A welcoming address was given by the national society's vice president John Clemence.

In just six weeks the group managed to attract 28 members to its ranks.

Don Mabey was elected as the Seahaven branch president and will be joined by committee members Bob Peedle MBE as chairman, Kevin Bradley MBE, vice chairman, Julie Bradley, secretary, Maureen Peedle, treasurer and Maeve Mabey as fundraiser.

The group joins 150 branches around the world and will hold functions each month.

And a special lunch will be staged on Friday, April 23, on St George's Day at the Star in Alfriston when society chairman Ted Newton will be presenting the branch's foundation certificate.

This will be open to the public and anyone interested should contact Bob Peedle on 01323 899985.

The cost for the lunch is £17 a head.

Other branch events, including dinners to celebrate HM The Queen's birthday in June and Trafalgar Day in October, will also be open to non members.

Invitations have gone to the Mayors in the Lewes District to attend the St George's Day lunch and so far the Mayors of Lewes and Seaford have accepted.

Among the society's aims is to ensure that St George's Day is properly celebrated.

The branch has already written to the town councils to seek their help and support.

The Royal Society of St George was founded in 1894 and since then the Sovereign has been its patron. Membership enquiries should be directed to Bob Peedle.

For more information www.royalsocietyofstgeorge.com.