September 16 2015.


Members and guests of the Seahaven branch of The Royal Society of St George held a dinner at the Seaford Head Golf Club yesterday to mark Battle of Britan day. The guests included Flight Lieutenant Michelle Sheriff, the CO of 1218 Squadron of the Air Training Corps, along with Cadet Flight Sergeant Luke Williams.

As branch President Laurie Holland had been disabled by a minor operation, his duties were taken by Vice President Cllr. Steve Saunders. Highlights of his evening were a number of presentations.

Firstly the branch had purchased some new clothing to help the Seaford Lifeguards and Steve presented a sample of these to Lifeguard Chairman, Pete Gwillam. 

Next, on behalf of the Joint Committee that organised this year’s Veterans and Armed Forces Day last June, Vice President Steve, along with the Mayor of Seaford, Cllr. David Argent, presented the Air Training Corps with a cheque representing their portion of the surplus proceeds of the day. The Joint committee consists of Seaford Town Council, Seaford RBL and Seahaven Branch The Royal Society of St. George. This was immediately followed by a presentation to the Flight Lieutenant of a similar cheque by Dr. Peter Fenwick OBE, President of Seaford Rotary, being a portion of the profits of the day by Rotary’s Tavern in the Tent. Flight Lieutenant Sheriff explained how the money will be used to enhance the training facilities and the formation of the Squadron Band. On Armed Forces Day, the ATC Drums led the parade of veterans and cadets. The Sea Cadet Corps will be receiving their cheques from the committee and Seaford Rotary at the Trafalgar Day Commemoration on the 21st of October at Deans Place Hotel, Alfriston.

Before reminding diners of the events of 75 years ago over London and the South of England, Chairman, Bob Peedle MBE, welcomed the guests. In his announcements he referred to the marvellous response that had come about following the death last July of his wife Maureen, who had been a founder Committee Member of the branch. A total of over £2000 had been donated instead of floral tributes, a sum that was added to as he spoke. This sum is being divided between Arthritis Research UK, Cancer Research UK and the Seahaven Branch of The Royal Society of St. George. Bob took the opportunity to thank, on behalf of the family, all those who made these wonderful donations.

Grace before the dinner was said by branch Chaplain, Revd. David Farrant, the loyal toast was given by Vice President, Steve Saunders, and the toast ‘The Few’ was given by Chairman, Bob Peedle, who also gave the final toast ‘England and St. George’.

Another successful raffle organised by committee member Maeve Mabey raised a healthy sum for branch funds and this was enhanced by the auction of two Battle of Britain framed jig-saws, each with a set of first day cover Battle of Britain stamps.

Three of the Seahaven Mayors were present. As well as branch members Cllr. Steve Saunders (Newhaven) and Cllr. David Argent (Seaford), diners welcomed the cheerful presence of Cllr. Wayne Botting (Telscombe), who did his bit in helping Vice President Steve hand out the prizes during the raffle.


Pictured: The Mayor of Seaford and the branch Vice President with a delighted Flight Lieutenant Michelle Sheriff of Newhaven’s 1218 Squadron, Air Training Corps.