Royal British Legion Pett & District Branch Centenary Celebration

Founded in 1924, the Pett and District Branch of the Royal British Legion celebrated its centenary on 11 May 2024.
This prestigeous event took place at St Peter and St Mary Church, followed by a parade and then a luncheon at Pett Village Hall.
In addition to the members of the branch, also present were The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussx, Andrew Blackman CStJ, Immediate Past President Royal British Legion Lt Gen James Bashall CB CBE, along with representatives from other branches of the Royal British Legion in East Sussex.
The service was taken by Rev Sandi Wickens, chaplain to Royal British legion Pett & District Branch whilst the parade was led by piper Jon Bartholomew. In the parade were representatives of the Armed Forces Cadet Corps and the Scouts.
The Little Common Royal British Legion Concert Band provided the musical entertainment at the luncheon.
The Pett & Dirstirct branch covers the 5 villages to the east of Hastings, Fairlight, Guestling, Icklesham, Pett and Three Oaks. These rural communities suffered terribly in WW1 with above average casualties of the men who joined up. Many returning could no longer work the land and were reliant on charity to feed themselves and their families.
After formation in 1924 the Pett & District branch was the focal point for the support of these men, their families and widows.
In 1927 they formed a guard of honour for the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII when he visited Fairlight. He was late and it was pouring with rain, but the men stoically stood, awaiting his inspection.
Currently the branch raises over £6,000 a year for the Poppy Appeal. It holds pub quizzes, race nights and other fund raising events. In addition to the monthly meetings it provides comradeship to ex-military and members by way of a luncheon and home visits.