Below is a list of dates for your diary on what's happening in the Upminster and Cranham Branch of The Royal British Legion.
The next enrolment of new members is on **/**/ 20** at 11.45 a.m. at the Royal British Legion, 316 St Mary's Lane, Upminster. Membership is open to all. You do not have to be ex-service. If you would like further information please send email to UpminsterRBL@aol.com or call 01708 223157
Anyone finding the date stated above unsuitable please e-mail or telephone the above number where an alternative date may be arranged.
CLUB MAP DIRECTION - Please see Club Page
*Please note Baby Changing Facilities are now available in the Club's disabled toilet.
* Like us on Facebook
* Free Wi-Fi
* For staff and customers protection CCTV is in operation
*******************************
FOB SYSTEM HAS NOW GONE LIVE (21/5/2022)
********************************
Unveiling of Commemorative Canvas Portrait of Jimmy Knox, a veteran of Monte Casino which took place on Sunday, 20th March at Upminster & Cranham RBL.
************************************
November 12th 2023
Upminster and Cranham Royal British Legion wish to thank everyone who joined us at Upminster War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday to honour the service and sacrifice of all who have served in our Armed Forces. We are particularly grateful to the local police, St Laurence Church, volunteer stewards and Legion members. We also wish to thank all of you who took part in a moment of Remembrance and by observing the Two Minute Silence.
-----------------------------------------------
Poppy Appeal 2023 /24 to-date 27/11/2023 £20,100.00
***************************
NEW OPENING HOURS / RULES - 12/6/2021
New Opening Hours:
The committee has decided to expand our opening hours, making them more regular across the week.
From Saturday 12th June, the new opening hours will be:
Monday : 4pm - 11pm
Tuesday: 1pm - 11pm
Wednesday: 1pm - 11pm
Thursday: 1pm - 11pm
Friday: 1pm - 11:30pm
Saturday: 12pm - 12am
Sunday: 12pm - 11pm
Closing will remain at Bar Staff discretion.
Membership Cards
Please remember that you must have a valid membership card with a club stamp on it to be able to benefit from our member's bar prices. You must present it to the bar staff when requested.
*****************
Commemorating 100 years of Royal British Legion
15 May 2021
_______________________________________
ANY CURRENCY OF ANY AGE
Helping the Royal British Legion
* All banknotes and coins accepted
* Old foreign notes or coins
* Old UK, Channel Island , Irish currency
* Pre decimal notes or coins
* Pre Euro Currency
* Anything that was or is Currency.
Donate your unwanted currency today and help The Royal British Legion.
Drop off at the club Upminster and Cranham Royal British Legion Club, 316 St Mary’s Lane, Upminster RM14 3HL. You can also post through the letterbox with your name and number if you want to. We will arrange the donation via Sainsburys.
(call the club on 01708 223517 email - UPRBLClub@gmail.com)
* When the Club reopens a collection bucket will be positioned within the Club
*****************************
2020 Remembrance Sunday
Upminster and Cranham Royal British Legion wish to thank everyone who joined us at Upminster War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday to honour the service and sacrifice of all who have served in our Armed Forces. We are particularly grateful to the local police, St Laurence Church, volunteer stewards and Legion members who ensured that everyone was kept safe and maintained social distancing. This year’s event was much smaller than in previous year’s due to the pandemic restrictions and we are very conscious that many people who usually join us were unable to so. We also wish to thank all of you who took part from home in a moment of Remembrance and by observing the Two Minute Silence.
*****************************
--------------------------------
2020 Poppy Stall
The Poppy Stall launch took place on Saturday 24th October 2020 outside of Upminster & Cranham Royal British Legion with a number of people stopping to donate towards this years Appeal.
********************
Dear Member,
RENEWING YOUR ROYAL BRITISH LEGION MEMBERSHIP
For many of you, this is the time of year that you renew your membership of The Royal British Legion.
Letters started to go out a few weeks ago, and Direct Debit payments will be taken on the 9th of September. For those who choose not to pay by this method, other options are listed on the letter. PLEASE NOTE: Despite what it says on the letter, you cannot pay at the club. A list of local Pay Points is given below.
Members are discouraged from paying by cheque due to the current Covid-19 pandemic. A reduced service means that the processing of cheques might take much longer than usual.
You should then receive your card within 10 working days from the payment being cleared.
RENEWING YOUR CLUB MEMBERSHIP
As in previous years, Club Fees are not collected centrally and must be paid to the club directly once you receive your new card. Once paid, you will receive your club sticker. Currently our fees are £10 for renewing members, with a reduction for certain members over 65.
Members who add their club fee to their membership payment will not be able to request a refund as it The British Legion will treat all additional payments as donations.
Remember, you must be a member of the Royal British Legion charity to be a club member and use club facilities
If you have any queries, you can contact the Membership Helpline on 0800 307 7773. The office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm.
Cathy Rogers Ian Thomson
Club Secretary Branch Chairman
Branch Membership Secretary
Fags & Mags: 9, Willow Parade, Cranham
Costcutter: 145, Avon Road, Cranham
Avon Food & Wine: 137, Avon Road, Cranham
Smoker’s Paradise: 40 Station Road, Upminster
Londis Supermarket: 113 – 115 Corbets Tey Road, Upminster
Co-Op: 166 Upminster Road, Upminster Bridge
The Corner Shop (Londis): 148 Upminster Road, Upminster Bridge
***************
VJ Day 15th August 2020
We thank all members during this time
As per government guidelines, you will have to write down your name and contact details on arrival – this includes everyone who is with you. Your details are then to be given to the Bar Staff when you purchase your first round of drinks.
· Only one person at the bar at any one time. You will order your drinks and pay, and then wait for your drinks to be poured. You will then collect them from the Collection Point.
· Payment is by card only.
· Members are asked to sanitise the toilet before and after use, using the wipes provided for this use.
· There will be a box in the hall for empty glasses to be placed in – do not take your glasses back to the bar.
· We ask that you follow social distancing guidelines.
· There will be tables outside for you to sit at if you wish. We will have some spare tables and chairs for use outside if all the seating is taken. If you do take them, we ask that you bring them back in when you leave.
This does mean that there will be restricted parking available. Please bear this in mind when travelling to the Legion.
· We have removed the playing cards, cribbage boards and dominoes, so you will need to bring your own if you wish to play, and take them home again when you leave..
· We have removed the children’s colouring and reading books, so please bring something for them to do. Also, they will have to remain seated with you during your visit.
· When you leave, we ask that you wipe down your table in readiness for the next person.
· Capacity within the club has been reduced to ~50 people (this does not include outside seating areas). If you are coming in a group of more than two people, we ask that you phone ahead so that we can reserve a table for you. This will help us to help you to maintain social distancing.
We have also taken the decision not to return to our normal opening hours immediately.
We will keep you informed as and when we decide to open further, and when entertainment will recommence.
We thank you for your patience and look forward to seeing you when you return to the Legion on the 4th of July,
We will update you on this website and Facebook on any changes
*****************************
Upminster and Cranham Branch of the RBL
Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day.
Friday 8 May 2020 marks the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). Due to the current coronavirus outbreak it has been necessary to cancel national and local public events to commemorate the anniversary. There will, however, still be a number of ways to pay tribute remotely to the service and sacrifice of the entire Second World War generation, from British, Commonwealth and Allied Forces to evacuees and those who served on the home front. Further details are given below:
· Two Minute Silence
At 11.00am, we're encouraging people across all generations and communities to take part in a national moment of Remembrance and pause for a Two Minute Silence to honour the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation and reflect on the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on so many lives across the world.
There is no right or wrong way to take part in the Silence, some may wish to stand at their windows, step outside their homes while remaining distanced from others, watch the broadcast on television, or simply sit in a quiet moment of reflection.
· A live VE Day 75 livestream at 11.15am
A 45-minute stream on the Legion’s website and Facebook page bringing together the World War Two and today’s generation to chat about their shared experiences.
· The ‘Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW2’ at 3.00pm
From the safety of your own home stand up and raise a glass of refreshment of your choice and give the following ‘Toast’ – “To those who gave so much, we thank you.”
· A UK-wide singalong to Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again at 9.00pm
You can watch and join in on BBC One who will be featuring the singalong as part of their VE Day broadcast which will also include a message from Her Majesty The Queen.
· An evening of memories and music in partnership with the BBC from 8pm on BBC One
· A VE Day learning pack for children aged 7-14 years
The Upminster and Cranham Branch of the Royal British Legion hope that the local community will join us in commemorating VE Day. You can share details and photos of your commemorations by emailing them to us or sharing them on our Facebook page. The Royal British Legion will also commemorate VJ Day on Saturday 15th August. More details will be announced due course.
-------------------------------------
The Upminster and Cranham RBL branch (as directed from their HQ) will be undertaking its welfare support by contacting vulnerable members by phone.
The committee thanks members for their understanding in the current situation any change will be posted on the club website and facebook.
Upminster and Cranham RBL Branch and Club Committees
*****************************
Dear Member,
I wanted to write to you and explain what we as the Board of Trustees and Executive Board are doing in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This is an unprecedented situation and puts us all in uncharted territory. I understand that this can be a worrying time and wanted to reiterate what the Legion has been doing to plan and prepare as the situation continues to develop.
The health of our beneficiaries, volunteers, members and employees is our priority. We will continue to take our lead from the Government advice, responding to the expert guidance as that is issued, with planning and decisions that we think are right for the Legion.
Government advice is clear on wanting people to work from home where possible. Our offices are remaining open for the time being, however, across the Legion more employees are working from home and teams are swiftly undertaking planning and arranging work to keep the Legion going. We will review all of our events and make decisions on those over the next couple of days.
The strength of the Legion is in our branches and counties and this is more important now than ever. As a member, I know you fully understand and appreciate this and will want to continue in your Legion work, but we do ask you to follow government’s advice. We strongly recommend that all non-essential meetings are cancelled or postponed, including branch and county meetings, and that members follow the government advice, particularly guidance on social distancing for the over 70’s and vulnerable people, which includes avoiding large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs and clubs. If you have any cold and flu symptoms at all, the right thing to do is to stay at home and not to travel.
Importantly, as the Royal British Legion, we are committed to playing our part to support our Armed Forces Community and our nations. We have set up a separate working group to look at how members, volunteers and staff can help in their communities and we will be issuing advice shortly. That said, if you find yourself in need of support and are eligible for Legion help, please call the contact centre on 0808 802 8080.
No one will have all the answers in this situation but more than ever addressing these challenges together will make a difference. This remains a rapidly changing situation and when we make any changes in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we will of course let you know. Please do your best to share this information with all of your members, to help keep everyone up to date.
Thank you in advance for your patience and continued support for the Legion and our beneficiaries during this time.
With very best wishes
Una Cleminson
Chairman, Board of Trustees
*****************************
Knit & Natter ladies created knitted and crocheted poppy display which are available to purchase (suggested donation £2.00)
The group meet on Thursday afternoon 2-4pm at the club.
***********************************
Display of the hall before Poppy Dance which was held on 19th October 2019 to which a number of local businesses donated raffle prizes.
(All proceeds going to 2019/20 Poppy Appeal,)
***********
**********************
2019 REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE
November 10th Parade Royal British Legion Club
316 St Mary's Lane Upminster.
The Upminster and Cranham Royal British Legion would like to thank everyone who attended this year's Remembrance Day Parade. It was inspiring to see so many people, young and old, remembering those who have been injured or killed in the service of their country. We are particularly grateful to the Essex Caledonian Pipe Band for leading the parade/ Hornchurch Drum & Trumpet, the local Police and Havering Council for their assistance in organising the parade and ensuring everyone's safety. We thank St Laurence Parish Church for their warm welcome and again hosting our Service of Remembrance.Also to Nigel, Assistant Organist and Revd. Susannah Brasier. We would also like to thank the many local community groups and schools and in particular Coopers Coburn School for providing additional car parking facilities.
Our thanks also to those who attended the SERVICE on Monday, 11th November.
"We will remember them".
______________________
Successful Open Day / Armed Forces Day Saturday 29th June 2019
With approximately 250 people visiting on the day with 7 craft beer's available, wine tasting along with pizza's and craft stalls.
MANY THANKS to ALL who attended, and Contributed on the day.

-----------------------------
REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE 2018
"We will remember them".
Thank you to Lorraine for donating such beautiful cake which raised £150
BELL SCHOOL Upminster Creating Poppies from plastic bottles which were painted and now being displayed on school railings.
The following shops displaying POPPY TRIBUTES
Co-Op Funeral Upminster, Jack Bunneys Upminster, T Cribbs Upminster & Cranham. Swan Library. Bella Sposa Bridal Boutique.
****************************************
We would like to thank the follow Shops for contributions made to Poppy Appeal Dance held on 20th October 2018 which raised over £500 - Coop Funeral Care -Floral Affairs - Johnson butchers - Roomes Stores - Studio Florist - Waitrose.
****************************
LOCAL MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION TO REPRESENT UPMINSTER AND CRANHAM AT WW1 COMMEMORATIONS IN BELGIUM Colin Barrett and Grahame Ward will travel to Europe for The Royal British Legion’s Great Pilgrimage 90 5-9 th August 2018 Members of the Upminster and Cranham branch of The Royal British Legion are to join thousands on a pilgrimage of Remembrance to World War One battlefield that culminates in a parade and ceremony in Ypres as part of the end of the First World War centenary commemorations this August. The Royal British Legion event, known as Great Pilgrimage 90 (GP90), takes place between the 5th and 9th of August and will be one of the largest in the charity’s history. GP90 will mark 90 years since the original Royal British Legion Pilgrimage in 1928, which saw 11,000 World War One veterans and war widows visit the battlefields of the Somme in France and Ypres in Belgium, a decade after the conflict ended. That Pilgrimage culminated in a march through Ypres to the Commonwealth War Grave Commission’s Menin Gate Memorial for a ceremony to commemorate the launch of The Hundred Days Offensive and in remembrance of those who never returned. Local Legion members, Grahame Ward and Colin Barrett will represent the Upminster and Cranham Branch and the local community at the event, as Standard Bearer and wreath layer respectively. Grahame and Colin will tour some of the same battlefields and cemeteries visited by those on the 1928 Pilgrimage, before marching along the original route through Ypres, to the Menin Gate on the 8th August, bearing their branch standard and a wreath. They will join more than 2,200 other Legion representatives and dignitaries, including Civic and military guests from the UK, Commonwealth and Northern Europe who are taking part. Once at the Menin Gate, Colin Barrett will lay a wreath on behalf of the Upminster and Cranham community. Ian Thomson, Chairman of the Upminster and Cranham Branch of The Royal British Legion, comments: “Great Pilgrimage 90 is a unique opportunity for the Legion community to come together and bear our Standards along the same route in Ypres taken 90 years earlier by the veterans and widows of the First World War. The Upminster and Cranham Branch looks forward to proudly representing our local community at the event.” As local champions of Remembrance, the Upminster and Cranham Branch of The Royal British Legion, in partnership with their community, will take their unique Remembrance message to the Menin Gate, on their wreath, where it will be displayed in a wreath installation for viewing by the general public until the end of August. The parade will start at midday and we encourage the public to make the trip across to Ypres for the 8th August and fill the Market Square to watch the parade, One Hundred Days ceremony and then enjoy an afternoon of musical entertainment including The Central Band of the Royal British Legion.
------------------------------------------
Successful Open Day Saturday 19th May 2018
With approximately 300 people visiting on the day with both Royal Wedding, Cup Final being screened inside the Club and others enjoying the Real Ale tent along with a number of food and craft stalls outside.
MANY THANKS to ALL who attended
Open Day - Real Ale Festival
Celebrating Royal Wedding / FA Cup Final /Cask Ales / Pizza / Tea & Cakes / Tombola / Children’s Face Painting / Fancy Dress King
and Queen Competition / Craft Stalls etc
***************************************
Holocaust Memorial Day 2018
*******************************
2017 REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE
November 12th Parade Royal British Legion Club
316 St Mary's Lane Upminster.
The Upminster and Cranham Royal British Legion would like to thank everyone who attended this year's Remembrance Day Parade. It was inspiring to see so many people, young and old, remembering those who have been injured or killed in the service of their country. We are particularly grateful to the Essex Caledonian Pipe Band for leading the parade/ Hornchurch Drum & Trumpet the local Police and Havering Council for their assistance in organising the parade and ensuring everyone's safety. We thank St Laurence Parish Church for their warm welcome and again hosting our Service of Remembrance Nigel,assistant organist and Revd Susannah Brasier. We would also like to thank the many local community groups and schools and Coopers Coburn School for providing additional car parking facilities.
* Many thanks to Jeff C for Music system loaned.
"We will remember them".
------------------------------------
The Upminster & Cranham Branch of the Royal British Legion wish to record their appreciation to Mr Alan Deadman tremendous support towards our Poppy Appeal over recent years. Al has donated enamel badges of many designs over the last year, this has contributed to us being able to increase our total amount. Big Al illustrates what the Poppy Appeal is all about. Many Thanks Big Al,
-----------------------------------
Many Thanks to the following for Raffle Prizes donated for the Poppy Dance held on Saturday 21st October 2017 a total of £246.00 was rasised from the raffle.
M&S food store,Waitrose, Roomes, Studio Flowers, Flaxten Cards, Floral Affairs, CO-OP funeral Services. A Total of £440.00 was raised on the night.
-------------------------------
Armed Forces Day 2017 - Romford
__________________________
Tribute to Albert Thorne from Glyn Jackson
(28th December 2016)
It has just been our honour and privilege to bid farewell to your President, Albert Thorne.
The service went very well and was attended by our Branch Standard, Chairman and myself, Branch Secretary, along with 4 other branch members. Our Chairman recited the exhortation and our bugler played the last post before the committal.
We also had the pleasure of meeting with members of Albert's family after the service who told us that you will be hosting an event to remember him in January.
I only met Albert very briefly in November at a Veteran's Tea that we held but he came across as a truly wonderful and charming gentleman who i am proud to say i had the honour of meeting.
RIP Albert - Our thoughts are with your family, friends and all who knew you.
******************************
2016
REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE
November 13th Parade Royal British Legion Club
316 St Mary's Lane Upminster.
The Upminster and Cranham Royal British Legion would like to thank everyone who attended this year's Remembrance Day Parade. It was inspiriing to see so many people, young and old, remembering those who have been injured or killed in the service of their country. We are particularly grateful to the Hornchurch Drum and Trumpet Corps for leading the parade and the local Police and Havering Council for their assistance in organising the parade and ensuring everyones safety. We thank St Laurence Parish Church for their warm welcome and again hosting our Service of Remembrance. We would also like to thank the many local community groups and schools and Coopers Coburn School for providing additional car parking facilities.
"We will remember them".
2016 Parade is available to watch at bottom of Photo Gallery page
Our thanks to Hornchurh Rotay Club for this Production
Cheque Presentation from Cooopers Coburn School
***********************
Fun Race Night - MANY THANKS
Poppy Appeal £118.00
Guide Dogs for the Blind £120.00
***********************************
UPMINSTER WAR MEMORIAL. Grade II listed building
The memorial at St Laurence Church Corbets Tey Road Upminster was listed as a Grade II building on the 18th April 2016 for historic interest as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events of this local community, and the scarifice it has made in the conflits. The Celtic design memorial was 1st unveiled on the 8th May 1921 by Brigadier General CH De Rougemont CMG CB DSO.
**************
CONGRATULATIONS
Graham was presented with a certificate for completing Standard Bearer course at Chelmsford on Sunday 6th September 2015.
**************************
The Club celebrated their 40 years anniversary 1975-2015 along with music from Topaz
VJ Day - Navy veteran entertains everyone on the 70th Anniversary
Members and friends joined together at the club on 16th August as part of events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VJ Day. "Me and Im" were highly entertaining with a wide variety of songs. Everybody was also treated to a wonderful surprise when Danny McCrudden, a Royal Navy veteran, took centre stage to enthrall the audience with his superb singing voice.
Danny McCrudden served on the destroyer HMS Queenborough, in 1944 in the South Atlantic and on VJ Day he was serving in the Pacific. On his 21st birthday he sailed into Sydney where he was invited to sing on national radio, which was broadcast all over Australia. In 1946 he left the Navy to appear on The Carroll Levis Show and spent two years with the BBC. In 1948 Danny rejoined the Royal Navy and met his wife Ruby when he sailed into Rosyth in Scotland. Danny now 91, loves to sing, raising money for charity to this day.
Many Thanks Danny. The standing ovation was greaty deserved.
