Colonel Leslie stands down after 30 years at Legion

The news came as the Royal British Legion branch held their Annual Meeting and election of officers in the clubrooms on October 25.

The Chairman, Mark McLaughlin, opened the meeting with the Act of Remembrance, remembering all the members who had passed away since the last AGM and also the members of the services killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan.

He then said it was with great sadness that the President, Colonel James Leslie, was standing down after 30 years of service in the branch.

The Chairman then asked Col Leslie to say a few words before he handed over the Chain of Office to Major John Pinkerton who is now the new President of the RBL in Ballymoney.

The last year’s Minutes were passed and also the treasurer’s report was taken before the Chairman gave his report on the work the Committee did over the last year.

He said the officers and committee had attended quite a few events - Airshow in Portrush; the two ‘Freedom of the Borough’ events held in Ballymoney this year; church parades and other events.

A full list can be seen on the notice board in the RBL building.

The Chairman closed his remarks by thanking Col. Leslie for his 30 years of service.

The new President, Major Pinkerton then carried out the election of officers and committee as follows: President - Major J. Pinkerton; Chairman - Mark McLaughlin; Vice-Chairman - Hugh Elliott; Secretary - W.J. McCurdy; Treasurer - Samuel Hargy; Committee - Roland Adams, Robert Adams, Dale Carton, Lawrence Dobbin, Carole Dobbin, Patricia Elliott, William Wallace, Andrew Wales and John Wilmot.

Mrs Sue Pinkerton was re-elected as Poppy Organiser.

Major Pinkerton then swore in the new officers for the year and thanked the branch committee for the work they had done over the past year.

The Chairman then closed the meeting with the returning of the Standard and the singing of the National Anthem.

The RBL Women’s Section then served the tea which was enjoyed by everyone.

Col. Leslie thanked the women’s section for serving tea and a response was given.

Details for Remembrance Sunday will appear in the press as there are a few changes to the format of the parade in the evening to 1st Ballymoney Church.