Having just read through what I wrote for
Lioness 2/2009, I see that we were about to visit Trentham Gardens in
Staffordshire. We had a wonderful day provided by the Garden Trust.
In July a group of ex-ATS attended Swanshurst
School – lunch was provided and groups of girls circulated amongst the
different Associations to talk to members about their war time service. In
August we had a visit from a nephew of Maureen Deeley who talked us through
a film of himself and others mountain climbing for charity. The group are
all firefighters and incredibly fit ex-Royal marines etc. We were all so
impressed by the lengths that people go to in raising funds for Troop
Aid/Help for Heroes.
I’ve missed out Armed Forces Day in June –
yes, it rained again for the third year running and all in the March Past at
the end of the day were soaked. Maureen Deeley and Sue Dolphin had to dry
the Association and Branch Standards ready for the following day when they
were paraded at the National Memorial Arboretum. Maureen has attended many
funerals this year of Service personnel and we thank her for that.
October – The Committee was re-elected….maybe
next year?! November we held our usual Bring/Buy. December we have already
had our Christmas Lunch!
Finally – our Treasurer Mary Gunning and her
granddaughter have collaborated in the production of special Birthday cards
for the 90th
Birthday of members – some members were reluctant to give us their DOBs!
Remembrance Day – Several members went to
London and in Birmingham a Poppy Wreath from the branch was taken by Frances
Jenkinson as usual.
The branch is thriving at the present time
but some members are suffering from various illnesses and we miss them at
our meetings – we do think of them and try to keep in touch always.
Best wishes for a peaceful New Year everyone.
