LICHFIELD SUB BRANCH NEWS

Our July meeting was the second Summer Buffet for the enjoyment of our members. Sandwiches, etc., and strawberries and cream were provided from the Lichfield NARPO funds, the strawberries freshly picked by Linda. Unfortunately, none of the Branch Representatives were able to attend, as they were in Wakefield attending a Welfare Course. The Members were made aware of the latest information regarding Pensions, i.e. future rises being linked to the Consumer Price Index, and not the Retail Price Index, which could mean we lose out. On a more enjoyable note, Ron Hill, our Chairman, and his Wife, Eveline were presented with a bouquet of flowers on the occasion of their Diamond Wedding Anniversary, something that Ron had kept a secret, but, as Linda told him, we have spies everywhere. We also congratulated Mary and Arthur Wilkins, who celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversay on the 23rd. June, and Arthur and Marie Ashford, had celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on the 1st. July. Both couples had received cards and bouquets from the members on the appropriate dates. Photo's of the above will be posted on the Lichfield web page. (When I get round to sending them). Our next coach trip will be to Aberystwyth on Wednesday, 8th. September, 2010, leaving Lichfield Rugby Club at 0830hrs. Please get in touch with Phil Goodwin or Graham Stenton if you wish to go.

Lichfield May Meeting. Another good turn out at our May Meeting, with Des Lockwood in attendance, and also Joe Molloy, Staffs NARPO's new webmaster. Unfortunately one of our older members, Olive Bithell aged 87 years had passed away on the 15th May. A Minutes Silence was held in her memory. Good News was that another of our older Members had returned home after a period in Hospital and Respite Care, contact would be maintained. A number of our Members had enjoyed a visit to Bath on the 12th. May. Our next trip is to Aberystwyth on the 8th. September, 2010. Des updated the meeting on the AGM, and the Re-Union Lunch, as well as other matters. Joe Molloy took over as webmaster 7 months ago, and was busy updating the website, which included a directory of tradespeople as recommended by Members themselves. Joe informed the Meeting that those with access to the internet could see photographs of the Staffs NARPO Bench dedication at the Alrewas Arboretum.

Our March Meeting was well attended after a disapppointing turn-out for the Meeting and AGM in January. A Minutes Silence was held in memory of Roy Cope who had passed away recently. Our Chairman informed the Meeting that two of our elderly members had been in Hospital, fortunately not life threatening, and contact would be maintained should they require any further assistance. Des Lockwood, Branch Secretary updated the Meeting on current matters, both local and nationally.

On Wednesday 20 January 2010, Lichfield Sub Branch held its annual general meeting. Ron Hill was re-elected as Chairman, Phil Goodwin as Treasurer and Linda Hicken as Secretary. Unfortunately, whether it was due to the weather, or the Football Match involving Aston Villa being shown on TV, we hadn't got as many members attending as we usually do. Following the Election, a Buffet was enjoyed by those attending, including Des Lockwood, and his Wife, Pat. No Welfare issues to report.

On Thursday 16 September 2009, Lichfield Sub Branch held its latest meeting. At the Lichfield Sub-Branch of NARPO, Welfare of members is of the utmost importance. Contact is maintained with elderly members who can no longer attend meetings. Recently two members, who have been ill, have received Get Well cards and gifts from the Lichfield members, something that has been done for a number of years. Transport to hospital appointments etc., for those that cannot attend under their own steam is arranged by contacting the Secretary.