The Branch Presidency is handed over... With effect from 1st August 2009, Major General (Retired) Graham Hollands took over from Lieutenant Colonel Simon Owen, Irish Guards, as President of the Central Brittany Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Letter from the outgoing President... After almost two years as the President of the Central Brittany Branch of the Royal British Legion, I look back with pride and pleasure on my association with the Branch. The dedication of the Branch Standard in March 2008 was a particular highlight. I think that the speed with which the Branch has grown from the beginnings in 2006 is testament to the hard work of everyone in recruiting members; this has been recognised with the award of the Jellicoe Shield. I would also like to highlight the fund-raising, generally and through the Poppy campaign in particular, which has been very impressive.
I have been supported superbly by Rodney Curtis, the Chairman, and the Committee and I wish to thank them all. Finally, the Branch will be in good hands with Major General Graham Hollands as President and so I wish him and the whole branch good luck with recruiting, fund-raising and welfare support in the future. Bonne chance a tous et a toutes! 

Simon Owen is presented with a plaque in recognition 
of his service by Branch Chairman, Rodney Curtis

Graham Hollands shakes hands with Simon Owen as he takes
over as Branch President. The Chairman looks on

Letter from the incoming President... I am delighted to accept the invitation of the Committee of the Central Brittany Branch of the Royal British Legion to become your next President. For those who are not already aware, my military service spanned 32 years, after which I became Principle of a College. Latterly I worked in Serbia leading a project to plan the restructuring of the Serbian Ministry of Defence. Since living in France I have established a Military History enterprise which involves me in lecturing in Europe and the USA and leading interested groups around the Normandy Battlefields.
The Central Brittany Branch is recognised as a Flagship among expatriate branches and the award of the Jellicoe Shield last year is testament to the energy of the members and your Committee in furthering the purposes of the Legion. I am proud to be a part of your future and will do my utmost to secure and enhance our already high reputation.
In these times when reputations are continually under scrutiny, and economic difficulties affect so many ex-service personnel, our role is ever more important. We have a duty to maintain the integrity and reputation of our Branch and maintain our focus on the reasons for our existence, which apart from remembrance will inevitably and increasingly place demands on welfare funding and support.
Although we live at La Manche in Normandy and are still working, my wife Lesley and I hope to be able to visit with sufficient frequency that we get to know you all very well. Again, thank you for asking me to be your President and I look forward to a long and rewarding