Chairman of The City of Armagh Branch RBL
My report for the Branch for 2017 is a pleasure to present. We have continued to work hard as a Committee to the benefit of all Branch Members. We have had another successful Commemoration event this year to mark the Centenary of The Battle of Messines Ridge.
This year has been the 4th in the Branch’s 5-year plan of WWI Commemorations, and although our President had his own plans afoot, when David was approached by the NI Chairman Cde. George Black (because of our success to date by having stuck to our 5-year plan) and asked if our Branch would make our 2017 Commemoration a centre-piece on behalf of all NI District. David accepted and we all got stuck in. This culminated in centring around having the Ginchy Cross leave Dublin for the 2nd time in its history and coming to Armagh to play a leading role in our Centenary Commemoration.
Our Commemoration had wide support from the RBL in N. Ireland and the Irish Republic. When we dedicated our 3rd bench (being unveiled of the 16th Irish Division who went into battle together with the 36th Ulster Division) and as all who were there know, we had representation from Belgium, Poland, Ireland and of course our 2 Archbishops to play a major part in the proceedings. And afterwards, on completion, we all returned to either the Branch and Club function hall or the Royal School to cement and strengthen friendships.
Over the past four years under our President we have now planted 3 Irish Yew trees in 2014, the Gallipoli Bench in 2015, the Somme Bench in 2016 and now the Messine Bench in 2017. And may I add we have done all this to date in a respectful and dignified manner.
Our thanks must go to the Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Council for all their help physically and financially. Because without them this could never have been achieved.
I would like to thank Comrade President David Hammerton for all the hard work he does on behalf of this Branch as Welfare Officer and Poppy Appeal Officer as well as organising all the Services we attend. I would like to thank all Committee Members of both Branch and Club for their commitment. Many do not appreciate the work that goes on behind the scenes, but without all their on-going work and the time that they give to our Legion, we would not be where we are today. I would like to thank you, Mr. Rowntree for your concise Financial Report, and to Comrade Jackie Hammerton, Branch Treasurer for keeping us right and looking after all our financial records throughout the year.
Even though she is employed by the Club, I would like to thank our Bar Steward, Joanne for the work she does well beyond her job description that makes our Branch and Club such a delightful place to come into, and for all the support that she gives, no matter what is being organised.
May I conclude by saying thanks once again to everyone for what was a good and fruitful year, and hope our Branch and Club will build on these successes in the year ahead.
Comrade Paul Corr
Branch Chairman
