RSA East London Branch - Chairmans Report

January 2010

After a rather difficult start to the year we managed to resettle into our old haunts at Gordon Road.  After canceling the January Meeting and holding the February one at Ilford Royal British Legion we got back to the old Sgts Mess at Ilford TAC, albeit with little furniture and no pictures and no bar.   But gradually things improved and by about August the place was refurnished and the bar stocked.   We even got a new bar lady, Caroline who is a transferee from 36 Regt to 101(EOD) RE.

We were unable to organise our Annual Dinner and Dance due to the uncertainties, but did manage two highly successful Supper dances in April and November at the British Legion.   We had a superb talk from WO2 Day of the RE's on Bomb Disposal, which was quite and education for Signallers and their wives.   We had a couple of SSAFA Concerts to attend and visits were made to the Annual Royal Signals Association Reunion at Blandford, Arborfield for the REME open day and Ypres for the annual pilgrimage to the Menin Gate.

Everything got back to normal at the Remembrance Parade Sunday when we were treated to a magnificient curry lunch cooked by Shirley, the bar was packed with friends and family and new friends were made with the new incumbents.  A truly special day after a rather traumatic year.

Finally, I would like to thank the Committee for all the work they do behind the scenes.  Alan Turner has been absolutely brilliant as our Secretary, Mick O'Brien has finally got our accounts changed over after a year of trying and Anita, Ted, Linda and Neill made light of very difficult circumstances. 

Thank you for your continued attendance and loyalty and I hope that 2010 is a more successful year for the branch.

Paul Burton

Major (Rtd), Chairman

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