Dear all, I hope that this finds you and your families all well and safe.

As there is now light at the end of the tunnel as far as restrictions are concerned, we are starting to get requests from individuals and associations for a presence at events/services etc

At the moment, there has not been any information from the Ceremonial Working Group as to when the RBL restriction on standards attending funerals or events is to be lifted, as soon as that comes to light, the word will be passed around immediately at county and branch level (and on this website).

Would all standard bearers (RBL) that have any concerns with regard to matters ceremonial, please contact myself the County Parade Marshal in the first instance. It is the CPM’s job to deal with all matter’s ceremonial on behalf of the County Chairman and committee.

I can then put forward issues through the proper channels. This also includes any questions/or issues that you may want to discuss among other branch standard bearers and enables me to put forward any question, concerns or complaints in a private manner if the standard bearer’s wish me to do so (i.e. pass complaints without revealing a name, I truly believe that all should be able to do this without fear of prejudice. It’s my job to take the rounds from the committee on your behalf & fully support you where it is required).

This will allow me to co-ordinate our concerns/issues in the correct manner and will avoid duplication and confusion, leading to matters of concern being delt with in an efficient manner.

It is the Chairman’s desire to increase information/items on the RBL website. For some time, we have not had any information as to what we are all getting up to as standard bearers around the county and there is a desire to promote ourselves, both to the rest of the county and other counties who take an interest in us. We want to ‘blow our trumpets’ and show to all, the high standard of ceremony that we provide.

There are plans for training and competitions in the future and a desire to increase involvement from other quarters.

On behalf of the Chairman and committee, I thank you all for your patience and continued support in what has been a difficult & somewhat upsetting time for some of us.

I look forward to us all getting back together face to face and enjoying our standard bearing, again in the near future.

Sincerely,

Rod Eglin

County Parade Marshal