Royal British Legion, Sedbergh & District Branch
Minutes for the monthly meeting held in the White Hart Club
On Tuesday 03 November 2026
Those Present:
Tony Reed Screen, David Parratt, Keith Birbeck, Rupert Follett, Martin Gray, Myles Ripley, Rose Pease, John Pease and Peter Seymour.
Apologies:
Debbie Meikle.
Minutes of the last meeting:
The minutes of the meeting held on 08 September, having been circulated by email, were approved as a true record.
Matters Arising:
Training – the next Branch Management instructor led online course will be held 19 & 20 October 1830-2030, followed by a course 17 & 18 November1830-2030.
Treasure’s Report:
The balance as at 02 October 2026 stood at £1113.55, of which £279.99 has to reimbursed to Martin Gray, which includes £249.99 for the purchase of a counting machine. The adjusted balance is £833.56.
Annual Accounts were approved by the Branch Committee 08 September and reported in full and adopted at the AGM.
As discussed at the AGM, annually we have been donating £400 to the Lister House care home in Ripon. Regrettably, funds were not transferred until July this year, so they received nothing from us in the year to 30 June 26. It was recommended, and supported, that £400 be sent to Lister House.
Branch Community Support:
BCS team continue home visits to support our Sedbergh veteran. He is currently in good spirits despite the loss of sight in one eye.
Poppy Appeal:
· Poppy Appeal Coffee Morning 28 October – £276.70 raised, an excellent result (£196 in 2025). Many thanks to all those who helped, particularly to our wonderful bakers and Sandra Longlands who ran the raffle. Breakdown: Entrance £48, Raffle £77 and Baking £151.70.
· This year’s displays are in the Dentist window and in St Andrews, now that Leightons Hairdressers no longer available.
· With storage space no longer available for the Poppy Appeal merchandise at Roofbox, the White Hart have very kindly offered space. This is most appreciated. Roofbox staff happy to support in future years Poppy Appeals.
· Killington Services were closed for a few days owing to a major problem with the water supply. Consequently, we lost valuable ‘collection time’. However, it is pleasing to report that this year’s fund raising has been strong and it is hoped our overall sum raised will not be badly affected.
· The Poppy Appeal count in the Rawthey Room at the SIC on Tuesday 17 November at 0915. (DP, TRS, KB, JP, MPR)
AOB:
· Future Talk – Myles will give a talk on behalf of the Branch to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal on 09 November at 7.30pmin St Andrews Church. The talk will be entitled “Arctic Dreams”. Pre talk refreshments to be served from 7pm.
· Events leading up to Remembrance Sunday and Armistice
o Friday 06 November at 1700 – Rehearsal of Remembrance Sunday at St Andrews – Standard Bearer, Scouts etc
o Sunday 08 November – 1030 Remembrance Sunday Service in St Andrews. Order of Service completed and order of sequence of wreath laying at the war memorial distributed to all concerned. As last year, only Finkle Street will be closed.
o Sunday 08 November – 7.30pm Remembrance Concert in St Andrews. Standard present. Proceeds to Poppy Appeal.
o Wednesday 11 November – 1100am Armistice Day at the War Memorial.
· RBL Annual Conference – the 2027 conference to be held at Telford, Shropshire between 7-9 May. Any motions for submission by 12 February 2027.
· The updated Sedbergh and District 3-year plan was reviewed and endorsed.
There being no other business, the meeting closed with the Kohima Epitaph at 7:55 pm. The next meeting will be held on 12 January 2027 at 7:15 pm in the White Hart Social Club.
