Trafalgar Day celebrations

Members from Horsham, Peacehaven, Lancing and Billingshurst were among those remembering the famous Spanish sea battle in which Lord Nelson died.

The decisive Napoleonic War battle of 1805 saw 27 British ships defeat 33 Franco-Spanish ships, sinking 22 of them with no British ships lost.

Branch chairman Fred McComas, of Henfield, said: “We celebrate significant days in the calendar that have historic importance to our country.”

The lunch on Tuesday raised more than £100 for the Henfield Scout Hut Appeal. Henfield is the home of the oldest Scout Troop in the world, having been founded in 1907. Sussex branch of The Royal Society of St. George was founded in 1901 and has more than 40 members. At one time it had more than 100.

The parent society was founded in the 1860s and The Queen is Patron.

Dame Vera Lynn, who lives in Ditchling, is an honorary member of the Sussex branch and has attended lunches and events.

“Sussex branch needs more members and we welcome people of all ages,” says Fred, whose wife Peggy is branch secretary.

Article contributed by The Royal Society of St George.