Minutes for the monthly meeting held in the White Hart Club
on Tuesday 13th May 2025
The meeting started at 7.15 pm with the Exhortation and Silent Tribute led by the Chairman.
Those present:
David Parratt, Myles Ripley, Stephen Moore, Rupert Follett, Keith Birbeck
Apologies:
Tony Reed Screen, Nigel Whiting, Martin Gray, Rose & John Pease
Minutes of the last meeting:
The Minutes of the meeting held on 8th April, having been circulated by email, were approved as a true record.
Matters Arising:
It was agreed that the commemoration for VE Day 80 on 8th May went well. Sedbergh School were thanked for their contribution.
Treasurer’s Report:
Martin reported that the balance at 2nd May was £1908.85, less the Annual Dinner (18 x £36), £1260.85, less £400 donation to Lister House Care Home, £860 plus £95 raised in the Annual Dinner raffle = £955.85
Branch Community Support:
- Brian Capstick has confirmed that Beth Woodhouse is the new contact for the Rawthey Project regarding visits to veterans at Birks Farm. DP has been in touch with her and will keep the committee informed on how the Branch may be able to help in the future. Three new accommodation pods have arrived on site which will be for emergency use by veterans.
- As reported at the Annual Dinner during the President’s Address, a new UK-wide veteran support system called “Valour” has recently been announced by the Government. This will deliver easier access to care and support with new regional networks connecting housing, employment and health services. This is part of the Government’s manifesto to promise to fully implement the Armed Forces Covenant. The first Valour support centres will be operational next year. It remains to be seen how this will work effectively in practice.
Social Events:
- The Branch Annual Dinner was held on 9th May and proved to be another excellent evening, the 8th year in a row at Sedbergh Golf Club. We were slightly down on numbers this year due to a number of apologies.
- The next Coffee Morning for Branch Funds will be held on Wednesday 11th Sandra Longlands will be asked if she can run the raffle for us once again.
Poppy Appeal:
No report at this stage. It is expected that we will be able to order stock in June.
AOB:
- Steve Cooling, ex Sedbergh School, is willing to provide a talk on behalf of the Branch. The subject and the date to be confirmed, but probably Monday 3rd November at 7.30pm in St Andrews.
- DP is attending the RBL Annual Conference in Harrogate on Saturday 17th May and will report back on any useful feedback as appropriate.
- Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 8th November – information on important changes to the ticketing process have been circulated and noted. It was agreed that this is a fairer option than the previous ‘first-come-first-served system.
- Remembrance Sunday 9th November – the Branch will continue to investigate whether we can re-instate the Remembrance Sunday Parade in Sedbergh.
- Myles was thanked for providing an RBL ‘sheep’ for Sheepfest this year on 23rd
There being no other business, the meeting closed with The Kohima Epitaph at 7.40 pm.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 10th June at 7.15 pm. in the White Hart Social Club.
