The meeting was late in commencing due to the Chairman being unable to attend due to illness and the President, Maureen Charlesworth, being otherwise engaged, the Chair was taken by Secretary, Ted Hedges.

The minutes were read and agreed. Chairman Peter White sent his apologies and the members wished him a speedy recovery. The agenda consisted of welcoming the new Treasurer, Phyllis Jeffries, who will ably handle the Veterans' finances.

Again, Richard Vallery gave more news on the Royal Artillery, who will receive the Freedom of the Borough. The date of the parade will be Saturday September 6, starting at the Stade Coach/Car Park and provisionally along the seafront to Alexandra Park. The reception will probably be held in the Sussex Rooms at the White Rock - to be confirmed. Collection boxes will be in evidence on the streets and donations will be given to help injured and wounded Veterans in their recovery. The Parade will commence at approximately 11am and conclude at 3.30pm - again approximately.

SSFA (forces help) have invited members of the Veterans Association to the Service of Thanksgiving and Re-dedication at The Church of St. Thomas, Winchelsea on Sunday May 11, in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex and the High Sheriff - the Veterans' Standard will be paraded.

Outings and events for the Veterans and guests will be given priority during the summer months. There have been some excellent suggestions and these will be looked at in detail.

There are a few seats left for the Arboretum trip on May 11. Tickets are £26.50 each, which includes lunch. Rob Pelling is the man to contact for tickets. Just to remind Veterans and guests of the significance of this trip - this Remembrance site is situated in the heart of the National Forest of Staffordshire and is the home of the new Armed Forces Memorial - dedicated to those who have lost their lives since the Second World War.

This month two new members became part of the Association - if there are any more ex-service men and women who would like to be part of our Veterans Association, they would be welcome.