RBL garden party at Mais House

The march and parade of standard bearers marked the opening of the Royal British Legion summer fair at Mais House.

Accompanied by the Little Common RBL band, the dignified group stood in line as they were inspected by Town Mayor Councillor Patrick Douart, Rother District Council chairman Joanne Gadd, and County Chairman of Sussex RBL Martin Forde.

The standard bearers were led by Parade Marshall Fred Barton who said:

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"It went very well - it was very good. The standard of the participants is first class - they can't be faulted."

Fred had resigned having carried out this role for 10 years but returned to Mais House to lead the parade out for one more time.

He commented: "It has a big effect on the people here - it is only when they come to a place like this they see what happens, and they realise what it is all about. The visitors come up and say - well done, that was impressive.

"There is a lot of pride in it. We get excellent backing from the band and we have had good support from the Hastings Sea Cadets too."

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There were 16 standard bearers at the event, including Bryan Hunter, 72, and Norman Brown, 82, of the Parachute Regiment.

Bryan said: "I like to take part because it helps keep tradition alive."

Norman commented: "It is good publicity for the Parachute Regiment Association branch as well. We are looking for any ex-airborne soliders who would like to join us. We would be very pleased to have them because we are getting fewer in number. It is there for anyone who wore a red beret - they can contact us on 01424 441258.

Also hoping to find new members was the East Sussex branch of the Royal Military Police Association.

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Chairman Reg Whiley told the Observer: "We show the flag - and we are also hoping to pick up a few recruits if we can. We are here to support the event but hoping for new members for the branch as well - anyone interested can phone on 01424 843461."

Eric Luckman was the standard bearer of the Bexhill branch of RBL and this was his first ever parade. He has been training in his garden observed by his own Regimental Sargeant Major, wife Molly.

"She normally laughs," he said.

"But I think it went alright."

The summer fair featured a range of stalls and attractions which included bric-a-brac, raffles, tombola, and games, and live entertainment by Rye Dance School.

On one stall in the garden was Sally Young who was selling the handmade cards and crafts produced by residents at Mais House, including flowerpots, decoupage glasses, and fabric painting.

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Not far away were Linda Hallums and Gill Shadwell who were running the prize draw and Name The Teddy game.

Having great success selling strawberries and fresh whipped cream was Mais House volunteer John Hayward, who is also a member of Robertsbridge branch of RBL.

On the other side of the grounds was the oriental barbecue run by staff members Michelle Granil, Anavick Agustin, and chef Armando Ramos - they all agreed that Mais House staff enjoy getting involved in the party atmosphere.

Rod Pelling, chairman of the Hastings RBL branch, was running the tombola with his wife Mildred, who is chairman of the women's section.

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Rod commented: "It is a nice atmosphere - I suppose you are going back to the camaraderie of the services."

Activities organiser Alan Bearne said: "I think this is a very good event for Mais House both as a fundraiser but because it helps us be recognised as part of the community. Volunteers, staff and residents all come together and work for a common cause. It is good fun, so people look forward to it, and it is something to look back on as well, with a sense of achievement."

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