British Legion Dinner – Chichester Observer – Wednesday, 27 February 1935

A LIVE BRANCH. Selsey has every right to proud of its branch of the British Legion, and to be thankful that they have officers who are constantly active furthering the interests not only of their local organisation but of the Legion as a body. Within the branch, also, is a fine spirit of co-operation, which extends to the work of both the men's and women's section, and an example of the excellent result was shown on Friday night, when the Selsey branch held their annual dinner at the Pavilion. Over 200 members and guests attended, and a very jolly evening ensued. Mr. R. Streather (President of the branch) was in the chair, supported by Mr. F. Owens (Chairman), Admiral of the Fleet Sir Osmond Brock, the Rev. R. Franklin, M.A., and Mrs. Franklin, Sir A. Hamilton and Lady Hamilton, Lieut.-Col. Moore and Miss Moore, O.B. E., Mrs. C. E. Vince (Chairman of the women’s section), Mrs. O. L. Brian (Secretary of the women's section). Captain C. M. Luck, R.N„ C.M.G., D. 5.00.. Mrs. F. Owens. Mr. S. B. Arnell (Chairman of the Parish Council) and Mrs. Amell, and Mr. C. E. Vince (Secretary to the branch). Captain C. M. Luck, in proposing the toast of “The Patron, the Prince of Wales,” said that they all knew his Royal Highness as a very fine man, and one who had studied the Empire, for which they admired him as well as his work for the British Legion. Proposing the toast of “The Selsey Branch and the Women’s Section," the Rev. Franklin said that they were very lucky in Selsey. and particularly as regards the British Legion, because he believed they l\ad the best Chairman and the best Secretary in Sussex. They would agree that the British Legion was a very useful body and particularly in bringing together men of common memories and interests. The British Legion fostered the feeling of comradeship and kept it alive. The women’s section gave expression to the same spirit, in their work they did in looking after the sick and needy. So he considered the Legion offered a very high ideal and answered very great need. As regards the Selsey branch, looked on it as far from being the least happy or the least worthy of the great Association, and so it was' with the greatest pleasure he proposed the toast. In reply, Mr. Owens expressed his thanks for the way the toast had been received, and added how encouraging was to the Executive to see so many present. He understood the attendance was a record. (Applause). As far as the British Legion was concerned it was something different from any other organisations, which only dealt with a certain class and type. The British Legion dealt with a “slice” which included everyone. He considered the real importance of the Legion was just being realised. Regarding their own branch, be referred to the difficulty of officials in keeping everyone together, but they were always doing their best and trying to improve. There had been a great deal of talk about a club for the Legion in Selsey. but he did not think it was practicable. They had done the next best thing and formed a Rifle Cub, which now had a membership of 60. Mrs. Brian, replying on behalf of the women’s section, in the place of Mrs. Goldstone, who was unfortunately indisposed, said that she thought she could say they had had a very happy and successful year. It was four years since the inauguration of the women’s section, to-day the membership numbered 130. Mrs. Brian also spoke of the excellent work carried out in connection with the Wardrobe Scheme. Lastly, the speaker referred in eulogistic terms to the great help rendered by Mr. Vince, his services always being given most willingly, but she thought that she knew be could rely on the help of the women's section whenever needed. Lieut.-Col. Moore, in proposing the toast of “The Visitors,” extended a hearty welcome to the ladies, and referred with pleasure to the presence of Sir Osmond Brock, who they knew as a distinguished sailor, and also of representatives from Chichester and Mundham, who were regular visitors. Sir Osmond Brock, in reply, said that he was exceedingly interested in the British Legion. He was himself of the Officers' Association, which was helping those officers who found themselves in difficulties, and there were many at the present time. He had every sympathy with the Legion movement, and the very highest regard for their founder, Earl Haig. His qualities of steadfastness, determination and generalship in the War were beyond words, and afterwards he shortened his life by his unremitting service on behalf of those men who had served him so well. There must be many who blest the name of Earl Haig for founding the great organisation of the British Legion. It was now 21 years since war broke out, and a new generation had grown up who knew nothing of what those who had served had been through, or how near they had been to defeat. He could only assure them that if the War been lost, and the Germans taken possession of the country, they would not be living in their present state of comparative affluence. They would have beat ground down to the bottom