St. Ives (Hunts) & District RBL
George 'Ed' Kelly MBE
It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of our friend and colleague George 'Ed' Kelly. Ed had been awarded the MBE in the King's 2025 New Year's Honours list, at the age of 101 for his voluntary services as former President of the St Ives Branch of the Royal British Legion and for endless support of Royal Air Force veterans.
His 42-year career with the RAF began during the Second World War as a navigator, his aircraft was shot down and crash landed over Cromer, in Norfolk and he spent his 21st birthday recovering in Norwich Hospital.
Ed Kelly joined the Royal British Legion in 1982 after he left the Royal Air Force, and had been described as an “Exceptional Ambassador”, becoming the Lead Organiser of the Remembrance Sunday parade and service in St Ives, and had given talks to schools and youth organisations on the meaning of Remembrance, and was truly loved by us all.
He held almost every Branch post and was a well-known face in St Ives for bracing the elements and collecting throughout the Poppy Appeal. Upon receiving his MBE, Ed Kelly said:... “In 1954, our late Queen Elizabeth II presented me with the Air Force Medal which was a very special honour. To think, 70 or so years later, to be recognised by our now King is incredible. It’s a privilege.”..... knowing you Ed was our privilege !!
Branch Officers & Committee
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Branch |
Women's Section |
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President
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Michael Williamson |
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Chairman
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Alan Scott |
Grace McLaren |
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Vice-Chairman
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Mike Robinson |
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Secretary
|
Monica Thompson |
Monica Thompson |
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Treasurer
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Lesley Castleton |
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Chaplin
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..... Vacancy |
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| Community Support |
Alan Scott
Keith Mules
John Bell
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Standard Bearer
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Mike Robinson |
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| Alternative Standard Bearers |
David Lace
Alan Scott
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Parade Marshall
|
David Lace |
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| Committee |
Barry Pattison
Jeff Castleton
Margaret Shardlow
Roy Muttram
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** Our Branches are custodians of 3 Standards....St Ives (Hunts) & District RBL Standard, St Ives (Hunts) & District Women's Section Standard and Hilton & Fenstanton RBL Standard. We are proud to be able to parade our Standards wherever and whenever we can....Flag Raising Events, Commemorations, Celebrations and also at more solemn occasions to support families of our Members and Service Men/Service Women
Both sections of our Branch are always keen to encourage anyone that feel they can offer their services as Committee Members.
Should you be interested and require more information regarding either of our Branches, please contact our Branch Secretary Monica Thompson on [email protected]
St Ives (Hunts) & District Royal British Legion
located at: The Ivy Leaf Club Ltd, 23 The Broadway, St Ives PE27 5BX.
