Home Highlights Objectives News Photo Gallery Video Gallery Memories Instructors Events Guest Book Join Us Contact Us Links Branch News The Royal British Legion Youth Band - Brentwood The Band Room, The Drive, Warley, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3BH Telephone : 01277 221967 Fax : 01277 221967		Branch News Paul Ainsworth editorial@gazettenews.co.uk VOLUNTEERS have won awards for their longstanding dedication to the Poppy Appeal. Sheila Nightingale, 73, from Glovers Field, Kelvedon Hatch, was the longest serving volunteer to receive an Award from the Brentwood and District branch of the Royal British Legion. In total more than 15 awards were given to volunteers who brave all weathers for the worthy cause, but Mrs Nightingale is leading by example with 40 years of service. She first started house-to-house collecting on the road where she lives all those years ago, and took a more Active role after retiring from work at the fire station headquarters in Hutton at the same time as Poppy Appeal organiser Eunice Woolmore. As well as house-to-house collecting, Mrs Nightingale now distributes boxes and tins to plenty of shops, Businesses and other venues in Kelvedon Hatch, Stondon Massey and Navestock. She then collects them all back in again, gives each venue a card telling them how much they raised and puts up the total amount raised in each village on the notice boards. Services Sheila said: "I lost my uncle and godfather in the Second World War in 1944. That really started it as a youngster. I went to the memorial services where we lived in Newbury Park. Then when I moved to Kelvedon Hatch I got involved with the Poppy Appeal. "I love meeting up with people and trying to encourage them to remember what has happened." Mrs Nightingale, who was awarded a 40 year bar to attach to her long service medal, added: "I will continue as long as I can, putting one foot in front of another, with Eunice chasing behind me." Those receiving 10 year service certificates were Ruth Dimond, Sheila Hall, Richard Morris, Angela Rogers, John Webb and John Woolmore. Twenty year badges went to Peggy Billinge, Mrs Clarke, Sue Ennals, Mrs Parish and Diane Mills. A 25-year award was awarded to Mrs Cosgrove. 30 year service medal was awarded to Mrs Sullivan. A long service medal with a 35 year bar went to Mrs Currie. Corporate certificates also went to Blenheim House in Warley and The Old House in Brentwood. At the presentation last week it was announced Essex had broken the £1million mark for the most recent Poppy Appeal, which included more than £40,000 collected by the Brentwood and District branch. Mrs Woolmore, who is also branch secretary, said: "I wouldn't be able to do this without these people helping me. "A lot of people say they do not need an award but it is our way of thanking them. It is the only way we can thank them." The awards were presented by Mrs Woolmore and the branch president Les Paddon, accompanied by the community fundraiser for Essex, Tracey Hall. Sid Bryer and Jim Leggett of the Branch joined the Bands golf day on the 19th May. Sid came first but lost it on count back with 37 points ( or was he a bandit ) The Brentwood Branch of The Royal British Legion made their home in the Band Room in November 2003. Since then the membership has increased significantly and the Branch enjoys a thriving, active and friendly atmosphere. Members meet on the second Tuesday of each month and have guest speakers at each meeting. Membership is open to all and costs £12.00 per annum. In 2004 the Thursday coffee morning was introduced and has proved to be very popular especially with the gentlemen. Anyone is welcome including non Legion members. 10am. - 12 noon. For membership information telephone the Branch Chairman. Brian Kitchener. 01277 218210.
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