The Chatteris branch of the Royal British Legion Women’s section celebrated its 70th birthday in style recently.

Cambs Times: Chatteris Branch, Royal British Legion Women's Section 70th birthday celebrations. Left: Mr Freddie Grounds MBE , Mrs Aspinall, Captain Victor Lucas.Chatteris Branch, Royal British Legion Women's Section 70th birthday celebrations. Left: Mr Freddie Grounds MBE , Mrs Aspinall, Captain Victor Lucas. (Image: Archant)

The branch kicked off its 70th birthday with a birthday party - which was attended by over 90 members – followed by an afternoon tea with invited guests.

The birthday bonanza was concluded with a grand finale anniversary concert at the St. Peter and St Paul Parish Church in the town.

Janice Baynes was presented with the Royal British Legion Women’s Section certificate at the party, commemorating the branch’s anniversary by secretary of RBLWS Cambridgeshire, Eileen White.

RBLWS Cambridgeshire President, Freda Aspinall, presented a life time membership award to Winnie Weedon, who has been a member of the legion for 64 years.

Cambs Times: Chatteris Branch, Royal British Legion Women's Section 70th birthday celebrations. Left: Mrs Weedon, Mrs Aspinall.Chatteris Branch, Royal British Legion Women's Section 70th birthday celebrations. Left: Mrs Weedon, Mrs Aspinall. (Image: Archant)

Freda was then surprised with an award of her own - the Golden Award - for service to RBLWS for 54 years both at local, county and national level.

Certificates of appreciation were also presented to Joyce Mitchell and Jane Busby for their work with the local branch.

Members then enjoyed a birthday buffet meal, followed by birthday cake which was cut by Mrs Aspinall and Mrs Weedon together with Chatteris Branch president, Brenda Allen. The evening was ended with musical entertainment by local DJ Stars on 45 and a raffle.

The afternoon tea party, held at the Cross Keys Hotel, was attended by invited guests including Freddie Grounds MBE, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Captain Victor Lucas, High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire and County President Freda Aspinall, who cut a special birthday cake.

The anniversary celebrations were rounded off later in the evening at the anniversary concert, which featured music from the RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band, led by Band Master Graham Sheldon, together with the Wyton and Brampton Military Wives Choir.

The band entertained a full house, with lively entertainment including a percussion performance of The William Tell Overture, and sing-a-long songs with the choir.

The band and choir received a standing ovation prior to the Chatteris RBLWS and Branch standards being paraded, with the evening ending with the Deputy Lord Lieutenant thanking everyone for attending and to Chatteris Branch RBLWS for inviting him.

He commended the band and choir on their music and singing, and wished Chatteris branch RBLWS continued success in the work they do to raise funds to support service men and women, past and present, and their families.