The Derbyshire Legion Page | 1
The Magazine of the Royal British Legion in Derbyshire December/January 2014/15
Incorporating the Derbyshire LegionLetter Newsletter
Registered Charity No. 219279 Shoulder to shoulder with all who serve Vol. 5 Issue 3
Draycott Village Great War Memorial Garden, Walk Close, was dedicated on the 15th
July 2014. This ghostly
picture features the Garden and Long Eaton Branch Member and re-enactor Tony Bryan. Tony lives in Long Eaton
but works in Draycott not far from the Memorial. He is wearing the uniform of a soldier of the Sherwood Foresters
(Notts & Derby) Regiment from the Great War. Fifty-six men from Draycott never returned from the war and this
garden is dedicated to them. Photo by Steve Inger a local Freelance Photographer. See page eleven.
Draycott Great War Memorial Garden
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Chairman’s Commentary
Editorial
The next Derbyshire Legion will be published on the 25th
February 2015 Please send your contributions to me by the 15
th February for inclusion. If it is received after this date I might not be
able to get it in. Editor John P. Irwin
I have been most pleased to attend, mostly accompanied by my wife Anne, many events right across the county,
starting with Hopton Wood at Middleton early in May and concluding with a Concert of Remembrance at
Hayfield earlier this month. I have been pleasantly surprised by the attendance at all the events, which shows that
the Legion’s message, that we must never forget those who fought and died on our behalf, is now well recognised
across the Country.
I am pleased to be able to confirm the area Office, Pop in Centre and County Office will relocate to 18 St Peter’s
Street, Derby, early in the New Year, following approval by the City Council of the RBL’s Planning Application.
This Centre will be one of only sixteen such locations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland and will be the
focus of all things RBL across the East Midlands. This is a real feather in our “Cap” and will be one that other
East Midland Counties are most envious.
As this is the last issue of the Magazine for this year, may I wish you all a very peaceful Christmas and a happy
and successful New Year.
Bernard Page MBE
Thank you to all who supplied items for this edition, there has been a great response to my
email from Legion Branches in Derbyshire. So much so that for the first time since 2012
a special fundraisng edition of The Derbyshire Legionletter will be published separately
so I can fit into this edition of the Derbyshire Legion the contributions I have received.
I must apologise for the late publication of this edition due to the Poppy Appeal as I am
the organiser for Long Eaton and District. Like many PAO up and down the country I
have spent the last month counting and banking the money from the collection. Our total
at the time of this editorial is £50313.88 this is our highest total ever. I think I can agree
with our Chairman Bernard Page, we can be sure that this Poppy Appeal has been a good
one.
Wanted for the Magazine: News of your events for the 100th
Anniversary of the
Great war or anniversaries connected to WWII as well as anything else of interest to
other Legion Members in Derbyshire. Please take photos and send them to me with
some words to explain what you have been up to. I am still receiving some good
pictures but little or no text to go with them. I cannot produce a magazine without your
support.
I would like to wish all our readers and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy and
properous New Year.
John P. Irwin, Editor
As we come to the end of the Poppy Appeal fortnight I am sure that life for,
many of you, will start to return to some form of normality. It has been a busy
period, and I am most appreciative of the many hours put in by many Branch
Members, to ensure that the Legion can continue with its work with the
Ex-Service Community for another year. Very early reports give rise to
optimism that we could have a very successful Appeal.
We are also coming to the end of 2014, the year of the 100th Anniversary of the
start of the First World War. From a Branch, County and National perspective
it has been a special year when many Churches, groups and organisations have
come together to remember those who made the supreme sacrifice a century
ago.
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Crich’s Queen’s Golden Jubilee Seat
is Finally Dedicated
It is with sincere thanks for the help and support of Mr & Mrs Harrison that at last we were able to finalise the
occasion. Our thanks to Mrs Harrison for an excellent buffet which was enjoyed by all. The weather although not
sunny, was dry and warm and all those attending we're able to enjoy the occasion. A Loyal toast was given after the
dedication.
BEM PRESENTATION By Tony Millward
There was 54 guests at my presentation which included:
our MP, our MEP, DDDC Leader, Chair of DDDC, Mayor of Ashbourne, Lt McNeil, Ram Major Cpl Benson and
Ram Orderly Pte Seager from the Mercian Regiment.
David Wheatcroft Clerk to the Lieutenancy read out part of my Citation:
“Tony Millward received the award which mentioned the part he had played with the Mercian Regiment, sending out
101 shoeboxes to men on operations in Afghanistan and other things that had been taken into account like the Town
Band and the Ashbourne Highland Gathering and the Ashbourne Royal British Legion and others and he had received
the BEM for services to the Community of Ashbourne”
He was then presented the medal by the Lord Lieutenant Mr William Tucker, who also presented a bouquet of flowers
to his wife Lynda.
My Speech I would like to thank the Lord Lieutenant for allowing the Presentation to be made in Ashbourne in what I believe is
the first occasion it has taken place in the town, and also David and Debra for their part.
It means so much to me that I have received the BEM in Ashbourne. I have to say thank you for the huge input of
Lynda my wife as I could not of done any of this without her. For this award and during the 48 years I have been
doing Community work in Ashbourne.
Also the help from James Hollingsworth in putting forward the letters of support which Lynda had collected and had
them sent to next door. I knew nothing about being put forward for an honour and received the letter on my birthday,
but when I saw the envelope which had on it On Her Majesty’s Service, Cabinet Office I thought there must have been
some mistake, I had to read the letter three times to take it all in and then had to keep it a secret for a month which was
very hard.
The same goes for my friends and the Ashbourne people and without your support none of this would have been
possible and each and every one of you tonight and in the town, have contributed in one way or another for this award,
but none of this was ever done to receive such an huge honour like this. When I was shown the letters of support I
could not believe the kind words that people had written about me.
On Sunday 14th
September 2014 the
Members of Crich and District Branch had
the pleasure of dedicating a bench,
(pictured), to Her Majesty the Queen in
recognition of her Golden Jubilee.
The dedication was performed by the
Reverend Jim Grey and in attendance were
the Branch President Mr Chris Jackson and
his wife Sally, Branch Secretary, Mr Sam
Lomas and his wife Sue, plus other
members of the Branch.
It was also a pleasure to have the Pipes &
Drums of the Seaforth Highlanders Nott's
Branch who played a lament before and
after the dedication. This dedication was the
climax to a long and sometimes difficult
period with delay after delay seeking
permission to site the seat at Crich Stand.
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The last two years have been the time when I seem to have received recognition after recognition with the Chairman
of the District, meeting the Queen, William and Kate at Nottingham, meeting the Prince of Wales for the new Mercian
Regiment Colours Presentation at Worcester, going to the Queens Garden Party, receiving a Mercian Commendation,
and I have just completed 25 years as Chairman of Ashbourne Town Band and now this.
Derbyshire Royal British Legion Women’s Section
Annual Purse Presentation by Angela Swift
Bakewell Branch of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section in conjunction with their 80th
anniversary celebrations
hosted Derbyshire County’s Annual Purse Presentation at the Town Hall, Bakewell on Friday 29th August 2014.
Branches of Allestree, Belper, Chesterfield, Ilkeston, Littleover, Mickleover and Youlgrave were also present.
The evening began with the Act of Homage being said by Judith Twigg, Bakewell’s Branch President and she asked
everyone present whilst stood in silence remembering the County President, Mrs Mary Middleton MBE who passed
away at the end of March. She then welcomed everyone to her home town, a town where she was born and bred and
which she was proud to serve.
Guest of honour was the Rt. Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP for Derbyshire Dales and Secretary of State for Transport
and he was welcomed by the County Chairman Mrs Angela Swift. Other guests included Cllr. Alyson Hill the Mayor
of Bakewell and other members of the Town Council, County RBL President Mr. W. Else and his wife Aileen,
County Vice Chairman Philip Swarski, John Cam the RBL County Treasurer and Col Leslie Wright the RBL
Bakewell President and Leonard Twigg the RBL Bakewell Vice Chairman.
The Purse Presentation is the highlight of the County’s calendar, the day when the branches present the culmination
of their fundraising efforts over the year. The Per Capita Cups will be awarded as a result of the amounts donated.
Patrick McLoughlin said on receiving the purses how proud he was to be here on this occasion and the Women’s
Section are to be congratulated on the amounts raised.
A superb buffet prepared and served by Mesdames: Pheasey, Kreuger, Edwards, Dudley and Vickers of Bakewell
Branch was served and the Vote of Thanks was given by Mrs Beryl Hurst of Littleover Branch who gave particular
mention to Mrs Pheasey for all her hard work and thanked Bakewell Pudding Shop for their kind donations towards
the buffet.
The raffle organised by Mrs Jackie Herlihy of the County Committee was drawn and among the lucky winners were
Mesdames: M. Orme, M. Morely, D. Wicks, J. Buxton, K. McDermott and E. Sewell. The proceeds from this
amounted to £130 which included a £10 donation.
Not forgetting being Mayor 2001-2002 and
turning up the Shrovetide Ball and
deputising for the Prince of Wales when his
Aunt died and being chaired into the Green
Man an honour that is usually reserved for
the scorers of the ball. I shall wear the
Medal with great pride in the future and
once again thank you for your support.
I would also like to thank the Ashbourne
Ex-Serviceman’s Club for letting me use
the Function Room and Stewart Lees and
also David the Steward.
And to round off what was a wonderful
evening was the buffet put on by Rosemary
and David Bates of Bates Bakery.
Tony Millward BEM
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Patrick McLoughlin proudly did the honour of presenting County Certificates of Appreciation to the following
members: Shirley Brassington the retiring Chairman of Youlgrave, Margaret Bristow the retiring Secretary of
Youlgrave in recognition of the hard work they have put in for their Branch and to Hazel Dawes Treasurer of Belper,
Valerie Halls the Secretary and Standard Bearer of Belper, Priscilla Bridge a Committee member and hard working
member of Belper.
Mrs Jan Buxton the County Treasurer was very proud to announce that even though there had been changes in the
year end, this year the County Purse totalled £8,154.00. She thanked the branches most sincerely. A job very well
done. These monies according to the branches wishes are to be donated to Head Office for the benevolent schemes
they administer along with small amounts to both Head Office and County for their administration.
Cromford Branch Commemorates the start
of both World Wars
To Commemorate the Centenary of the start of the Great War and 75th Anniversary of the start of WWII, on Saturday
1st November 2014 Cromford Branch planted in the War Memorial Grounds a Rose bush in memory of each of the 41
men whose names are inscribed on the Cromford and Scarthin War Memorials. The Rose bushes and plaques were
sponsored by friends, relations and businesses in Cromford. (Pictured below).
Sunday 9th
November 2014
The Service of Remembrance was held at St Mary's Church, Cromford, followed by wreath laying at Cromford and
Scarthin War Memorials by dignitaries and supported by the Wirksworth Detachment of the Army Cadets.
Armistice Day, Tuesday 11th
November 10.45am
The Children from Cromford C of E School attended both Memorials, laid crosses in memory of the fallen, recited
poems, sang a hymn and observed the two minutes silence.
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Hayfield Branch Fundraising and Remembrance Text and picture supplied by David Ash Branch Secretary
Friday 7th
November 2014. Poppy Appeal Concert - Kinder Children’s Choir The Branch organised a Poppy Appeal fundraising concert at St Matthews Church Hayfield. The concert was
performed by the Kinder Children’s Choirs of the High Peak and conducted by the director of music Joyce Ellis MBE.
The concert was very well attended and the welcome was given by Mr Bernard Page MBE our County Chairman and
guests included Col John Wilson Deputy Lieutenant and Mr David Coleman Derbyshire’s High Sherriff. A short act
of remembrance took place and High Peaks Mayor Allan Barrow and the MP Andrew Bingham placed a wreath at the
memorial plaque.
Over £1000 was raised from the concert which will be going to the Branches annual Poppy Appeal. A special thank
you goes to the New Mills Army Cadet Force who helped out enormously on the evening and they are a credit both to
their detachment and instructors.
Monday 10th
November 2014 Hayfield Primary School – Remembrance Assembly & Talk
A special assembly was organised for the school by one of the members, John Pope. The talk and presentation
focussed on life in the village in 1914 and how the village was affected and changed by the outbreak of the Great War.
The children also learnt about the Act of Remembrance and the work of the Royal British Legion. During the day the
children produced an individual and personalised commemorative tag for each of Hayfields war causalities that would
be used the following day. They also put together a visual display in the school entrance including the history and
pictures of some of the service men and women of the village.
Tuesday 11th
November 2014 Hayfield Primary School – Armistice Day Service
Hayfield RBL Branch organised the Armistice Day Act of Remembrance for the school children of the village. Over
250 children and adults turned out for this and all the prayers were said by the children. A roll of honour was read out
while individual named poppy balloons were released by the children and the school wreaths were laid at the war
memorial.
Our 99 year old Branch President, Captain Albert Knowles kindly let the children say the Exhortation and said ‘It was
so encouraging and made him so proud to see the next generation taking such an active role in the remembrance
service’.
Afterwards, 150 children received a poppy cup cake personally made by Dawn Blakemore the Branch PAO, as a
thank you for their hard work, contributions and support for the Legion.
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Ripley Branch Poppy Appeal and Remembrance
Activities in Pictures Supplied by Dean Fowler Branch Chairman
Youth Member Presentation
"Paint the Town Red"
High Sheriff gives Talk to the Branch
My 18 month old Grandaughter ready
for Poppy Appeal Collecting
Poppy Appeal at local store
WWI Memorial dedication at Crossley Park Ripley
1of 9 Plinths dedicated at Crossley Park Ripley
The Derbyshire Legion Page | 8
Cherry Blossom helps local Scouts to shine on
Remembrance Day
Cherry Blossom (Granger’s International Ltd) shoe polish took special measures to ensure no lacklustre appearances
at this year’s Centenary Remembrance Sunday Parade for one local Scout troop.
The Alfreton-based manufacturers of the iconic shoe care brand – which itself has been an instantly-
recognisable part of any soldiers’ kit for more than a century – organised a ‘Shining Parade’ for the
107th
Derby Scouts (Aston, Weston and Shardlow) in preparation for several events the troop attended to
commemorate the First World War. This included a ceremony in Ypres, the Belgian city that has come to
represent a place of remembrance and reflection for those affected by conflict.
Using polish and brushes donated by the company, local ex-Servicemen Bob Read, Duncan Wallis and
Adrian Hayward-Wills from the Aston and Weston Branch of the Royal British Legion were invited to put
the scouts through their polishing paces.
“Bob, Duncan and Adrian were fantastic at instructing the Scouts on how to iron their uniforms and neckers
properly, and of course they were experts in buffing shoes and boots to the highest shine,” explains Scout
Leader Stuart Cooke. “But it was particularly great to hear how these ex-Servicemen encouraged our Scouts
to aim to look their best whilst remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice during wartime.”
As well as co-ordinating the Shining Parade, the company have funded the badges the Scouts wear to show
they are a Royal British Legion affiliated youth group, they have made a donation to the Aston and Weston
Branch, and provided the memorial wreaths the five members of the Derby 107th
took to Ypres in
November.
Both groups marched together at the Remembrance Day parade in Aston on Sunday 9th
November.
Granger’s International Limited was established in 1937.
The company employs 77 people and its HQ is in Alfreton, Derbyshire.
In 2014, turnover reached over £10m for the first time in the company’s history.
Disclaimer:
Please note the Royal British Legion does not endorse this product and the name of it is only included
as an essential part of the article. John P. Irwin, Editor.
The Derbyshire Legion Page | 9
Long Eaton Branch Great War Memorial
and Oak Tree by John P. Irwin Treasurer, Archivist and Poppy Appeal Organiser
Like many branches in Derbyshire, Long Eaton has been busy all year with various events connected with the 100th
anniversary of the start of the Great War, they have always been other peoples. I have recorded in this magazine many
of the events Derbyshire branches have taken part in, connected with this anniversary. Now it is time for me to record
the main Long Eaton Branch event for the anniversary, which I feel is a fitting end to 2014.
At the beginning of the year Branch Members discussed what we would do to commemorate the anniversary, some
sort of memorial marking the fact the Great War had started one hundred years ago was what everyone wanted. It is
not a memorial to the fallen that is what the War Memorial is for.
Our Chairman Paul Jarvis suggested a granite stone and asked Members to come up with a design.
Fifteen year old Beth Hand our youngest Member came up with the idea of a poppy shaped design and Paul and
myself refined the wording. We wanted a suitable piece of Derbyshire granite stone but this proved to be very
expensive and the granite stone was finally sourced from India. Given that thousands of Indian troops fought and died
for this country as well as their own in the two world wars we were pleased to have the memorial made from this
stone. Branch Members raised the money themselves by donations. We wanted it that way as it was a Memorial paid
for by the Branch Members and nobody else.
Paul and myself had talks with the Head of Culture and Leisure for Erewash Borough Council and the council were
very helpful and supported us all the way. A number of sites were suggested in West Park and they sourced the Oak
Tree for us. We were also told the best time of year to plant a tree is November.
Local Memorial Masons R. Smeetons made the memorial stone and it was decided it was too busy on Remembrance
Sunday so it was that Armistice Day 11th
November was chosen for the tree planting and unveiling.
Deputy Lieutnant of Derbyshire Wing Commander Giles, The Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Kewal Singh Athwal
who is very proud of being a Sikh and Sikh heritage, the Leader of the Council Chris Corbett, Members of the Branch,
RAFA, Toch H, other Veterans, the Sea, Army and Air Cadets, Long Eaton and Grange School children and many
people from the town all attended the short service which included the “two minute silence” at 11 o’clock lead by
Bishop Roger Jupp vicar of St Laurence Parish Church and Chaplin to the Branch.
The tree planting ceremony then took place with our oldest Member 94 year old Les Comery (Les served in the Royal
Navy during WWII, part of Captain Frederic “Johnnie” Walker’s famous Support Group protecting the Atlantic
Convoys from German U-Boats) and our youngest Member Beth Hand using a First World War trenching tool to
place soil around the Oak tree. The Mayor then unveiled the memorial stone, Bishop Jupp then dedicated the tree and
stone. The refreshments laid on by the Branch was provided in the Long Eaton Rugby Club.
Les Comery and Beth Hand by Stuart Robertson
The scene before the start of the service by John P. Irwin
The Derbyshire Legion Page | 10
Bishop Roger Jupp, the Mayor Kewal Singh Athwal & Branch Peter Bacon ex-Royal Tank Regiment by Stuart Robertson
Branch President Peter Bacon, Beth Hand and Les Comery pictured with the Memorial Stone by Stuart Robertson
Les Comery using the trenching tool. By Stuart Robertson
The Mayor unveiling the Memorial Stone by Stuart Robertson
Taken by John P. Irwin
The Derbyshire Legion Page | 11
Draycott Great War Memorial Garden By John P. Irwin
Draycott between Long Eaton and Derby was a little village at the time of the outbreak of the Great War but still
managed to send many of its sons to war – 56 never came back. There is a a War Memorial on the main road to Derby,
but the parish council decided this year to create a WWI memorial garden in Walk Close. It was dedicated on 15th
July, unfortunately I could not attend. Tony Bryan Long Eaton Branch Parade Marshal was involved in the creation of
the garden. Because Long Eaton Branch have Members that come from Draycott (there is no RBL branch in
Draycott) and it is part our Poppy Appeal area we attended in the pouring rain on 11th
November the Armistice Day
Service.
RAFA also was represented by their Standard Bearer, our Standa rd Bearer Claire Smith carried the Union Standard
and Paul Jarvis carried our Branch Standard. The service was lead by the local vicar. During the service the 56 names
of the Draycott men who did not return were read out by Tony Bryan and pupils from Draycott Primary School placed
a painted stone on the edge of the garden. They did not have much time to paint them with a poppy, they were only
asked the day before if they would do it for next year but the Head Teacher said no we will get the children to do them
today. They were quite busy on Monday and did not quite get 56 done but they will next year with more time to do
them.
We Shall Keep The
Faith
Oh! You who sleep in Flanders Fields
Sleep sweet – to rise anew!
We caught the torch you threw
And holding high, we keep the faith
With all who died
We cherish too the poppy red
That grows on the fields where valour led
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies
But leads a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the
dead
In Flanders Fields
And now the torch and poppy red
We wear in honour of our dead
Fear not that ye have died for naught
We’ll teach the lesson that ye wrought
In Flanders Fields
Moina Michael, November 1918
Tony Bryan wearing the uniform of a Great War Sergeant Major of the Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regt). Taken by John P.Irwin
The poem above by Moina Michael is inscribed on the plaque. Taken by John P. Irwin
Final Word
It has struck me this year how many young people want to learn
about what their relatives did in the two world wars and the
conflicts since 1945.
Claire Smith Long Eaton Branch Standard Bearer goes around the
schools giving talks on the Legion and the wars since 1914. She
reports that she gets a good response from the students of all ages.
So I think that Remembrance of this Country’s War dead will be in
good hands when we older ones have gone. Also we are affiliated
to four local Cadet Units and I am Chairman of the Long Eaton Sea
Cadets and they see at first hand the work the Branch does for the
local ex-service community.
It is also very important to think of and help those serving and
ex-service personnel who are still living with the consequences of
war.
So remember the dead, but help the living.
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Derbyshire RBL Contact List
RBL Contact Centre Number
0808 802 8080 All County Officers are Contactable through the Above Number.
County Office Address: Saxon House, Heritage Gate
Derby, DE1 1NL
County Chairman Mr Bernard W Page MBE
Email: [email protected]
County Secretary Mr Chris Black
Email: [email protected]
County Community Fundraiser Mrs. Christine Selden
Mobile: 07973 750816
Email: [email protected]
County Training Officer Mrs. Yvonne Robinson
Tel: 07870 853365
Email: [email protected]
County Website Webmaster Mr. Chris Drury
Tel: 01332 556385
Email:
County Website www.britishlegion-derbyshire.org.uk
The Derbyshire Legion is edited by
Mr John P. Irwin
Mobile: 07501115814
All contributions should be sent
via email to [email protected] or post to
82 Bridge St. Long Eaton
Derbyshire, NG10 4QQ
Registered Charity no. 219279
Based in Derby
Same Contact Number 0808 802 8080
East Midlands Area Manager
Linda Flecknell
Email: [email protected]
East Midlands Area Administrator
Theresa Smith
Advice & Information Team Leader
Digby Bown
Advice & Information Officer
Darren Maltby
Derbyshire Case Officer
Responsible for Welfare work in Derbyshire
Jayne Hughes
All Welfare Cases must go through the Contact
Centre: 0808 802 8080