Large turn-out to wish Major Norman Larke fond farewell
The annual meeting of Chatteris Royal British Legion was a poignant one for members as they said farewell to their outgoing chair.
There was a large turn out for the meeting at the Cross Keys last Monday with everyone keen to wish Major Norman Larke and his wife good luck as they leave Chatteris to live in Wales near to family.
Major Larke has been chair for almost 20 years and in his report he took the opportunity to thank the members of the branch for their support over the years, paying special mention to the Youth Section, amongst whom, he said it was possible there may be a future chairman for the Chatteris RBL.
Members of his committee were each presented with a certificate of appreciation for their work during the past year and where applicable for their contributions during the years previous during his long tenure.
Elaine King and Judith Bent, daughters of the late Ken and Margaret Gowler also attended.
Ken and Margaret were both past presidents of Branch and Women’s Section and Poppy Appeal organisers for over 30 years and the Youth Awards were created in their memory to help promote the Legion to younger members and celebrate the work they do within and for their communities.
This year, it was a very close run thing, but youth leaders, Becky Edgeley and David Seal, who make the decision based on a points system, decided that the recipient, Marcus Neve, had worked very hard at improving at school, along with their volunteering with the youth section.
This included helping out at Ramsey Rural museum on several occasions, running the youth section fundraising stall at various events and participating in the crafts and grave cleaning activities.
He was a very well deserved winner for the award for 2021.
A new committee waselected with Anne Wells taking over the chairship. Other committee positions remained as previously with the exception of the secretary role which was vacated by Jenny Mandley and taken up by publicity officer, Tina Prior.
