KIMBOLTON BRANCH (BR0608) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
Poppy Appeal Campaign
As we enter the Poppy Appeal Campaign, Stuart Ainsworth took the opportunity to visit the CWCG graves in our local area. There are 5 in Kimbolton (with a further private memorial for a soldier listed on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing), 1 in Tilbrook and 1 in Stow Longa. The memorials are generally in good condition although 1 in Kimbolton is on the Observation register due to deterioration.
KIMBOLTON BRANCH (BR0608) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION.
CONVENING NOTICE BRANCH AGM
The Annual General Meeting will be held on
Thursday October 26th 2023
Kimbolton School Dining Room 1800 for 1830 hrs
The business to be transacted shall be:
- Consider reports and Accounts for the past year.
- Elect/re-election of the officers of the Branch:
Chairman, Vice Chairman, Hon Secretary, Hon Treasurer.
- Elect/re-elect members to the Branch Committee
- Reports from: President (Garry Newton) Chairman,(David Henrick),
Treasurer,(Lizanne Newton)
- Consider and Raise any motion.
Please reply to:
Mr. David Henrick
29 Burton Way
Spaldwick
Cambs
PE28 0YX
Email: david51henrick@btinternet.com
D R Henrick
Chairman
Memorial Day Ceremony held on Monday 29th May 2023 at the Cambridge American Cemetery
Kimbolton Branch Centenary Band Concert
With Waterbeach Brass
Includes Mulled Wine and Mine Pies
16:00 - 18:00 on Saturday 10th December 2022
@ Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton
Tickets - £12.50 each
Available from Bytes Cafe on Friday 18th November
Or contact David on 01480 896556 (david51henrick@btinternet.com)
Kimbolton Branch (BR0608) Convening Notice Branch AGM
The Annual General Meeting will be held on
Thursday 27th October 2022
@ Kimbolton School Dining Room @ 18:30
The business to be transacted shall be:
- Consider reports and account for the past year
- Elect/re-election of the officers of the Branch: Chairman, Vice Chairman, Hon Secretary and Hon Treasurer
- Elect/re-elect members to the Branch Committee
- Reports from: President (Garry Newton), Chairman (David Henrick), Treasurer (Lizanne Newton)
- Consider and raise any motion.
Please confirm attendance with David Henrick (david51henrick@btinternet.com)
HM Queen Elizabeth II
1926 - 2022
The local branch supported the "Kimbolton Country Fayre" on one of the hottest days of the year - 10 July 2022. Our stand looked splendid and provided information on the many areas the legion can offer help. Also, we raised just over £200 for the Poppy Appeal.
Remembrance Sunday Parade 2021 - 14 November 2021
This year marked the centenary of the creation of the Royal British Legion and a return to the High Street following the restrictions that caused last years to be cancelled. However, we returned and I don't think there could be another village in England where Remembrance Sunday is so well attended. Once again the school cadet contingents were immaculate in their dress, their marching and their turnout. What a credit to Kimbolton School.
The parade was led again this year by the Standard Bearers of the Royal British Legion followed by the RBL members, a contingent of school OKs rejoined the parade. After the reading of the names of the fallen, at exactly 11 o clock, in between the last post and Reveille, two minutes silence was observed.
Once again, the march past after the service was led by the cavalry, followed by the RBL and the school cadet force. A truly memorable day. Well done everybody. Below are some photos of the day.
The parade lead by the Standard Bearers.
Squad of Old Kimboltionians marched alongside the Royal British Legion.
The parade led by the Standard Bearers
Royal British Legion led by Vice Chairman, Stuart Ainsworth
Standard Bearers at 11:00.
The President, Capt. RN Garry Newton and the reviewing officer, Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton.
Jim Baker read the names of the fallen.
Remembrance Parade.
Cavalry on the march past down Kimbolton High Street.
Standard Bearers and the Royal British Legion on the return down the High Street.
Other photos from the day including the service held at the Bicton Industrial Estate, site of the former RAF Kimbolton and also a Centenary Celebration Lunch for the Royal British Legion.
Also amongst our guests were Bob Cavaliere and his sister Joan. Below is an article written by Stuart Ainsworth regarding their visit to Kimbolton.
A chance find of their father’s uniform started a chain of events that lead Bob Cavaliere and his sister Joan to Kimbolton airfield where their father flew from during the war.
The uniforms were discovered by Bob in 2019 when he cleared out his mother’s house in Virginia after her death. He said he was "shocked, awed and amazed" when he went into the clothes closet and found bags containing the wartime flying jacket, dress uniforms and personal kit belonging to his father, who had died in 1984.
Mr Cavaliere said he had previously been in touch with Christopher Bates, from Kimbolton School and the UK representative of the 379th Bombardment Group (Heavy) Association, when he thought about making a visit to Kimbolton.
"When my wife reminded me of that I knew instantly that the museum at the school was the perfect place for all of the items." Mr Cavaliere said. "If the family kept them they would have been in a closet somewhere until I died and then no one else would have wanted them. But here, they can be on display for many to see and the photographs and navigational instruments, along with the uniforms, tells a story that none of us siblings knew very much about when my dad was alive, a missed opportunity to learn about an amazing time in his life.
"So there was no question in my mind but that the School would treat the items with reverence and make them much more widely available to the public than they would have been anywhere else we could have given them to."
Mr Cavaliere said he was looking forward to the Remembrance events, adding: "We are very humbled by all the attention and we are looking forward to hearing maybe some first-hand accounts of people who were young kids at the time and may have some memories of the planes rumbling overhead."
Andrew Bamford, the Kimbolton Castle Historian, said: “Robert and his family thought carefully about how to preserve these wonderful, historic effects and remembered the connection with a member of staff at Kimbolton School, Christopher Bates, and therefore donated the uniforms and personal effects to Kimbolton School, where they are proudly displayed.”
Bob and Joan, whose planned visit last year was hit by the pandemic lockdown, will be present for a Last Post ceremony at the school, wreath-laying at the airfield and other Remembrance events at Kimbolton.
Their father Flight Officer Paul Cavaliere flew on 21 operations between January and March 1945 with one of the squadrons making up the 379th Bombardment Group (Heavy), regarded as one of the most successful in the US Eighth Army Air Force, which flew more sorties and dropped more bombs than any other unit.
During their stay on Armistice Day, they joined the students and staff at Kimbolton to observe the national 2 minutes silence before spending the afternoon talking to various groups of students. In the evening, they had dinner at the Snooty Tavern in Great Staughton as guests of the Kimbolton Rotary Club.
On Friday 12 November, Andrew Bamford accompanied Bob and Joan to the American Cemetery at Madingley where they heard first-hand of the sacrifice of those who flew with the 379th BG(H). They had the opportunity to sample the delights of another local pub at dinner in The George in Spaldwick. The following day, they got up close and personal with a B-17 Flying Fortress, their father’s aircraft, on a visit with Stuart Ainsworth from Kimbolton Branch Royal British Legion to IWM Duxford. It was especially emotional for him to find out during his visit that his Dad’s usual plane, Seattle Sue, had crashed after colliding with another aircraft a mere one week after his father’s last mission.
On Remembrance Sunday, Bob and Joan joined local residents at the Bicton Industrial Estate the site of the former RAF Kimbolton (USAAF Station 117) which was the home of the 379th. After a short service of commemoration, they laid a wreath on behalf of the 379th BG Association. Bob and Joan then joined the residents of Kimbolton at the church service and parade before joining Legion members at a lunch in the Castle to celebrate the Legion’s Centenary.
Reflecting back on his visit, Bob said, “It was eye-opening, and humbling, to experience the reverence with which the American and English servicemen from both World Wars are still held.”
A big thank you to Tony Reeves who ran a half marathon and raising money for the Royal British Legion
Some photos below of members congratulating Tony for his achievement and the finish line.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtJS4t3pP08
Armed Forces Day 2021
A couple of photos were taken on the day to mark the occasion.
We were fortunate to have a Bugler from the Wyton Area Voluntary Band.
On the 15 May 1921, the Royal British legion was formed and 100 years later, members of the branch marked the Centenary.
Chris Strand, Brian Strand, David Henrick and Stuart Ainsworth
To mark the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. 10 June 1921 - 9 April 2021.
President (Capt.RN (Retd) Garry Newton) and Chairman (Mr David Henrick).
See the below link to view more photos from Remembrance Sunday events throughout Cambridgeshire including Kimbolton.
Poppy Appeal 2020
The Poppy Appeal 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has been very different to previous years. Understandably the donations will be down on previous years; nevertheless, the commitment shown by the general public, local businesses and schools has been remarkable. Please read the poem below, written by Catie Hudson of Spaldwick Community Primary School and enjoy the beautiful poppies the school coloured and displayed. Many thanks to the staff, parents and pupils for their very generous donations.
I will confirm our final Poppy Appeal total as soon as all the poppy pots have been counted.
Carol Vincent Bennett
PAO – Kimbolton, ECD14
Kimbolton Branch Royal British Legion Commemorations 2020
Remembrance Sunday 2020 will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. The impact of COVID-19 and the imposition of a second national lockdown resulted in very muted commemorations in Kimbolton.
The day dawned mild but with a chill in the November air. A heavy fog settled across the area and at 0930 Reverend Philip Howson, our Branch Chaplain, led us in a service at the Bicton Memorial to the 379th Bomb Group USAAF who flew from Station 117, Kimbolton Airfield during World War 2. Wreaths were laid by Mr John Hill representing the Branch, Master Sergeant Chris Chukta USAF representing the US Visiting Forces in the UK, Mr Jonathan Gray representing Huntingdon District Council, Mrs Dawn Gooderham representing Kimbolton Parish Council and Mr Chris Bates, from Kimbolton School, representing the 379th Bomb Group Association.
To add to the atmosphere Mr Andy Griffiths from Stow Longa brought along 3 of his World War 2 military vehicles all of which carry the markings of units that served at Kimbolton.
Later in the day, it was a very different Remembrance Commemoration in Kimbolton. This year there was no involvement from Kimbolton School with the usual march past of the Combined Cadet Force, RBL Members and other village groups. Instead, we had a small COVID-19 compliant commemoration at the war memorial. Reverend Philip again officiated and we were honoured to be joined by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Andy Harter CBE DL FREng. After prayers, Mrs Gill Walker read the names of the fallen from the village. The Two Minutes Silence was announced by a moving Last Post by Kai from Kimbolton School and we closed the ceremony with the laying of wreaths by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant and the Parish Council. Thanks to Mr Russell Gooderham and Mr Brian Strand who paraded the Union Flag and Branch Standard and Mr Ian Walker for acting as Escort to the Standards. Wreaths were laid after the ceremony by Kimbolton School, the Rotary Club and the Scouts and Guides to ensure social distancing.
Following the service, Captain Newton and Mr David Henrick paid their respects at the 5 military graves in the Kimbolton Cemetery.
Prior to the announcement of the national lockdown, Reverend Philip had already planned to conduct and record a Remembrance Service on 1 November so everyone could share it on 8 November. With the national lockdown in place this recorded Service was available virtually allowing all Branch members and villagers to join together. Thanks to Reverend Philip for his hard work and the support of our friends at St Andrew’s Church. The Service is available at: https://youtu.be/LSZYGyZXzw0
On 11 November at 1100, Reverend Philip, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Branch Mr David Henrick and Mr Stuart Ainsworth along with Mr Brian Strand the Branch Standard Bearer commemorated the end of World War 1 at the war memorial synchronising the Two Minutes Silence with the bugler from Kimbolton School. Thanks to Reverend Ron Lancaster for his assistance in synchronising both ends of the High Street.
There are a variety of photographs from the above events displayed under the photo gallery for your interest.
The Kimbolton and Stonely Parish Council and
The Kimbolton and District Branch of the Royal British Legion
WISH TO INFORM ALL LOCAL RESIDENTS THAT THERE WILL BE NO STREET CLOSURE ON
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2020
NO PARADE & MARCHING ON THE HIGH STREET
Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions
Poppy Appeal 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the structure of our Poppy Appeal for this year; the Poppy Appeal’s priorities for 2020 are as follows:
- To ensure the safety of our volunteers and all members of the public
- To enable the public to donate and wear a poppy in Remembrance
- To enable the public to donate and lay a wreath in Remembrance
This year there will be no house to house collections.
However, there are many ways you can give to the Poppy Appeal:
- There will be Poppy trays and collection tins in many of our local schools and businesses, so please look out for them.
- You can donate via supermarkets, banks and online retailers.
- You can also request 20 poppies, free of charge, by following this link and completing the form on line:
https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/poppies-in-the-post?seg=WPDW3B
- If you prefer to make your donation online, please follow this link to the Poppy Appeal donations page:
https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/donate?seg=WPDW3B
- Or you can donate by text. To donate £3, text POPPY to 70020**Cost £3 plus standard network charges (typically £2.97 goes to the Royal British Legion).
If you would like a wreath or wooden cross for your private act of Remembrance, please contact me, as soon as possible.
Thank you so much for your ongoing support.
Kind regards and keep safe!
Carol Vincent Bennett
PAO – Kimbolton ECD14
Contact via: cvb721@gmail.com or 01480 860837 / 07842303694
Remembrance Sunday 2020
Because of Coved 19 we are unable to give full details of Remembrance Sunday wreath laying and parades at present. As soon as details become available we will update the website. Watch this space.
Meanwhile stay alert and stay safe
David H,the new Chairman presents the retiring Chairmen Pete Digby with a retiring present
AGM 2019
The AGM 2019 was held in the Kimbolton school dining room on Thursday 24 October 2019.Over 30 members attended.
The annual reports of the President, the Chairman, the Poppy appeal organiser and the Treasurer were read out each one thanking the committee, the members and the friends for their support over the past year.
The Chairman Pete Digby resigned from his post for personal reasons and the post of Chairman is now in the safe hands of David Henrick, who for the past few years has made an excellent job of the role of branch Secretary.. This has left a gap in the committee for a secretary.
Pete thanked everybody for their hard work in making this Branch a success and reiterated to those members present the ethos of the Royal British Legion and its importance in the community. Pete's hard work for the RBL will be sorely missed and David has a hard act to follow. Pete was given a small gift by David H on behalf of the committee. A delightful supper was served to all members by the school catering staff.
Jim Bacon at the NMA
Jim Bacon recently visited the National memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Jim served in the RAF during the Berlin Airlift and in his own words there are "not many of them left". While there, Jim took numerous photos of the various memorials but also has some photos of himself and colleagues during his visit.
Sad Loss.... Pat Thurlow BEM
Pat Thurlow was a much loved member of the Kimbolton community and he sadly died on 3 July 2018 aged 89
Pat was a long serving member of the Kimbolton Branch of the British Legion and seldom failed a parade. Even in later years when he was too infirm to march, he always paraded in his wheelchair and somebody "pushed" him with us as we marched on parade on Armistsice Day.
Pat joined the RAF just afer the war as an engineer and he served on a number of aircraft including Lightnings and Nimrods. Hed was an avid member of the Lightning preservation society and was proud to have served in 74 Sqn. During the Berlin airlift, just after the war, when thousands of Berliners were in danger of starvation, Pat was one of the key members of the Berlin Air lift and spent some time " at the sharp end" in Berlin on Air Traffic Control.
During his time in the service, he rose to the rank of Warrant Officer and was awarded the BEM for his service to the country. After his service in the RAF ended, Pat was well known for his services to the community and he was a very competent mechanic on gardening equipment.
His two daughters attended the Cremation Service in Bedford where a number of members paraded and the British Legion standard was carried by Brian Strang. Pat's daughters had this to say " I am sure that you will all remember Dad as a loving, caring,kind and fair man and I know that you all thought he was the 'salt of the earth' What could Bea and I say about Dad who was always part of our life, a dad who took our hands when we were little and helped us grow, a Dad who loved us and cared for us. We are the ladies we are today because of his love, care and support. But do you know what? Bea and I are the luckiest sisters ever because that most wonderful man was our Dad. He was the best there is and I hope we have both inherited his strength, kindness and love. We have our lovely memories to remember him and we will love him always. Dad, we both loved you so much and wish that we had another chance-just to say
"We Love You Dad"
................and so say we all. rest in peace Pat. We will not forget you
Visit to Poppy Factory 11 June
About 30 members of the Branch attended the Poppy factory in Richmond.
A powerpoint presentation was given by the factory on the work of the Poppy factory and then members were given a short tour of the factory. Sadly we were unable to see to any great extent the operation of the factory but were given a demonstration of how to make a poppy and then members were invited to make a poppy themselves.
Lunch was served at the factory ( bangers and mash ) and then the group retired to the meeting room. Here, the group leaders presented the factory with a cheque for seven hunred and fifty pound towards the running and upkeep of the factory.
Below Pete Digby, Roger Watson and our Poppy Collection Co-ordinator Carol Vincent Bennett present the cheque to the Poppy Day factory. 
The group displaying wreaths made in the factory
Kimbolton Branch RBL Dates for 2018.
It is with regret and due to circumstances outside our control that we have had to cancem Beating the Retreat in July this year. Sorry
Kimbolton Country Fayre 8 July 2018
Great Pilgrimage 90 5-9 August 2018 France
Proposed Theatre Trip 19 September – 6 October
“War Horse” Milton Keynes
AGM 9 October 2018
Note the change:
Special late summer lunch (Autumn dinner) 13 October 2018 Mandeville Hall
Remembrance Sunday 11 November 2018
Secretary David Henrick
David51henrick@btinternet.com
Sadly the Branch said Farewell to Peter Guthrie who died recently. There was a tremendour turnout for the funeral In Kimbolton Road, Bedford where at least 10 members of the Kimbolton Branch were in attendanvce and 12 Standards and Banners from The British legion and Associations related to Peter were in attendance. Peter was a WW2 veteran and a brilliant musician. He was also a stalwart member of the British Legion right until his death. RIP Peter.
What's happening in the Kimbolton Branch of The Royal British Legion
As you will see from the Branch information there have been a number of changes in the officers. We are happy to report that Geoff Coles daughter has agreed to be our President. Liz is a full time reserve force officer with the medical services. Mr John Mayes our treasurer stands down after 50yrs, He has been awarded life membership, and Mr Roger Watson our long time secretary retires after 37 yrs on the committee. A big act to follow.
Since going to press we have now had a volunteer for the post of treasurer, and we now have a new deputy standard bearer who is under training as this is posted. His first outing will be on Armed forces Day 25th June.
Fund raising has gone well this year, we donated £2000 to Halsey House, the Legion Home at Cromer, and our other fund raising has made nearly £400.
Planned events 2017
URGENT, URGENT, URGENT.
Kimbolton Branch of the Royal British legion is urgently seeking to appoint a new Poppy Co-ordinator to succeed Vicky Whittle who has recently retired from the post. Please inform one of the committee if you are interested.
Jack and the Beanstalk
Melodramatics during their performance of Jack and the Beanstalk offered Wednesday 1 March 2017 as the British Legion raffle evening. Over £80 was made at the event towards Branch funds.
Saturday 24 June 2017 . Armed Forces Day.
Armed Forces day went exactly as planned with a fine turnout from the village.A large contingent of the British Legion was present despite the Lions playing the All Blacks at the same time. There was a rendering of four great hymns preceded by the National Anthem and ending with Jerusalem. The service and the sermon were conducted by the Revd. Nicki Bland. The Standards were carried by Roger Watson and Brian Strand and there was a contingent representing the school led by Sqn Ldr Laura Hadden. The last post and Reveille were beautifully played by Capt. Chris Groome and a piper played the congregation from the church.
A fine lunch was prepared by the Women's Institute in the Mandeville Hall and after a welcoming speech by the Chairman elect Pete Digby, a surprise was the presentation of an inscibed Rose Bowl to Chris Groom thanking him for his dedicated services in running the school band and keeping The Legion in step on parade.Roy Bruce was then presented with a certificate to thank him for 35 years loyal service on the committee. Well done Roy.
Sunday 9 July 2017 Kimbolton Country Fayre.
Once again members of the Branch will be attending the country fayre so look out for our British Legion gazebo, come and chat with us and hopefully this is an opportunity to encourage more members to join the R.B.L.
Sunday 30th July Branch Summer Lunch
As usual the Kimbolton Branch held a summer lunch in the Lewis Hall at kimbolton School on Sunday July 30th. Over 100 members attended and a fine lunch was served accompanied by entertainment from.
Overseas trip 13 September 2017
Our Branch Secretary (David Henrick) is currently organising a trip to Germany in September 2017. It is hoped to visit Berlin, Dresden, Meissen and Colditz escorted tour
13 Sep 2017 - Depart Luton 06:30 arrive Berlin 09:25
17 Sep 2017 - Depart Berlin 17:00 arrive Luton 18:00
Dresden for the first two nights followed by Berlin for two nights.
Further details and a link will be published shortly
Sunday 8 October 2017 Dedication of the new Standard
Dedication Service
You are cordially invited to the
Dedication Service of the new British Legion Standard on
Sunday 8th October 2017 at 2.30 pm
St Andrew's Church, Kimbolton.
Please arrive shortly after 2.00 p.m. to ensure you are seated prior to the
beginning of the service. Following the service, light refreshments
will be served in the Mandeville Hall. Should you wish to attend please RSVP to the
Secretary, David Henrick.
David Henrick 01480 896556
david51henrick@btinternet.com
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2017
CONVENING NOTICE BRANCH AGM
Notification is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of KIMBOLTON RBL BRANCH will be held at:
The CCF classroom Kimbolton School Thursday October 12th 2017 at 1900 hrs
The business to be transacted shall be:
• Consider reports and Accounts for the past year.
• Elect/re-election of the officers of the Branch:
Chairman, Vice Chairman, Hon Secretary, Hon Treasurer.
• Elect/re-elect members to the Branch Committee
• Reports from: President, Chairman,(Pete Digby), Treasurer,(Marilyn
Del Pozzo) Secretary (David Henrick)
• Consider and Raise any motion.
Please reply to Hon.Secretary
Mr. David Henrick
29 Burton Way
Spaldwick
Cambs
PE28 OYX
Email: david51henrick@btinternet.com
Social evening March 10th 2018
All members and non members are invited to a social evening at the Mandeville Hall on Saturday March 10th 2018
The evening will consist of a light hearted talk on a range of subjects including caterpillares and goldfish.
There will be a musical interlude followed by a ploughman's supper
The cost will be £10 per head.
This will replace the earlier advertised quiz evening which unfortunaltely coincided with a number of quiz evenings during March.
Details in the Parish magazine,on the village notice board and via an email to all branch members
_______________________
Events coming up.....
Visit to the Poppy factory 11 June 2018
Details later on beating the retreat (7 July) and the Village country fayre. (8 July)
Summer lunch to celebrate 100 years this year at the later date of Saturday 20 th October 2018
Great pilgrimage 90 5-9 August 2018
Remembrance Sunday 11 November 2018
