RBL Leighton Buzzard Branch announce changes to the committee
Following the AGM held by the Leighton Buzzard Branch of the RBL, a number of personnel changes occurred on the committee.
Thursday 5th December saw the Leighton Buzzard Branch of the RBL hold it's AGM. The Branch is the charitable arm of the RBL. The primary role is to help raise funds for the National RBL Charity and support Veterans in the local community where possible.
During the AGM a number of announcements were made regarding changes to Branch Officers/Committee Members. Below is our updated key personnel.
Our Branch Officers are:
President:Councillor Mark Freeman Chairman:Stuart Clarke
07711 317187 Vice Chairman:Alan Dill
07792 089382 Branch Secretary:Ken Jones
[email protected] Treasurer:Julie Clarke
07805 901531 Membership Secretary:Mike Lovell (Maj; REME: Rtd)
Branch Community Support Rep:Stuart Clarke
07711 317187 Standard Bearer:Stuart Clarke
07711 317187 Branch Chaplain:Prebendary David McGeoch
C/O All Saints Church, Leighton Buzzard. Poppy Appeal Coordinator:
Laura Lovell
07557 642206 Branch Webmaster/Social MediaWO1 (Rtd) Chris Kierstenson RN
[email protected] Committee MembersSandra Jones
Natalie Skelton
Jane Kierstenson
Arthur Young
Phil Howard
This information is all available on the Branch Website: Royal British Legion Leighton Buzzard Branch.
The following is a copy of the latest Branch headlines from the AGM
The AGM opened with a welcome by Branch Chairman; Stuart Clarke. There was then an opportunity for Branch President; Cllr Mark Freeman to review the past 12 months and thank the Committee/Branch for all that has been achieved.
Alan Dill was confirmed in the role of Vice Chairman on The Branch Committee following signing of the MS1.
George Compton; Former Branch Chairman and Committee member, stood down from the Committee. The Committee thanked him for his service.
Phil Howard stood down as Poppy Appeal Organiser after 3 years in the role. Phil asked to remain a Committee member. The Committee thanked him for his service and agreed he should remain a Committee member in a supporting role.
Laura Lovell; Existing Committee member, assumed the role of Poppy Appeal Coordinator. Laura remains an active member of the Committee.
The Chairman announced that there were currently 2 spaces available on the Committee.
Jane Kierstenson announced that as a Branch Member she would like to join the Committee. The Committee took a vote and a unanimous decision was taken that Jane should become a Committee member in a supporting role.
There were no further takers for the remaining position.
The Committee on behalf of the Branch presented a "Certificate of Appreciation" to WO1( Rtd) Chris Kierstenson RN, in recognition of his media work to raise the profile of the Branch in the local community.
All Committee Members signed the official MS1 To enable the Branch to remain compliant with RBL legislation.
The AGM was provided with a financial update by the Treasurer on the current position of the charity.
The AGM closed with it being announced the first committee meeting for 2025 would be Thursday 9th January.
Forthcoming RBL Events
Tuesday 10th December: The RBL Social Club presents Christmas Bingo. Doors open at 7pm for "Eyes Down" 8pm. This is a Community Event, all are very welcome.
Saturday 14th December: Last Breakfast Club of 2024 (Fully Booked). 0930 at The RBL Social Club.
Saturday 14th December: The Bedfordshire Band of the RBL Christmas Concert. 2pm at The RBL Social Club. This is a Community Event, all are very welcome. Tickets are available via the Club and at the door on the day.
The Bedfordshire Band of the RBL will also be supporting the Town Mayors; Cllr David Bligh, Christmas Concert at 7pm in All Saints Church. Saturday 14th December.
Sunday 15th December: The RBL Social Club will hold their AGM at 11am.
New Years Eve. 7pm until late, Entertainment at the RBL Social Club: Featuring Jennifer and Danny Graceland (Elvis). Tickets for this Community Event are available from the Club. The Club look forward to welcoming you all to see in the New Year.
Finally we would like to announce that the Community of Leighton Linslade has now raised over £35,000 pounds towards this year's Poppy Appeal. With the current financial climate and struggles many people are facing, the Branch truly appreciate YOUR amazing support. We look forward to seeing as many of you at events this month. We wish you all a joyful, peaceful festive period. Thank You.
I would like to add my own personal message if I may!
Throughout the past 12 months with the support of the LBO Team, I have been able to bring you all many articles on what Our Branch has been doing, so thank you to Laura Hutchinson and her Team. But more importantly to me has been the support, You, the Community has shown Our(Your) Branch.
As a Veteran of 32 years Service in the Royal Navy; I have been humbled by many of your own personal experiences when we have spoken. This year we have tried some different approaches to how we conduct ourselves as a Branch, and tried to bring you some different events. A couple of moments of note have been how the Community welcomed Prebendary David, who in turn became our Branch Chaplain (A Padre with many years association with the RBL).
The D-Day Memorial Services, which I was honoured to lead. The Inaugural Poppy Prom Concert, so many of you came along. Finally this year's Remembrance Parade. Throughout your support as a Community has been fantastic. No matter how you are spending the festive period, I hope it brings you peace and joy. Thank You.