21 November 2016
Annual General Meeting
Held at Cleckheaton last night, the following Officers were re-elected:
Chairman: Eddie Morton
Secretary: David Walker
Treasurer: Charlie Turpin
Membership Secretary: Allan Serjeant
Branch Standard Bearer: David Lamb
13 November 2016
Poppy Appeal
To see details and pictures of this years Poppy Appeal, please click this link.
7 November 2016
Spectacular Fundraising Idea by Spenborough Branch Member
Click this link to be amazed!
5 September 2016 - Church Service
A Church Service was held at Whitechapel Church, Cleckheaton, to remember 20 local men who were killed on 3 September 1916 in one of the ongoing Battles on the Somme.
The Branch Standard was escorted into Church and laid on the altar during the service. A good number of Branch members attended the service which was conducted by our former Branch Chaplain The Reverend Brunel James and assisted by our present Branch Chaplain, Terry Brewiss.
26 July 2016
Armed Forces Covenant in Kirklees.
"The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families are treated fairly"
KIrklees Council have signed the Charter and have appointed a member to oversee its operation. She is: Jannine Clark - Tel:01484-221000 (Feb 2017)
For further details look at this website: www.kirklees.gov.uk/armed-forces
4 July 2016
The Great War Exhibition
This years exhibition is on display at Cleckheaton Library until 1 August 2106. Click this link for details.
1 July 2016
Whistle for the Somme
We have just held two services, last night and this morning, to mark the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Click this link for details.
1 July 2016
Sqdn Ldr John Goldthorp Walker DFC - Past President
John Goldthorpe Walker's ashes have been interred at Grove Chapel, Gomersal. Please have a look at his obituary and those of our other Past Presidents - click this link.
17 April 2016
The Queen's 90th Birthday
To commemorate Her Majesty the Queen's 90th birthday, the Spenborough Branch presented a Musical Tribute. Click this link for details.
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15 April 2016
Honour for Branch Member, Stan Rymer
Stan Rymer has been honoured by the President of France, for his part in the liberation of France in 1944. For more details, click this link.
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21 February 2016
Branch Chairman’s letter to John Horwood.
Subject – Carol Horwood – Welfare Officer – Spenborough Branch.
It was with great sadness that the branch learnt of Carol’s passing on Friday last, and all branch members pass on their sincere condolences to you and your family.
I have never known anyone more committed to the British Legion than Carol, but I’m sure you know that. The amount of time she committed to her cases was way above that which would normally be expected of a case worker. I only hope that those she was working for appreciated it.
For the work she did on behalf of the branch, conference, County meetings, welfare, and all the additional work she did for County, whoever takes on her responsibilities will find her a hard act to follow.
The ex service community should consider themselves privileged to have had her working on their behalf.
Eddie Morton
Chairman – Spenborough Branch
7 February 2016
M62 COACH BOMB MEMORIAL SERVICE
The Spenborough Standard Bearer, David Lamb and a good number of Branch members attended the Memorial Service today. Click this link for further details and photographs.
23 January 2016
DEMENTIA SUPPORT IN SPENBOROUGH
The Legion can help anyone with a Service connection who has dementia or who's caring for someone who has it.
Click this link for Helpline details.
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24 December 2015
POPPY APPEAL 2015
Another record breaking Poppy Appeal in Spenborough - click this link to see the total collected and the Branch Chairman's comments.
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16 December 2015
Christmas Message from the Branch Chairman
To say the branch has had another successful year would be something of an understatement.
All the events planned within the branch have been successful and well attended by the public; in fact attendances are improving all the time, the number in the Memorial park for Armistice Day was amazing.
The concerts, the parades, the services, are all a credit to everyone in the branch, because events like this do not just happen, only hard work and good planning produce good events and everyone who attends the meetings have stepped up to the line and pulled their weight to make things happen.
It is always a pleasure for me as Chairman to receive letters of thanks and congratulations after our events, now I know it is standard practice for the Deputy Lieutenants to send a letter of thanks, but on many occasions they have taken me to one side and emphasises how much they enjoy coming to join the Spenborough branch and comment on our professionalism and commitment. After the last event attended by Mrs Kate Moreton-Deakin, she said “It was like coming to see old friends”. To me that say’s it all we must be doing it right.
I’m sure that all the old members who have passed on, who kept the branch going through the 60’s and 70’s when nobody was interested, John Walker, David Sharp, John Clarke, Eric Martin would be extremely proud of you all for carrying on their work and bringing the branch back to being one of the best in South and West Yorkshire.
You can now all have a fortnight off to enjoy the Christmas and New Year festivities, but don’t get to comfortable; it all starts again in January.
Have a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Eddie Morton - Branch Chairman
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28 November 2015
Gomersal Remembers.
A soldier of The Great War was remembered in Gomersal today. Click this link for details.
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17 November 2015
Branch Meetings - 2016
The last meeting of the year, (the AGM) was held last night 16 November.
The meeting dates for 2016 have been fixed- click this link for details.
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14 November 2015
Santa is in Town
A number of Branch Members defied the rain today, to attend the switch on of the Christmas lights in Cleckheaton. We were invited by the Spenborough Chamber of Commerce who organized the event.
31 October 2015
The Indian Army in Spen Valley
Part of the branch's exhibition of The Great War were 3 banners depicting the exploits of the Indian Army. Following a request by Heckmondwike Library, these have been supplied to complement an exhibition that they are presenting. There has been a request for this information from local residents.
13 October 2015
Great War Plaque
The plaque of men killed in the Great War which was kindly given to the branch earlier in the year by Mr Ron Wootton, has now found a home at St Lukes Church in East Bierley, the closest church at Westgate Hill to where it was originally located. The plaque is to be displayed in a prominent position on a permanent basis . The official handover will be at a service to be announced later.
For details scroll down to latest news on 10 May 2015. Click this link for details of the presentation by Mr Wootton.
10 September 2015
Visit to The National Memorial Arboretum
Branch members paid a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum. Click this link for details and the photo gallery.
3 July 2015
Spen Great War Exhibition goes to Batley.
Following a request from Batley Business and Enterprise College, the Branch's Great War Exhibition was assembled in their main hall for a two week display.
The centrepiece was the wheeled stretcher which was made by the students themselves for the Cleckheaton Library event last August.
Provisional arrangements have been made to display an updated exhibition at Cleckheaton Library on 1 September 2015.
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9 June 2015
New Branch Chaplain
The Reverend Brunel James has with regret relinquished the role of Branch Chaplain, which he has held for a number of years. At the Branch meeting last night he explained that his role in the Church was expanding with a number of new duties that he is undertaking.
However, the members were delighted to welcome Terry Brewis, who was introduced by Brunel as his successor. The Chaplain's stole (originally gifted to the Branch by the late immediate Past President Eric Martin MBE) was presented to the new Chaplain by Brunel.
Before becoming a Reader for the Benefice of Cleckheaton, Terry was a former Police Inspector in the Huddersfield area.
The photograph shows Terry in his Chaplains stole, flanked by Branch Chairman, Eddie Morton and the retiring Chaplain, the Reverend Brunel James.
9 June 2015
More Members
At the branch meeting last night, the Membership Secretary, Allan Serjeant reported another increase in the Branch membership to 88, which the Branch Chairman commented was very good for a relatively small area such as Spenborough.
12 May 2015
Whitcliffe Mount School
Under "Latest News" on 13 December 2014, it was reported that Whitcliffe Mount School were having a Carol Concert and a "dress down" day with proceeds to the Legion.
At the Branch meeting last night, the Chairman announced that the total raised was some £774. He said that this was a magnificent effort and we are grateful for their efforts.
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10 May 2015
WESTGATE HILL GREAT WAR MEMORIAL PLAQUE
The Plaque was presented by Mr Ron Wooton at our V E Day Concert on 9 May 2015. Click this link for details of the event and the presentation.
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16 January 2015
DES BURGE - AMBASSADOR FOR PEACE
Spenborough Branch Member Des Burge has been proclaimed an "Ambassador For Peace" by the Republic of Korea.
Click on this link for more details.
13 January 2015
M62 COACH BOMB MEMORIAL SERVICE.
Sunday 1 February 2015 - Hartshead Moor Services M62 Westbound
10.15 for 10.40am
The Branch has been invited to attend the annual Memorial Service for the 12 Army, RAF personnel and civilians, who were killed by an IRA bomb which had been planted on their coach on 4 February 1974. Hartshead Moor motorway services is closest to the actual point of the attack where a service can be held.
The ceremony is organised by The Fusiliers Association. Branch Chaplain Rev Brunel James has been asked to conduct the Service, during which a wreath on behalf of the The Royal British Legion will be laid by Spenborough Branch.
13 December 2014
CAROLS FOR THE LEGION
Whitcliffe Mount School in Cleckheaton held their Annual Community Carol Service at St Luke's Church in Cleckheaton on 11 December 2014. In this, the Centenary of the start of The Great War, the students decided that the collection at the event would be donated to The Royal British Legion.
The service included a wide range of Carols, some by the Whitcliffe Choir and soloists. Readings by the students had a Great War theme and the prayers were offered by the Vicar of St Luke's and Branch Chaplain, the Reverend Brunel James.
A brief account of the history and present day work of the Legion was outlined by the Branch Chairman, Mr Eddie Morton.
The event was a great credit to the students and staff of Whitcliffe Mount School. The total raised will be advised shortly.
Footnote - 12 May 2015 - Apart from the Carol Service, the students had a "dress down" day and each gave a donation. The total raised was a magnificent £774.
18 November 2014
HELPLINE CARDS
Branch member Carol Horwood recently came across a "Helpline" card issued by Golcar Branch. The members thought that this was a good idea, to be able to hand out correct details of the new National Helpline number to anyone who needed assistance. This is now the first point of contact.
Branch member Shawn Peel had a batch printed and donated them to the Branch, for distribution to the members. These are "credit-card" size and details are as below. The Branch Chairman has further supplies.
17 November 2014
CLECKHEATON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
A number of Branch Members attended the Christmas Lights switch on and were invited to take part in the parade around Cleckheaton.
According to Mrs Viv Laycock, President of the Cleckheaton Chamber of Trade and lights organizer, "The Chamber invited the Spenborough Branch to take part in the event, in recognition of their increasing high profile in the area and the outstanding work they do for the ex-service community".
The town centre was packed with local townspeople and credit must be given to The Chamber of Trade for their enormous efforts in delivering this event.
13 October 2014
ANNUAL BAND CONCERT
Three raffle prizes remain unclaimed from the Annual Band Concert at Cleckheaton on 5 October. These are:
Bottle of rum - Pink ticket no 226 (serial no: AB 826885)
Box of chocolates - Green ticket no 546
Bottle of wine - Blue ticket no 41
If you are holding any of these tickets and wish to claim, please contact the Branch Secretary or Branch Chairman, whose telephone numbers are on the branch information page.
27 September 2014
THE GREAT WAR EXHIBITION OPENING EXTENDED
The Branch's exhibition of The Great War was opened at Cleckheaton Library on 5 August 2014 and scheduled to run until 29 September 2014.
However, the exhibition has proved so popular that the Library Customer Services Manager has requested that the length of the exhibition be extended.
The Branch is delighted that there is so much interest and has therefore decided to extend the display period until 29 November 2014.
Have you seen the exhibition yet? If not click this link to read about it and see the opening day photographs before you visit.
10 September 2014
SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING EVENT
Beaumont Court sheltered housing in Batley hosted a summer fete in July and asked the Branch to have a presence there, since they had decided to donated the proceeds to The Legion.
Organised by Branch Sectretary, David Walker, the proceeds totalling £190 were presented to the Branch Chairman, Eddie Morton by the Manager, Mrs Maureen Richardson. The Branch expresses its thanks to the residents and visitors for their generosity.
8 September 2014
SPENBOROUGH BRANCH INCREASE MEMBERSHIP AGAIN
At the Branch meeting last night, it was reported by the Membership Secretary, Allan Serjeant, that we have had new members joining the Branch and the total is now 84.
7 August 2014
THE GREAT WAR EXHIBITION IN CLECKHEATON
The Exhibition was officially opened on 5 August 2014. Details and photographs will be available soon on the web site but why not visit now?
Cleckheaton Library opens at 09.00am until:
Monday 8.00pm
Tuesday 7.30pm
Wednesday 1.00pm
Thursday 7.30pm
Friday 5.00pm
Saturday 4.00pm
4 August 2014
WW1 CENTENARY COMMEMORATION
The Commemorations got off to a flying start this morning in Cleckheaton Memorial Park with a Service in brilliant sunshine. Photographs now available on photo gallery or click this link.
18 July 2014
GREAT WAR CENTENARY EXHIBITION
BATLEY BUSINESS AND ENTERPRISE COLLEGE COME UP TRUMPS
In the early stages of planning The Great War Exhibition that the Branch is putting on at Cleckheaton Library, it was suggested that a centrepiece could be a replica of a wheeled stretcher.
Such a stretcher was donated to the Cleckheaton Territorials, by a local prominent family, Mr Leather of Larkhill, Cleckheaton.
But who had the expertise and the enthusiasm to undertake the design and manufacture of such an item, bearing in mind that the only thing they had to go on was a photograph of the original?
Branch Secretary, David Walker approached Batley Business and Enterprise College and the Head of Technology, Mr Curt Farrar, said that they would be delighted to undertake the task.
Under Mr Farrar's guidance, the students of Year 9 commenced construction.
Working around the students examination schedule, the completed stretcher was presented to the Spenborough Branch at a handover ceremony at the College today, in front of the assembly of year 9 to year 11 students.
Miss Sam Vickers, acting Head Teacher with Branch Chairman Mr Eddie Morton in the centre. Extreme left is the Head of Technology, Mr Curt Farrar, together with the School Councillors and Student Leadership Team and Legion Branch members.
Branch Chairman, Mr Eddie Morton giving a short talk on the use of such a wheeled stretcher on the battlefield and of The Great War in general.
Head of Technology, Mr Curt Farrar, presenting the commemoration plate to Branch Chairman, Mr Eddie Morton. The plate is to be affixed to a prominent part of the stretcher.
The Great War Exhibition is to be opened at Cleckheaton Library on 5 August 2014 and will run until 29 September. Branch members are hoping to give many of the students a conducted tour when they visit.
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21 June 2014
THE GREAT WAR CENTENARY COMMEMORATIONS
One of the Branch's projects for this Commemoration, is to clean all the Military headstones in Spenborough. The work in cleaning the 58 graves (WWI and WWII) in both Municipal and Church graveyards has been shared out between Branch members and is now well under way.
Branch Vice Chairman, Malcolm Wilkinson and Branch Standard Bearer, David lamb (and Mrs Lamb) in the process of cleaning the WWII grave headstone of Serjeant P D Rawson, Royal Air Force, Flight Engineer.
Click on "The Great War Centenary Commemorations"
28 March 2014
KIRKLEES "FOR KING, QUEEN AND COUNTRY"
This event hosted by Kirklees MBC was held in Huddersfield Town Hall on Thursday 27 March 2014. This was to show the progress that had been made by the Council in its "Community Covenant" between the Services Community and the residents of Kirklees.
The event was well attended including around 12 of our Branch members. A number of speakers presented talks and music was provided by The Band of the Yorkshire Regiment.
Click on www.kirklees.gov.uk/leavingtheforces for details of the Kirklees initiative.
31 January 2014
THE GREAT WAR CENTENARY COMMEMORATIONS
The Branch preparations are well under way for our planned events in 2014.
We are delighted to announce that Batley High School have taken up the challenge to manufacture the "wheeled stretcher" from an original photograph. This is an excellent example of young people being actively involved in this important Commemoration.
Click on "The Great War Centenary Commemorations".
14 December 2013
SPENBOROUGH BRANCH PRESIDENT
It is with deep sadness and regret that the death on 12 December 2013 of the Spenborough Branch President, Mr Eric Martin, MBE, BA, LCGI, was announced today by the Branch Chairman, Mr Eddie Morton.
Eric Martin
12 December 2013
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE BRANCH PRESIDENT -11 Dec 2013
My best wishes go out to all the Branch Members at Christmas time. May you and your families enjoy this special time of year and have a peaceful 2014.
I mentioned in my Christmas Message last year that our thoughts ought also to be with the men and women serving in Her Majesty's Armed Forces wherever they are stationed in the world and particularly those who are serving in hostile environments.
We pray that their tours of duty will be successfully accomplished and that they will return home to their families after a job well done.
God bless you all.
Eric Martin MBE, Spenborough Branch President
8 November 2013
POPPY APPEAL 2013
This is a cutting from The Telegraph and Argus dated Friday, 25 October 2013, released by Branch Member, Carol Horwood.
2 November 2013
THE GREAT WAR CENTENARY COMMEMORATIONS IN 2014
The Branch is pleased to announce, that to help with preparations for this important event next year, we are now in partnership with The Imperial War Museum.
We have a number of projects in the course of preparation and we hope to preserve a lasting legacy to the 509 men and women of Spenborough who lost their lives in this catastrophic conflict.
23 October 2013
ENTERPRISING CHILDREN
Our Branch Treasurer has just received a nice letter and cheque from the Bursar of Whitechapel Primary School in Cleckheaton. The children have been making and selling chocolate and have decided to donate the £41.90 raised to the Branch for welfare purposes.
A big "THANK YOU" to all the children at Whitechapel.
1 October 2013
ANNUAL BAND CONCERT - 13 OCTOBER 2013
We are expecting this to be a capacity event - get your FREE tickets - click this link for details.
1 October 2013
POPPY TIME
Poppy collection is almost upon us again. If you know of anyone who who like to help the Collection Teams, please contact the Branch Chairman, Eddie Morton, whose number is on the Branch Information - Officers.
The Poppy Shop have some super new products - check them out on www.poppyshop.org.uk
14 July 2013
RED HOUSE FLOWER FESTIVAL
The Branch was invited by Red House Museum at Gomersal. to enter a display at their Flower Festival on 13/14 July 2013.
The display was not only to support Red House, but to give the Legion some exposure at the same time, by letting our display reflect what we are about.
The displays had to be "non-fresh" (to avoid affecting the humidity in the museum), so the Chairman and Secretary had to think long and hard about suitable flowers. Guess what - they decided upon poppies!
We hope that our presence here will demonstrate once more to the people of Spenborough that we are still here - helping ex-servicemen and women and their dependants for over 90 years.
7 July 2013
DRUB MEMORIAL
The Branch has received an invitation to attend the unveiling of a Memorial to Australian Flying Officer Tom Scotland DFC.
The invitation is from the Spen Valley Civic Society and Drub Village Institute and will be held on SUNDAY 7 JULY 2013 AT 4.30PM at DRUB VILLAGE GREEN.
In 1943 Flying Officer Scotland survived, when he crashed his Halifax bomber and courageously avoided the village of Drub. With an engine on fire, he instructed his crew to bail out. When he went to bail out himself as the aircraft passed over Hunsworth, he realised that he was too low, so got back into the cockpit and brought the aircraft down short of Drub village thereby saving what would have been probable destruction of the village with consequent loss of life. The crash site was some 250 metres behind the memorial.
Flying Officer Scotland died in Australia in 2012.
1 June 2013
JUBILEE CORONATION CONCERT
This afternoons concert was another enjoyable occasion and the Clifton and Lightcliffe Band played to a full house in Cleckheaton Town Hall.
Photographs will be displayed soon on the photo-gallery.
Meanwhile, the first prize on the raffle has not been claimed. This is on a pink ticket number 537 and the prize is a souvenir presentation Coronation Coin Set.
If you have the ticket, please call the Chairman Eddie Morton, whose number is on the Branch Information page.
14 May 2013
Following the Spen Valley Scouts St Georges Day parade in Cleckheaton on 21 April 2013 at which the Branch was invited to attend, at the instigation of the Scouts, we were delighted to be the recipients of a share of the collection from the Church.
The photograph below shows the Branch Chairman Mr Eddie Morton, receiving the cheque at the Branch meeting last night, from the District Commissioner Mike Terry, together with Neil Smith, Group Scout Leader of the 14th Spen Valley.
14 May 2013
Some more of Charlie Turpin's research:
"AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER FAR FROM HOME
I have often wondered who the Australian soldier buried in a First World War Grave in Liversedge Cemetery was, so I decided to try and find out more about him."
Want to read more? Click this link.
14 May 2013
At the next Branch meeting on Monday 10 June 2013, The Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr Gordon Tollefson CStJ, JP, DL,.FRSPH, ACH will be attending and will give a talk on the work of a being a Deputy Lieutenant. The Chairman asks that every member makes a special effort to attend.
8 April 2013
It was agreed at last nights Branch meeting, that the Branch will take part in the St Georges Day Parade on SUNDAY 21 APRIL 2013 which is being organised by the Spen Valley Scouts.
Muster is at 13.30 hrs at Whitcliffe Mount School and the parade will march to St Lukes Church at Moorbottom for the service. The Branch Chairman requests that Medals be worn.
12 February 2013
At the Branch meeting this evening, the Secretary reported that for the 11th March meeting we have a speaker, Mr John Mumford, who will be explaining how to safeguard your house and assets if you have to go into care.
15 January 2013
At 10.30am on Sunday 3 February, the annual Memorial Service will take place at Hartshead Moor Motorway Services on the M62 Westbound, to remember the members of HM Armed Forces who lost their lives in the M62 bomb attack.
Nine members of HM Forces and three civilians lost their lives on 4th February 1974, when an IRA bomb exploded on the coach in which they were travelling close to the Motorway Services.
12 -12 - 12
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
May I extend every good wish to all Branch Members at this special time and hope that you enjoy Christmas and have a peaceful and happy New Year.
I would like to mention all those who have served in HM Forces and particularly in my thoughts this Christmas, are the men and women currently serving in Afghanistan. I am sure that Branch Members will agree with me, how proud we are of their remarkable achievement and I pray that they will return home safely to their families when their tour is finished.
Finally, as some of you know, I have just returned home from a short stay in hospital and am now well on the way to recovery. I would like to thank all of you for the many cards and good wishes.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS 
12 November 2012
SCHOOLCHILDREN VISIT MEMORIAL
Around 30 children from class 2s of Whitechapel Church of England Primary School accompanied by their teacher Victoria Spurr, visited the Spenborough War Memorial in Cleckheaton Memorial Park today and were met by the Branch Secretary, Mr David Walker.
The children, seeing all the poppies around and programmes on the television etc, have been learning about Remembrance Day and the significance of the Poppy.
Details of the Memorial were explained and the children were invited to place a cross on the top tier of the memorial. Rubbings were also taken of some of the names, so that the lesson could be continued back in the classroom.
It was gratifying to see young children being given this introduction to Remembrance by an enlightened school and their teachers.
Branch Secretary David Walker giving an explanation of the name panels.
29 OCTOBER 2012
POPPY APPEAL
Poppy Appeal collecting at Hartshead Moor Services on the M62 is always interesting, because since people are having a rest break, they are generally not as pushed for time as say, a supermarket or round town, so they usually have time to talk about their journey.
One man today had a Legion Poppy logo sewn on his sleeve with Skillforce on the front. He was ex-military supported by the Legion providing disciplined support to disadvantaged youngsters. To look at what they do click www.skillforce.org/work-for-us/military-mentors
Another man, who was 85 years old, ex Royal Marine and Poppy Collector, told me that he was onboard HMS Duke of York (a King George V type battleship) and which was instrumental in the eventual sinking of the Scharnhorst. He was attached to the Pacific fleet in 1945 and was onboard the British Pacific Fleet Flagship, HMS Duke of York in Tokyo Bay on 2 September 1945 on the day of the Japanese surrender! He proudly showed me a photograph of himself and a chum.
28 OCTOBER 2012
AFGHANISTAN
Interviewed by the BBC, the Spenborough Chairman Mr Eddie Morton commented on the death of soldiers from our local Regiment. Click www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-17285581
26 OCTOBER 2012
POPPY LAUNCH 2012
Although not a Spenborough Branch Event, a number of branch members were present for this years Poppy Launch held in Centenary Square, Bradford on 26 October 2012.
The compere was Mrs Christa Ackroyd from the BBC and the Principal Guests were the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Dr Ingrid Roscoe, The Mayors of Bradford and other Local Authorities, Mr Robert Mortimer, County President and Mrs D Christine Spencer, County Chairman.
The Branch Standard Bearer Mr David Lamb again performed his duties to his usual high standard.
The Poppy Appeal has been well and truly launched and we hope for another successful year.
Centenary Square, Bradford
Branch Secretary David Walker, attends to detail with Branch Standard Bearer David Lamb
Past National Chairman Mr Robert Scaife and Branch Secretary Mr David Walker in Cenentary Square after the Ceremony.
15 OCTOBER 2012
ANNUAL BAND CONCERT
The Branch held its eighth Annual Band Concert yesterday, 14 October 2012 at Cleckheaton Town Hall in front of another capacity audience.
After an intoduction by the Branch Chairman, Mr Eddie Morton, we were entertained by The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Band conducted by their Musical Director Mr Lee Whitworth ATCL.
The Principal Guests on this occasion were, Lord Shaw of Northstead, JP, DL and Lady Shaw, Mr Peter Gummer and Kirklees Councillor Mrs Liz Smaje.
The stage backdrop was the enormous Union Flag that we last used for the Queen's Jubilee Concert and draped over the front of the stage was the Branch Standard.
The musical repetoire was wide and varied and as we have come to expect, of an exceptionally high standard, as befits one of the finest wind bands in the country.
A feature this year was some vocal pieces, sung by the Kings Head Singers. The ladies were dressed in military uniforms and their performance was appreciated by the audience.
A solemn aspect was provided by the Branch Standard Bearer, David Lamb, who gave the exhortation and the Kohima Epitaph was delivered by the Branch Vice Chairman, Malcolm Wilkinson.
11 OCTOBER 2012
BRANCH MEETING AT CLECKHEATON 8 OCTOBER 2012
BAND FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE
Following the Branch Chairman's letter on 15 September 2012 to local councillors regarding the reduction in grant towards the band costs from Kirklees Council, it was gratifying to see the prompt response.
Kirklees Council will indeed only provide £150, however the Chairman was advised to approach the Area Committee and they have agreed to fund the balance of the cost of the Band.
This will enable us to ensure that our Remembrance Day Parade will, as usual, be to the highest standards appropriate for the occasion.
6 OCTOBER 2012
POPPY LAUNCH 2012
South and West Yorkshire's Poppy Launch is to be held at 11.00am on Friday 26 October 2012 at Bradford Town Hall Square.
Spenborough's Poppy Appeal commences on Saturday 27 October 2012. We are hoping to improve on last years splendid total of over £24,000. If you have never helped out before we would be grateful if you could spare some time. We are particularly looking for volunteers to help our teams at Tesco's Cleckheaton and Hartshead Moor Services on the M62. Please contact either the Poppy Organiser, Eddie Morton or Secretary, David Walker, whose telephone numbers are given on the Branch Information page.
2 OCTOBER 2012
Cutting from the Spenborough Guardian 28 September 2012
15 SEPTEMBER 2012
FUNDING FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADES
The following is a copy of an e mail sent by the Branch Chairman today, to local Kirklees Councillors:
Dear Councillors
For many years now, over ten to my knowledge, the Local Authority through the Mayor's office have funded, up to a maximum of £350, the bands that lead the Remembrance Day Parades throughout Kirklees. Not all districts have a band led parade only the larger towns, Huddersfield, Dewsbury, and the districts that have traditionally attracted a large attendance on parade, Spenborough being one.
Last month the Spenborough Branch of the Royal British Legion received documentation from the Mayor's office stated that the funding was being reduced because of financial restraint and that branch's who had a band on parade would now only receive £150.
I am sure you are all aware that it is the Authorities responsibility to fund the upkeep and maintain all war memorials and points of remembrance within it area, we consider the act of Remembrance is just an extension of that responsibility and should be funded from the same budget.
The Remembrance Sunday Parades is probably the only time in the year when the vast majority of Kirklees and also the entire Country come together as one to honour the sacrifice our armed service have given over the years and are still doing so today. It crosses over all boundaries of race, ethnic origin, religion and political affiliation. I appreciate that not everyone attends a parade, but overall the vast majority support the principle of Remembrance, therefore this small amount of funding is not to support some small minority group.
Although the Royal British Legion take on the role of organising and carrying out the parades and acts of Remembrance the charities act forbids the use of Legion funds to pay for bands and other expenses relating the services and parades for Remembrance Sunday.
Over the years bands have become a very expensive item of these parades, however , certainly in the Spenborough case the band we use have kept their cost has low as possible, down to about half they would normally charge which the £350 funding from the Authority just covered.
As I stated earlier not all districts have a band led parade, I am not sure how many do but I doubt if it is six or more, therefore the amount being "Saved" is minimal. It will probably cost more to administer the changes and overlook the change in the financial structure than is being saved from reducing the parade funding.
I find it ironic that in the same month that the Authority launch the "Military Charter" to support serving personnel of the Armed Forces in the Kirklees district they take away the small amount of funding that allows the people of Kirklees to honour past service personnel.
My Branch committee and I request your support in trying to have this decision reversed because should the funding remain as stated by the Authority then the future and professionalism of Remembrance Day Parades as we have had in the past in Spenborough may be lost.
Yours faithfully
Eddie Morton
Chairman, Spenborough Branch, Royal British Legion.
10 JULY 2012
BRANCH MEETING AT CLECKHEATON
It was proposed by the Chairman and agreed, that there would not be a service at Memorial Park in Cleckheaton at 11.00am on 11 November to avoid any confusion with the main Annual Parade and Church Service which begins at 2.00pm. For full details of the service as they become available click on Remembrance Sunday 2012.
It was also announced that the Emley Brass band will providing the music on Remembrance Sunday.
Our Poppy Appeal commences on 27 October this year and the Poppy Appeal Organiser, Mr Eddie Morton is always delighted to have more volunteers. You do not have to be a member of the Legion and no matter how little time you can spare you would be most welcome. See what we achieved last year - click on Poppy Appeal
Music at the Annual Concert will be by The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Band, who have promised something a little different this year. Details will be announced on Annual Band Concert.
28 MAY 2012
TOP SCOUTING AWARD FOR BRANCH PRESIDENT
Spenborough Branch President Eric Martin was presented with an Honorary Scouter Award this week in recognition of his lifetime services to scouting. Details have been added to his Branch Officer Profile.
28 MAY 2012
ANNUAL BAND CONCERT
The date for the Annual band Concert has had to be re-arranged for Sunday 14 October 2012 instead of 21 October as originally advertised, owing to the band having another commitment.
10 MAY 2012
THE QUEEN'S JUBILEE CONCERT
You may have seen the posters around Spenborough for the Queen's Jubilee Concert to be held on Saturday 2 June 2012. Everything is on track for what promises to be a memorable event.
Tickets will be available at the Cleckheaton Town Hall information desk from 9.00am on Monday 21 May 2012, so get there early for your tickets as we are expecting a capacity attendance at the concert.
Click on the News and Events tab for more information.
6 FEBRUARY 2012
JUBILEE CONCERT
To commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen, the Spenborough Branch are organising a Band Concert.
This will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, 2 June 2012.
The venue is Cleckheaton Town Hall and will feature the Clifton and Lightcliffe Band.
Further details will be announced under the "News and Events" menu of the web site as soon as the details are available.
9 JANUARY 2012
ANNUAL BAND CONCERT
Our Annual Band Concert this year will be on Sunday 21 October 2012.
Make a note in your diary. Further details soon.
23 NOVEMBER 2011
POPPY APPEAL IN SPENBOROUGH
Another record beaking Poppy Appeal in Spenborough.
Click menu tab "Poppy Appeal" for details
7 October 2011
SPENBOROUGH GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE
11.00 am Monday 7 November 2011
Following discussions betwen our Chairman, Secretary and the Spenborough Parks Department, they have kindly offered to provide a small Garden of Remembrance at the side of the main entrance to Cleckheaton Town Hall.
This is to enable anyone to place a cross here as a token of Remembrance during the Poppy weeks. The wooden crosses will be available within the Town Hall for a small donation, the proceeds going towards the Poppy Appeal.
The Garden will be officially opened By The Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Major (Ret) Stan M Hardy TD, and dedicated by the Branch Chaplain, the Rev Brunel James at 11.00am on Monday 7 November 2011.
30 July 2011
Mowat Court Anniversary
The Spenborough Branch were well represented at the 40th Anniversary of the opening of the Mowat Court Grange and housing complex, in Hightown, Cleckheaton on Saturday 30 July 2011.
Mowat Grange and the housing complex was originally a Royal British Legion venture, until handed over some years ago to Housing 21 to operate.
We had a colourful stall with RBL merchandise for sale, but more importantly we showed that we are still here after 90 years, looking after ex-service men and women and dependants and making a useful connection with the local community in the Hightown area and Spenborough generally.
12 July 2011
Cleckheaton War memorial
Our Branch Treasurer, Charlie Turpin has done extensive research over a number of years into all the casualties named on the Cleckheaton War Memorial.
Given unprecedented access to original newspapers, this is not just a simple list, but rather information with photographs on the life and times of each man (and one woman), together with their military history and how they died.
Charlie has offered to provide this information to any interested party. Please contact our Branch Secretary in the first instance, whose number is listed under Branch Information - Officers.
6June2011
90th Anniversary Celebration Concert.
A glittering Concert was held at Cleckheaton Town Hall last night, for Spenborough Branch to mark the 90th Anniversary. It had the lot - professional singers, comedy acts, music and dance.
Pictures of the artistes will be available soon on the Photo Gallery.
A BIG THANK YOU!
17 May 2011
The children of year 2 at MOOREND C OF E FIRST SCHOOL in Cleckheaton have been making and selling chocolates and have chosen to donate the profits to the RBL.
A big THANK YOU to all the children and a special Poppy.
SPENBOROUGH BRANCH - LATEST NEWS
April 2011
When the lovely displays of daffodils around the War Memorial have finished blooming towards the end of this month, the roses normally take over a little later. However, a lot of the roses are very old and past their best.
After discussions with the Branch Chairman and Secretary, Kirklees Council Parks Department have kindly agreed to replace the roses with a flowering herbaceous border around the perimeter of the Memorial. Further work is to be undertaken by thinning out the bushes around the Park perimeter to give better visual access of the Memorial and hopefully reduce anti-social behaviour.
The Parks department are also to replace the tarmac paths which will further enhance the presentation of the War Memorial of which we are all so proud.
March 2011
Good News: Due to the cancellation of the refurbishment of Cleckheaton Town Hall, our traditional Band Concert will now go ahead as usual.
Date is fixed for 23 October 2011 - Full details will be on the web site as soon as they become available.
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