WE did not have a branch meeting in August but there has been a lot of activity in Worcestershire with some participation by the branch.

On the evening of Saturday, July 26 the Claines branch and supported by Group 3, held a special service of commemoration at Claines church to mark the onset of the First World War. This was a moving service very well attended by the Claines branch the local community and Group 3 with most of the Group standards on parade. Sadly our branch was represented by only two members, one being the chairman who carried the Group 3 standard.

Our next event was the return skittles match with the WI on Friday, August 15 at Madresfield Club and the RBL won by 35 pins. It was a low turn out compared with past years but everyone enjoyed the relaxed fun and social gathering with a thank you to young Sam Lippitt for putting up for us.

On Saturday, August 16 it was the big Artillery show in Worcester with a full day free event on Pitchcroft to include displays of military hardware from the First and Second World Wars and a re-enactment to represent the activities of War Horses in the First World War. To complete the show there was a spectacular display by the RAF Red Falcons parachute team.

The whole event started with a service at the cathedral followed by a Grand Military Parade that marched through the city to Pitchcroft with the Royal Artillery Band leading regimental troops and the parade of veterans following. The veterans consisted of many branch standards and veterans from all branches of the service in Worcestershire and were rewarded with a free lunch in the grandstand restaurant afterwards. Powick and Callow End branch was represented by the chairman.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday, September 9 at Madresfield Club. This meeting is a vital link in the organisation for Remembrance 2014 and we need as many members as possible to attend and with new members always welcome.

JOHN MASON