Royal British Legion, Women's Section, Little Common Branch

OUR meeting was held on Wednesday evening June 11 attended by 84 members and guests. The chairman confirmed that the shoe boxes filled for servicemen and women on active duty were now on their way to them. We are very grateful to Mrs. Angela Hastings for arranging their despatch. Guardsman Hastings her son is now home from the war zone, he is likely to be sent to the Falkland Islands later in the year. We wish him well.

Our Spring Fair was a big success raising 800 plus a donation of 100. Our chairman Mrs. Masterton thanked helpers and supporters for their efforts. The women's section contribute monies to a fund for the benefit of servicewomen, widows of serving men and the children who are experiencing hardship.

A very interesting talk by Mr. Richard Draycott a volunteer with the Air Ambulance gave an insight into the vital service they operate. In England and Wales the funding of the ambulance is wholly by public donations, in Scotland it is financed by the State Government. The running costs of the service are very high amounting to around 1.5 million each year. The helicopter flies every day of the year but only during daylight hours. A unique collaboration with Sussex Police provides for night cover from 7pm to 1.30am. In any emergency quick action is a must. We were told there is a golden hour when it is crucial in severe injury cases for treatment to begin within this period to improve chances of survival and future quality of life.

As the helicopter can get to places not as accessible to other vehicles, for transfer of patients to the appropriate centres A&E departments, burns units, dedicated trauma hospitals it is a very valuable asset for Sussex.

Our next meeting will be on July 9 at 7 pm. Visitors and new members are very welcome.

Royal British Legion, Women's Section, Little Common Branch - June 20