Branch History 1920`s
From the Diss Express and Norfolk and Suffolk Journal, date November 21st 1924.
The new British Legion Branch
There will be a meeting at St Marys Church Hall on Saturday November 29th with a view to re-establishing a British Legion Branch in Diss.
Mr A W Volier, Eastern Head Organising, will make a speech.
A report from the Express two weeks later, said that Mr Volier in his statement said that it was with deep regret that a Place like Diss should have fallen out with the British Legion.
Mr S R Sparling moved (and was seconded by Mr W Foster) that the meeting hear by accepts the Construction of the British Legion and formally establishes a branch of the British Legion, to be known as Diss & District.
The Rector of Diss consented to Act as Chairman of the Branch, Mr Foster as Secretory and Mr Bennett as Treasurer.
Messer C Ward, C Pallett, W Scott and (?) Smith (of Palgrave) were elected as Preliminary Committee.
In a copy of the Express, December 18th 1924, there was letter to the editor from the Rev R L Whytehead, asking to publicises the Branch and it was signed off as R L Whytehead, Hon Chaplin to the Forces, Chairman of the Diss and District British Legion, the Rectory, Diss.
Diss Express 6th November 1925
Generous Support Needed.
An attempt is being made this year to raise an even larger sum for the relief of ex-Service men and their dependants, and the sale of Poppies, the proceeds of which will as usual be devoted to the above fund, will be held in the town of Diss to-day, and in the surrounding districts on Armistice Day.
It is to be hoped that all our readers who are determined to take some definite action towards improving and increasing the happiness of their countrymen, will make good start by giving the utmost they can afford to the fund, in a spirit of humble thankfulness for the benefits they enjoy benefits made possible by unparalleled sacrifices—and in the spirit of the great British imperial poet who wrote The Captains and the Kings depart, Still stands thy ancient sacrifice, A humble and a contrite heart.”
CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESSED TO THE EDITOR
Sir, Will you kindly allow me space to invite all members of the British Legion and all ex-service men to attend the Armistice Service next Sunday at 3.
The Territorial`s will also parade and am sure it will be the wish all us to join together for this annual remembrance before God of the Great Deliverance.
The general public will be admitted to the side aisles of the church.
The members of the British Legion are asked to gather outside the headquarters at the top of St Nicholas Street, not later than 2:45 p.m.
Special seats will be reserved for members of the Women’s Branch of the British Legion.
All those who are in possession of military decorations are asked to wear them.
Yours faithfully, R. L. WHYTEHEAD. (Chairman of Diss & District British Legion) Diss Rectory. November 2nd, 1925.
Diss Express 17th July 1925
WOMEN AND THE BRITISH LEGION
In another portion of this issue will found an announcement of interest to many of our readers of the feminine sex.
It is a striking commentary on that movement known as the equalization of the sexes to find that such an essentially masculine body as the British Legion has found it necessary to open wide its doors to the feminist movement.
We feel sure that the Women of this district will not less backward in taking advantage of this opportunity than those in other districts.
We understand that Women's Branches have been started and are operating successfully in many other places, and we particularly wish to draw the attention of all mothers, sisters, wives and widows of ex-service men in and the neighbourhood to the meeting on Wednesday next, July 22nd.
It will held in Church Hall and the chair will be taken by the Rev H. C. Frere, of Roydon who is the popular vice-chairman of the men's section of the British Legion in Diss.
The meeting will of more than ordinary interest, because of the visit Mrs Weston Klwes —the Organising Secretary of the Women’s Section of the British Legion and any of our readers who have previously heard Klwes will need no urging to embrace the opportunity of hearing her again, while those, who up to the present have not had that pleasure, can be assured of profitable and interesting afternoon.
Yarmouth Independent 8th May 1926
BRITISH LEGION’S ATTITUDE.
(The British Legions stand on the 1926 `General Strike)
Captain Lee, chairman of the East Anglian Area of the British Legion, called attention to the fact that the policy of the British Legion on the merits of an industrial dispute, is that of neutrality, but that, in the event of such dispute becoming the occasion circumstances opposed the constitution of the country and the law and order, calls upon members of the British Legion to support such steps are taken ensure the interest of the community whole.”
25th February 1927
BRITISH LEGION. Diss and District Branch.
The monthly meeting of the above branch of the British Legion was held at the King’s Head Hotel on Monday last, Rev H. C. Froce (vice-chairman) presiding over a small attendance.
An apology for non-attendance was read from Capt. Tracy, O.B.E. (chairman), who was unable to be present through illness.
The minutes of the last meeting, having been read and confirmed and other detail matters from headquarters having been attended to, Mr W. H. Foster (hon. sec.), who had attended the County Conference at Norwich recently as the representative of the branch, gave his report as follows:
The conference was badly attended, only nine branches being represented.
The conference, however, was of opinion that despite the unfavourable industrial conditions, 1925 was a year of progress—five new branches were started in Norfolk and the Poppy Day receipts, which amounted to £4007, were an increase on the figures for the preceding year, and very many cases of distress were assisted during the period under review.
Two members of the local branch, Capt. C. D. Tracy, OBE., and Mr H. ]. Russell, were duly nominated for election to the County Committee in certain capacities, but neither were elected.
The secretary expressed his keen dissatisfaction at the methods adopted by the county committee in their nomination and election of officers and gave details of their present procedure.
As a result the following resolution was proposed and carried and will be submitted as a motion of urgency at the area conference on February 26th.
Diss Express 26th October 1928
‘REMEMBRANCE DAY.”
Arrangements are being made all over the country for the observance of Remembrance Day,” and at Diss it will include service at the Parish Church, the usual two minutes’ silence, and the dedication of wreaths in memory of Diss men who laid down their lives for their country.
The observance has been faithfully kept throughout the empire on each anniversary of Armistice Day and it is earnestly hoped by all true lovers of their country and empire that it will never be allowed to die out.
Remembrance Day falling this year on Sunday the usual sale of poppies and house-to-house collection will take place on the Saturday previously.
The poppies, it should not be forgotten, are made and very cleverly made too, by disabled ex-service men, a large number of whom are employed at this work, which, in addition to arousing the keen interest of the operatives, serves to augment the funds of the British Legion, especially in the direction of the maintenance of men the outcome of the Great War are dismembered or otherwise disabled from following their accustomed employment.
Gratitude is said to be short-lived, but the observance of Remembrance Day cannot fail to re-awaken a sense of the immensity the debt owe to the brave fellows who placed themselves between us and a cruel foe, and re-determination that as long as life shall last we will do our part towards providing for their material needs, and despite their weighty handicap they shall have a chance of sharing in some of the comforts and enjoyment which are the lot of so many of their more fortunate fellow creatures.
Notice in this issue intimates that in some of the outlying parishes connected with the Diss branch of the British Legion helpers are wanted to sell poppies and assist in other ways to make the effort success.
With a due sense of grateful appreciation of the services of those who sacrificed so much for their country, it is not anticipating too much to aver that to this appeal a prompt and cheerful response will be made.
Diss Express 16th November 1928
“REMEMBRANCE DAY” DISS.
The tenth anniversary of the signing of the Peace after the Great War had more than usual significance.
The principal feature of the Remembrance in Diss was a church parade which was attended by a large number of members the British Legion and ex-service men. T
This was organised Mr V. H. Foster, hon. secretary of branch of the Legion, and those lined outside the Service in Denmark Street.
The Territorial`s being led by Sergt. Cattermole, and the Legion under the command of the branch President.
Headed by the Legion Band under Bandmaster when the men marched to St. Mary’s where seats were reserved for their member and the very large congregation filled the church, also widows and members of the families of Diss Men who were numbered amongst the Gallant Dead.
A special service was conducted by the Rector. Psalm 46 was the lesson, taken from chapter 4.
Hymns, which were very good and included Soldiers of Christ with the Lord,” ” O, God our help in ages past and Onward Christian Soldiers.
The service was the Apostles Creed` and special prayers.
The congregation stood with bowed heads with the names of Diss men who had made supreme sacrifice were read out and the `two minutes’ silence was most impressively observed.
The Sermon was preached by the Rector who selected his text from the first epistle of St. John verse 7, There are three that bear witness on earth, the spirit and the blood and these three agree in one.
The Rev gentleman, who was one of the army chaplains during the Great War and spoke from personal acquaintance with the troops, alluded to the remarkable spirit displayed by all ranks of the British army when leaving to proceed overseas to take part in hostilities.
Referring to the word “water,” he said it meant baptism —brother- comradeship —these being marked features of those who were engaged in the mighty struggle , and further allusion was made the bloodshed and great loss that involved in the terrible conflict and it was urged that both in big and little things a spirit of unselfishness should ever be displayed.
Referring to the ceremony which had taken place that morning, the Rector said he seemed to hear those who had passed over enquiring what could a large congregation like that do.
He thought it could Christian every part of the town, every house, every society, every street and lane round about us so that all could be brought into the service of Christ, and give heart, and soul and mind and strength to serve the King of Kings.
The offertory was for the late Lord Haig s fund for disabled ex-service men.
After the service the clergy and choir led the way to the War Memorial outside the tower of the church where semi-circle was formed and beautiful laurel wreaths, intersected with poppies, were dedicated by the Rector. Capt. E. J. Mann presented the tribute from the Men’s branch of the British Legion, Mrs. Starling from the Women’s Section and Sergt. Cattermole from the Territorials.
The first was inscribed, memoriam, to our fallen comrades.
The Legion the living salute the Legion of the dead will not break faith with thee.’
From the officers and members of the Diss and District branch British Legion, November 11th, the Women’s section wreath bore the following; " British Legion, Women’s section, In respectful memory. Diss,” while that attached to the tribute of the Territorials was a card bearing the inscription : To our fallen comrades, from N.C.O.’s and men of Diss detachment 4th Battalion Norfolk Regiment.”
There was also handsome wreath from the Diss branch of the Women’s Institute and several others from the friends and relations of those who had fallen in the service of their country.
The procession then reformed and headed the Band passed through some of the streets of the town to the service club, where the men were dismissed. Services at the Nonconformist places of Worship were in thorough harmony with the and the two minutes’ silence was observed.
IMPRESSIVE SCENES. departed, prayers were then offered by the Rector followed by the reading of the lesson—Micah iv., 1-5, by the Rev. S. Close (Baptist Minister). Five minutes’ addresses were given by the following :—The Rev. W. Horswill (United Methodist) spoke upon What exists to make the dream of a warless world come true.” He pointed out that the League of Nations existed for that purpose and went on to define its constitution and work with this object in view.
The Rev. S. Close subject was ” What Christian principles the League stands for and replied that they were peace, brotherhood and co-operation and these principles were embodied in the teaching of Jesus Christ when on earth.
Capt. Butcher, of the Salvation Army, described how a war was stopped by arbitration proceedings in South America.
The Rev. F'. J. Pennock read fervent appeal issued on behalf of the Society of Friends for universal peace.
Mr. Kauffman (Unitarian) pleaded for the exercise of the spirit of forgiveness in international disputes.
The Rev. J. Langstaff (Wesleyan spoke of What the League is doing,” and pointed out that if its discussions were flouted and war entered upon the aggressive nation would be outlawed by all others combined in the League.
The Rev. R. L. Whytehead dealt with the work of the suppression of disease and vice carried on by the League and the Rev. F. P. Law’s topic was ” The challenge to all Christians of all Churches,” in dealing with which he mentioned that William Penn successfully negotiated peace with the North American Indians and while others were massacred the lives of Quakers were preserved.
The proceedings which lasted for an hour terminated with a hymn, the Blessing and the National Anthem.
16th November 1928
SOCIAL AND DANCE.
In connection with the Diss Service Club social evening and dance was held in the Assembly Room, Denmark Street, on Monday evening, when a large number of members and friends attended.
The company was welcomed in short speech by Capt. E. J. Mann, president of the Diss branch British Legion, who expressed his pleasure at seeing many present and wished they might have an enjoyable time.
Mr. A. E. Bowell, vice-chairman of the committee, thanked Capt. Mann for his remarks and said they were always glad to have him with them.
During the evening songs were sung by Miss Wills, Miss Hurren, Messrs. G. E, Hart, A. Watts, G. Buckle, and J. W. Briscoe.
Mr. A. E. Bowell acted as M.C. for the dancing and capital music was supplied by the British Legion Orchestra, composed follows: —Mr. A. Rolfe, piano; Mr. J. W. Briscoe, violin ; Mr. P. Pinnell, clarionette ; Mr. C. Easto, drums.
A spot waltz dance was won by Mrs. Briscoe and Miss Killingsworth and mat parade by MissV, Leeder and Mr. FL Gibson.
Competitions added to the fun of the fair” and incidentally to the funds of the Club.
These were :Guessing time clock had stopped (managed by Messrs. R. Spurgeon and R. Eder. the clock being kindly given by Mr. B. G. Moss); won by Mrs. Geo. Buckle, who was within one minute of the correct time.
Guessing the weight of the M.C. ; three gentlemen named the correct figures, Messrs. Pine hen, Hart, and Ford, the last mentioned gaining the prize on a cut.”
The prizes were presented to the successful competitors, with a few words of congratulation, Mr. G. R. Raynor.
During an interval refreshments were handed round by members’ wives, the managing of this department was again in the capable hands of Mesdaines N. Sandy and R. Seaman.
Dancing was kept up till 2 a.m., when an enjoyable time concluded with cheers for the Band and M.C., and the singing of Auld Lang Syne and God Save the King.”
The arrangements were admirably carried out by the Entertainment Committee, of which Mr. F.C. Studd is chairman.
Mr. A. Hayward rendered assistance at the door and the vocal portion of the programme was in the hands of Mr. A. Watts.
Diss Express 21st December 1928
Legion Play
The monthly meeting of the Diss and District British Legion Branch (Women’s section) was held at the Club Room, on Thursday week, when there was a good attendance. Mrs. R. Nunn presided.
After the business of the meeting, a sketch, organised by Mrs. R. Nunn, entitled O Jemima or What's in Name,” was performed by Miss E. Spurgeon and Miss E. May (schoolgirls), Mrs. Batchelor (mother). Miss P. Edwards (niece), Miss Haylett (” Jemima ”).
A cake guessing competition, kindly supplied by Mis. Scott, realised 6/8.
Diss Express 1st February 1929
BRITISH LEGION.
The first dinner and smoking concert in connection with the above branch was held at the Queen's Head Inn on January 24th.
The Rector, chairman of the branch, presided and was supported by Mr W. F. Coleman, hon. secretary, Mr. W. T. Cracknel, hon. treasurer, Mr. W. H. Pursehouse, Vice chairman, and Mr. R. H, Rash.
After dinner the meeting settled down to toast and song.
A capital programme was given by friends who came from Diss, namely, Messrs. Boggis, Geo. Buckle, F. Gotobed, R. Nunn, V. Thomas and L. Goodliffe.
Messrs. H. Pursehouse and V. Potter, members of the Wortham branch, also gave songs.
Special mention must be made of the duets so ably given by Vi Thomas and F'. Goodlife, which were much appreciated.
The toast of the British Legion, Wortham branch,” was given by Mr. R. H. Rash and responded to by the hon. secretary, Mr. W. F. Coleman.
The toast of The Artistes.” was given by Mr. W. T. Cracknell and that of the Host and Hostess by the chairman.
A vote of thanks to the officers who had been responsible for the evening’s entertainment, proposed by Mr. Geo. Wood, brought a very successful and enjoyable evening to a close
Diss Express 8th February 1929
THE LATE EARL HAIG.
A special service was held Diss Parish Church Sunday morning, to commemorate the death of Earl Haig, founder of the British Legion, and was attended by members of the Diss branch, who formed up outside the Service Club, Denmark Street, the parade being in charge ex-Sergt. Major E. Debenham, Mr. H. G. Murray (chairman) Mr. A. E. Bowell (vice chairman) and Mr. W. H. Foster (secretary) being in attendance.
The procession was headed by the British Legion Band under Bandmaster G. Pinchen and the route to the Church was by Denmark Street, Park Read, Mere Street and the Market Place.
The service, which was conducted by the Rector, consisted of the usual form of Morning Prayer.
The Rector, in his address said that one great need of to-day was to get true idea of what Jesus of Nazareth was really like on earth.
Many of us were brought up to think of Him as effeminate and pale a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.”
This was not the gospel picture.
In it we find Him the village carpenter, the great teacher, strong and fearless whom men were constrained to worship.
But Jesus was more than a great leader who claimed us as His followers.
He founded a Church.
Earl Haig, too, was great leader but his greatest work was the founding of the Brotherhood of the British Legion.
There was danger at the end of the war that ex-service men might form antagonistic societies.
Earl Haig threw his great influence into the scale and made us pull together as one-body.
Christ founded one Church and it was every Christian’s duty to join it and help it.
A religion which was out for its own soul's salvation was no true Christianity; we must each and all fall in and help in the great task of founding the Kingdom of God on earth.
At the close of the service the members of the Legion formed up in front of the War Memorial, Mr. Murray laid a wreath in front of it and the Rector said a short prayer.
The procession was re-formed and returned by St. Nicholas Street to the Club where the men were dismissed.
The attendance of ex-service men at the parade was certainly disappointing.
It is hoped that when invited on future occasions to turn out there will a much better response.
Diss Express 15th March 1929.
SOCIAL AND DANCE.
In aid of the funds of the Women’s section of the Diss Branch, British Legion, a successful social and dance took place at the Assembly Room, Diss Service club, on Monday evening.
The music for dancing was again supplied by the British Legion Orchestra, composed of the usual musicians and the duties of M.C. were ably carried out by Mr. Raymond Leeder.
During the evening songs were sung Miss Gwen Sore, Messrs. R. Nunn and W. Moore (Diss), and Messrs. P. Brand H. Brown (Mellis).
Guessing competition was won by Mrs. Barker, and prizes of a mat was won by Mr and Mrs. R. Leader.
The arrangements for the affair, including the serving of refreshments, were earned out by Mesdames T. E. Stannard, R. Frost and G. Goddard.
Assistance at the door was given by Mr A E May.
Diss Express 12th April 1929
BRITISH LEGION CONCERT
A very successful concert was given in the Church Hall on Tuesday evening, when there was large attendance.
Mr. H. W. Riches, chairman of the branch, acted in the capacity of announcer. Songs were rendered by Mr. W. Moore, Miss Wills, Mr. J. Barttum, Mr. A. Boggis, Mrs. D. Maling and Mr. S. Buckle and a duet by Mrs. Maling and Mr. Buckle.
Another attractive item on the programme was a recitation by Mr A Boggis.
During the evening, selections were well rendered by the Diss Branch British Legion Band, under bandmaster Mr. G. Ifinchin.
At the close of the performance, Mr. W. H, Haslett thanked the artistes for their services and also all those who had helped to make the evening a success.
Mr. T. Jarman, Mr. W. Scrivener and the secretary, Mr. J. Bartrum. acted as door stewards.
Diss Express 31st May 1929
BRITISH LEGION COUNTY RALLY AT LOWESTOFT.
On Sunday Lowestoft had the unusual attraction of a county rally of the British Legion, and it was a real soul-stirrer for the residents and others.
Thousands turned out a sunny afternoon to witness the service around the War Memorial, the customary rendezvous for public ceremonies in general.
The programme was as follows: 2.15 pm. branches assembled in the spacious car park; 3 p.m , service at the War Memorial, conducted by the Kev. H. Tarlton, one of the curates of St. Margaret's, Lowestoft; 3.45, procession to Kensington Gardens, South Lowestoft ; 4 p.m . March past, saluting officers at the Lord Kitchener Memorial Home; 4.15, inspection of the parade bv Vice-Admiral H. W. Bowring at Kensington Gardens.
The branches were assembled in the car park (near the Herring Market) in the following order:—
Group A : County Officials and Committee, and Area representatives
Group B Lowestoft and Oulton Broad.
Group C : All members of women's sections.
Group D) : Aldeburgh, Heccles, Bungay, Hettenham, Clare, Blundeston, Hadfield St Clare, Hantham, and Hurv St Edmund’s.
Group E ; Eralingham, Friston, Felixstowe, Haverhill Hoxne Hulver, Halesworth, Hopton, Hadleigh, Ipswich, Ixworth and Kessingland.
Group F ; .Heiston Peasenhall, Southwold Wickham Market, Wrentham, Woodbridge Worlingham, and Eye
Group G ; Norfolk county branches.
Large numbers came to Lowestoft by road, and the car park had never before housed many vehicles.
The procession itself was of monster proportions.
It numbered thousands, and among them were many women members, while quite 30 banners of the branches could be counted.
Marching four abreast, the last group had not left the car park when the first turned the top of Old Nelson Street.
On the way to Kensington Gardens the leaders had probably reached the Kitchener Home before the last were off.
The service on the Koval Plain opened with the hymn God our help in ages past,” led by the band of the Lowestoft branch of the Legion, under Mr. George Boor, followed by prayers and the reading of Psalm xlvi, and next came an address by the Rev. Thomas Jones, chaplain of the Belton branch (formerly of St. Mark’s, Oulton Broad).
Among those present were the three political candidates Capt. Basil Hall, K.N . Sir Gervais Kentoul, and Mr. A. H. Owen Jones —Brig.-General Sir Thomas Jackson (Herringfleet Hall), president of the local branch, and many others associated with the military forces, present and past.
Vice-Admiral V. Bowring, then stepped forward and placed on the memorial a tribute bearing the words, ” In honoured memory the men Suffolk who gave their lives in the Great War.”
All heads were bared, and the standards were drooped, when Bandsman Algar sounded the Last Post and Reveille.
The procession then marched down the Marine Parade and Wellington Esplanade and past the saluting officer (Vice-Admiral H. W. Bowring) at the Lord Kitchener Holiday Home.
Here it was noticed that the three political candidates were present. Vice-admiral Bowring inspected the parade outside the Kensington Gardens.
Brigadier-General Massey Lloyd said it was his privilege to welcome Vice-admiral Bowring, who was seeing what they could do in the way of a muster of the British Legion.
Vice-Admiral Bowring had been the chief of the staff to Admiral Bacon at Dover during the Great War.
He was associated with the mine-sweeping and mine-laying, and some of the men present that afternoon must have been under his orders.
The British Legion was not only for the Army, but for the Navy and the Air Force as well.
Earl Jellicoe, their President, had recruited naval officers and sailors to strengthen their cause and it was fitting that a flag officer of the Navy should inspect a British Legion rally at Lowestoft with all its naval and maritime traditions. (Applause.)
Vice-Admiral Bowring who was cordially received, spoke of the work of the fishermen during the war, and said he expected there were some present who had recognised him. In the course of a letter to him, Earl Jellicoe had mentioned that many of those present had undoubtedly served afloat during the war.
Earl Jellicoe had said that he would liked to have been present to greet them, as he still remembered the splendid spirit prevailing amongst them.
Brig-General Massey Lloyd thanked the band, and cordially welcomed the branches of the neighbouring counties.
Teas served in the Kensington Gardens completed the function, the principal organisers of which were Mr. Harry Huke, Lowestoft (chairman of the County Committee), and Major T. H. Bryant (hon. secretary), Among others present in addition to those already mentioned were Col. M. I’. Hancock (representing the National Executive Council), Lieut.-Col. P. E. Back, Capt. Roderick. D. 5.0., M.C., Mr C. W. Jex (Holt), Mr. E. Bilney, Mr. H. J. Betts, Mr. J. Nursery, M.M. the last named carrying out the duties of marshal.
Diss Express 13th September 1929
BAND OUTING.
On Sunday last, the Diss British Legion Band, together with a number of friends, had an outing to the seaside.
Travelling in two charabancs, they first of all visited Yarmouth, where a brief stay was made.
They then went on to the Constitutional Holiday Camp at Hopton, receiving a hearty welcome.
During the afternoon, the Band, under the conductor-ship of Mr. G. Pinchen, played capital selection of music on the lawn in front of the veranda, on which was seated practicality all the residents of the camp.
Each item was followed by unmistakable signs appreciation and in one case an encore was demanded.
The Band also played while the company were at tea and during the meal Mr. A. E. Simmons said he was sure they all delighted to have the Diss Band with them that afternoon and to listen to the capital music rendered.
He spoke from personal knowledge, when he told them of the great strides the Band had made in recent times.
It had developed under the excellent tuition of Mr. Pinchen from what he might call but an ordinary Band to company musicians who were able to render music such they had the pleasure of listening to that afternoon.
At Mr. Simmons’ suggestion a collection was taken for the Band Funds.
After tea the company from Diss was conducted round the Camp and spent short time on the beach, and another short programme music was played at the close which hearty thanks were accorded the performers, acknowledgement of which was made by Mr. Pinchen.
Leaving Hopton in the early evening the company was conveyed to Yarmouth again, where a brief time was spent, and then the return journey to Diss was made.
Unfortunately the outward journey was lengthened for part of the company on account of tyre trouble, and this curtailed their morning stay in Yarmouth, but the visit to Hopton Camp was enjoyed by all, and visits in future seasons will be looked forward to.
Diss Express 22nd November 1929.
DISS BRITISH LEGION.
The annual meeting of the Diss Branch the British Legion was held the Service Club on Monday night.
Capt E. J. Mann (President) was in the chair, and supported by Mr. H. G. Murray (chairman), and Mr. W. H. Foster (secretary).
Mr. W. H. Foster, the secretary said it was with pleasure that he submitted the fifth annual report.
The membership at the end of September 1928 was 226.
During the year he regretted to state that three l had died, six had left the district and 26 had lapsed, but from October 1928 to September there had been new members.
So that there was a membership of at the end of September 1929 and since that date new members had been elected.
During the year their committee had been active organising the children's treat, started in 1928, fewer than 181 children were entertained at the expense of the members, increase of over last year.
The Benevolent committee had met on 49 occasions for the purpose of dealing with cases of relief, and 56 cases had been assisted to the extent of £38 7s 0d.
The sale of poppies this year realised a total sum of £67 12s. 6d, an increase of 11s. 8d. over last year.
The grants made from the United Services Fund during the year were:
43 cases given assistance to the extent of £37 0s. 6d.;
one case for surgical appliances, £24;
two cases for railway fares, £1 15s. 0d.;
three cases clothing grants; three cases of convalescent grants; five cases of education grants; eleven cases were assisted with railway vouchers to proceed to hospitals and convalescent homes.
Two cases had been assisted from the East Anglian Special Relief Fund to the extent of £4, and one removal grant had been allowed at a cost of £3 15s.
Referring to Pension cases, he said that eighteen cases had been dealt with, of which twelve were successful two unsuccessful, and four were still being concluded.
Five cases widow’s pensions had been advanced from V- to 11/- per week. In respect of the welfare of orphans 48 visits had been made Mr. H. G. Murray, as representative of the local War Pensions Committee.
During the past nine years Mr. Murray, as the representative, had been the means of getting for the benefit of ex-service men, and their widows and orphans, by means of gratuities and pensions (applause).
More Members Wanted. The chairman, in moving the adoption ot the report, said "would like to congratulate the Branch on the very good way they had turned at the parades on Armistice Sunday and Hospital Sunday.
The turnout had been very creditable although he always felt there might have been more.
After listening to the report it showed that the work done by that branch was essentially the work for which the Legion was formed.
They had done extraordinarily well in helping the ex-service men, widow's, and orphans, who had experienced bad luck.
That was one of the main reasons for which the. British Legion was formed.
He always felt that they were bolding their own in Diss, but thought that the Diss and District Branch ought to have far more members (hear, hear).
There was only one way of getting those new members, and that was members getting in their friends.
It was no use saying that it was for the committee to get them.
If the members stuck to their man and they could get him, then they could double the membership.
The man in a good job said “What is the good of me joining the British Legion”. The answer to that was that the Legion was not to give them help in their position, but to help the fellow who was not as well off as they were (hear, hear).
The Legion also kept the men together.
He thought they might start a competition for the members to see who could get the most new members (laughter).
He congratulated the chairman, Mr. Murray, on the extraordinarily fine work that he had done.
He felt they owed a great debt of gratitude to him for the work he had done (applause).
Mr. E. A. Bryant seconded and the report was adopted.
Mr. A. E. Capon presented the statement of accounts.
The balance carried forward was £16 2s. 4d, and the subscriptions and donations amounted to 2s. 2d and 8s. 3d. respectively.
The total receipts were £66 19s. 2d., and after the expenditure had been deducted there was credit balance of £l7 19s. 2d., which was about £1 17s. 0d. more than last year.
During the last four years the balance had risen from about £4, and considering that they had one or two additional assets that was very good (applause) the President said that it was a very difficult thing to keep the balance up, and it was good sign and thanked Mr. Capon for his work as treasurer, which was a very thankless job.
The balance sheet was adopted. Election Of Officers.
The election of officers resulted as follows President, Capt. E. J. Mann; chairman, Mr. H. G. Murray; vice-chairman, Mr. A. E. Bowell; treasurer, Mr. C. W. Hubhard, secretary, Mr. W. H. Foster; vice-presidents were re-elected “en bloc” with the addition of Lt.-Col. Maxwell, Paymaster Commander Poignant, Mr. Arnold A. Bry Mt, Mr. Clement Gaze and Mr. H. G. committee, Mes -s. C. Branch, A. Hayward, R. Leeder, A. A. Bryant, F. Debnham, H. J. Russell and G. R. Rayner; standard bearer, Mr. E. A. Bryant. Mr. Murray thanked Capt. Mann for presiding, and the President, replying, said he was always willing to do all that he could help.
