A surprise awaited the Chairman of the Minchinhampton Branch when he attended Gloucestershire’s Annual County Conference of The Royal British Legion held on 11 January at Severn Vale School. Towards the end of the proceedings the Conference Chairman moved onto the agenda item for presentation of awards. It was with much delight that Minchinhampton received the first award, the Pearce Challenge Cup for Efficiency; this is awarded to the most efficient large branch. A large branch is one with a membership greater than 71 members, as Minchinhampton has only just reached this number of members, it had not thought itself to be in the reckoning and hence the surprise!

 The Branch Efficiency competition is judged on a number of categories ranging from procedural aspects, fundraising achievements, social activities, Remembrance activities, and involvement in the community. Last year the Branch raised £6,429 for the Poppy Appeal, this year the Branch has already raised £4,384 between October and December. The Branch was also honoured by sending their standard Bearer, Darrell Russell, to parade its Standard at the Royal Albert Hall Festival of Remembrance on 9 November; this was the second time he had done so.