SEPTEMBER 2013 MEETING

The branch met in the Punch Bowl on Monday 2nd September with Bob Spencer in the chair. Members were delighted to welcome a new member. Ex-Serviceman Mark Linnemann lives in Welshpool but chose West Felton branch because of his many connections with Shropshire not least the fact that, amongst other things, he is a driver for the ShropDoc service based at the Orthopaedic hospital.

CARNIVAL - All were congratulated who helped to make the Legion Carnival stall attractive and successful. Whilst this was not primarily a fundraiser, more than £85 was raised for the Poppy Appeal. Many thanks to all who contributed.

WEST FELTON HARVEST AUCTION

The Harvest Auction organised by members of The British Legion in the Punch Bowl was a great success. What an array of items for sale! The Harvest Loaf, a Christmas Goose, Max Boyce tickets, loads of produce, homemade cakes and preserves, all sorts of gifts and goodies donated by family and friends. Many thanks to all who contributed and all who worked on the night to make it such great fun. More than £516 was added to the Poppy Appeal.

WWI CENTENARY - PAVING STONES TO HONOUR WWI HEROES - As reported in the press, the Govt has announced a plan to lay commemorative paving stones in the birth places of all those in the UK awarded the Victoria Cross. On our war memorial we have Major William La Touche Congreve VC, DSO, MC, mentioned in despatches. However, even though ‘Billy’ Congreve left his home, The Grange, West Felton to go to fight and die on the Somme, he was born in Burton in the Wirral  and it is likely that the paving stone will be placed there where members of the family still live.

QUARTERMASTER: Iain Butler was nominated for the role and duly elected.

WAR MEMORIAL GARDEN - Members queried the notice in the village magazine stating, “The West Felton Gardening Club has been asked by the Royal British Legion to take over the planting and maintenance of the War Memorial in the village…” It was confirmed that this statement is incorrect. The initiative came from WF Parish Council and the Garden Club. War Memorials are the responsibility of all the parishioners in an area and whilst the members of the Legion as individuals are perhaps more likely to be keen to ensure their correct upkeep, this is personal and not a Legion matter. It was noted with appreciation that the Parish Council had made a good contribution towards refurbishment expenses. After the meeting, during social time, a collection was made from members towards plants for the war memorial in recognition of the 2014 anniversary, in the hope that the garden will look its best for this special time. ■