Leeds Branch

Leeds Branch now includes several WRAC members who have brought new light into our monthly meetings. The year has been overshadowed by the very sudden death in September of our Chairman, Emily Newbould, who had been a guiding member of the Branch for over 25 years so she leaves a very large gap. Fortunately, in Elizabeth Bustard, we have a hard working member who will try to continue where Emily left off. As usual all members will help in the running of the Branch to ensure its success.

We have participated in the Association activities such as the Grand Reunion and Northern Area Lunch. We also had a memorable day at the National Memorial Arboretum thanks to the help of Leeds Branch RA Association. We had lunch out in Wetherby and our Christmas Lunch was a very happy 90th Birthday Party for Rosa Blewitt. Mary Clements was one of 90 ex Land Army ladies who experienced a wonderful day in London. We joined in her pride as she recounted an unforgettable experience. June McCunn is to be awarded the Elizabeth Cross on behalf of her eldest son, a Gunner, who was killed in Northern Ireland We look forward to hearing about her experience of the Award Ceremony early next year. . Editor: You may remember reading June McCunn’s moving article on Page 23 of Lioness 2/2009.

We all did our bit towards The Poppy Appeal and several members attended Remembrance Parades. Our Chairman placed a Poppy on the grave of the ex Master Gunner, General Sir Martin Farndale, which is near to the grave of her husband in North Yorkshire. We wish all members a Healthy and Fulfilling 2010.