Wainfleet Royal British Legion unveils new bench to mark its 100th anniversary

Wainfleet area branch of the Royal British Legion have unveiled a new bench to celebrate their 100th anniversary.
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The bench, situated by the bus station in the market square, was blessed by Father Hugh of Wainfleet All Saints Church in a ceremony attended by members and guests.

It was unveiled during a bustling market day by Andrew Quickfall, a representative of the Wainfleet Community Hall Trust, who paid for it.

Carl Drury, of Riverside Salvage Reclamation, also sponsored a plaque.

The Wainfleet area branch of the Royal British Legion bench is unveiled to mark its 100th anniversary.The Wainfleet area branch of the Royal British Legion bench is unveiled to mark its 100th anniversary.
The Wainfleet area branch of the Royal British Legion bench is unveiled to mark its 100th anniversary.

The Wainfleet and district RBL branch was formed in 1921 it has 65 members.

Over the years, it has had several meeting places but at the moment members meet at the Woolpack hotel in the Market Place, every third Thursday of the month.

Branch chair person is Pat Nicholas and the president is Michael Rust.

Mr Rust, who is also a co-signatory of the trust which helps local organisations, said he was delighted to see the bench installed ahead of Saturday's Wainfleet Christmas lights switch-on.

Creaking Bones ukulele group entertaining at the tea party.Creaking Bones ukulele group entertaining at the tea party.
Creaking Bones ukulele group entertaining at the tea party.

Within minutes of it being unveiled, two market shoppers turned up to sit on it, although final adjustments were being made at the time by Chris from manufacturers Roll and Scroll of Grantham.

Mr Rust said: "I am sure it will be very popular, especially on market days and as it is near the bus stop.

"I hope people enjoy it and it also becomes a place to sit and reflect."

The celebrations continued on Saturday with a tea party, including special 100th anniversary cakes, at the Coronation Hall.

The celebratory birthday cakes made by Michelle Sharp were decorated with 100 hand made sugar crafted poppies.The celebratory birthday cakes made by Michelle Sharp were decorated with 100 hand made sugar crafted poppies.
The celebratory birthday cakes made by Michelle Sharp were decorated with 100 hand made sugar crafted poppies.

It was attended by between 60 and 70 friends and supporters of the RBL, including the Lincolnshire RBL county chairman John Johnson.

The three celebratory birthday cakes made by Michelle Sharp were decorated with 100 hand made sugar crafted poppies.

Entertainment was provided by the Creaking Bones ukulele group and the Wainfleet Theatre Club.

On Sunday, a dinner was held at Batemans brewery, which was also attended by the county chairman along with the county vice chairman Dave Tyler.

Trina Harris, treasurer, with Peter Nicholas, branch member.Trina Harris, treasurer, with Peter Nicholas, branch member.
Trina Harris, treasurer, with Peter Nicholas, branch member.

This was followed by a service at Wainfleet All Saints church, conducted by Father Hew. Standard bearers at the service included two from Wainfleet, one bearing the Union standard and one bearing the Wainfleet branch standard. Also there were the standards for Mablethorpe and Fleet.

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