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Member e letter - September 2026
Latest Central News - October 2026
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Dedication of new Branch Standard
Our new Branch Standard was dedicated and blessed at All Saints Church, Basingstoke, on Sunday 11th October 2026
In keeping with the RBL's vision of "Bringing society together to recognise, remember, and support the Armed Forces community" the dedication service was incorporated into an existing eucharist church service rather than having a stand-alone RBL service. The church was full with its regular congregation and RBL supporters. Hampshire Deputy Lieutenant Major General Alaister Bruce of Croinaich CB OBE TD DL VR was the guest of honour. Cllr Paul Miller represented the Mayor. We were supported by RBL Standard Bearers from Old Basing, Farnborough and Brockenhurst. We were also supported by our affiliated Basingstoke and Deane Sea Cadets
Standards dipped during National Anthem
Laura prepares to process out of church with a guard of honour
Photos courtesy of Snappy Juarez Photographs
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2026 Poppy Appeal Launch
We will launch our 2026 Poppy Appeal with a parade and lunch on Sunday 18th October. Full details are on available using THIS LINK
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Awards at Annual Conference 2026
This years annual conference proved to be quite successful for our Branch and our County. We picked up or shared in 3 awards.
Membership Training Award
Winner: John Davies, Hampshire County
Awarded for showing excellence in their capacity to deliver learning that makes a real difference to members
Poppy Appeal Award
Runners-up
2nd: Hampshire County
Awarded to the County with the highest per capita fundraising for the Poppy Appeal
Sir Clive Johnstone Award
Winner: County Training Officers
Awarded to to individuals, groups, or teams from across RBL (volunteers, members of staff) who seek to create, repair or improve unity across RBL
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Conference Motions
At our meeting, we discussed and agreed the line to take by our delegate at Conference. Here is the outcome of the motions that were debated. Motion 1 failed to achieve the required majority. All of the others passed.
Motion 1. This conference requests that the Ceremonial Working Group consider abolishing the
procedure of wearing a disassembled Poppy behind the RBL cap badge for Standard Bearers
and Parade Marshals.
Motion 2. The Mawdesley RBL Branch requests that the Board of Trustees canvas the Prime
Minister and HM Government to make good on a pre-election pledge to support Veterans,
and their dependents, who during the nuclear testing programme during the 1950's were exposed to high levels of nuclear radiation, and have suffered health problems because of this..
Motion 3. This conference requests that the membership handbook is updated to reflect the
need for all County, Branch officers and committee members complete the necessary training
which is considered essential to ensure that they understand the workings of a branch and
how do manage their role within the branch. The MS1 should be amended to contain a signed
declaration to that effect.
Motion 4. This conference asks the Royal British Legion to introduce a National Award for individuals who are not members of the RBL family, to recognise exceptional work that actively supports the work of the legion.
Motion 5. This Conference requests that the Royal British Legion amend the Ceremonial
Handbook and associated policy to require all Standard Bearers to undertake a mandatory
Standard Bearer training session annually.
Motion 6. This Conference proposes that the Legion undertakes a review of its procurement
policy to explore opportunities for sourcing its merchandise within the UK or Commonwealth.
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RBL response to President Trump’s Comments
Following President Trump’s recent comments on NATO troops in Afghanistan, the Royal British Legion has issued the following statement across all our media channels. Director General, Mark Atkinson, said:
“The service and sacrifice of British personnel in Afghanistan cannot be called into question, and we condemn any comments that undermine their extraordinary contribution. 457 British personnel lost their lives in Afghanistan and thousands more and their families now live with the lifelong physical and mental impact from service in that conflict.
‘The dedication and sacrifices of the men and women in the British Armed Forces from the UK, Commonwealth, and beyond, to protect our freedoms and support our allies deserves our deep and ongoing respect and gratitude.
‘Our nation’s support for our Armed Forces is never in doubt. The Royal British Legion through our ongoing work to recognise, remember, and support the Armed Forces community, ensures that their unique contribution is not forgotten. This recognition is shared across communities, cultures, and faiths.’
This statement may be shared with your members. If anyone has been affected by current events in the news, we are here to help on 0808 8028080, 7 days per week between 08.00-20.00. |
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Membership Fees
At the Annual Conference at Newport in 2024, it was agreed to increase membership fees by £2 per year for 5 years.
Consequently, in September 2024, the membership fee increased to £20 and will continue to rise each year until 2028 when the fee should reach £28 pa.
This means that from the 4th of September 26, new members and those renewing will be charged £24.
You will be aware that, your Branch also levies a fee which is added to your membership fee and then paid into the Branch account. As we went into County Support, we felt it was unfair to levy a Branch fee. One of the last actions of your committee was to remove the levy. We may reinstate it if the Branch regains full status.
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New Member Branch Guide
The following link will open the New Member Branch Guide. This will outline what it means to be a member of the RBL. Please consult this guide and if you have any feedback please send it to Malcolm Brunsdon who is responsible for membership issues at [email protected]
New Member Branch Guide
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BCS Update
Find out about becoming a Branch Community Supporter HERE
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Direct Debit Payments for Membership Renewals
Members are encouraged to renew by Direct Debit to ensure continuation of their membership
We are aware that there has been reported instances of membership not being renewed despite having a DD. Should this happen please contact either PoC and we will assist, .
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