The Royal British Legion East Riding of Yorkshire County. Newsletter. Issue 1 August 2010 Welcome to the first edition of the County Newsletter

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1 The Royal British Legion East Riding of Yorkshire County Newsletter Issue 1 August 2010 Welcome to the first edition of the County Newsletter County President: Jack Ford. County Chairman: Alan Higbee. MBE. County Vice Chairman: Harold Milner. County Secretary: Kimberley Thornton. County Treasurer: Valda Eldin. County Manager: Chris Cunningham. County Welfare Officer: Beverley Davies. County Welfare Officer: Ian Poole. County Managers Assistant: Louise Beilby. County PA Co-ordinator: Ernie Oldfield. County Standard Bearer: Barry Moody From the County Chairman: Welcome to the first edition of the County Newsletter. The success of this new venture is going to a large degree depend on the co-operation of the Branches. Unless you the members contribute to each of the future editions, either by writing an article, no matter how contentious, or, keeping the County Secretary up to date on any event your branch may be proposing to hold or take part in. As a County, we are trying very hard to recruit new members. This is not an easy task for the County Recruiting team. They receive many enquiries at the four major shows they attend each year, often from outside our catchment area. Unfortunately, not many forms are returned. The Regional Membership and Publicity Officer, Andy Dixon, is arranging to visit Territorial Army units within the County on a recruiting drive. He has already given one presentation to a cadet unit and some interest has been expressed by cadets to become youth members. Because of the continuing decline in membership within the county, plus branches closing, we have now seriously going to have to look at amalgamating with North Yorkshire. I know this is a move that members do not whole heartily support, but it is a factor we are going to have to accept. Next year, as you are all now aware of, is the 90 th Anniversary of the founding of the British Legion. The two major events we are working on at present are: A Service of Rededication and Renewal, to be held in Beverley Minster on Sunday 15 th May 2011, commencing 1400hours. The second is a concert at Hull City Hall on Friday 15 th July I look forward to meeting many of you at the various shows and parades during the forthcoming months. Best wishes to you all. Alan. J. Higbee. MBE In this Issue: Membership Page 2 LIC/Training Page 3 Welfare Page 4 Branches / Notices Page 5 Events Diary 2010/11 Page 6/7 Your County Committee Sue Kelly, (County Training Officer) North Ferriby; Russell Smith, Market Weighton; John Forrester, (CWAC Secretary) Driffield; Jim Hansford, (Chairman CWAC) South Cave; Ken Green, Patrington; Eddie Large, (County Parade Marshall/Youth Officer) Bilton; David Poole, Beverley; Jean Oldfield, Chairman Women s Section; Carlos Good, ER Riders Branch Rep; WO2 Geoff Horton B Co Cadet Force Rep; A Co Cadet Force Rep

2 The County Officers THANK ALL Groups and Branches who submitted their Branch MS1 s to the County Office by 31 st December 2009 as requested. Details of Branch Officials etc; have been updated in the County handbook, which we have now just received from the printers and is currently being distributed through Group and mail shots. The details of those branches who have omitted to send in their MS1 s will not be updated in the Handbook this year. R&P Accounts Well done to all those Branches that have submitted their annual accounts. The Royal Charter Governing Rules 86 states:- Within 3 months after the close of its financial year, or within 1 month after the audit, every branch must send a copy of its accounts to its County Office, together with the report of the independent Examiners or qualified auditor. This means that the branch must send in its R&P accounts by 31 st December of each year. Currently we only have 1 outstanding, but is now under the administration of the County. Well done and thank you. National Conference This years National Annual Conference took place in The Villa marina, Harris Promenade, Douglas, Isle of Man on Saturday 22 nd May through to Sunday 23 rd May. Delegate attended from the following branches: Hedon & District, Bridlington, North Ferriby and Hull. The County Chairman Mr Alan Higbee represented the County. For future interest branches are reminded that the Jim Prince fund was created in order to provide financial assistance to small branches, specifically to help defray the costs of sending a Delegate to Annual Conference. Each Regional Manager may annually nominate two branches to the Board of Trustees to apply to the fund. Branches with a membership of 100 or fewer, regardless of category are eligible to apply for assistance. To apply for the fund for next years National Annual Conference, please submit your Branch Delegate application form along with a covering letter to the County, by the due date specified in the Annual Conference Special Circular. Please be aware that only ONE Branch per County may be submitted for consideration. This year we received one nomination from the county, and have now been awarded a grant to assist their Branch Delegate to attend this years National Conference. The Late Jeff Lodge. MBE It is with the greatest regret that I inform you that Jeff Lodge passed away peacefully this morning Thursday 13 th May 2010 in hospital. Jeff was a much loved and admired Trustee. He gave long and dedicated service to his County and the Legion where his knowledge and experience was a great asset. He was the consummate Legionnaire and gentleman, with a clear view of what was right and a strong resolve to ensure he achieved the best results for the Legion and its beneficiaries. He will be sadly missed by his family and Legion friends and colleagues. Forces Discount Scheme Veterans and families can benefit from discounts offered by over 1,100 companies through the free MOD Discount Scheme. Discounts and special deals are available from a wide range of providers, on everything from legal services to holidays and theme parks. You can register for free on their website at County Office Move Wef Monday 16 th August 2010 the County Office will be relocating to the following address: Ground Floor Unit 4 Triune Court Monk's Cross Business Park YORK YO32 9GZ The office is scheduled to close for 1 week to cover the installation of the IT and telephone equipment

3 In the County we have a dedicated Recruiting and Legion in The Community (LIC) team, which consists of: Mr Harold Milner PCRO Mr John Forrester - CRO Miss Sue Kelly CRO Mr Barry Moody CRO Mr Jack Ford CRO Mr Alan Higbee Volunteer I would ask that should any member of your branch wish to become and train as a member of the LIC Team to contact Mr Milner, whom is the Principal County Recruiting Officer. We are always looking for further volunteers as the attendance at all of our events fall back onto the above individuals. The main aims of LIC are to promote: Branch Involvement Highlight LIC Increase training of volunteers To run more county training seminars. This year the LIC Team will be attending the following events: County Training Seminars On the 24 th April Sue Kelly the County Training Officer held a very successful County Training seminar, at The Octagon, Hull. The format for the day was to have a relaxed day, which ended around 2pm. The contents for discussion were: Trusteeship Data protection Parades The feedback forms that we received all completed thank you were very productive and informative. Due to the overwhelming response it has therefore been agreed to arrange a further seminar later on in the year. Letters will be going out to Branches for the seminar, and respective officers are encouraged to attend a lively, informative and worthwhile session, where we hope to bring you up to date and make things easier for those who have the job of Branch administration. Please, even if you came on recent seminars, you will be welcome to come again. You will definitely learn something new 4 July Armed Forces Day, Beverley 31July 1 Aug Veterans Weekend, Hull August Driffield Steam Rally All of the above members will be at one show or another, please come along and give them support. After all you may find something to your advantage, and it may be a chance to meet up with friends from the past. Should any branch wish to hold an LIC event in their area, then please contact Mr Milner who will be more than happy to come and attend one of your branch meeting to discuss how LIC can help your branch. Please note that Harold can only attend on invitation only. National Training Courses We have received one nomination for attendance on a Branch Treasurers Course. There are still vacancies on various national courses, and would ask that you look at your branch officials to ensure that they are up to date on all Branch Administration

4 means tested Income Support & income-based Jobseeker s Allowance Personal allowances Single under Lone parent under Couple both under / one under / / both aged Dependent children Premiums Carer Disability single couple Disabled Child Enhanced Disability single person/lone parent couple child Family Pensioner single (JSA only) couple Severe Disability per qualifying person Employment and Support Allowance Basic Allowance(a) single/lone parent couple / Work-related activity component Support component (Carer, Enhanced Disability, Pensioner(b) and Severe Disability Premiums paid at the same rate as Income Support/income-based JSA) Pension Credit Minimum guarantee Single couple Additional amounts severe disability (per qualifying person) carer Savings Credit Threshold single couple Maximum single couple Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit (c) As for Income Support, income-based JSA, Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit, except Personal Allowances Single person aged Couple both under 18 (n/a for CTB) one under one or both aged Premiums Family lone parent rate bab y addition Working Tax Credit (d) Basic element 1, Couple/lone parent 1, hours element Disability element 2, Severe Disability element 1, return to work hours 1, hours 1, Childcare costs (80% of up to) 1 child (weekly rate) children (weekly rate) Child Tax Credit (d) Family element Baby addition Child element 2, Disabled child 2, Severely disabled child 1, non means tested Attendance Allowance lower rate higher rate Bereavement Benefits Bereavement Allowance aged aged 55 pension age Widowed Parent s Allowance child dependant 11.35(e) Carer s Allowance adult dependant child dependant 11.35(e) Child Benefit only/eldest child other children Disability Living Allowance Care component lower rate middle rate higher rate Mobility component lower rate higher rate Employment and Support Allowance Basic Allowance(a) Work-related activity component Support component Guardian s Allowance Incapacity Benefit short term (under pension age) lower rate higher rate adult dependant child dependant (paid with higher rate) 11.35(e) long term age addition under aged adult dependant child dependant 11.35(e) Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (variable depending on % disablement) under (or under 18 with dependants) Jobseeker s Allowance under Maternity Allowance standard rate adult dependant Retirement Pension Cat A Cat B late spouse s or civil partner s NI Cat B spouse s or civil partner s NI Cat D non contributory, aged 80 or over age addition (aged 80 or over) 0.25 adult dependant (with Cat A) child dependant (with Cat A and B) 11.35(e) Severe Disablement Allowance age addition aged under aged aged adult dependant child dependant 11.35(e) Statutory Adoption, Maternity and Paternity Pay Statutory Sick Pay 79.15

5 NEWS. Congratulations to the six Branches within the County that celebrate their 90 th Formation Anniversary during Hull Branch formed 24 th June South Cave Branch formed 27 th June Withernsea Branch formed 30 th June Beverley Branch formed 7 th July Bridlington Branch formed 12 th July Cottingham Branch formed 14 th July South Cave Branch has already started planning celebrations for their anniversary, by arranging a Service of Celebration, at All Saints Church, South Cave on Sunday 26 th June 2011, followed by a reception at Family Centre. Missed the actual date by one day, pity 27 th is a Monday. Hornsea Branch has now been closed. Unfortunately, this was followed by the untimely death, at 88 years of age, of the last Chairman of the Branch, Reginald Anderson. For many years, Reg endeavoured to keep the Branch up and running along with many other activities he was involved with in the Hornsea area. The funeral service was held at St Nicholas Church, Hornsea on Monday 21 st June, followed by a burial at the local cemetery. The measure of affection and respect Reg had in town, was evident by the number of people who attended the service. There was a good turn out of Legion and Ex Services Association Standards at the Church, with the County, Branch and Reg s Regimental Standards (The Royal Artillery) in attendance at the graveside. To mark Armed Forces Day in Pocklington, the Reverend Geoff Hollingsworth invited the Branch to join the congregation at All Saints Church, Pocklington, at the 10.45am Sung Eucharist service. The Branch Standard was present and prayers were led by Legion member Laurence Nicholson Pocklington Branch chairman Steve Forde (right) presenting an engraved certificate to Paul Peka, who recently retired as officer commanding Pocklington ACF, and who has marshalled the annual Remembrance Parade in Pocklington for many years

6 Thousands of people filled the streets of Beverley for the start of Armed Forces Day. The event which was officially opened by the Cllr David Elvidge Mayor of Beverley Bessie Foot at 10am as the crowds lined the streets and gather in Market Square for the parade Visitors to Beverley s second Armed Forces Day were richly entertained in Saturday Market. There was a whole host of stalls and attractions for all the family throughout the day, with camouflage face painting especially popular for youngsters. The main entertainment took place on and around the big stage erected in Saturday Market. Music was provided by the Beverley Male Voice Choir and the Beverley Pipe Band, while the big crowd was kept entertained by a number of displays and performances from local cadets and serving men and women from the Defence School of Transport. The Log display was especially popular. The finale combined music with a fly past by the local search and rescue helicopter, providing a fitting end to a great day. It was also an especially proud day for Beverley s Army Cadets. They were presented with their own colours, thanks to the Beverley Masons, Brian Brooks and Paul Brusby were there for the presentation Parade through Market Square Recruiting Team Rod Evans Beverley Branch and Sarah Asquith, Civic Officer ERY County Council LIC Stall

7 Goodwin Trust join the County Recruiting Team At east Park Veterans Weekend In Memorium Mr J. Moore Mr D. Gibbons Mr G. Walker Mr P. Emmerson Mr J. Johnston Mr B. Plant Mr R. Curtis Mr R. Mitchell Mrs. Simpson Mr A. Birdsall Mr G. Condon Mr C. Wright Mr R. Anderson Mr S Stockdate Mr R Adams Driffield Bilton & District Bilton & District North Ferriby Willerby, Kirkella & Anlaby Hessle North Ferriby Withernsea Willerby, Kirkella & Anlaby Willerby, Kirkella & Anlaby Withernsea North Ferriby Hornsea Willerby, Kirkella & Anlaby Hedon We will remember them

8 THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION East Riding and North Yorkshire EVENTS DIARY 2010/11 AUGUST The Royal British Legion York, in conjunction with York & District Council of Ex-service Association, are holding a service to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the ending of WWII. The event will take place at York Minster on 15th August at 14:00h. Details will be finalised and distributed in the near future. 14 TRBL Doncaster Race day followed by live concert Act TBC. Leaflets to be distributed Driffield Steam Rally 24 Funeral Cpl Stanton, RDG, Catterick Garrison 1230hrs. All Standard welcome 26 York Branch Annual Dinner 28 Wensleydale Show 28 Northern Regional Bowls Competition - Stillington SEPTEMBER 2010 North Yorkshire County Training Seminar, York, date, time & location TBC. 3-5 Branch Treasurers Course, London, Haig House 4 Holderness Group Meeting - Beverley 9 York Branch Information Day, York City Centre Independent Examiners Course, London, Haig House 12 All Service Veterans Remembrance Parade & Service Eden Camp. Parade to be led by Yorkshire Volunteers Band. Free Entrance to Veterans and partners/spouse. Further info: Mr Nick Hill, Memorial Service Jeff Lodge. 1400hrs Durham Cathedral. Mini bus leaving from the Octagon Hull priority to Standard Bearers contact:- A. Higbee County Instructors (Train the Trainer) Course, Leeds Standard Bearers Judges Course, Hermitage, Berkshire 25 County Chairman/Branch Seminar 1000hrs The Royal Hotel Hull. OCTOBER Bridlington Rally, Advance tickets bookings for full weekend. For further information contact Mr Barry Moody: Alderson House Coffee / cake Afternoon open day Squadron TA Unit 1000km Challenge Humber Bridge. Start time 1200hrs. Details contact WO11 Alan Harvey Haltemprice Group Meeting & AGM Pocklington 9 East Riding County Executive meeting The Octagon Hull. 10 East Riding Standard Bearers course, Part 1, 1000hrs Halifax Barracks Hull. For details contact Eddie Large ( Course three weeks, Pt 11 & 111, 16 th &23 rd October) Branch Management Course, Leeds Pickering War Weekend: Opening ceremony Friday, Parade on Saturday through Market Place at 11am. WRVS centre open 0930 for bacon butties. Trains running over the 3 days. Standard Bearers welcome. For more information contact Mrs P Atkinson Reunion of Veterans of Palestine Eden Camp. Further Info, Mr Nick Hill

9 16 Northern Region Indoor Games Railway Institute, York Part 11 Standard Bearers Course 1000hrs Halifax Barracks, Hull. 23 Part 111 Standard Bearers Course 1000hrs Halifax Barracks. 26 TRBL Women s Section, Keyingham Branch PA Launch, Afternoon Tea with entertainment, Keyingham Village Institute, 2pm 28 East Riding Poppy Launch -11 o clock Treasure House Beverley. 30 Youth Standard Bearers Competition 1000hrs Halifax Barracks Hull. NOVEMBER Humber Bridge 1000Km Challenge 218 Transport Squadron. 12 noon Start 6 Garden of Remembrance dedication York 6 Poppy Tank Pull 218 Transport Squadron Middleton Barracks Hull. 7 York Festival of Remembrance 14 Remembrance Parade York 14 Remembrance Parade Beverley Minster. 20 East Riding County Executive Meeting The Octagon Hull 20 TRBL Women s Section East Yorkshire County Annual Conference, Minster Hall, Beverley, 1:45pm prompt 27 Alderson House Xmas Fayre with Father Christmas Branch Management Course, St. Neots DECEMBER County Management Course London, Haig House JANUARY North Yorkshire County Annual Conference Venue TBC 8 East Riding Standard Bearers Competition Halifax Barracks start. 15 East Riding of Yorkshire County Annual Conference The Octagon, Hull MARCH Regional Standard Bearers Competition, The Galtres Centre, Easingwold IF YOU HAVE A LOCAL EVENT, PLEASE LET THE COUNTY SECRETARY KNOW IN ORDER TO INCLUDE IT IN THE EVENTS DIARY This Diary of Events is up-dated regularly and any items of interest to the Ex-Service Community are welcome. It is circulated to all Branches within the County and to other Service Associations on request to the County Secretary. Entries are welcome and should be addressed to the County Secretary, at the address below, preferably in writing, or kthornton@britishlegion.org.uk The East Riding County Website can be accessed through Beehive, Royal British Legion North Yorkshire Website through PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL MEMBERSHIP, PROPERTY, DISCIPLINARY ETC. ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO- COUNTY SECRETARY, KIMBERLEY THORNTON Ground Floor, Unit 4, Triune Court, Monk's Cross Business Park, YORK, YO32 9GZ TELEPHONE:

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