NEWS
Branch subscription fees 2019-2020
The branch committee have agreed not to increase the branch subscription fees and they will remain at £2.50 for the next financial year 2019-2020
Awards
Stan Rudge and Carol Powell have each received an Award of a 'County Certificate of Appreciation' for their commitment and dedication to the RBL. They are outstanding ambassadors for the RBL and they have given so much of their time over the years to fund raise towards the Poppy Appeal. On behalf all all the Branch members we congratulate both them on their awards.
They were presented with their Certificates by Air Vice Marshall Ian Corbett on Saturday 19 January 2019 during the County AGM.
EVENTS
March 2019
On Saturday 9 March 2019 a Poppy Appeal thankyou event was held in Hill Street to recognise the hard work carried out by the Community Poppy Appeal Volunteers. At this event Stan Rudge presented several certificates of appreciation to the volunteers.
April 2019
Tree Dedication event in Bathurst Park- Sun 14 Apr 2019
In 2014 a tree was planted in Bathurst Park to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the RBL Lydney and District Branch formation in 1924. This tree was subsequently vandalised and another tree planted in 2016, unfortunately this too was vandalised. Our President, Mike Houghton, has managed to obtain another replacement tree through the generous support of Abbey Forestry in Pershore, who sourced and paid for the new tree, along with Viscount Bledisloe, our Patron who provided funding for a strong metal guard to be erected around the tree.
The RBL Lydney Branch held a dedication service of the replacement tree in Bathurst Park on Sunday 14 April 2019. This was a combined event over the same time involving the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regimental Association, Forest of Dean Branch as they would also lay a wreath at their memorial. There was a good gathering for this service and it was pleasing to see a contingent from the local RAF Cadets attending.
June 2019
75th Anniversary D- Day Commemoration Ceremony; Lydney War Memorial Thursday 6th June 2019
The Lydney Branch of the Royal British Legion with the support of Lydney Town Council held a small ceremony at the Town War Memorial to pay our respects to the fallen and surviving veterans on this 75th Anniversary of D-Day. The service was given by the Rev Nina Summerfield, curate of St Mary’s Church. The Homage was given by Mr Mike Houghton MBE, Branch President. The Last Post and Reveille were played by Miss Rebecca Jessop. The Kohima Epitaph was given by Lynn Daszko, Branch Committee Member. The Branch and Women’s Section Standards were carried by David & Emma Rudge. The Royal Naval Association Lydney Branch Standard was carried by Mr John Birkett.
The Town Mayor, Cllr Brian Pearman laid a wreath on behalf of the Council. Wreaths were laid by the Royal British Legion, the Royal Naval Association, the Gloucestershire Regt Association and then by representatives of the Dean Forest Railway. The Mayor then gave a speech on the reasons why this ceremony was taking place.
The Branch Chairman, Mel Rudge thanked everyone for attending with special thanks being given to the young bugler and to the Teaching Assistant Mr Ian Priday and pupils from the Dean Academy for their support. Later that day the Branch Chairman and the Branch Standard Bearer attended at the Dean Heritage Centre where the Centre Manager laid a wreath to mark the anniversary.
Working in Partnership with other Organisations
The Lydney Branch of the RBL has a good working relationship with several partner organisations such as the Veterans Breakfast Club and the Royal Naval Association as our aims are the same, which are to promote and support the welfare of our veterans, serving personnel and their families. We are therefore pleased to be able to promote these organisations via our Web Site.
Veterans Breakfast Club
The Combined Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club meet on the 1st Saturday of the month at Hill Street at 0930 hrs and its a great opportunity to get together and enjoy the friendly banter.
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Once Navy Always Navy
The Royal Naval Association was granted it's Royal Charter in 1954. It is the principal Naval Association, recognised by the Admiralty Board and is a Registered Charity. Membership is open to all serving and ex-service members of the Naval Forces including the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, RFA, QARNNS, WRNS, Reserves and all ranks and specialisation’s. In addition, anyone who is in sympathy with the objectives of the Association may join as an Associate Member.
Today the RN Association has a membership exceeding 28,000 in over 400 Branches - including some overseas. It was established to further the efficiency and well being of the Service, preserve its traditions and encourage recruiting. To foster comradeship and "esprit de corps" amongst those who have served or are serving in Our Naval Forces. To provide facilities for bringing Members together. To perpetuate the memory of those members of our Naval Forces who have died in the service of their country. To provide relief from conditions of need, hardship or distress, to persons who serve in or have served in Our Naval Forces and all dependants of such persons. To advise and assist Members in their search for employment. To advise Members and their dependants on personal matters, such as pensions, compensation, health and social security benefits and other subjects affecting their welfare.
ENROLMENT COSTS - £3.00 HQ Admin Fee. Plus £2.50 to cover the cost of a lapel badge.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION - Annual subscription is currently £14.00 for HQ plus £2.50 for the Branch. (Total £16.50). The subscription year runs for January to December.
GIFT AID - It is possible to pay the annual subscription via Gift Aid if you are a taxpayer, at no cost to yourself. Completion of the form gives the Association the authority to claim back the tax paid.
ROYAL CHARTER AND RULES – are available on the web site (www.royal-naval-association.co.uk) or by viewing copies held by the Branch.
LYDNEY BRANCH (Incorporating Forest of Dean) – Normally meet in 3 Hill Street Club (formally The Lydney Royal British Legion) at 2000 on the second Tuesday of every month. Our normal attire is grey flannels and navy blue or black blazer with RNA tie, but smart casual rig is also acceptable. Blazer badges, ties etc are available from “Slops”
THE LYDNEY BRANCH COMMITTEE – is currently:
Chairman: S/m Steve Gardiner. Ex RN.
Vice Chairman: S/m Jack Hind. Ex RN.
Treasurer: S/m Steve Gardiner. Ex RN.
Secretary: S/m John Birkett. Ex RN. Phone 01594 824825. E-Mail:RNA.FOD@hotmail.co.uk
Come and join us at RNA Lydney Branch.
Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism, and Comradeship
INCORPORATED BY
ROYAL CHARTER
FULL RECOGNITION
BY THE ROYAL NAVY
REGISTERED CHARITY
REGISTRATION
NO. 266982
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