This is myfourth report for inclusion in the report for the Charity Commission Northern Ireland. Since my last report we have actively recruiting into the Branch and even had a potential Blanch Transfer. Armed Forces Day 2025 was held in Newtownards which although not that farfrom us only minimal members ofthe Branch were ableto attend due to it bein8the same weekend asthe Royal Naval Association National Conference. Afew members ofthe Branch also attended the Annualcommemoration SeNiceforthe B8tt1e olthe Somme on the Sundaynearestthe 1"July25. 89 usualitwas a windswept affairwith being held at the highest and lastvisible point that can be seen from the ships and passengeT ferries as they are leaving Belfast Lough- Knockagh Monument- which is what the sailors and troops saw as theywere leavingto deploytothefront in both World War1 and World War 2. In September the Branch Secretary received the all clear after completing his cancer treatments and he was able to resume his duties as secretary lalthough still not resume his day job full-time} but for continuity purposes I will continue to do rhis annual report. On Remembrance weekend we h8d one member attend an event in England forthe Blind Veterans Organisation representing Naval Service and associatlon. We also had a good turnout atthe Annual Remembrance DayParade hosted bywhiteabbey Royal British Legion onthe afternoon of Remembrance Sunday as well as members attending other services throughout the week- i.e. a small service on Remembrance Day itself 8t the memorial cairn in the centre ot Ypres Park hosted bythe Ypres Park Residents. At Christmas a few members attended the Annual Christmas Dinner hosted by Whiteabbey Royal British Legion Club.
Although it was not a very busy year for fund raising the branch does hold occasional Ballots to raisefunds but nextyearifwe can get a tewmore members who can help organise the likes of Quiz Nights to help raise not only the branch tunds and also the branch profile. Yours Juliet Hunter Branch Treasurer and Trustee