DAWLISH ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – The Veterans Supper Party has been transferred from this month to next in line with the newly-established Veterans' Day, and will be held in the RBL Headquarters, Park Road, on Tuesday June 27. All ex-service veterans, their wives and widows are welcome to attend. The Dawlish branch Standard was proudly paraded at the re-dedication service of the newly erected war memorial at Powderham, on Sunday, May 14. It was held before the D-Day Commemoration Service of the Exeter Branch No 87 of the Normandy Veterans Association, at St Clement's Church, Powderham. Fred Archer has retired from the post of press liaison officer for the Dawlish branch. My thanks go out to Mr Archer for his help. Taking over the position is Rosemary Bottomley. NEWTON ABBOT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – Before handing over his chain of office this month, the retiring mayor of Newton Abbot, Cllr Ken Lewis, paid tribute to the town's RBL for its help and hospitality during the year, particularly with the numerous services at the war memorial. On May 9, members of 1322 Squadron (Newton Abbot) ATC enjoyed a social evening in the club, and on May 13, visitors from Dawlish RBL enjoyed a social evening involving skittles, pool, darts and bingo. For the first time last season, the club entered a team in the Newton Abbot Euchre League, finishing below mid-table, and this month they were defeated in the second round of the knock-out cup at the hands of the Union Inn. It is a busy month ahead for both branch and club. On Friday, June 2, members of Teignmouth RBL are visiting the club, and on Saturday, June 3, there is entertainment with Irish singer Ann Clancey. Decoration Day is on Sunday, June 4, when there will be a service and poppy crosses laid at the war graves in the Wolborough Cemetery, Newton Abbot, at 10.15am. The following Sunday, a party from the RBL is travelling to Weymouth for the Annual Veterans Parade, and several are taking part. On Tuesday, June 13, the annual RBL evening steam train trip from Buckfastleigh to Totnes and return takes place. The train is being hauled by a heritage steam locomotive and the barbershop quintet Iscapella is providing entertainment during the journey. All proceeds are going to the RBL Poppy Appeal. The duo Dell Boys are entertaining in the club on Saturday, June 17, and a week later Alphington RBL members are visiting.
NEWTON ABBOT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN'S SECTION – Delegate Joan Hewett and standard bearer Bobbie Bayliss attended the National RBL Women's Section Conference in Blackpool from April 25-28. The annual cheese and wine evening is being held in the club function room on Wednesday, June 7, beginning 7.30pm. Tickets are £2.50. Looking ahead to Saturday, July 8, a round robin trip is being organised on coach, train, ferry and boat. It is by coach to Paignton, steam train from Paignton to Kingswear, ferry to Dartmouth, a river trip to Totnes, returning by coach to Newton Abbot. Cost of this excursion is £15.50, and those interested should contact women's section secretary Lillian Balment.