Page 144 - MERCIAN Eagle 2011

Rugeley
Rugeley began the year with a sponsored Swim by the Chairman, Mr. Richard
Bates which raised a considerable sum for service Charities. The Branch attended the ANZAC parade and the Katyn Day, both on Cannock Chase.The Chairman of
the Brereton Royal British Legion, WO2 McPherson-Smith [ RAPC,1 Mercian V] extended an invitation again to members after the ANZAC Service which was greatly appreciated. The Branch paraded at the Remembrance Parades at Burntwood, Rugeley and Brereton. The Branch continues to meet at the Royal British Legion in Rugeley.
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Wolverhampton scaling the height of Snowdonia once again
Walsall
Since the last AGM Mr. Peter Davis had joined the branch, making a total of 74
paid up members. At the meeting of 27th May 2010 Mr. David Evans was elected chairman following in the very capable footsteps of our previous Chairman, Mr. John Kirk and Mr. Eddie Hillback was elected Treasurer on the retirement of Major Philip Jackson. Mr. Peter Hall joined the Committee and Capt Stan Edwards has been elected as The Branch Welfare Officer. The retiring committee was thanked for their tremendous contribution to the life of the Branch.
The Branch had participated in a number of events during the year; ANZAC Day at Cannock Chase Commonwealth Cemetery. This is the largest ANZAC parade outside Australia and New Zealand. The Branch was also present at the Armed Forces Flag raising at Walsall Town hall; a Veterans Badge presentation and Band Concert at Himley Hall. The Branch provided a very strong presence for Remembrance Sunday Parade when they proudly marched behind our standard, carried once more by Mr. Mac Powell to the Walsall Town Cenotaph. After the parade Branch members and their families returned to ‘Rock Steady Eddies’ to a very welcome Curry Lunch prepared by
Discussions over lunch at the AGM
our hosts, Eddie and Emma Hillback. The Branch has continued to support
Charities. Mr. Paul Gedling and Mr. Kevin Beardsmore arranged a very successful fund raising event at Bescot Stadium and raised £1,940 which was divided between: ‘Troop Aid’ £740;
Kidderminster Branch after the Remembrance parade
to various charities. A’ Beer and Skittles’ night was poorly attended attracting only 30; however the Christmas party was a huge success. Our thanks go to Eddie and Emma once again for a superb buffet and to the committee members for all their hard
work.
Future events:
Members will be attending a ‘40’s night’ at the Amery Club organized by Mr. Don Sharratt and our good friends from the Amery Club. Our Branch
Standard will be present. Proceeds from the evening will be donated to Combat Stress. We will hold a tramps ball in May. All members will be welcome. A collection weekend has been agreed with the Shenstone Garden Centre for the end of July.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
‘Golden Wishes’ [a
local charity] £600, and
our own Association
£600. Capt Stan Evans
raised a further £1,346
from a sponsored bike
ride; this was equally
divided between The
Air Ambulance and Combat Stress. We held two ‘tin shake’ weekends; one at the Holly Bush Garden Centre and the other at the Shenstone Garden Centre, when the public responded most generously and raised £734 and £1035 respectively. The proceeds went to ‘Trop Aid’ and Combat Stress. The Amery Scooter Club donated £150, making a total of £5205 donated
Our thanks go to Eddie and Emma once again for a superb buffet
4th Battalion Corps of Drums at the Burton Branch Curry Supper
Capt R Adams, Lt Col B L Clarke & Lt Col K H Jeavons