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2007 was the 50th Anniversary of
the founding of our Branch – but more about that later.
Our numbers have not changed dramatically
during the past year. Nora Carr was attached to us after her move from
Bolton and a fellow resident from her block of flats, Melba Chapman, was
recruited to the Association so in essence we are two up and have twenty-six
annual and twenty life members. A core of about sixteen to twenty members
are able to attend our meetings which are still held twice monthly with the
exception of the summer months of July and August, and over the
Christmas/New Year period. We still meet in the RAFA Club in Weymouth and
give a donation to them at Christmas.
At our AGM in March, Edna Moore resigned as
our Treasurer and our thanks were passed to her. Joan Young agreed to take
on the post and will be ably assisted by Peg McElwaine for a short while
until she feels able to manage on her own. The remainder of the Committee
were voted for a further term.
A contingent from the Branch attended the
Area Reunion hosted by Salisbury and a good time was had by all.
During May, Mrs Pam Seaton brought along a
collection of antique fans and talked about their history which was most
interesting. Also in May, Esther Pring, held her coffee morning and she
raised £94.50 which was put towards Branch funds. A wonderful effort.
The Veterans Parade was well attended – it
was a pity that Maureen Deeley was unable to join us but perhaps next year.
We held our usual sea front stall during Veterans Week and raised £100 which
was sent to HQ for the Lioness Fund. Editor: Many thanks – much
needed and greatly appreciated!
After the summer break, Joan Young gave us
an illustrated talk on her memories as a WRAC recruit. For those of us who
had joined the WRAC, it brought back many memories and the ATS girls
realised that things were not all that different to their days.
On 9 October, we had a special luncheon to
celebrate our 50th Anniversary. We were honoured by the presence
of Lieutenant Colonel Sue Westlake, Major Jane Freebairn and the Mayor of
Weymouth and his Lady. A cake, decorated in the Corps colours and with an
Association Badge as the centrepiece was a point of great interest. The
lady guests were presented with a bouquet of flowers and two original
members (Peg McElwaine and Peg Moore) were also given flowers to mark their
long connection with the Association.
Our South and South West Secretaries meeting
was held ten days later at the Wilton Bowls Club. As always, Joan Ford
provided a super luncheon before we started the business of the day and our
thanks were offered to her.
In November, we were represented as usual in the parade along the seafront.
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