Once again as another year closes it is time to look back at the Branch Activities for the year.

It was the 90th Anniversary of the Royal British Legion and events were held across the country. Here we worked with the Leicestershire archivist Dr Margaret Bonney to record the life of the RBL not only in the county but also in Melton Mowbray.

Some local people responded with their memories and others agreed to be interviewed by Margaret's team. It grew from a meeting in the club and then gathered momentum, with displays in the local library, then our own 90th event in the club, the Carnegie museum and finally at the Leicestershire County Council offices. It was quite a challenge for Robert and I, but we made it. Thank you to all who took part in any way to make Melton RBL's history a significant part in the project.

We went once more 'on the road' with Melton Mowbray road show promoting the RBL, attending the Belvoir Steam weekend, and Stapleford Park Steam Event. The weather at Belvoir was a mixed bag, high winds, showers and sunshine. Stapleford Park was not a lot different, but the team struggled on. Stapleford Park was a little milestone for our chairman Robert, he always wanted our own union flag Paul supplied it but the bracket was too high for Robert to reach so assistance was called so he could raise it, his face was a picture. We held our own 90th anniversary events with a social night with the club, and all attending had a good evening. We had our own 90th display again in the club but sadly the attendance was disappointing to say the least.

Our church service at sage Cross Church was well attended, the guest of honour was Jennifer, Lady Gretton, Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, County President of the RBL Lt Col. Peter Roffey DL, County Chairman Jim Rowlinson and local dignitaries also attending. The service was conducted by the Rev Phillip McDonald our Branch Chaplin who announced his 'posting' from Melton so another chapter closed a fine event marking our 90th Anniversary in Melton Mowbray.

Other events in Melton were attended by the Branch and Standard were Sea Sunday, St Georges Day (local scouting), Battle of Britain Sunday, Trafalgar Day end of course Remembrance services.

We collected two awards this year for our work in the local community; Robert (Welfare Secretary) was awarded the 'Mayors Award' for welfare work for the RBL. The branch received the Melton Times award for work in the local community a pleasant and surprise achievement for both Roberts who collected the award on behalf of the Branch.

We now have a new Branch Chaplin, Rev Jane Carter minister at Sage Cross church who has conducted services over the Remembrance period for us and of course we thank you for becoming our Chaplin.

We had an invite to be shown around the new Melton Council offices, which our local Mayor Alison Freer was on hand to answer any questions we had. Congratulations on your recent marriage Alison.

The years annual AGMs took place but sadly it was the 3 committees that supported each other, where are the members? One asks. No change from last year.

The year ended with the 3 Committees joining together for a 'bash' bringing the year to a close. We hope next year will bring new fortunes to all the 3 committees with some new members to help, I will not be holding my breath.

I, no doubt have missed something or other out, apologies for that. Please look at the pictures, which accompany the ramblings.

Big Bob (Welfare Secretary)

BRANCH COMMITTEE CONTACTS

President: Lt/Col. P. Roffey DL
Chairman: Mr R. Wilson
Vice-Chairman: Mr B. Ward
Secretary : Mr P. Scholes
Treasurer: Ms Ruth Crawford

All Committee Members can be contacted via the following:
Tel: 01664 852863
Email: bro107.mmbl@virgin.net

Keswick House,
Thorpe End,
Melton Mowbray,
LE13 1RB