patron: her majesty the queen legion...

Lincolnshire – A Winning Team Safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in H. M. Armed Forces

Registered Charity No: 219279

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Patron: Her Majesty The Queen

LEGION LINCS www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/lincolnshire Newsletter of

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Lincolnshire County

Autumn 2013 Edition 4/2013

Branch Chairmen & Secretaries’ Seminar, RBL Donington Club There was a good attendance by Branches at this year’s Chairmen & Secretaries’ Seminar on 28 September to hear the County Chairman, Tony Goodwin, outline the salient points of the Director General’s address to the County Chairmen’s Meeting at Staverton the week before:

Communication Marketing is essentially about communicating with our external audience and is very much concerned with changing the public perception of the Legion so that it reflects more accurately what we are. This is right and we must all do the best we can. But communicating with our internal audiences is equally challenging. The Director General has therefore commissioned a review of internal communication, looking in particular at: a) a new system of communication through County Chairmen;

b) the roles of Branch Chairmen and Secretaries, and of County Presidents, Patrons and Lords Lieutenant; c) the Legion magazine and using it better as a channel of communicating with the individual member.

Annual Conference He also outlined new thinking on the national Annual Conference. In future Conference delegates would meet in their electoral regions for briefing before Conference. Membership Council members would sit, identified, in the floor of Conference and would be able to speak in debate, but not propose, second or vote on Motions. Trustees, the Director General and Board of Directors would speak only on points of information and would not comment before debate on individual motions. Fringe meetings would be arranged as and when necessary. The experiment of the pre-Conference Membership Forum would be continued with fewer staff members and more Membership Council members taking part. Delegates would also be able to pre-submit written questions for written answers. The Chairman of the Membership Council will brief the National Chairman, National Vice Chairman and Director General on the mood of the Forum before the opening of Conference itself. On administration, the delegates’ Registration Desk would open on the preceding Friday afternoon and evening and Saturday morning to avoid the scrimmage which occurred at Llandudno. Delegates would also have their travel expenses paid by BACS, again to avoid the unseemly queueing at the end of Conference.

There was little feedback on the results of National Conference other than that Charter Motion 1 on rewording the Royal Charter, which was defeated, will be re-introduced in two years’ time. However the strategy of empowering the Membership Council will continue and a new Version 8 of the current Royal Charter will issue at the end of October. There was no reference to the proposed change of Rule 14 to remove the right of Conference to exercise the powers of the Legion when in session. There was also no reference to the Trustees’ rejection, because it was fraught with difficulty, of Charter Motion 3, calling for Conference to have a more meaningful role in the governance of the Legion.

Other issues to arise were: a) the state of the General Fund - - The national mobile display unit will no longer be deployed, saving £80,000. - The Legion magazine will issue quarterly, instead of six times a year, saving some £400,000. - A new Membership Handbook will issue later this year, costing £70,000

- Introduction of the planned RBL veteran’s website, estimated to cost £110,000, is to be delayed, saving £50,000.

Continued on page 5

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/lincolnshire



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I have had to stop and think exactly what I need to say in this issue because without doubt we have entered a very difficult time for our membership. By now most if not all of our members will know that we no longer have a County Office at Wellingore. Many of you have expressed resentment at the loss of this facility and questioned the rationale for leaving when there is no replacement to move into. This point of view has been put forward many times at various levels of discussion but regrettably there has not been a positive answer from the decision makers.

The result is that we are faced with an unsatisfactory situation for some time to come. The County Secretary will continue to do his best whilst working from home but please bear in mind that he has only limited resources comprising a laptop computer and a mobile phone.

A property in Lincoln is being considered as a potential County Office and is being dealt with by the Regional Property Office. However it will take some time for decisions to be made. In the meantime the County

Committee will meet at locations throughout the County as necessary.

It was pleasing to see such a good attendance at the Chairmen and Secretaries Seminar last weekend and in particular some new faces. This is encouraging and promises a sound future for Lincolnshire County and proves once again that our Members care about their Branches. Sharing information with our Branches is essential and I trust that you will all pass it on to your members. I am happy to attend Branch AGMs to give a short presentation if it would help.

Despite all the uncertainty at present the real strength of the Royal British Legion lies within our membership. I can only ask that you all continue to do those things that you have done well for many years. If we do that then we will continue to thrive and those who ignore the membership will come to realise the errors they make.

Kind Regards

Tony Goodwin

County Chairman

County Patron: Mr A. Worth, MA, FrAgS President: Brigadier B. Reeves Chairman: Mr A.R.P. Goodwin, BEM County Secretary: Mr B. Mahoney

CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD

World War One Centenary Commemoration Preparations have started to commemorate the centenary, on 4 August 2014, of the start of WWI. The Legion is represented on all national committees set up for this event and, in Lincolnshire, a Centenary Working Group has been formed, including County representatives of the Legion, Lincolnshire County Council (LCC), and others.

The key centenary dates, as set out in the Director General’s introductory letter last year are: 4 August 2014 - The declaration of war on Germany; 25 April 2015 - The start of the Battle of Gallipoli; 1 July 2016 -The start of the Battle of the Somme; June- November 2017 - The Battle of Passchendaele;

8 August 2018 The start of the Battle of Amiens and events leading to the Armistice. There are also likely to be events to commemorate the Christmas truce on 24/25 December 1914. A good example of a model programme and ideas has been set up by the Alnwick District WWI Centenary Commemoration Group, involving the RBL Alnmouth & District Branch in Northumberland. Details can be found at [email protected] and www.bailiffgatemuseum.co.uk/ww1.

There are many sources of funding for local WWI Centenary projects, notably £15 million available through the Heritage Lottery Fund. Details can be found on www.hlf.org.uk/HowToApply/whatwefund/FirstWorldWar/. LCC have allocated £2000 from the Big Society Fund to each LLC Councillor to be awarded at any time to any local cause of his or her choice (See below).

The LCC themselves have also launched their own project in which school children will identify and research every war memorial in the County. The Legion is working closely with the LCC on this project and Branches are asked to keep the County Secretary informed of any links which they might also have with this project. The aim, of course, is to avoid confusion and possible duplication.

£154k for councillors to support local causes The Big Society Fund, run by the LCC, has given £2000 to every LCC Councillor to support local causes. The money can be awarded at anytime to any local cause a Councillor chooses and has previously funded village halls, sports clubs, play areas and rescue boats. Sue Woolley, LCC executive councillor for communities said: "Community groups are the lifeblood of our towns and villages and provide a fantastic variety of activities and services, for all ages, interests and abilities. Often a relatively small sum of money is all a group needs to get off the ground, or can help cover vital running costs." Local groups, projects or activities can apply for funding by contacting their local County Councillor.

Mr S.R.Bonde, Editor 31 Clare Close,

STAMFORD, PE9 2QA Tel: 01780 757041

E-mail: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.bailiffgatemuseum.co.uk/ww1

http://www.hlf.org.uk/HowToApply/whatwefund/FirstWorldWar/




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Back Row: Tammy Robinson( Church Warden), Brian Dungate (RBL) Mrs Wells Front Row: Kathryn Butters ( Lay Preacher),Rev.Frank Wells,John Egleton ( Branch Chairman ), Bill Radley (RBL), Nina Gaunt ( Branch PAO )

No Man’s Land No man’s land is here I’m at, More than a million bullets flying my way, No one’s laughing now! This is a death carousel, Am I next? The trenches filled with mice and rats, Scurrying around my feet, They don’t know where they are, I wish I didn’t! Blood and mud line my boots, The remains of those left behind, Shrapnel covers the floor like a carpet, Worrying that where I’m stood, Might be where I die! Cries of pain fill the air, Burnt bombs at my feet, Children barely adults, Lay at rest in the middle of the field They won’t be coming home alive! Death and sorrow, Are two different words, None of which should be felt, As they rest in peace, They must never be forgotten!

Darcie Degiorgi, aged 12, is a pupil at Banovallum School in Hornacastle. Her favourite subjects are learning the piano, reading, geography, and drama but one day, when she was asked to submit something for English, she presented this poem. Yes, she likes poetry too!!

County Festival of Remembrance Whittle Hall, RAF Cranwell There are still some 120 seats available for this year’s Festival of Remembrance at RAF Cranwell. This will take place on Saturday, 3 November and will again feature the Band of RAF Waddington and the children of the Cranwell Amateur Theatrical Society and Youth Theatre. These children were the hit of the Festival in 2012 and this year they will perform a light-hearted selection of poems and songs for us. The Festival is always a moving experience and a jolly good show. Please order your tickets, price , from Derrick Scott at15 Kenmar Road, Laceby, Grimsby, DN37 7HJ; Tel: 01472 872442. .

RBL Riders Branch The Lincolnshire Squadron & E Midlands Area of the RBL Riders Branch have enquired whether any Lincolnshire Branch would like a Riders Branch presence at any of their events. A number of them have already been invited to take part again in the Stamford Remembrance Parade & Service this year. If interested, please contact Dave Gasson on [email protected] or phone or text him on 01522751154 / 07952 577521. Riders’ numbers are limited.

Annual Service in the Field, Sibsey Northlands The Sibsey Lancaster Memorial Trust invite all members and families to the Annual Commemorative Service at Sibsey Northlands. The Service will be held on Sunday, 6 October, starting at 2.30pm, and commemorate the crash of Lancaster ED503 there on 29 January 1943 with the loss of its six man crew. The Lancaster and five of the crew lie buried where they fell. A bus, free of charge, will leave Tattershall Market Place at 1.30pm and there will light refreshments at Sibsey Village Hall after the Service. For those making their own way there, the Satnav reference is PE22 0UF.

Woodhall Spa Poppy Service Woodhall Spa & District Branch held their third Poppy Church Service at All Saints Church, Horsington on Sunday, 21 July. The Service was led by the Reverend Frank Wells and Lay Preacher Kathryn Butters. Branch Member Bill Radley/ Church Warden Tammy Robinson gave the Readings and the Branch Chairman John Egleton recited the Homage. After the Service refreshments, prepared by Church Members, were served. Bill Radley thanked everyone who attended the Service and helped with the refreshments and organising the event.

REMEMBRANCE




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Sleaford Poppy Prom

Sleaford & District Branch will launch their Poppy Appeal with their 6th Poppy Prom, again featuring the Sleaford Concert Band with, this year, the Cranwell Military Wives Choir. This memorable concert will take place in the spectacular auditorium and stage of St George’s Academy. Tickets, at £8, are on sale at Wilcox & Carter Jewellers, Bristol Arcade, Sleaford.

Launch of the Lincolnshire County Poppy Appeal 2013 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, 26 October 2013, starting at 11.45am. The official launch of the Lincolnshire County Poppy Appeal 2013 will be performed by members of 2 Battn, Royal Anglian Regiment, Kendrew Barracks and will also feature performances from the Coningsby Military Wives Choir. The programme for the launch will be as follows:

• 11.15 Standard Bearers assemble in the hangar for briefing by the County Parade Marshal. Invited media and other participants arrive and assemble at the front of the hangar.

• 11.35 TRBL members, PAOs, guests and members of the public to be seated. • 11.35 Invited guests take up positions. • 11.40 Members of the Royal Anglian Regiment arrive, accompanied by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant,

with Brigadier Barry Reeves, the County President, Mrs Carol Ticehurst, The Women’s Section County President, Canon John Thorold, the County Chaplain, and Mr Tony Goodwin BEM, the County Chairman.

• 11.41 Trumpeter sounds Advance. Standard and Cadet Units march on. • 11.45 Launch of the County Poppy Appeal begins. • Approx 12.45 Launch of the County Poppy Appeals finishes.

Subject to weather conditions, the Lancaster bomber, Just Jane, will carry out a taxi run and there will be a raffle for seats on the aircraft, with all the proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal. Music will be provided by the Mareham Le Fen Victory Silver Band and 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 there are on view will only go to enhance the spectacle. Any queries about the Launch should be addressed to the County secretary.

Brigg 10km Race Brigg & District Branch will stage their fourth annual 10km Poppy Run and Military Challenge this year on Sunday, 27 October. Race entries are limited to 300 runners with 50 places reserved for those wishing to complete the Military Challenge. This involves the competitor wearing boots and carrying a 36lbs backpack. The ladies get away with a 24lb pack.

The event will start at 10.45am from the Angel car park in Brigg and the entry fee is £16.50. It is not planned to accept entries on the day. There are trophies for the winning runners and teams, and all proceeds after costs will be donated to the Brigg & District Branch Poppy Appeal. Brigg still need volunteers to help out on the day to set up and take down the event. If you are interested, please contact [email protected].




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Poppy Appeal

Poppy Appeal Golf Tournament Melton Mowbray Golf Club are hosting a Poppy Appeal Golf Tournament on Friday, 21 October – Better Ball Stableford Handicap Limits: Gents 28, Ladies 36. Entry is £9 for MMGC members and £15 for visitors. Starts will be Two Tee from 9.00 to 11.00am. Entry forms are available on-line at www.mmgc.org. Further information from Peter Roffey on 01664 567278.

Fashion accessories for the discerning doggie A lady has set up a business, Zukie Style, creating rather beautiful bespoke fashion pet accessories. These are hand sewn flowers and bandanas to attach to your pet’s collar. The flower is made with poppy-red felt, with a plastic black button in the centre; the bandana is 100% cotton, fully lined in polycotton, and comes in four sizes:

Extra Small: 18.5cm (l) x 10.5cm (h) approx for collar width 2.5cm or less Ideal for Papillon, Shih tzu, Chihuahua & Cats

Small: 28.5cm (l) x 15.5cm (h) approx for collar width 3.5cm or less Ideal for Jack Russell,Corgi & Beagle

Medium: 40.5cm (l) x 20.5cm (h) approx for collar width 4cm or less Ideal for Cocker Spaniel, King Charles Spaniel, Small Lab

Large: 44.5cm (l) x 23cm (h) approx for collar width 5cm or less Ideal for Boxer,Labrador ,Dalmation, Great Dane The flowers cost £4 and the bandanas £3. Zukie Style will donate £1 to the Poppy Appeal for every poppy flower sold. Orders, please, to Diane Harrod at :[email protected] and http://www.zukiestyle.co.uk/zukiestyleshop/cat_780789-The-Poppy-Appeal.html.

Why I Wear my Poppy The Haig House Press Office want to gather a number of stories and thoughts from staff, volunteers, and members across all areas of the Legion. They are looking for responses to the following statement: ‘Why I wear my Poppy’ Members are asked to respond to Bethan Herbert, RBL Public Relations Officer, via the following email with 20/30 words in response to that statement – [email protected]. In addition, if anyone knows of any good news stories, interesting people (volunteers, collectors, beneficiaries) please do not hesitate in getting in touch with him.

Branch Chairmen & Secretaries’ Seminar (continued) b) Among the targets set for 2013/14 are: - a broader role for the Membership Council, taken from the Board of Trustees; - introduction of an electronic newsletter; - a decision on the value of RBL Clubs; - developing closer links or affiliation with other groups, eg the National Trust and the Caravan Club, as shown in recent Legion articles on the ‘School for Heroes’; - a good look at Legion training; - a review of administrative support for Annual Conference. - LOMAS to be rolled out to all Branches;

- a review of the possibility of paying membership subscriptions on line or at Pay Point; The current PRO2000 net used by County Secretaries is out of date and there is a target date of 1 October 2015 to replace it. The new system should improve efficiency, reduce administrative costs, introduce on-line joining, and (possibly) enable the introduction of anniversary renewal of membership.

Members of the Board of Trustees were also at Staverton and, apparently, went away much informed about the level of discontent at Branch level at the current state of communication.

County Poppy Appeal Lunch The County President’s annual Fund Raising Poppy Lunch will take place at the Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa again this year on Sunday, 13 October. Cost is £27.50 per person, which includes arrival drinks, and 3 course Sunday lunch with wine and coffee. The guest speaker will be Robin Dunseath, Adventurer Leader Around the World in 80 Ways.

http://www.mmgc.org

mailto::[email protected]

http://www.zukiestyle.co.uk/zukiestyleshop/cat_780789




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Branch

July was a very Busy Month for Spilsby Branch The 50's 60's Night held on Saturday, 6 July at the Franklin Hall in Spilsby was the start of a very busy month for the Branch. An energetic evening was had by all who attended with dancing to 'Sally's Army'. The raffle raised £100 for the Branch.

Members Paraded with local Branch Standards at the Spilsby Show on Sunday, 14 July. .Ron Worth and Donald Odlin entertained visitors with their display of War Time Memorabilia. This year the weather was great and the show had a record attendance.

On Sunday, 21 July members and friends gathered at Toad Hall, Candlesby for the annual Garden Party. The Mareham-Le-Fen Silver Band played throughout the afternoon. Tea and delicious cakes were provided by members and their wives. A raffle and tombola were well supported.

Alford, Skegness and Spilsby Branches joined together to purchase a tree at the National Memorial Arboretum. The tree displays a plaque with the names of the three Branches. Woods Funeral Directors of Grimsby provided financial assistance, transport and arrangements for the Dedication Service which was held on Sunday, 28 July. Members of the three Branches travelled to the Arboretum by coach. A short Service of Dedication took place conducted by Mr Les Constantine from Skegness supported by Piper Mr John Best from Grimsby Branch Standards were paraded. Members enjoyed the rest of the day visiting many of the Memorials at the Arboretum.

Spilsby Branch is now planning for the forthcoming Poppy Appeal and period of Remembrance. This year during the Poppy Appeal fortnight the Branch has arranged a Poppy Garden by the War Memorial at St James Church Spilsby. Residents are invited to place crosses in memory of relatives or friends. A short dedication service will take place on Saturday 26 October before the Poppy Launch at East Kirkby. Members will assemble at the Butter Cross in Spilsby at 10am on Sunday, 10 November for the Remembrance Parade. On Monday, 11 November Members, Spilsby residents, children from local schools and representatives from local organisations will observe a two minutes silence at 11am at the Franklin Memorial in Spilsby. Branch Members will then accompany school children to the Cemetery to lay wreaths on the graves of local service personnel. Grimsthorpe Festival, 26 August 2013 Bourne & District Branch took part for the first time in this year’s annual Grimsthorpe Festival – and what a day they had with a fantastic setting, beautiful weather, and thousands of visitors to meet. Our ‘young and old’ policy soon had a steady stream of people looking at our wares, poppy badges and small gifts for the children, and filling our poppy boxes at a steady rate right through to well in the afternoon and closing time. The tombola in particular was quickly sold out. The helpers on the Branch stall well deserved a drink and comfort break at the end of the day.!

The day was a great sutoccess; all objectives were achieved – much needs funds collected in the poppy boxes, new members recruited (not all for Bourne), and many more people now know what the Royal British Legion does for the community. On a personal note, I would like to thank the organisers for their help in achieving a hard-working but rewarding day of real achievement and all personnel who gave their time and energy so generously to make it a day to remember. See you next year! S.Ironmonger, Vice Chairman



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L – R: Norman Wigglesworth, Bill Radley, Ann Pickup, Ray Pickup Activities

Woodhall Spa Quiz Woodhall Spa & District Branch held their joint Quiz Evening with Stixwould Village Hall a bit earlier this year - on 30 August instead of October. The event was organised by Branch members Bill Radley, Steve Hall and Nina Gaunt (Branch PAO ). Steve Hall, Quizmaster for the evening, set six rounds of questions for the eight teams taking part. The Branch team ‘S617’, consisting of Ray Pickup, Ann Pickup, Heidi Pickup and Norman Wigglesworth, came 2nd, losing out to the winners by just 1 point. Nina also ran a Raffle, which was well supported by donations from participants and a Cream Tea for two supplied by Janet’s Tea Rooms. The event raised a total of £246 of which £123 went to the Branch Poppy Appeal. During the break a buffet was

served, donated by Nina Gaunt, Christine Hall and Bill Radley, Nina and Bill thanked everyone for coming along and contributing to an enjoyable evening and to Steve for being the Quiz Master.

Wrangle Rededication Service There was a good turnout of Branch members, Sea Cadets and ATC Cadets for the Service of Rededication of Wrangle & District Branch on 4 August in St Mary and St Nicholas Parish Church Wrangle. The Service was conducted by the Rev Fiona Cotton-Betteridge and the Parade Marshal was Pauline Seymour, ably abetted by Roger Green. Afterwards everyone enjoyed refreshments at the Angel Inn. Here you see (L-R) Wrangle Branch Chairman Mr Derek Horwat, Holbeach Branch Standard, Wainfleet Branch Standard, County Youth Standard, Wrangle Branch Standard, and County Chairman Mr Tony Goodwin BEM.

Surfleet Fishing Match Surfleet Branch held their Annual Fishing Match at Donington in September. Proceeds from this event are donated to the Poppy Appeal and this year over £100 pounds was passed on to our PAO Trevor Wright. A fine sunny day saw all 27 pegs occupied and a good amount of fish was caught. The winning catch totalled over 51 lbs whilst the Branch member who organised the event caught just under 1 lb. However an enjoyable day was had by all and they have all promised to return next year.

A variety of prizes were awarded including £100 for the heaviest catch and a selection of fishing tackle kindly donated by the fishing magazine "Improve your Coarse Fishing" who have supported the event for a number of years. The Surfleet Branch Silver Cup for the best catch by a Branch Member was won by Phillip Shields. Ending the day with a Raffle almost everyone went home with a prize and in good spirits. Tony Goodwin



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Oh! My feet!

L - R Heidi Pickup, Ann Pickup, Nina Gaunt ( PAO)

Ann Pickup & Norman Wigglesworth

Nijmegen Marches 2013 Holbeach Standard Bearer, Rhys Midwinter, has reached 20 and has had to “retire” from the Air Training Corps. Rhys reached the rank of Cadet Fight Sergeant - no mean feat. He says he is going to fill the empty two evenings a week polishing his shoes and all the leather and brass in the Holbeach Standard Bearer's kit, so Holbeach should field a very highly bulled and polished person to lead their Remembrance Parade. Before he retired he did however achieve a long-tern ambition. Here is his account As you may know, I had been training for the past 7 months to do The Nijmegen March, which is an international 120k march done in just four days over in Holland, which was first formed to harden Dutch troops for long distance marching, this year had a twist though, I was selected to march the 200k route; carrying no weight myself and nine others tolerated an extra 10 kilometres a day to counter balance not carrying the 10 kilos of dead weight. You’ll be glad to know I successfully persisted and completed the challenge along with my team mates’ help, as they would have times ago.

It was not for the faint hearted, as days past, we blundered through the blistering ache and the scorching sun beating down on us while the people of Holland kept us going, they played music for us and lined the streets as far as the eye could see, to give us sugary treats and chanted for the different countries as they passed. It really was one great, big experience and I thank all those involved who helped us cadets feel a part of the whole event and made it possible. After last year I said I wouldn’t do it again, but here I am looking back on my second Nijmegen experience, think it’s safe to say... I’m hooked now!

Woodhall Spa 40s Weekend Woodhall Spa & District Branch have posted a video on YouTube about their stall at this year’s Woodhall Spa 40s Weekend in Jubilee Park. This was their second year at the show and their stall, which was run by Nina Gaunt (PAO), Ann & Heidi Pickup and Norman Wigglesworth. The Stall featured Tombola and Mystery Parcels, both of which went down well with visitors, many dressed in 1940’s civilian clothing and military uniforms. A small number of Branch Members also visited the stall.

The stall raised £74 on the Tombola and £104 on the Mystery Parcels all of which goes to the Branch Poppy Appeal. A Big Thank You must go to Nina, Ann, Heidi and Norman for giving up their time and running and setting up the stall for the Branch and helping to boost the Poppy Appeal



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Richard Kent, Nathan Merrill, & Lizzie Bartlett

Lincolnshire’s finest!

Lincs Standard Bearers’ Association AGM etc. A busy afternoon at Louth RBL hall on 22 September started with the dress inspection ready for all the forthcoming Remembrance Parades and County competitions. It was good to see that the bearers were all properly dressed with only minor faults to correct. Among the spectators was a welcome first visit for the Women’s Section Secretary, Bobbie Mumby Croft. Next on the agenda was the AGM. There were no new nominations for office, so the present officers and committee were re-elected for another year. Funds in the bank are stable, in fact almost identical to last year; this ‘encouraged’ the membership to vote to keep subscriptions at £2.00 per year. The chairman thanked all who help throughout the year, giving their time freely for the good of the association and helping to improve the turnout of the bearers. In the quarterly meeting that followed it was agreed to promote the association to the many youth members affiliated to the county to encourage them to become standard bearers. Lilly-May Kemp is retiring at the grand old age of 18 so there will be a new County Youth bearer next year. The practice session was well attended with 17 standard bearers present including the present Branch and Women’s Section County Bearers getting some last minute practice for the forthcoming competition at Horncastle. All present enjoyed themselves while also learning more of the art of carrying the standard.

Standard Bearer School Dates for 2014. Louth - 26 January Crowland - 16 March Louth- 22 June

Crowland - 21 September (includes AGM and Dress Inspection) All dates are on Sundays and start time 2pm

Association contacts Alan Canham 01406 330295 or [email protected] or look us up on the county website.

Dress reminder for all RBL standard bearers on parades. The Ceremonial Handbook should answer all dress code queries but, briefly, the code is:

Suit (preferably black but can be dark navy - NOT grey or pinstriped), black beret, plain white shirt, Legion "multi" motif tie, black shoes..

Women’s Section as above, but should wear black skirt and Women’s Section tie. During Remembrance duties, the poppy should have the leaf removed and worn with the green stem tucked behind the beret badge. It is NOT now acceptable to just wear the red petal on its own behind the badge. Lincolnshire County Standard Bearer Competitions The County held its annual Standard Bearer’s Competition at the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Horncastle on Sunday, 29 September 2013. The County President, Brigadier Barry Reeves, Chairman Tony Goodwin and Vice Chairwoman Bridget Willcox were present. Representing the Women’s Section was their Treasurer, Mrs Jean Stringer.

Jim Seymour, the County Parade Marshal, was the Master of Ceremonies, assisted by County Committee members. The judges were Bob Hendry from Leicestershire and Marie Taylor from Yorkshire.

It was a close competition and the head judge praised all who took part. Indeed, those who took part should all be proud of their performance; it is hard to appreciate the amount of work involved before the day, let alone the "nerve racking" experience of performing on the day itself.

The results were:

Lincolnshire County Standard Bearer Competition: 1st Mr Richard Kent, Washingborough & District Branch 2nd Mr Graham Hewitt, Spalding Branch 3rd Mr Alan Canham, Pinchbeck Branch 4th Miss Lily-May Kemp, Boston & District Branch

Lincolnshire County Women’s Section Standard Bearer Competition: 1st Miss Lizzie Bartlett, Healing Branch Women’s Section

Lincolnshire County Youth Standard Bearer Competition: Mr Nathan Merrill, Bourne Branch

The County President presented the awards and congratulated all who took part. Well done, everyone!




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Nagasaki survivors When the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki in 1945 it destroyed almost every living thing within two square miles. Remarkably, however, 19 of the 20 British POWs who were being held in the Fukuoka 14 prison camp less than a mile from “ground zero”, survived. Now, a Japanese charity is trying to establish whether any of the British survivors are still alive - and if so, to let them know that they are entitled to compensation from the Japanese government.

The Telegraph newspaper has asked the Legion for our help in locating the survivors. If any members can help to find these gentlemen could they contact Bethan Herbert, Public Relations Officer at Haig House (Tel: 020 3207 2237; email:[email protected])

Ceremonial Handbook Amendments A large number of amendments, dated June 2013, have been included in the latest update of the Ceremonial Handbook 2007. An e-mail copy is available from the County Secretary. Any Ceremonial queries should be addressed to the Membership Governance Administrator on 0203 207 2339 or email [email protected].

County Events It has been suggested that some County events are becoming somewhat formulaic and perhaps need reinvigorating. Branches are asked for any suggestions on how improvements might be made to these events – in particular the Launch of the County Poppy Appeal at East Kirkby and the Festival of Remembrance at RAF Cranwell – to refresh them and make them more attractive to members.

National Chairman and National Vice-Chairman Elections At their last meeting, the Board of Trustees agreed to change the arrangements for elections to the offices of National Chairman and National Vice-Chairman. Using the powers vested in them under Rule 8, the Board has decided that, in future, ballots for election to these offices will be held using the simple majority ‘first past the post’ system rather than the current ‘alternative vote’ method of proportional representation New addresses for County Staff The County’s Wellingore office has now closed and the postal addresses for the County Secretary and Community Fundraiser are now as follows:

Mr Brian Mahoney Ms Jo Ticehurst, County Secretary, RBL Linconshire, Community Fundraiser, RBL Lincolnshire, POBox 1275 POBox 1274 LINCOLN, LN5 5QH LINCOLN, LN5 5QG Tel: 07909 533042 Tel 07867 537099 Email address remains: [email protected] Email address remains: [email protected]

Legion in the Community (LIC) After discussions with the Regional Publicity and Membership Officers (RPMOs) and the County/District Budget Committee it has been decided to change the application process for LIC grants from a regional to a central process.

LIC aims to support Legion activities at Branch level, designed to inform the wider public of the Legion and help the public gain a greater understanding of the work that the Charity carries out. These events are not primarily designed to recruit new Legion members, raise funds or attract volunteers; however these are possible side-benefits of LIC activity.

The RPMOs will continue to offer guidance as and when requested, but Branches will now be invited to apply for funding under the LIC programme at the beginning of the corporate Financial Year (1 October). All applications need to include a brief description of the event, objectives of taking part in this activity, the public involvement projected, and the outcome expected in terms of benefit to the Legion and costs. They need to be at Head Office by 31 December. For more information please contact the County/District Secretary.

Administration

The Poppy Shop has Moved! From September 2013, all Poppy Shop orders have been co-ordinated by Linney, based in Mansfield. The Poppy Shop based at Aylesford has closed. To gain access to Membership goods online, register to the Poppy Shop at www.poppyshop.org.uk, and email your member number, full name, and address to [email protected].

mailto:email:[email protected])




http://www.poppyshop.org.uk




11

Pressure selling of alarm systems We have received the following ‘alert message’ on behalf of Lincolnshire Police HQ, Nettleham

‘We have been made aware by a concerned resident that an alarm company is “cold calling” residents trying to sell them intruder alarm systems.

It has been reported that the alarm company is cold-calling residents trying to sell them intruder alarm systems. They ask various questions about home security - is the property detached, does the homeowner have a dog etc. The salesman is reported to press the resident into allowing them to attend the home the next day on the pretext that the alarm was free and the resident would just need to pay for fitting. A resident felt uneasy about the appointment and contacted the Police. Meanwhile the alarm company rang to confirm the appointment which gave the resident the opportunity to cancel.

We cannot verify the alarm Company; they may well be a genuine company with a pushy attitude towards sales. If you do get a sales call please be careful of the information that you pass to them.

When investing in security systems for your home or business it is not advisable to deal with cold callers or telesales enquiries and you should avoid doing doorstep or telephone business. Many traders who call at your door are honest and genuine; however, some are not and can be extremely persuasive.

If you have serious doubts about the legality or sales techniques being employed by this type of security company, which are using hard selling tactics which include unduly raising the fear of crime, pressure selling, unclear contracts and overpriced security systems, you should contact Lincolnshire Trading Standards for advice on telephone number 01522 782 341.

Please be aware that all alarm companies that fit alarms in our county which promises Police response to alarm activations must be included onto Lincolnshire Police compliant alarm company list and also be registered with one of the two national Inspectorate bodies which are the NSI and the SSAIB.

You can check if an alarm company is Inspectorate approved by contacting the NSI on telephone number 01628 637 512 (website: www.nsi.org.uk) and the SSAIB on telephone number 0191 296 3242 (website: www.ssaib.org

For further information on intruder alarm advice for domestic properties please visit the following websites: www.securedbydesign.com and www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/watch. Community Safety & Crime Reduction advice can be found on Lincolnshire Police force website: www.lincs.police.uk or by using the following link: http://lincs.police.uk/About/Departments/Local-Policing/Safety-Advice/’.

National Holidays … not a new service offered by a welfare state, but the name of one of the UK’s largest provider of coach holidays to the UK, Ireland & Europe. They provide Group breaks from either their Brochure - Chelsea Flower Show, the Edinburgh and Birmingham International Tattoos, Bletchley, Great Yorkshire Show, Grassington 1940s weekend, etc - or they can tailor a package to suit Branch members’ interests (for parties upwards of 30 –48/coach). Neighbouring Branches could get together to generate enough passengers to fill a 48 seater. Bridget Conroy, Group Travel Executive, based in Hull is prepared to come to your Branch to discuss possible trips for the future, help with marketing and organising everything. For further advice, please contact her at: National Holidays Tel: 0844 571 4856 The Travel Centre Tel: 01482 577662 Springfield Way E-Mail: [email protected] Anlaby, Hull, HU10 6RJ

Bank Scam Lincolnshire Police have issued a warning about a bank scam. If you receive any emails stating they are from your own bank similar to the one shown below, they are a scam and you should NOT click on any links within the email.

’You made a payment of 27.00 GBP for the following items: Phones4U 3 month subscription ---------------------------- Payment Details ---------------------------- Purchased From: Phones4U Receipt ID: 20190281 Skype 3 month subscription Quantity: 1 Price: 27.00 GBP Subtotal: 27.00 GBP If you didn't make this payment and would like to decline it, please follow this link to cancel the payment. EMID-HH2973.

Your bank will NEVER contact you by email to confirm payments, but if they have any doubts regarding payments on your account will contact you direct. Please stay alert.

http://www.nsi.org.uk

http://www.ssaib.org

http://www.securedbydesign.com

http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/watch

http://www.lincs.police.uk

http://lincs.police.uk/About/Departments/Local-Policing/Safety-Advice/




12

Military Intelligence Museum I am sure that all those of you who are fascinated by my military career – two full stripes in the Int Corps - will be thrilled to learn that a website has just been opened for the Military Intelligence Museum. The web address is:- http://www.militaryintelligencemuseum.org/ so please pop along and have a look at it. The aim of the website is to complement and supplement the displays, eg both Sigint and Image Analysis (formerly Photographic Interpretation) in the real Museum at Corps headquarters. Further ahead, they aim to put on-line the full texts of the two displays in the Museum: “In the Name of the Rose” and “Honours & Awards” as well as the BRIXMIS interactive display. Future plans include two on-line shops: a bookshop specialising in our core business of intelligence and security and one selling the articles presently available from the Museum Shop. Steve Bonde Medal Mounting Have your medals court mounted by a professional and reliable service. 10% of profits go to a military charity Full Size Medals Court Mounted - £4.00 per medal Miniature Medals Court Mounted £4.00 per medal Full size medal felt pouch all sizes £2.50 each Miniature medal felt pouch all sizes £1.50 each Ribbon Bars – Broach Bar mounted £2.50 to £8.00 Ribbon Bars – Sew on mounted £1.00 to £4.00 Miniature Medals - Start at £4.50 each Postage and Packing starts at £5.00 Contact Tim Pidoux: Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Tel: 07826 856345 or at [email protected] and www.tfpcourtmounting.com

Distribution of LegionLincs The next edition of LegionLincs will issue at the end of November. Could every Branch please try to send me something on their Poppy Appeal and Remembrance activities during this period - by about 15/16 November.

COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2013 DATE EVENT VENUE 5 October County Welfare Committee Meeting TBA 5 October County Committee Meeting TBA 6 October Service in the Field Sibsey

13 October Presidents’ Fund Raising Lunch Woodhall Spa 26 October Poppy Appeal Launch East Kirkby 3 November Festival of Remembrance Cranwell 8 November Poppy Golf Woodhall Spa 9 November Festival of Remembrance Royal Albert Hall 10 November Remembrance Sunday Countrywide 11 November Armistice Day Countywide 7 December County Committee Meeting TBA 11 January 2014 Annual Meeting of County Conference Horncastle

NB: This calendar of events is subject to amendment depending upon National events etc. Calendar

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM Mr Jim Quinton, Gosberton & District Mr George Swallow, Gosberton & District Mr John Proctor, Freiston & District Mr R Dashwood, Woodhall Spa & District Mr I G H Wells, Long Sutton Mr Samuel Holmes, Kirton & District Mr John Hazlewood, Grantham Mr James McMillan, Grantham Mr Ray Franklin, Bourne & District Mr B R Ketteringham, Long Sutton Mr I G Macbeth, Horncastle & District Mr N P Andrew, Billinghay & District

Mr Frank Howard, East Halton & District

Steve Bonde Editor, LEGION LINCS

http://www.militaryintelligencemuseum.org/


http://www.tfpcourtmounting.com

patron: her majesty the queen legion...

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