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Last year was very busy due to an Appeal for
money for the restoration of our lovely War Memorial in Alexandra Park.
This had been erected soon after the First World War and was in need of
considerable repair. Our Branch responded by arranging two functions: a
Coffee Morning held in the garden of one of our members raised £400 and an
afternoon Concert in the White Rock Theatre raised £738.50. The latter was
organised by Win Wakelin who is also a member of the Regency Singers.
Together with a miscellaneous donation we were able to contribute £1,158.50.
As usual we have had two talks – “Hastings
in War Time” and “The History of Nursing” – both extremely interesting. Our
Annual Outing in 2007 was to Jempsons Store where we were entertained to a
very good tea and demonstrations of Bread Making and Cake Decoration. Our
Outing this year will be to Bewl Water where we hope it will be warm enough
to enjoy the boat trip which goes right round the reservoir.
Just before Christmas, our Secretary was
invited to attend a full meeting of the Council to receive a Mayoral Award,
the citation on which read “For her tireless voluntary work with Service and
Ex-Service Men and Women”. This honour was, of course, shared by members of
the Branch who had supported her when working for SSAFA/FORCES HELP, The
Joint Council of Ex-Service Associations and various Service Associations in
the Town.
Editor: Congratulations to Dorothy
Dixon….obviously she was too modest to include a photograph of the
presentation.
In May, Eileen Kent née Boswell and her
husband Vic celebrated their Diamond Wedding. They met when both serving as
Medical Orderlies in Dunmore, Essex in 1947 and were married a year later.
They received a beautiful Greetings Card from Her Majesty the Queen. Their
party was attended by children, grandchildren, friends and other relatives –
all of whom thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Eileen and Vic are now looking
forward to a quiet holiday and are congratulated and wished health and
happiness in the future.
We were becoming concerned about the future
of the Branch as membership was declining and so many were unable to attend
meetings due to ill health or distance. At our last Meeting members were
asked to vote on the future, i.e. carry on but with an increased attendance
charge, change to a sort of Social Club or close down. We were delighted
that the majority voted to continue but with an increased attendance charge
so we are safe for another year at least.
We send Greetings to all members for
2008/2009 and wish you health and contentment. |
