by Nicola Forman

A member of the Queen’s Own Buffs Regimental Association has been recognised for his work with the Sittingbourne branch of the association.

Branch secretary Tony Chesson was awarded a certificate of merit by Colonel Crispin Champion, president of the association, at their recent AGM.

Regimental association secretary, Major Dennis Bradley, reading the citation said: “Tony has held the post of secretary of the Sittingbourne Branch for some 10 years and is held in high esteem by the branch president, chairman, and all members of the branch.

"He performs his duties particularly well, being conscientious, hardworking, efficient and loyal.”

Mr Chesson, who lives in Sittingbourne, was a member of the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment before its amalgamation with the Buffs Royal East Kent Regiment to form the Queen’s Own Buffs.

He served in Egypt, Cyprus, and Germany before leaving the services to work with ICI.

He said: “I enjoyed my time in the regiment and am pleased to continue my involvement with it through the association. Sittingbourne is a thriving branch and we are always pleased to welcome new members.”

The branch meets at the Ypres Tavern in Sittingbourne on the first Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm.