend The Royal Garden Party at Hillsborough Castle on Wednesday 5th September. Other Branches present were Hillsborough, Banbridge, Lisburn and Dungannon. The highlight of the day for the two Mary’s was the opportunity to have a natter with Prince Edward! Thanksgiving Good as Gold Nancy Halbert of Culcheth and District Branch was thrilled to receive The Women’s Section Gold Badge Award. Presenting the Award to Nancy were West Lancashire County Secretary, Mrs Jane Abraham, County Chairman, Mrs Theresa Stott and County Treasurer, Mrs Michelle Miller. VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.rblws.org.uk A Service of Thanksgiving was recently held to celebrate the life of Mrs Mabel Kathleen Twist MBE. Mabel passed away peacefully at Harold McCauley House in Omagh just months short of her 100th Birthday. She was extremely dedicated to the work of The Women’s Section, serving as President of Omagh Branch until 2003 and also President of Northern Ireland for a number of years. Our heartfelt condolences go to Mrs Twist’s family. SPRING 2014 | THE CIRCULAR 11 Merchandise: Special Conference Offers! NEW F OR 2014 Car Sticker & Tax Disc Holder £2.00 per pair 2014 Annual Stick Pin £1 each 5 Gift Wrap & Gift Tags £2.00 per pack Pack of 4 Coasters £4.50 Women’s Section Juco Bag £2.50 each Handmade Birthday Cards £4.50 per pack Handmade Sympathy Cards £1.00 each Document Bag £4.00 each Trolley Coins £1.00 for two or 70p each Wallet 50p each Handmade Blank Cards £4.50 per pack Past Annual Stick Pins (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009 & 2012) buy ANY six for 60p or 15p each VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.rblws.org.uk
© Copyright 2024