The Annual County Conference and Standard Bearers Competition this year was hosted by Stoke-on-Trent No2 Group in Newcastle under Lyme. The conference was held the Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council Chamber at the Civic Offices Merrial Street and the Standard Bearers Competition at the TA Centre.
Amongst the guests where the Mayor of Newcastle under Lyme Councillor & Mrs Colin Brooks, Keynote speaker Mr Andrew Baines (Taking The Legion Forward Programme Manager), Mr Martyn Tighe (National Board of Trustees Member and former County Chairman) Mr & Mrs Alan Batham (West Midland Regional Organiser) and Branch Delegates attending the conference.
Before the start of the conference there was a remembrance ceremony took place at the Newcastle under Lyme War Memorial. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Borough by the Mayor Councillor Colin Brooks, County Chairman Ken Compton, Stoke-on-Trent No2 Group Chairman Bob Rankin and Geoff Davis retiring County Vice-Chairman and President of Newcastle, Chesterton & District Branch. Accompanied by two excellent buglers who played “The Last Post” from Burton-upon-TrentBranch and a good turnout of Group & Branch Standard Bearers from across North Staffordshire.
Mr Andrew Baines (General Manager New Legion Clubs) gave an interesting and informative talk about his new project New Legion Clubs. The concept behind New Legion Clubs had gown out of the Taking The Legion Forward and Legion In The Community Programmes. He told the conference that the overall objective of the new clubs programme plan is to transform RBL clubs into attractive social centres, creating an integral role for them within the new RBL membership organisation.
Ken Compton the newly elected County Chairman reported to the Conference on the Five Year Plan, changes to the County Bye-Laws. Ken and the County President Ken Fielding presented County Appreciation Certificates in recognition of services rendered to the county by Mr………. as the late Hixon Branch Standard Bearer, Mr Martyn Tighe former County Chairman and Geoff Davis retiring County Vice Chairman.
The Annual Standard Bearers Competition this year was won by Mr Derek Bunting of the Stafford Branch. The competition was held at the TA Centre at the invitation of 58 Royal Signals Squadron TA. A better than average field of entrants attended this year and the competition was judged by two top notch judges Mrs Kath Burton and Mr Wilf Overton both from Shropshire Royal British Legion. It is hoped that we will be able to retain their services again for next year.