Minutes of the Toddington Branch of The Royal British Legion
Committee Meeting 19:30hrs
Tuesday 21st July 2026
1. Present – Lee Stone, Lynda Bryant, Debbie Gibbons, Pippa Brazier, Graeme Kelly, Melanie Parker, John Wood.
2. Apologies – Bil Levinson.
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 – 16th June 2026
Proposed – John Wood
Seconded – Pippa Brazier
6. Matters Arising
No matters were discussed.
7. Deputy Chairmans Report & Correspondence
1. A revised Ceremonial Handbook has been circulated but as it runs to 151 pages, I haven’t printed it!
2. On 16th July, Lynda sent out an email to our members to inform them that the RBL Band will be playing on 8th August at Flitwick Rufus Centre.
3. We attended the Toddington Village Fete on 20th June. Graeme created a wonderful display with posters, books and other display items and I thank him for all his efforts. Our stand was manned by Graeme, Bil, John, Lynda and me.
4. On Sunday 28th June we held our Summer BBQ at the top bar of the Social Services Club. I estimate that around 25 adults and children attended, including some new faces. We had burgers, hot dogs and salads with 48 burgers and buns donated by a Social Club member, which Glen Gadsden organised. We also raised some money from a raffle, and after expenses we raised a net £100 for Branch funds. Three or four groups of children / families also did the Treasure Hunt that John Wood put together. Thank you for all those who attended.
Also:
5. Pop Up Banners. Were discussed for ideas of wording. The blue one was thought to be fine and the white one wording to be agreed. Graeme is working on this. And enquiries as to the cost of these is being looked at.
6. A new microphone was discussed. It was decided a wireless one might be a good idea. John Wood is going to obtain a price.
8. Future Events
24th October - Coffee Morning. To be discussed in more detail at our next meeting, but the
Toddington Methodist Church Hall is booked.
8th November - Remembrance Sunday.
11th November - Armistice Day.
28th November - AGM
9. Reports
9.1 Poppy Appeal Update – Melanie Parker
Recent collection pot received from the Merchandise & Raffle stall at the fete and the Wingfield Car show amounted to £225.38 in total, the current totals now are as below:
Local figure - £17,336.36
Luton schools - £13,855.82
QR Codes - £694.50
Overall Total - £31,886.68
With no further fundraising this figure will remain the same for this poppy appeal year end, not including any monies raised by Childs Bakers in their All Year Round pot.
9.2 Treasurer – Debbie Gibbons
|
Branch Funding Initiative as of 30/06/25
|
£59.93
|
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Current Account
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3,385.72
|
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Branch Funding Initiative Sept 2025 – Jun 2026
|
1.20
|
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Balance 30 June 26
|
£3,446.85
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Unpresented cheque 100360 -20.00
TOTAL £3,426.85
The Committee all agreed the years accounts and these will now be presented for audit.
9.3 Membership Secretaries Report – Bil Levinson
From the latest membership list on 20th July 2026, we have 52 members.
I have emailed the four people who have not rejoined!
9.4 Branch Website Report
I have updated the website with the latest minutes.
9.5 Standard Bearer – Pippa Brazier
22nd June. Armed Forces flag raising at Chicksands.
25th June. Armed Forces Service at Luton Town Hall.
30th June. Funeral of Michael Thompson at Bedford Crematorium. (He was on the ropes pulling Sir Winston Churchill’s Coffin).
4th July. Capel Manor Military Show, Dorking.
7th July. Funeral Service for Dee Cutis at Toddington St. Georges Church.
11th July. Belgian Parade at Cenotaph & Guards Memorial, London.
17th July. Funeral for Patrick Walsh (R.E.) Bedford Crematorium.
20th July. Standard Bearers Training at Challney Boys School.
Future Events:
August. Maltese Cross Association. Memorial Service at All Hallows, Tower Hill. (R.A.F.A.)
Little Gransden Air Show.
Also:
Pippa has painted the Banner stands in St. Georges Church.
Asked us to consider a service for Armed Forces Day 2027, which will be held on 26th June.
9.6 Branch Community Support – Lee Stone
I have not been contacted by Branch.
No one locally has made any contact. But John Wood said George Day has recently had a fall, was in hospital but now back home. Lee will contact him to see if he needs any help.
9.7 Branch Facebook Page – Graeme Kelly
Followers have stayed at 32 at the time of this report.
This month we have done 8 postings, ranging from Remembered with Honour, Falkland War and event posting/meetings.
Our posting for the BBQ on 28th June had 39 views and 4 likes. And our posting on the Falkland War anniversary has had 46 views and 4 likes, helping to increase our engagement with the public.
10. Any other Business.
Action: Lee Stone will send a Coffee Morning advert to the Toddington Village Magazine to go into the October/November edition.
From September 2026 the National Memorial Aboretum will be getting a new name, it will be known as The RBL National Remembrance Garden.
Melanie Parker has offered to organise a trip to visit this next year. A coach trip for any members interested in going. At the moment we are looking at early September 2027.
11. Next Meeting
The next meeting will be at 19:30hrs on Tuesday 15th September 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 20:57 hrs.
