January 7th 2021.

Bob Peedle writes:



2021 closed for the Seahaven Branch of The Royal Society of St George with a busy December. A good way to end not the best of years. 

We started the month with an invite for a couple of us to join in a reception at the Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity at their base between Cuckfield and Staplefield. This was an excellent event to thank those, (including our branch), for the support given. National Chairman RSSG Joanna Cadman also attended as a member of our Charitable Trust, as did our Committee members Nick and Jan Dutt. The entertainment was by the D.Day Darlings and Sergeant Major Colin Thackery, a Chelsea Pensioner who was winner of Britain's Got Talent in 2019.

Next saw President Laurie Holland, Chairman Bob Peedle and Treasurer Jan White visit Florence House in Seaford to meet Mairin Colleary and Susie Silvester, both Trustees of the Youth Counselling Project, which now has a team for each of the five Seaford Schools. Our contribution was to provide finance for various items of admin and aids for all five schools. This is proving to be a very successful local charity that we have helped before.

The sad news on that day, the 20th of December, was that many of us were unable to get over to Beckenham, South London for the funeral of a dear friend and member, Colonel Keith Barker TD. He was an early member of the branch. He was a veteran of D Day, where he received his fourth injury of the war and was awarded a mention in despatches for bravery. He had since received the French Legion d'Honour. He left the RNVR after the war as a Sub Lieutenant and moved over to the TA and became an officer with the RMP. He is sorely missed.

Our last event was on the 21st of December, with a Christmas Lunch at the Inn on the Park, Deanlands. Although Covid affected the number present, it was a glorious affair, and after various lockdowns since we were there last, it was a delight to be back. Prizes were awarded for the best 'Christmas' style of dressing up. The judge was National Chairman Joanna Cadman. First Prize went to Bill Harrop and runner up Bob Newton for his festive socks!


https://rssg.org.uk/branches/uk/south/seahaven/