I consider it an honour and a privilege to serve as President of the City of Armagh Branch of The Royal British Legion.  May I reinforce my pledge of commitment, not only to The Royal British Legion but also to the Officers, Committee Members and Comrades of this Branch who together make this organisation so special.

I witness at first hand all the hard work that goes on throughout the year to keep our premises in excellent condition and the Branch and Club fully functional.  We are extremely fortunate to have dedicated teams in both our Committees who have held office over the years, and I would like to thank them for their commitment and efforts whilst encouraging more volunteers from within our membership to step forward and offer to help ease that workload.

What a year this has been for our Branch and Club.  After almost nine months of planning and preparation your Committees succeeded in hosting not only an international, cross-border and cross-community Service of Commemoration to mark the Battle of Messines 100^th Anniversary, but also brought and displayed the Ginchy Cross in this historic city for a week up to and including this Commemoration.  The Ginchy Cross was transported to Belgium in 1967 for the 50^th Anniversary of this battle and this was the only other occasion that the Cross has been permitted to be displayed outside the Irish National War Memorial Gardens where it has been homed since being brought to Ireland shortly after WWI, but not only that – our bid for the presence of the Ginchy Cross to be in Armagh for the Centenary Service was successful against a counterbid to have it again in Belgium for the 100^th Anniversary. 

This event was successful only because every single member of both our Committees stepped forward to meet every task required of them with a willing heart and a cheerful determination. It gives me so much pride to witness the two committees work together for the mutual benefit of the other.  Everyone who played any part in planning or assisting with this historic commemoration is to be congratulated, and that includes those within the Borough Council and the Tomas O’Fiaich Library & Archive who partnered us.

This year was another successful year for our Poppy Appeal, and I extend my sincere gratitude to the dedicated team of volunteers, businesses, schools and those within the local community who so  generously support this appeal year after year.  The total amount raised by our Branch was £23,272.13, which although being down slightly on the previous year is still a healthy collection. 

It is disappointing to see so few members bother to support either the Poppy Launch or the Annual General Meeting in recent years, and I would make a heartfelt appeal for all Branch Members to consider attending both events in future years.  Those who volunteer their time for the benefit of everyone deserve no less, and the AGM is your opportunity to have your voice heard in how you would like to see your Branch and Club run in the year ahead.  Please come along and show your support for those who give so freely of their time for the benefit of everyone.  Remember the Royal British Legion’s motto: “Service Not Self”.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a healthy, happy and prosperous year in 2017/18.

David Hammerton  (President)