Royal British Legion, Sedbergh & District Branch
Minutes for the monthly meeting held in the White Hart Club
On Tuesday 13 January 2026
Those Present:
David Parratt, Tony Reed Screen, Keith Birbeck, Myles Ripley, Rupert Follett, John Pease and Rose Pease.
Apologies:
Stephen Moore and Martin Gray.
Minutes of the last meeting:
The minutes of the meeting held on 09 December, having been circulated by email, were approved as a true record.
Treasure’s Report
Branch balance as of 2 December £1241.85.
Branch Community Support:
· DP completed BCS Refresher Courses 09 Dec 25.
· BCS team continue home visits to support our Sedbergh veteran.
· As requested by our Area MEO, DP has been requested to conduct a home visit to a veteran living in a Care Home in Kendal. Kendal RBL Branch not qualified in BCS.
Social Events
· Sedbergh Branch Annual Dinner will be held at the Sedbergh Golf Club Friday 8 May 26. Details to be distributed in the next couple of months. RP has kindly offered to organise the Dinner with assistance from Nigel Whiting.
· Following dates have been confirmed with the St Andrews Coffee Morning co-ordinator for 2026 events:
o Wednesday 10 Jun – for Branch Fund
o Wednesday 05 August – Rawthey Project
o Wednesday 28 October – Poppy Appeal
Poppy Appeal
· Killington Services booked for the Poppy Appeal Campaign through Roadchef from 23 October to 08 November 26.
· The siting of collection tins throughout the Sedbergh and local area to be reviewed to maximise future donations.
· It is hoped the new counting machine will be delivered well before the next Poppy Appeal count.
AOB
Membership Numbers - after a careful analysis of Local and National records, our present adult membership is 55.
Future Branch Way Ahead – the committee had a broad discussion on the future direction of our branch, as determined in our current Branch Plan. Focussing primarily on recruitment and frequency of club meetings, the following was agreed:
· Recruitment – the Sedbergh community have, and still are, very supportive of the Act of Remembrance and annual Poppy Appeal, contributing very generously. As most members will be aware our Branch numbers are slowly decreasing, and while very grateful for the town’s wonderful support, for the current and longer-term effectiveness of our Branch, it is essential we encourage a steady flow of new members. Again, as Branch members are aware, achieving this goal is proving very challenging. The strategy for this year is to double down on local groups while maintaining our visibility on social media and Lookaround, In addition we will aim to deliver presentations; maintain Coffee Mornings and Artisan Markets. All members are strongly encouraged to help with this endeavour, talking to friends, neighbours and family about the positive impact they can have in assisting the essential work Sedbergh British Legion Branch deliver locally and nationally.
· Monthly Meetings – it was agreed that Sedbergh Branch could meet it aims and commitments by meeting on a bi-monthly basis. Throughout the year, meetings will in future be held at the same venue and time in January, March, May, July, September, and November. The AGM will be incorporated into the November meeting. The RBL Handbook states that Branches must hold an AGM between 1st October and 30th November.
· Support for the Armed Forces Community in Westmorland and Furness has been strengthened with the appointment of a dedicated Welfare Officer based at Furness General Hospital in Barrow. The position is part of a partnership between Westmorland and Furness Council, University Hospitals of Morecombe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, and the Defence Medical Welfare Service.
· Branch News Update 2025 – to be included in the February edition of the Lookaround.
· A New Membership Application Form came into effect 01 January 26. Existing forms can still be used.
· Kings Tudor Crown Insignia for the Standard Bearer has now been received and sling badge engraved.
There being no other business, the meeting closed with the Kohima Epitaph at 8:00 pm. The next meeting will be held on 10 March 2026 at 7:15 pm in the White Hart Social Club.
