BOTH sections of the Astwood Bank branch held their AGMs recently.

The officers in the Women's Section were all re-elected with Pam Emery (president), Pat Crook (vice -president), Joan Ballantyne (chairman), Edith Ferguson (vice-chairman), Margaret Such (secretary) and Pat Crook (treasurer).

President David Bish, who holds the office of treasurer (General Section) and Linda Bish (secretary) did not stand for re-election as they are leaving the district soon.

The chairman expressed the thanks of members to David and Linda for all their help to the branch and wished them good luck in their new surroundings.

Officers elected were: John Partington (president), Geoff Neale (vice-president), Tom Wareing (chairman), Ron Gurden (vice-chairman), Dora Merry (secretary), Brian Parkinson (treasurer), Eileen Partington (enrolment secretary), John Rattue (standard bearer) John Partington (deputy), Rev Ivor Merry (chaplain), John Partington (group rep) and Pam Emery (Poppy Appeal organiser and publicity).

The service of remembrance at St Matthias and St George Church was lead by Rev Paul Harrison and the address given by Rev Ivor Merry. Reader was Dora Merry and Pam Emery said prayers.

After the service, the parade marched to the war memorial for wreath laying and silence. A special mention goes to seven-year-old William Parkinson, the branch's youngest bugler ever, who gave a splendid rendering of the Last Post.

l The Cookhill branch will hold its Christmas coffee morning on Friday, December 5, at 11am at the home of president Rivers Freeling, 43 Oak Tree Lane, Cookhill. All past and present members and friends welcome.

At the recent AGM, the officers appointed were Richard Muston (vice-president), Peter White (chairman), Marjorie Hill (vice-chairman/social committee chairman), Doug Tonks (secretary/treasurer) and Diana Freeling (membership secretary).

The Rev Nick Wright is also able to continue as honorary branch padre. John Poitier is standard bearer and Eithwyn Colbourne Poppy Appeal organiser.

This year's Remembrance Day service at Cookhill Baptist Church was well attended.

The next meeting will be at 43 Oak Tree Lane on Monday, January 12. New members from ex-service personnel and their relatives and friends in Cookhill are most welcome. For more details, call 01789 762738.