Minutes of a Meeting of

Alfriston & District Royal British Legion held at

The Tudor House Restaurant Alfriston

(by kind permission of Roger and Louise Wallwork)

Monday 4th January 2010 at 7.30 p.m

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Peter Gadsdon was in the Chair

Prayers and exhortation were led by The Rev’d Dr Gerald Munro

Present were Peter Gadsdon, Chris Goodchild, Ron Levett, Flyle Hussain, Chris Morley, Bruce Buckingham, Mike Morris, Malcolm Mazey, Gerald Munro, Russell Simpson, Peter Granger, Tom Dalgleish, Arthur Dalgleish, Ian Wilson, Bob Peedle.

Apologies for absence received from Graham Thomas, Patrick Ballingall, Richard Eng, Bob Stidston, Kevin Bradley, John Tozer, Ron Keen, Norman Holland, Veronica Cowin, Roger Price, John Burton.

Membership Officer Ron Levett reported current membership of 65

Minutes of the meeting held on October 5^th 2009, as circulated, were approved.

Treasurer's report - Flyle Hussain reported total funds of £1,663.80.  This includes a donation of £1,000 from Highfields Trust (see below) and £517 due to be forwarded to RBL Headquarters in respect of Membership Fees.

The Highfields Trust - Peter Gadsdon reported the Trustees had donated £1,000 to the Branch for general purposes.  He has written to acknowledge and to express our appreciation.

The Standard – Bob Peedle commented that, whilst our Standard is in a fair condition, it will not last forever.  It was agreed to commence a Standard Replacement Fund with the aim to replace it over the next 5 to 10 years.  Meantime, it was agreed to use part of the Highfields Trust Fund donation to commission a stand for displaying the Standard.  Chris Morley will approach a craftsman and will liaise with Bob Peedle regarding the design.

The 2009 Poppy Appeal - Chris Morley reported £3,827.29 had been raised, compared with around £3,500 last year (see accounts attached).  Street collections had been reduced to one day this year (two last year) and it was agreed to keep the single day in the future.  Chris was congratulated and thanked for his efforts.

Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service – Peter Gadsdon reported 25 members attended the parade and service on Sunday 8^th November.   This was followed a few days later with a further Act of Remembrance in the Market Square at 11am on 11^th day of the 11^th month when Peter Gadsdon took the Parade, Bob Peedle dipped the Standard, Chris Goodchild played Last Post & Reveille and the Rector, Rev’d James Howson, gave the Exhortation.  Members were delighted with the substantial turnout from residents of Alfriston and surrounding districts.

Royal Albert Hall – Gerald Munro and Russell Simpson expressed their gratitude for being chosen to represent the Brach at the Royal Albert Hall on the evening before Remembrance Sunday.  As usual, the evening was an outstanding success.

The Star Luncheon – Chris Goodchild reported 50 members and guests enjoyed a first class luncheon at The Star Inn, immediately following the Remembrance Sunday Parade.  Following the success of this luncheon, it was agreed to hold the next luncheon at The Star Inn, subject to availability.  Our regular annual luncheon has been on the last Friday in February, but it has been decided to alter this to the last Friday in April, the 30th, in the hope that the weather will be kinder to us for travel.

Any other business – Members thanked Gerald Munro for his assistance and support as Branch Chaplain.  Our Treasurer proposed thanks to our Membership Secretary, Ron Levett, for the efficient collection of the Members’ Annual Subscriptions.  Bob Peedle mentioned his broadcast of ‘Forces on Parade’ on Seahaven FM 87.7 at 6pm each Sunday (following ‘Community People’ at 5pm).  The members expressed thanks to Roger and Louise Wallwork of The Tudor House Restaurant Alfriston for the use of their premises for the meeting.

Date of next meeting Monday April 12^th 2010 at The Star Inn Alfriston

(The usual First Monday in April is Easter Monday)