Luton Branch

2007 kicked off in the usual fashion – our anniversary lunch, this year at the Red Lion, the oldest hostelry in Luton, and a former coaching inn.  “Kicked off” was quite appropriate, as in the TV bar, adjacent to the dining room, a cup match was being shown.  It didn’t deter us from enjoying ourselves – and the good food.  January 13^th marked our 10^th anniversary – times flies when you’re having fun!

  February was a general get-together, then in March we welcomed a speaker from the Luton Council of Faiths, Yasmin Akthar.  It was intriguing discussing the many similarities, and surprisingly few differences between Christianity and Islam.  During our discussions afterwards, one member who hails from the Emerald Isle, made the point that her father had taken up arms against the British Army, just after World War I, at which our Chair piped up, “Oh, so it was your Dad shooting at my Dad, was it?”, resulting in gales of laughter from the rest of the Branch and our visitors.

  Eleri Pirie, in addition to being a very efficient Treasurer, is the designer and producer of our quarterly newsletter, which continues to be a great success.  Those members who cannot attend are really appreciative of being kept up to date with events. 

  In April we had a speaker from the East Anglian Air Ambulance Service, very informative and topical, as they are endeavouring to extend the service to cover our area.  Until now, we have been reliant upon the Police helicopter, which is not fully equipped for medical emergencies.  Also in April we had a return quiz match with the Far East Vets and regained the shield by a margin of 3 points.  It now bears 6 small plaques saying ‘WRACA’ and just one with ‘FEVA’ – we have to let them win sometimes!

  Forthcoming events – most of which will be over by the time the Lioness goes to print:

            Return match with the Association of Wrens (quiz).

            Talk by Evacuees Association representative.

            Speaker from St Dunstans.

            AGM, Christmas party et seq!

  Luton Branch of the Combined Ex-Service Association has just been revitalised after 20 years, so we have a central organisation to co-ordinate the Veterans Day events.  Our Veterans Day is on 7 July on the newly refurbished St Georges Square in Luton town centre.  Each of sixteen organisations will have a table to display our role and perhaps attract some new members.  There will be a drumhead service, parade of standards, and other service related events.  We are praying for fine weather – there’s no Scout Hut nearby.

  Any branch wishing for details of our activities is welcome to phone Madge Evans on 01582 617313.

  Finally we mourn the passing of Edith Holman (ATS), one of our longest serving members – she will be sadly missed.