Our Branch News
March 2nd 2011,
At tonights RBL meeting at Sneezum Court, a new president was appointed.
Following the recent and sudden death of Mr Gordon Stevenson 2 months ago, the Branch Chairman had sounded out the Vice Presidents and as a result proposed that Mr John Doyle be the new president. Those present were delighted when he accepted.
John has a long history of serving his community where ever he has lived.
He is particularly proud of doing his national service in the Royal Navy and I am sure his sense of duty to serve others was strengthen in those days. After marrying Audrey they spent most of their working life in London. Where that sense of duty did not leave him He was school governor for 35 years at a 1600 place Dagenham comprehensive and he eventually became chairman. Since moving to downham he has been Chairman of Hillcrest school' governors for nearly a decade. He has been Mayor twice, Deputy Mayor twice and is well known and respected in the Town.
The photo is of Mr john Doyle being congratulated by the Branch Chairman, Mr Horace Cross, watched by past president Mr Ivan Sneezum
click here for photo
On 7th November 2011, the Stone Cross War Memorial to 2 local men lost in first World war was rededicated by Father James Mather, local chaplain to the Downham and District RBL
The war memorial was erected in 1917 using an old "boundary stone" as its base, The lads came from Bexwell and Ryston parishes and the stone marks their junction with Downham Market.
In recent years this privately erected war memorial had become overgrown and neglected and the hidden away- difficult to access lying as it does in an unmarked area
just off the bypass, opposite "Arbuckles the DIner"
Earlier this year th 2 youngsters spotted it on a cycle ride in a very delapitated state and were determined to clean it up. Encouraged by their parents and entering the project for a Duke of Edinburg award , the local RBL gave them the funds to acquire the tools and provide ground cover
of bark and pavings., Today the site and memorial was in a clean and proud condition
Credit was paid to them by the Honary President Mr Ivan Sneezum who had unsuccessfully campaigned for several years to have the cross moved to a more visible site like Bexwell church yard, and by Mr Michael Pratt , nephew of one of the men, the chairman of the RBL Mr Horace
Cross and finally by the Town Mayor Mrs Cllr Valerie Starling who gave them letters of recomendation to add to their portfolios for their award.
A good crowd turned out on a damp misty November afternoon to take part and witness the rededication .
The Launch of Poppy Appeal in Downham market was attended by the Mayor Cllr. Mrs Valerie Starling with her Consort Mr Ray Starling Also attending were the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Mr Robin Page, the Town Crier and various members of the RBL
Lovely sunshine and the market stalls as well as the RBL stall did a roaring trade this morning. (28 October)
The new Town Mayor of Downham Market, Cllr Mrs Val Starling, visited the town's Friday market where the RBL set up a stall to raise awareness of the 90th anniversary of the National Founding of the RBL in 1921
The mayor was met by the new Branch President Mr. John Doyle; she admired the stall set up by Ms Rose Gidney helped by the chairman Horace Cross; and chatted with volunteer standard bearers, and members of the RBL.
1. John Crisford, the National Vice Chairman of the RBL at downhams dinner April 16th 2011 picture
2. VIPS. Gentlemen are L to R Major Bill Kerr, Downham's Mayor Cllr John Fox, the Branch Chairman Mr Horace Cross, the new President of the local Branch, Cllr John Doyle, and National Vice Chairman Mr John Crisford. In the centre is Deputy Mayor Cllr. Mrs Val Starling. picture
3. Happy faces at the dinner, young and old picture (1) picture (2)
The local RBL lost a few members this year but their widows enjoyed the ocasion and recalled happy memories.
4. Joyce, widow of JOHN LEACH, and her daughter Trudy. picture
5. Rita the widow of Gordon Stevenson, with friend Betty Woodleigh picture
A worthy gin winner
6. Mrs Freda Rumball , 52 years a poppy appeal collector, wins a bottle of Gin at the RBLdinner. she is presented with her prize by the mayoress of Downham Market: Mrs Margaret Fox. picture
Mayor of Downham Market, 2008-2009, passed away early in January 2011. A great character with a great sense of fun, who was, never the less, hard working and committed to his family, work and the community. A supporter of the Royal British Legion he attended many functions in his capacity as councillor and mayor and ensured that the Legion’s events were one of the Town’s priorities.
A devoted family man, husband for over 50 years, father, grandfather and foster father to many. He was well known as an enthusiastic market trader, and the town will mourn his passing. The Legion’s sympathy goes to Joyce his wife, (they met as children) and family and friends.
It is WITH REGRET that Downham and District Branch of the Royal British Legion announces the death of our president, Mr Gordon Stevenson on Wednesday 5th January, 2011.
He had been a member for nearly 50 years during which time he served his County, Group, and Branch in many capacities. He joined the British Legion when he completed his National Service in the Royal Artillery and has been a continuous member since. Our sympathies go to his wife, Rita who supported him in all the Legion events, and to his family. He will be sorely missed.
Mr Gordon Stevenson.
1935-2011
The funeral for Gordon was held at a very full St Martin’s, the Parish church for Fincham in Norfolk, on the 14th January (Gordon’s Birthday). The service was attended by past police colleagues as well as many villagers, friends and family. The Royal British Legion turned out in force due to Gordon’s long and respected work for the Legion. Tributes were paid by Gordon’s granddaughter’s, Atlanta and Donna (just 13 years old) who gave moving tributes to a loving grandfather. The chairman of the Downham and District RBL Branch, Mr Horace Cross, gave a summary of Gordon’s life.
“During his National Service Gordon served with the Royal Artillary, and joined the Police Force when that ended, serving many communities throughout Norfolk for 30 or more years. When he, and Rita who he met and married at Sprowston in 1956, retired, they were living at Fincham, so he transferred to the Downham Branch of the RBL in about1986. He had served as Secretary, County Committee member, Vice Chairman at Downham and in 2009 became Downham’s president. The same year he was awarded a Legion Gold Badge. He had completed nearly 50 years of service to the Legion. He was a great fund raiser at coffee mornings, raffles, dinners and quizzes, and also organised “trips” to the Battlefields in France and to the Arboretum”.
The coffin escorted into the church by about 15-20 Standards from County, Branch and the Women’s sections, and the last post was played at the interment in the churchyard afterwards.
His son Peter hosted a reception at the Angel Public house afterwards (where Gordon held his quizzes) and Rita was able to receive personal respects.
It was threatening to rain but by 2pm members of the public were already beginning to gather at the War memorial for the service due to start at approximately 2.40pm. Dignitories from RAF Marham, the Borough Mayors office and the MP for West Norfolk also collected together nearby.
They were The Town Mayor Cllr Mr John FoxBorough Cllr,and Deputy Boro Mayor Mr Trevor Manley and his wife Coral,
The West Norfolk MP, The Hon Elizabeth Truss Wing Cmdr Dharamraj, OC Base Support Wing. representing The Officer Commanding RAF Marham and Captain Ben Stone, whose regiment is base at RAF marham.
On the Town Hall car park about 25 organisations were being lined up to parade to the war memorial from 230pm prompt.
The Hilgay Brass Band commenced to play a marching tune, and the RAF Parade Commander called for the parade to start on time.
At the memorial , the organisations were guided into place and it was a joy to see some very young participants in the front row. There were an impressive display of a about 12 Standards.
Wreath laying was smoothly organised by the Chair of the RBL, Downham and District Branch, Mr Horace Cross. The buglar was Mr. Stuart Dean who played the last post and the reveille to mark the period of silence. Fr Mather said a few prayers, the dignitories move to the saluting base in Church Road. The parade from the memorial was led off by the RAF contingency to give the salute enroute to the Parish church, St Edmunds.
The church was overfull, but most were able to stand inside even if a seat was not available
Following the service most of those taking part had tea in the church Hall. The mayor thanked volunteers for the magnficent spread of cakes and sandwiches
Click here for pictures Remembrance Day 2010
On a damp and blustery morning in Downham Market's town square, approximately 100 town's people gathered with the Royal British Legion and Civic party to participate in the 2 minutes silence, (Pause and Remember) and the short service that followed.
Shortly before 11am the buglar played the Last Post, the chair of the Royal British Legion said the words of the Kohima, during which a loud bang ( a Maroon) was sounded to alert the Town that the silence was about to begin. Following the silence , the buglar played the Reveille and Fr. James Mather said a few words and prayers in which the crowd joined in.
3 schools in the town were represented , the 2 junior schools of Hillcrest and Clackclose, and from the High School
Children spoke poems or prayers that they had chosen themselves. Many present commented on the high standard and confidence these yougsters displayed.
Finally the Mayor thanked everyone for their presence there today and complimented the children on their participation.
When all was over the standard bearers escorted the schoolchildren up to the war memorial to lay their own wreaths and crosses.
Click Here for Images
BRIEF ON EX MERCHANT SEAMAN
VICTOR NORMAN CORNEll
click here for pictures
Date of Birth : 21-09-1926
Service Dates: 10 December 1943 to 14 May 1947 ( Joined at age 17)
Ships Served: Highland Chieftain, Tynemouth ( Sandhoe), Samidway, Diomed and Essex Trader.
Mr Cornell, Victor, joined the Merchant Navy at the early age of 17 and joined his first ship, The Highland Chieftain, at Avonmouth
His first voyage was Liverpool to Port Said via Naples in Convoy KMF 028 - (The KMF series initially carried troops and equipment to North Africa in support of Operation Torch. When the Mediterranean became accessible the destination was extended further to Alexandria and Port Said)- she carried 1334 troops. There were 25 merchant ships and 23 Escorts in this convoy
Almost immediately they sailed from Naples to Oran under convoy NSF 014 and alternated between the two ports with convoys NSF 015, SNF 015 and NSF 016 and SNF 016 before returning to Liverpool with Convoy MKF 029 arriving 16 March 1944.
At Liverpool he left this ship had some leave and and signed on the Tynemouth on the 2 August 1944 at the Clyde. From where she sailed to Liverpool to join convoy ON 248S and sail for Halifax Nova Scotia wher she visited Sheet harbour before returning to Southend independantly
The sailed from Southend to Loch Ewe via Tyne and Methy before joining convoy ONS34 to Halifax wher the visted West Bay, Parrsboro Windsor and St Johns before returning to Liverpool mid October 1944 The ship went for repairs to Barry (Extensive damage to bottom about 40 plates!)
The ship signed off Victor in Liverpool and joined the Samidway, on 17 October 1944, a American Liberty ship built in 1943, At this time she had been alocated to The Russian convoy, but was stood down 24/October 1944, She was then sailed to New York returning December 1944. She then sailed for India via Port Said , Aden, Cochin, Colombo, Vizag, Madras and Calcutta. She returned the same way calling at Gibraltar on the 13 May 1945. From Gibraltar she was dispatched to Lagos and Freetown returning to Gibraltar in July 1945. She sailed to Marseilles Naples and Cassablanca arriving on September 8th 1945. The Samidway was in Marseilles for VJ day so I expect Victor took part in the celebrations there.
Mr Cornell stayed in the Merchant Navy until May 1947 when he returned to civilian life. He was awarded the 1939/45 Star, The Atlantic Star and the War Medal earlier this year
Prepared by Major (Retd) W D Kerr R.E.
The dinner, it took place on Saturday April 17th, 135 people attended, Dignitary's were Downham Town Mayor & Mayoress, John and Audrey Doyle, Deputy Major & Mayoress John and Margaret Fox, also attending County Chairman Colin Kemp with his wife Jan, as you know it took place in Downham Town Hall
The Remembrance parade in Downham Market was led by the Band of March Town ATC, The Parade consisted of many organisations, a detachment from RAF Marham, Downham Mayor Cllr John Doyle, Town Councillors, Royal British Legion, Deputy Borough Mayor of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk Cllr Collin Sampson, MP for South West Norfolk, Group Capt Rep RAF Marham, Royal Air force Association, Royal Navel Association, Norfolk Constabulary, Chamber Trade, Rotary, Round Table, Lions, Lioness's, Royal Ancient Of Buffaloes, Norfolk Regiment, Korean Veterans Association, Navel Cadets, ATC, Army Cadets, Ancient order of Foresters, Red Cross, St Johns, Boys Brigade, Scouts, Brownies. An estimate of 450 people attended the service in St Edmunds Church
For 11 of 11 on Town Square many people attended including many school children, The Town can be proud.
On Sunday 13th September a ceremony took place to Re Dedication of Standards, very big event where about 30 plus Standard Bearers paraded to St Edmunds church for a service (Click Here for Pictures)
The bowler hatted gentleman is Major Bill Kerr (Retd) who handed the Armed Forces flag to the Mayor of Downham Market, Cllr John Doyle, to raise on the Town Hall's flag staff at the beginning of Armed Forces week. A short service was held on the Town Square. Major Bill Kerr is co ordinating the event of raising the County Standards on September 13th in Downham.
On
Sunday 24th March 2002, the Downham and District Branch held their 80th
Anniversary celebrations, a parade through Downham town centre followed
by a church service - exactly 80 years to the day since the branch was formed.
The day started with a wreath-laying ceremony led by Branch Chairman Horace
Cross, along with other members at the Downham War Memorial, in memory of
past branch members. During the afternoon standard bearers of the Royal
British Legion, Norfolk display team took centre stage and then the parade
formed led by Hilgay Band.
Wing Commander Mike Oldham, acting Station Commander at RAF Marham, took
the salute before the parade arrived at St. Edmund's church where the Rev.
James Mather conducted the special service. This included the blessing of
an 80th Anniversary pennant which will be attached to the Branch Standard.
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After 40 years of faithful service, our Standard has been replaced in a special dedication service held at Stradsett Church on Sunday 7th September 2003. The service was attended by 200 members and their guests.
The service was conducted by padre the Reverend John Freston and Downham vicar Father James Mather, whose parish also includes Stradsett. The Last Post was played by Bill Wells.
Our thanks to Sir Jeremy Bagge for allowing the service to be held at the church and for the use of the stables for refreshments and celebrations after the service
The event was
organised by Vice-president Albert Brown who also laid a poppy wreath on
the memorial stone of Sir Paul Hawkins a former branch president
Chairman's note: "I would like to thank all those, who thorugh their
help and donations made the acquistion of our new standard possible"
Horace
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Earlier this year a coach trip to Normandy which was organised by Branch Vice Chairman Gordon Stevenson. Legion Members many from Downham and District Branch, visits are made to Cemetery's and War Graves, on this particular trip it was a very emotional visit for Jack Ambrose who's photograph is on Web Site, when he visited Omaha Beach where he landed on 'D' Day
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The picture is of Jack Ambrose and Eric Covell who recently returned from a trip to Normandy, for Jack it was his first visit in 60 years who with other veterans joined the trip organised by Gordon Stevenson and Peggy Seymour of the Downham Branch. Having been invited to lay a wreath Jack placed a wreath at the Bayeux Cemetery, while Eric placed his at the Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha beach
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Last Year's 85th anniversary dinner for the Branch was such a success organisors have made it an annual event, more than 140 people attended this years dinner. Everyone who attended was welcomed with a glass of sherry, a gift from President Ivan Sneezum. Chairman Horace Cross welcomed civic guests and guest of honour, Warrant Officer Maurice 'Mo' Howard of RAF Marham and his wife Jacqueline
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Remembrance day parade and wreath laying,the parade was led by Kings Lynn Navel Cadet Drum Band, The RAF contingent was from Marham,After wreath laying the parade proceeded to St Edmunds Church where the service was held, the church was full, I was told that 450 people attended, with many youth organisations taking part, as you can see in the photographs. Town Memorial has recently been landscaped. click here to view pictures