Background Information

History

On the 25th of June 2017, in response to local interest, a group of ex-servicemen got together to discuss the possibilities of forming a members club as the Lydd branch of the Royal British Legion had closed some years ago.

After much debate it was decided that a club would be formed and membership would be open to all members of our Armed Forces and their families both serving and ex-serving in the parish of Lydd.  This club would be known as the Lydd Ex-Servicemens Club. This name was chosen because our club would be run along the same lines as THE NATIONAL EX-SERVICEMENS ASSOCIATION (N.E.S.A.) to which we would register with in due course.  It must be emphasised that membership is open to all male and female members of our Armed Forces and their families both serving and ex-serving contrary to what the club name might suggest.

A Chairman, vice chairman, treasurer and secretary were elected and an executive committee was formed.  A Club Constitution was written which we would all adhere to.

The Aims Of The Club

• Support our local Armed Forces community with the support of the Lydd Town Council in line with the Armed Forces Covenant.
• Support our Armed Forces by fundraising for associated charities.
• Provide assistance to all serving personnel both regular and reservists, veterans and military families in all aspects of transition from military life to civilian life.
• Offer confidential advice on social welfare, housing, medical and financial issues.   (Although the Forces Resettlement Services and all associated charities/organisations provide an invaluable service through a mountain of much needed advice and support, it is, however, a national service where we would strive to maintain their high standards through localising the service).

Where We Are Today

We applied for, and have been granted, charity status, (Registration number 1185752) and are regulated by the Charity's Commision. As such we do not receive any regular Government Funding and totally rely on money received from generous public donations, fundraising events and applying for specific grants when available.

The Executive Committee meet on the last Sunday of every month, please contacta the Chairman John Natella on 07877 008764 for more information. 

Membership of this club has now been extended to include serving and ex-serving members and their families of both the M.O.D. and Civil Service and we have representation of both on the executive committee.  This decision was made so that local personnel from all walks of life in all areas of our defence system could be included having dedicated most and in some cases their entire working career in support of our Armed Forces.

A new fundraising sub-committee has been formed and are now busy planning future events which will be advertised locally. 

If anyone who has served or are currently serving in any of our Armed forces, Civil Service or any department of the Ministry of Defence and has an interest in joining this club please complete a membership application form, which are available on request.

Any donation or sponsorship to this new organisation would be gratefully received and we welcome all support.  For further information please telephone Ann the club treasurer on 07856968237.

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John Natella

Chairman