OUR May bi-monthly meeting was the second since January and a busy business session dealt mainly with forthcoming events at county and group level.

After the Homage and silent tribute the chairman advised us that Neville Fairbairn was standing down as vice- chairman with immediate effect because of personal circumstances.

Neville as a past chairman is and has been a valuable member of the branch for many years and we hope he will be able to continue for a long time to come. Thank you Neville from all of us.

There was a Royal British Legion Re-dedication and Falklands 30th anniversary evensong service at the cathedral on May 13, supported by branch members and our own branch standard.

Our standard was one of 40 on parade, which included standards from many other uniformed charity organisations.

It was a pleasure to see so many local Falklands Campaign veterans able to attend Our Poppy organiser Lyn Derrett informed us the Poppy Appeal has reached £4,891.93 with Gift-Aid items still to be added, so we could be looking at £5,000 even yet.

John Mason gave a report on the activities of Group 3 and confirmed the inter-branch skittles competition goes ahead on Friday, July 13, at 7.15pm for 7.30pm prompt at RBL Claines, with each team consisting of six players.

We have six players and a couple of reserves should the need arise, and other members are invited to attend for what should be a fun evening.

There is also a possibility that a Group 3 meal may be organised later in the year.

John also advised that the planned Drum Head Service will not take place this summer due to the many other activities in the county associated with the Olympics and the Queen’s Jubilee.

Future branch business will include looking to confirm the possibility of a return skittles fixture in the late summer with the WI and a possible social event such as a meal, which in the past has proved very popular.

Members are reminded that there will be no branch meeting in June.

The next branch meeting will be at Madresfield Club on Tuesday, July 10, starting at 8.15pm.