Previous Branch Chairman's Updates
March 2026
These past two months have been reasonably quiet for me in my role as Chairman. So, looking at what has already been achieved this year to date and, taking a brief look at what’s to come in the next few months, I’ll highlight the issues I feel as Chair, are our targets to meet.
I’ll begin by telling members that I along with our Deputy Standard Bearer, Colin Gillen, attended the funeral of a local veteran of the Ulster Defence Regiment here in Ballyclare on Monday 16 March. Mr Raymond Ashe’s family had contacted RBL in London asking for the presence of a RBL Standard at his funeral. Also attending from the Branch was Billy Scott. Billy had served with the same Battalion as Mr Ashe.
We hosted our first Veteran’s Breakfast of 2026 on Saturday 7 March in St. John’s Church Hall. Guest Speaker, Robin Swann, MP, spoke briefly about his role on a Parliamentary Body involved with supporting and oversight of our Armed Forces. He then opened the floor for a general question session. Also attending was Rev Jonny Campbell-Smyth, John Burrows MLA and local MLA, Dr Steve Aiken OBE MLA.
A good attendance was recorded and my thanks go to Colin Gillen (our resident Chef), Deirdre, Alex and David for their assistance in the kitchen and Gavin, Billy Scott and Norrie for looking after the front of house.
Look out on our Media pages for information regarding our next breakfast in May.
Monday 9 March saw myself, Deirdre and Norrie attending at the raising of the Commonwealth Flag, in the presence of our Lady Mayor and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant at Mossley Mill. Good networking ensued with fellow Legionnaires from across the Borough over a cup of coffee in the Mayor’s Parlour.
On 21 March, I attended at the Branch Chairman’s Seminar in RBL Fivemiletown. Good information coming through from this gathering, with some good questions being asked of the Chair of the Membership Council, who joined us via a Teams link from London. More information generated at this meeting will be passed to members in due course.
I’ll now touch on some events coming up in the next few months, all of which I hope to see more members supporting and attending on behalf of the Branch. In our Branch 1 year plan, we agreed that we would strive to stage at least one event every two months. This is to continue to put ourselves out into our local community and broaden the presence of the RBL in our town. We will be holding our next Veteran’s Breakfast in May and we also hope to have a stand in the town on May Fair Day.
We hope this will boost our presence in the town and hopefully generate some donations towards the Branch funds. Plans are afoot for a joint Barbecue event with a local community group to celebrate the Battle of the Somme Memorial in July.
Also in June is Armed Forces Day in Coleraine, we plan to lay on a bus for members to travel to this event and enjoy some camaraderie and for those of us fit enough, to parade along the route with fellow veterans. There will be a nominal charge for this to cover overheads.
Later in the year, we will be hosting Breakfast events in September and November.
So, as you can see, we have a lot coming up, and I need you to step up and make these events worthwhile and successful. Please don’t leave everything to the usual few, some fresh faces would be very welcome.
All this work is to build on our work of being a proactive and visible organisation in our community. I hope that we can continue that charge. When I was elected as Chair, I told you all that I will do my best to lead the Branch forward, out of the lethargic rut that it seemed to have gotten itself into.
I also said that I couldn’t do that on my own.
Thanks to an extremely pro-active and hands on Committee and some diligent and hardworking members, we have achieved the accolade of winning the Haig Shield, the highest Branch award possible in Northern Ireland for our efforts.
Let’s continue down that road and make Ballyclare RBL something the town can be proud of.
Dennis
January 2026
Since we last met, Ballyclare Branch has enjoyed one of its most successful periods in recent memory, marked by achievements that reflect the dedication and spirit of our members.
At our AGM, we welcomed several important changes to the Branch leadership team. Norman Ramsay stepped into the role of Vice‑Chair, bringing valuable experience and steady support to the Executive Committee. We were also pleased to see David Barnett and Colin Gillen join the Ceremonial Team as Deputy Parade Marshal and Deputy Standard Bearer respectively.
Colin’s first official duty in his new role was carrying the Branch Standard at the NI District Conference — a fitting introduction to what became an exceptional weekend for Ballyclare Branch.
At the Conference, the Branch was awarded the Haig Shield NI, the top distinction for Branches with over 50 members that demonstrate strong governance, positive promotion of the Legion, and meaningful support to beneficiaries. Securing this honour in our Centenary year is a tremendous accomplishment.
It also highlights an important truth: this success was delivered by a relatively small group of active volunteers. If this is what we can achieve with a committed few, imagine the impact if every member played a part in some way. Now is the moment to build on this momentum.
Our presentation to host the 2027 District Conference at Theatre at The Mill was also approved, bringing a major event to our local area and showcasing the professionalism and ambition of the Branch.
The Conference saw several members recognised for their service:
A further milestone came with Branch Secretary Gavin Eastwood being appointed NI District Secretary — a clear reflection of his dedication and the trust placed in him at District level.
I am also pleased to report that Branch members have now begun delivering BCS activity within the community, strengthening our direct support to beneficiaries and expanding our presence locally.
These achievements reflect the strength and potential of our Branch. They show what can be accomplished when members step forward and work together with purpose. As we move beyond our Centenary year, we have a real opportunity to build on this success, expand our activity, and strengthen our support to the community.
Thank you for your continued commitment to Ballyclare Branch and the Royal British Legion.
Dennis
End of Year Wrap-Up (December 2025)
2025 has been a demanding but deeply rewarding year for our Branch. My appointment to the District Support Group in February brought additional responsibilities, but it has been an honour to serve in this wider role.
We began by completing the 2024 Poppy Appeal count, surpassing £18,000. My thanks go to all who collected, delivered, and supported the Appeal, and especially to our former Poppy Appeal Organiser, Violet Wallace, for her exceptional leadership.
Throughout the year, the Branch was represented at major commemorations including Commonwealth Day, VE Day, VJ Day, Merchant Navy Day, the Laying Up of the Irish Guards Colours, and Somme remembrance events both locally and in Dublin. June also marked a proud milestone with the presentation of our Centenary Pennant - an honour now carried on our Branch Standard.
Training and development continued with Branch Management Training, the Chairman’s Seminar, and my role as Parade Marshal at the District Standard Bearers Competition, where our Standard Bearer, Gavin Eastwood, achieved an excellent 3rd place. Gavin and I also represented the Branch at the RBL Festival of Remembrance.
Our Veteran’s Breakfasts in May, August, and November were all well attended. My sincere thanks go to our resident chef, Colin Gillen, and the dedicated team who support these events so faithfully.
A highlight of the year was our first programme of school visits during Remembrance Week, speaking to pupils about the meaning of Remembrance and presenting Chairman’s Certificates in recognition of their continued support. I was also honoured to address the RUC Widows Association AGM in November.
Additional Chairman’s Certificates were presented during the year to Rev Jonny Campbell‑Smith, former Mayor Neil Kelly, and our Remembrance Day Bugler, Graham Murray.
As the year closes, I remain honoured to serve as Branch Chairman and Parade Marshal. I look forward to another busy year ahead and hope more members will join those who already give so much to keep our Branch active, visible, and thriving.
Dennis.
November 2025
I hope you are well. I just want to start by recognising the work of our new Poppy Appeal Organiser, Colin Gillen. It has been a baptism of fire but you have done fantastically, so thank you.
On 10 October our Standard Bearer, Gavin Eastwood, attended the Standard Bearers Competition in Cookstown. I was there too that day and the day after as a Parade Marshal. I was lucky because I got to see the entire competition, and it was a really high level of competition. Gavin did fantastically well, finishing 3rd in his competition. Well done on a fantastic achievement and representing the Branch at such a high standard.
There was a District Support Group meeting and they told us to be vigilant around Remembrance Sunday in case of counter protests For me personally, it is a very sad time that people would choose to demonstrate against Remembrance Sunday parades and what they signify.
Our Poppy Appeal Launch was very well attended and thank you to everyone that supported the event. The Ballyclare Victoria Flute Band were fantastic.
I also took part in the District Festival of Remembrance on 25 October with our Standard Bearer. It was a great night and I was surprised when I opened the programme and saw our Branch President and Ballyclare Victoria Flute Band on page 5. It is a fantastic picture from last year's Poppy Appeal, and I was really proud to see it there.
I look forward to seeing you at one or both of our Remembrance Sunday parades. Our next meeting is our Annual General Meeting and the Guest Speaker will by David Johnstone, NI Veteran's Commissioner.
Dennis.
October 2025
It has been a very quiet summer. I represented the Branch at Islandbridge on 12 July for the annual Battle of the Somme commemoration. I travelled down with Larne Branch, and it was great craic with a lovely lunch. I suggest that if you get the chance next year, you should go if you can.
On 15 August we had our VJ Day Act of Remembrance. Our new Deputy Standard Bearer did a good job. Then we had our Tea Dance with Ollardale Community Group after. It was a really well attended event and a nice end to the day. The following day we had our Veteran’s Breakfast, and that was a very good breakfast.
There was a District Support Group meeting but really to report from that, other than the dates the Branch Secretary just read out.
On 3 September I attended Antrim Civic Centre with Branch member William Hoey for the raising of the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day. It was a great day apart from the weather, everything had to be moved indoors because of that.
I will be a Parade Marshal for the District Standard Bearer competition on 10 and 11 October in Cookstown, and for the District Festival of Remembrance on 25 October. Our next Branch event is our Veteran’s Breakfast on 1 November. It is part of our Remembrance period events, so we need to get as many there as we possibly can.
Dennis.
June 2025
It has been very quiet for us as a Branch lately. The last meeting was a Teams meeting, and that was very interesting. The VE Day anniversary parade was great. We had the Lieutenancy, Mayor, local Councillors and schools there. It was great seeing the kids take part. I was talking to some of the teachers before the parade, and they were saying that VE Day had been covered in that morning's assembly.
Congrats to Colin and everyone that supported the Veteran’s Breakfast. It was a fantastic effort in trying circumstances.
On 21 May some of us went along to the Ollardale VE Day Tea Dance in the Town Hall. We didn’t dance but it was very enjoyable, and friends were made. I got talking to a guy who has volunteered his grandson for piping a lament on Remembrance Sunday. I will be a Parade Marshal at the Festival of Remembrance in Belfast, and I will now be here on Remembrance Sunday.
Islandbridge is on 12 July this year, and Larne are doing a coach down. There is a spare seat on the bus available for potentially £10. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend our Battle of the Somme Act of Remembrance and Centenary Pennant presentation due to a family event.
May 2025
We are currently strengthening the support our Branch provides the veteran's community in Ballyclare. We have started this by three of us (Branch Secretary Gavin Eastwood, Poppy Appeal Organiser Colin Gillen and myself) undertaking the Branch Community Support training. I would encourage all our members to do this training, if you are able.
Along with Branch President Violet Wallace and Branch Committee members Deirdre Robinson, Norman Ramsay and William Scott, I attended the Ollardale Community Group VE Day Tea Dance. It was a great event and we were made to feel most welcome by everyone in attendance.
We also had our own VE Day events, the Act of Remembrance and veteran's breakfast. I was so pleased to see the number of attendees at our VE Day 80th Anniversary Act of Remembrance. Everyone involved did fantastically well and it was a fitting tribute.
After the Act of Remembrance had finished, we presented two Branch Certificates of Appreciation. The recipients are decided by the Branch, and they are presented to individuals or groups in recognition of the support they have given our Branch. This time, they were presented to Rev Jonny Campbell-Smyth from St John's Church and the Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council on behalf of the Council.
Rev Jonny was presented with his Certificate of Appreciation because for many years he has organised and led the religious aspects of all our Acts of Remembrance at the war memorials in Ballyclare and Ballynure. Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council were presented with theirs for the long-standing support they have shown the Branch, which includes the preparation of the War Memorial Park and their involvement at all our events.
Our veteran's breakfast was a success. Credit goes to the chef, Colin, and his band of assistants - Deirdre, Shonagh and Suranne. Thank you all for the tremendous effort you put in. That was our last veteran's breakfast in the Town Hall, going forward they will be held in St John's Church Hall.
Our next event is our annual Battle of the Somme Act of Remembrance on Sunday, 29th June. The event starts at 3pm in the War Memorial Park and everyone is welcome. I encourage all veterans in the community to come along in their regimental suit and medals to join the ranks, whether you are a member or not.
Following the Act of Remembrance, the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant will present the Branch with our Centenary Pennant and affix it to the Branch Standard. This pennant marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of our Branch - a very significant milestone in our history. Everyone is then invited to join us in The Sportsman's Bar for refreshments after.
April 2025
Along with Branch Secretary Gavin Eastwood, Branch Committee member Billy Scott and Poppy Appeal Organiser Colin Gillen, I attended the funeral of former Branch Committee member John Glass on 10th April. It was very well attended and it was clear how well respected John was within the local area. He will definitely be missed by all of us that knew him and we should keep Shirley and the family circle in our thoughts.
Recently, I attended the Branch Chairman's Seminar in Ballymoney. It was good to see those that attended, including our Interim District Chair. It was a great day with lots for us to take forward.
I am also pleased to see the number of responses to our VE Day 80th Anniversary Act of Remembrance, especially given that it is mid-week during the school term. Hopefully the good weather continues that day. The Veteran's Breakfast has been booked and paid for. It will be in the Town Hall on 10th May. Please publicise these events as much as you can.
Also, don't forget about Armed Forces Day. It will be held in Newtownards on 21st June 2025. If you can go, then please do so. Wilson Murray has arranged a bus, let him know in-person or through the Branch Secretary if you wish to avail of this.
I also plan to represent the Branch at Islandbridge again this year. Although I understand that not everyone may be able to go as it falls on 12th July, I would strongly encourage everyone to attend this tremendous event. I am checking with other Branches to see if they are organising a bus to Islandbridge and will report back.
Dennis.
March 2025
I wanted to share a few updates with you. Branch Committee member Colin Gillen and I attended the Commonwealth Flag raising on 10th March, where we had a lovely morning and had many productive conversations about the work TRBL does with local dignitaries.
Recently, I participated in a Branch Management Training course, which was very informative. It was particularly interesting regarding how a Branch should be run and what they can and cannot spend money on. I encourage everyone to consider taking this training. If you're interested, please let the Branch Secretary know.
I would also like to congratulate Wilson Murray on successfully completing his Remembrance Sunday Parade Marshal’s course in Cookstown. This achievement means Wilson can act as Parade Marshal for any VE Day, VJ Day, and Remembrance Sunday parades we hold this year. Wilson expressed his gratitude to the Branch for being able to represent them and mentioned that it was an enjoyable day with plenty of camaraderie.
Armed Forces Day will be held in Newtownards on 21st June 2025. I encourage those who can participate to do so. Wilson Murray has arranged a bus from the Sportsman’s Bar for anyone interested, including those who cannot parade. Let him know in-person or through the Branch Secretary if you wish to avail of this.
As we have not received any invites from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for VE Day events, we have decided to hold our own Act of Remembrance at Ballyclare War Memorial on 8th May 2025. This will follow the same format as our annual Battle of the Somme ceremony, with the Branch Standard being dipped at 11am and a short wreath-laying ceremony.
I also plan to represent the Branch at Islandbridge again this year. Although I understand that not everyone may be able to go as it falls on 12th July, I would strongly encourage everyone to attend this tremendous event. I am checking with other Branches to see if they are organising a bus to Islandbridge and will report back.
I hope you and your families have a wonderful Easter period.
Dennis.
