ALBOX RBL NEW CHAIRMAN AND COMMITTEE

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The Albox Branch of The Royal British Legion held its AGM on the 15th November at La Parrilla hotel & restaurant in the main square of Albox.

They said a sad farewell to Chris Pearce, the chairman for the last 3 years and also Jeff Hanson the Poppy Coordinator. Chris spoke at length of the achievements of the Branch in the last year and praised the efforts of the committee in keeping this friendly and busy branch of The Legion going through what have been some difficult times.

With a current membership of 229 it is one of the largest Branches in Spain District North but has only 9 members of the committee plus 3 officers, making for a busy workload. He explained how there are still more vacancies, for Press Officer and vice-chairman plus anyone who just wants to help keep the Branch going as it has to date.

He then went on to announce that the Branch had made over €8000 for the Poppy Appeal throughout the year whilst ensuring members and guests enjoyed themselves.

He had mixed feelings about standing down but felt he had ‘done his bit’ after 3 years at the helm and it was time for someone else to take over. Following the voting procedure, Peter Phillips was elected as new chairman, Filip Ostrowski continues as Secretary whilst Elsa Brennan also continues as Treasurer. The committee was also voted on as follows;-

Marianne Pearce continues as Welfare Chairperson, Bob Cowan remains as Social Secretary and Sandra Tucker remains as Membership Secretary. Liz Hartley will continue as Membership Liaison with Ella Dring continuing to help out on the Social & Poppy sub-committees.

New to the committee are David Wells as Assistant Treasurer, Roy and Sarah Edkins as Poppy Coordinators, Brian Gyer on the Social Sub-committee with Julia Deneen organizing raffles and also helping on sub-committees.

The new chairman closed the meeting by thanking Chris and Jeff for their hard work and confirming they would both be missed on the committee. He explained how the vast workload has been spread by way of the sub-committees but there is still a need for more volunteers on the committee.

He will have to continue in the roles of Press Officer and Recruitment and Retention Officer until replacements are found. He looks forward to working closely with adjoining Branches and an enjoyable year ahead.

If you want more details or want to become a member and help with The Legion’s good work for British serving and ex-service personnel and their families (you don’t need to be ex-forces to join) go along to one of the meetings or contact the Chairman Peter Phillips on 693483392 email: peatpee@sky.com or visit the web site at www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/albox.