Legion news & events in Suffolk
Have you ever seen eighteen Standard Bearers ten feet tall? I have often felt pride when carrying a Standard whether at a Branch or County event, but never like this before. But this indeed was how we felt on Sunday at the 'Support for Heroes' event at Glemham Hall during the grand finale when we 'took the salute' as the performers left the arena. With over 1000 re-enactors filing past us in their splendid uniforms depicting military styles from over two and a half thousand years from the ancient Greeks through the English Civil War, the American Civil War and on to more modern times. We certainly felt humbled, and it must have brought a dampness to the eyes of more than one of us I am sure.
We were bowed to, curtsied to, had hats doffed to, arms opened to, pikes banged against chest armours to, swords and muskets raised to, cheered to, received eyes-right to, saluted to in the modern way, you name it we received it depending on the saluting fashion of the period they were displaying. We even had fighting tanks and Armoured Personnel Carriers file past with their crews at the salute. Furthermore, although not actually directed at us so much, we had a final fly-past of two P51 Mustangs. All this took place as we stood at the Carry on the hill overlooking the crowd of visitors estimated at over 10,000 people. This crowd, being led by the presenters, showed their appreciation more than once for the support that The Royal British Legion gives to the armed forces past and present.
"We had people leaving the grand finale and the Royal British Legion standards in tears - it was very moving." EADT.
GLEMHAM HALL REPORT
From Barney Adlington
Just a short note to heap praise on the standard bearers who attended the event at Glemham Hall. They were absolutely fantastic.
The drumhead service was a triumph of overcoming difficulties, good liaison and patience from all involved and thanks to Rev'd Richard Stretch from St Peters in Stowmarket. His perseverance was magnificent. Also, to Ceddy Palfrey for agreeing to assist at such short notice, even though he no longer serves as a deputy parade marshal for the county.
I would also like to thank Adrienne and Sandra for the support leading up to the event. This is what teamwork is about.
I was unable to see the effect of the standards during the finale, but several have mentioned the spectacle of Royal British Legion Standards flying full and proud as they took the salute of the parade of 1000 participants who showed their respect and honoured the work of The Royal British Legion.
During the finale, the standard bearers were in the carry for 15 - 20 minutes as the parade marched off to the applause of the crowd, but the two loudest cheers were for the serving members of the Light Dragoons and the standards of The Royal British Legion and what they represented. In my opinion, I think ours was a slightly louder cheer!
My deepest appreciation and admiration goes out to all the standard bearers who attended the event and whose professionalism and strength made the event a top drawer advertisement for the Legion.
Whatever one's opinion of Help 4 Heroes, it was made abundantly
clear by the welcome we were given, the assistance received and the
way The Royal British Legion was referred to by the announcers,
that the organisation is highly respected and the leader for
welfare among the serving and ex-service communities.
Dates in 2010
From, or Via, County Secretary
8/7/2010:
Dear All:
The next County Recruiting Officers' course will take place at Stratford-Upon-Avon over the weekend of 24 - 26 Sep 2010, which is currently, under-subscribed. Would you therefore please canvas your Branches and County for volunteers to attend this course and submit details of nominations of those wishing to attend to your RPMO as soon as practicable.
The course is open to all Trained RAs and those untrained
Members who you feel are competent enough to attend and pass.
Applications should be submitted to your RPMO for endorsement.
(via County Secretary)
Regards
County Standard Bearers' Competition: 11 September 10.30 Saturday.
90th Anniversary Lunch: 30 September
Leiston Festival of Remembrance: 10 November
Bury St Edmunds Festival of Remembrance: 11 November at The Apex
The winner of the Youth Standard Bearers' Competition was Jamie
Spall from the AAC Cadets, seen here in the centre with a light
blue beret.
On Sunday 6th September 2009 an event was held at Landguard Fort Felixstowe to remember the onset of hostilities 70 years previously when WWII started. Two British Legion Bands performed music for the audience and at the various parades that were held both at the Fort and in the town of Felixstowe earlier in the day - Leiston Band and the Long Melford Corps of Drums. Displays were also held by the Polo Majorettes and the Legion's Riders Branch as well as parades by the Standard Bearers. Other displays were hidden away in various rooms of the Fort.
The winners of this year's competition were John Levy (third from
left, back row) and Mrs Shelia Jeffrey (second from left front
row).
If you have a branch or club event you'd like listed here, contact our County web editor, Mike Marsh g4ggc@talk21.com.
