BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR REMEMBERED IN STYLE


October 23rd, 2017.

Bob Peedle writes:


Last Friday evening saw members and guests of the Seahaven Branch of The Royal Society of St George gathered at Deans Place Hotel in Alfriston to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. The Guest of Honour was Mrs Maureen Chowen, High Sheriff of East Sussex, who thanked the branch on behalf of the guests and praised the generosity of members in being able to make so many gifts to over 26 local worthwhile charities and projects since its formation in 2010, many of whom have received many such gifts.


Chairman, Bob Peedle MBE, announced that the branch had now gained the distinction of being the largest provincial branch in England, second only to the Cities of Westminster and London. At the Royal Society’s AGM at the Tower of London on the previous Saturday, Bob was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Chairman RSSG, Joanna Cadman. Bob said: “To maintain this Centurion status, the branch needs to keep recruiting people who support England, Englishness and the English way of life, and wish to help commemorate our history, especially of those people of all walks of life who have contributed to England, the UK and the Commonwealth over the centuries.” There are over 100 branches of RSSG worldwide.

Following the dinner, the Immortal Memory was proposed by Lt Cdr Richard Stanton RN, who is Chairman of the Sussex Association of Naval Officers. He outlined the rise of Lord Nelson from boy sailor to Admiral and how his revolutionary tactics enabled him to win this and other battles.


Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of two VHF Radio sets to the Newhaven Station of the National Coastwatch Institution. The gift was given by branch President, Laurie Holland to David Crozier, the manager of the station. Members of NCI are all volunteers, who buy their own uniforms, pay their own expenses and have to raise funds for the upkeep of their watchtower, which is next to Newhaven Fort on the cliffs, in order to maintain their vital service to those on the sea and along the coast.

It was a delight to see a Petty Officer and two sea cadets in uniform at the dinner. Petty Officer Chris Taylor brought with him Cadet Chloe Russell and Cadet Jamie Logan, from the Newhaven Sea Cadet Unit.

Supporting the event was the Mayor of Telscombe Cllr Joanna Wilkins, the Deputy Mayor of Newhaven Cllr Paul Boswell and the Vice Chair of Alfriston Parish Council, Jennifer Watkins. Seaford Town and Lewes District Council were represented by Mayor Cllr Linda Wallraven, who is also a branch and committee member. It is always a pleasure when branch member and MP for Lewes, Maria Caulfield is able to join in our events.

The branch’s next events are a lunch at Deanlands near Golden Cross in November and a Christmas lunch at Willingdon Golf Club in December. Members hope to return to the View at Seaford for their New Year Lunch in January. The Royal Society of St George is an inclusive Society that welcomes members who support their aims.

For more information go to www.royalsocietyofstgeorge.com or for contact with the Seahaven Branch email 514928@talktalk.net or telephone the Chairman on 01323 899985. The Branch’s area of interest is the whole of the District of Lewes with surrounding towns and villages.



Pictured top: Some of the VIPs who attended the Trafalgar Dinner at Deans Place Hotel. Standing behind smart young Sea Cadet Chloe Russell from the Newhaven Unit of the Sea Cadet Corps, is Lt Cdr Richard Stanton RN, and Michael and Maureen Chowen, the High Sheriff of East Sussex.

Pictured above right: Branch President, Laurie Holland hands over the VHF radio sets to David Crozier, manager of the Newhaven Station of the National Coastwatch Institution.


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