Minutes of the Toddington Branch of The Royal British Legion
Committee Meeting 19:30hrs
Tuesday 21st April 2026
1. Present – Lee Stone, Lynda Bryant, Debbie Gibbons, Graeme Kelly, Melanie Parker, Bil Levinson, Glen Gadsden.
2. Apologies – John Wood, Pippa Brazier.
3. Silent Tribute.
4. Exhortation
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
we will remember them.
5. Previous Meeting – Committee Meeting – 24th February 2026
Proposed – Graeme Kelly
Seconded – Debbie Gibbons
6. Matters Arising
There were no matters arising were discussed at the meeting.
7. Deputy Chairmans Report & Correspondence
1. County have sent us the RBL Public Liability Insurance certificate for 2025-26 which we will need when we attend some of this year’s public events.
2. We have received some information regarding THE LAMP LIGHT OF PEACE IN REMEMBRANCE 11AM – 11 NOVEMBER 2026. Those who already have Lamp Lights of Peace are being encouraged to re-light them at 10.57am on 11th November this year, and those that do not are being invited to obtain one (see page 16) of the Guide, lighting them at this time too, as well as becoming involved in the other simple aspects of this event should they wish to, especially as it is planned that this will become an annual event, so, once obtained, Lamps can be relit for many years to come as the event grows in size, meaning and stature throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and other countries around the world, helping us to promote peace throughout this troubled world of ours, with the flame from the Lamps representing the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war. More about this at our next meeting in May.
3. Matt Quick, Ceremonial Officer for the Royal British Legion, Bedfordshire has written with details of a course that is being held for prospective Parade Marshals. The course is being run at National Level and will equip the prospective Parade Marshal with the skills to run parades at local and County level. Ex Military service is not a prerequisite for the course as far as I am aware but would be a useful background to have. The location for the course is at Loughborough and applications for the course are to be sent no later than 22 MAY 26. I have more details if anyone is interested.
4. There is a St George’s Day Concert on Saturday 25th April at 7.00pm at All Saints Church, Leighton Buzzard. Tickets £12 for adults, children £6. I have the poster here with more details.
5. The launch of Fireside Chats takes place on the 22nd of April 6.30pm-8pm. This is an online event talking to a member of the Armed Forces Community. Episode 1: RBL’s Jon Summerson will interview Steve Armon. Across 24 years in the infantry, from Northern Ireland to Iraq and five tours of Afghanistan. Lynda has circulated the email to all members with email.
Also:
6. Graeme is creating another advert for us to go into the next copy of the Village Magazine. It will inform villagers that we will be attending the Village Fete.
8. Future Events
20th June - Summer Fete. Branch Stand alongside the Poppy Appeal stand. Also a board to display RBL Literature to encourage new Members and perhaps pop-up banners.
Volunteers to run this will include – John, Lynda, Lee, Graeme and Bil.
Other possible events.
Summer BBQ and Treasure Hunt, run as a fund raiser. Dates being considered are – Sunday 28th June (1st preference) or 5th July, to be held at Toddington Social Club. Cost to be confirmed but possible price to be £5 per adult with children 15 and under Free. Members, friends, family, members of the public welcome. Food proposed is Burgers, Sausages and Salad. We will need to know numbers in advance (if possible) so that we don’t under or over cater. Timings 12.30pm – 4.30pm, which includes a period of time for the Treasure Hunt (for those wishing to do it). We’ll also have background music playing.
Also discussed is to have a Raffle at this event to include the blanket/throw donated from Pat Chittleburgh.
12th July – Wingfield Car Show. Melanie is going to enquire about having our stall there. Attendees will be Melanie, Debbie, Bridie and John.
9. Reports
9.1 Poppy Appeal Update – Melanie Parker
No recent changes to the local poppy appeal figures, remaining as:
The Current figures as of 16th February are:
Local figures - £17,098.80
Luton schools - £13,855.82
Overall total - £30,954.62
Bedfordshire Poppy Appeal update:
Bedfordshire total 2024/25 £429,115.04
Bedfordshire total 2025/26 £421,430.23
Bedfordshire contactless total £145,418.28
Nationwide, the figure for the Poppy Appeal Total 2025/26is £54.1million. A 5% increase on last year.
For the Fete this year I have some pins for Armed Forces Day, if anyone wants one let me know.
9.2 Treasurer – Debbie Gibbons
|
Branch Funding Initiative as of 30/06/25
|
£59.93
|
|
Current Account
|
3,449.80
|
|
Branch Funding Initiative Sept 2025 – Jun 2026
|
0.60
|
|
Balance 21 Feb 26
|
£3,510.33
|
9.3 Membership Secretaries Report – Bil Levinson
From the latest membership list on 19th April 2026, we have 57 members. I have written a programme in Excel VBA to check the membership from the previous month to this month. Using this data and if they are not too old, I will email them to thank them for their support. (Gentle reminder that they haven’t renewed). If they are quite old, I will assume that they have passed away.
9.4 Branch Website Report
Umbraco, the membership website has been fixed, and I am now able to enter data. I have updated the website with the latest minutes.
9.5 Standard Bearer – Pippa Brazier
I have not attended any events this month and I have no forthcoming events planned.
9.6 Branch Community Support – Lee Stone
I have not been asked to support anyone.
9.7 Branch Facebook Page – Graeme Kelly
Followers have increased to 30 up 3 from 27 last report.
All performance is showing an increase in views, interactions, visits and followers.
I have increase in our posting on the last couple of months still having the remembered with honour but adding in the magazine poster and World War 1 to present day history posts like the George Cross award to Malta, as well as up come post on operations.
These other style posts are to try and increase activity on the page.
Views are around 12 to 24 people, reach up to 30 but likes are still low at around 3 to 4.
Once dates are confirmed or close to events, we are doing more postings for these too.
10. Any other Business.
No other business.
11. Next Meeting
The next meeting will be at 19:30hrs on Tuesday 19th May 2026.
If any member would like to attend a committee meeting, please contact Lee Stone or Lynda Bryant and we can send you the details.
The meeting was closed at 20:37 hrs.
